Why every room needs a statement piece

‘It gives the eye somewhere to land and adds personality’

Author of the article:

Linda White  •  Postmedia Content Works

Published Apr 17, 2026  •  4 minute read

A single statement piece can and will set the tone and feeling of a space.  EVELYN ESHUN DESIGN

A statement piece can transform any room from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether it’s a decorative item like artwork, a piece of furniture or an architectural element, it helps anchor the space while creating visual interest.

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“In a neutral interior, oversized artwork, a sculptural furniture piece or a bold area rug introduces contrast, texture or form without overwhelming the palette,” says Jessica Cinnamon, principal designer and founder of Toronto-based Jessica Cinnamon Design Inc.

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“It gives the eye somewhere to land and adds personality, while the surrounding neutral elements allow the statement piece to really shine. The result is a room that still feels calm and cohesive, but far more layered and visually interesting. Everything else kind of falls into place around it and suddenly the space feels layered.”

Architectural features

For Cinnamon, architectural features often serve as the most compelling anchors. “A fireplace, a coffered ceiling or a textured panelled wall naturally draws the eye and establishes a sense of hierarchy in the room,” she says. “I love how a fireplace, for example, not only provides warmth but also acts as a sculptural focal point around which furniture, lighting and accessories can be thoughtfully arranged.”

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A single statement piece can and will set the tone and feeling of a space, assures Evelyn Eshun, principal of Evelyn Eshun Design in Toronto. “What makes a statement piece transformative is its ability to catch your eye and dominate your attention. It can be through scale, shape, colour or simply its texture,” she says.

Architectural features like a fireplace naturally draw the eye and establish a sense of hierarchy in a room. JESSICA CINNAMON DESIGN INC

A curved sofa in a strong colour, for example, will instantly be the ‘jumping off point’ for the rest of the décor. “When a piece of furniture is this bold in its design, it expresses that the design has been executed with intention and is therefore the star of the show, with other items being the ‘supporting actors,’” Eshun says. “Tables, pillow and paint colours should all fall in line with the mood of the statement piece.”

Ultimately, the most effective statement pieces introduce a sense of character and personality, notes Eshun. “They give the room a point of view, a reference as to what the homeowner deems valuable or interesting. When one piece dominates the space, one does not need to rely on many little things to create a storyline. One strong piece sets the tone, making the space feel composed and unmistakably intentional.”

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Intentional, balanced

When choosing a statement piece, Cinnamon recommends you consider scale, proportion and how it relates to the overall palette and materials in a space. “A statement element should feel intentional and balanced rather than overpowering,” she says. “I also look at how it interacts with the surrounding furniture and architecture – whether it introduces texture, form or contrast that adds depth while still maintaining a cohesive feel within the room.”

She thinks about how a statement piece makes her feel the moment she sees it. “Does it spark interest and make me smile? Draw the eye? I consider scale first. Too small and it disappears; too big and it overwhelms. Texture and material are key, too, because they add depth.”

Its ability to catch your eye and dominate your attention makes a statement piece transformative.  EVELYN ESHUN DESIGN

Not every room needs a strong statement piece, but each room should have a “jumping-off point,” such as a piece of art in a foyer, a bed in a bedroom or a light fixture in a dining room, says Eshun.

“A statement piece helps anchor the design of a space, not just with a functional purpose but with style. A well-designed room should guide your eye around it, creating harmony rather than chaos. If there are too many statement pieces, the demand on attention will become too loud,” she says.

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“Restraint when designing a space is always more sophisticated and elegant. Ultimately, the goal is to design with intention so that the focal point is allowed to set the tone and be the main object guiding the general feeling of the space.”

One focal point

Cinnamon agrees. “When you do include a statement piece, it’s important to let it shine. Having too many main key items in a space can make it feel busy and uneasy. I like to pick one focal point, like an oversized artwork or sculptural light fixture, and let the rest of the room support it with complementary colours,” she says.

A panelled wall is among the architectural features that can serve as a focal point.  JESSICA CINNAMON DESIGN INC

Don’t rush it, Cinnamon advises. “Live with your focal point for a few days and see if your eye keeps coming back to it. If it does, you’ve got the room’s soul. A well-chosen focal point transforms a space from functional to unforgettable.”

Finally, if budget is a concern, she recommends starting small – such as a carefully chosen piece on a coffee table. “It could be a sculptural bold bowl, a quirky vase that shows a bit of your personality,” she says, “That single object becomes a little anchor for the space, giving your eye a place to go and making the table feel thoughtful instead of messy and begins the story for the rest of the element

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