Maro, I think that it is easy to understand what I meant by a difference in "focal point" and "focus of a design" if you buy my concept of what a focal point is. My interpretation is very generic and pertains to anything within your view (literal view, as in what your eyes are taking in). Focal points are what commands the attention of your eyes whether it was intended to do so or not, whether it was put there or not, and whether it is ugly, or pretty, or somewhere in between. In other words I'm not placing "focal point" in a specific context. You might say that I am breaking it down into a simple and basic element. It is easiest to understand it as a basic element than to add the complexities of everything within a landscape. The confusion comes when we unnecessarily blend it with all else that we know about design until it is no longer recognizable (kind of like me and some of my spelling). You can't wish a focal point to either be, or for it to go away. You have to adjust it or what is around it until it becomes dominant as a focal point or its dominance has been conquered relieving itself (and you) from its being a focal point. The terminology I used, "focus of design", is the context you want to create within a design. That is my interpretation of what Nandina was describing in that earlier post. Then she veared away from it as she described setting up focal points as her method for establishing a strong "focus of design". I'm not saying my views on this are THE right ones, just that they are how I see things. The focus of a design might be to establish or reinforce a central feeling in front of the front door on a house. This happens to be the case on something I am currently working on. Currently, it has a circular driveway with a huge boulder in the middle of it (can you say "focal point). My focus of design is to mitigate that focal point to some degree and establish a feeling of a central space where you feel like you have arrived at the home and are comfortable. The next idea that I want in the guests subconscious is to enter the home and/or the private part of the property through the front door. Most of that is going to be achieved, assuming that it will be achieved, by keeping the guest from being attracted to other directions and not so much by screaming "HERE IS THE FRONT ENTRY!". I'll have subtle focal points in this one, but it won't be the backbone to my "focus of design". I certainly use focal points to get things done in a lot of cases. I'm not against Nandina's approach by any means. I'm just using it as an example to clarify what I said. Focal points are tools among many in our bags of tricks. I'm just saying you don't have to use every trick in the bag all of the time, unless you want to. Does that make any sense to anybody else, or do I need to check in somewhere?

Please repost (if you haven't already) on the discussions side of this forum. You've posted in the gallery which is for pictures of bathrooms. You can get help there, hopefully.

Here's a picture I found last night... not a favorite design, but an example. You'd still need a planting (or large potted plants) at either end to soften the wall, imo. A wall will give more privacy (and provide it quicker) than only shrubs. My aunt had a small courtyard, with small pond/fountain, off the breakfast room. It was a lovely little secluded spot and always seemed magical to me (as a kid).

I've made so many exciting changes. I love my new colors, greens, browns, accenting with rust, and will post pictures soon. Sorry,furniture arrangement remains the same. I bought two round oversized wood tables,and a matching oval coffee table, painted walls Old Salem Gray, added a couple area rugs,living and entryway, finished sewing interlined plaid drapes last night,now I am trying to decide how to hang them, added a couple embroidered flowery pillows, seems like the list goes on and on. I need to paint fireplace brown yet, buy new lamps, a picture, and accessories. Do you like either of these ideas...built in shelves with , cabinet doors possibly painted Whitall Brown, same color I plan to use behind the tv or the Floating Shelves painted brown. I don't really like the paneling look on the builtins but I thought the brown cabinets below to match the brown above the fireplace would work ?? These are the shelving /bookcases INSPIRATIONAL pictures I think will work. Do you like them?? Thank you so much for inspiring me to make CHANGES...I've been waiting to move, and now I love my "new home"..well not really, but I'm feeling in style now with painted walls!! Will post entry, living and kitchen pics soon. Today I am sewing my patio door drapes, in a fabulous multi colored stripe. Also loved my kitchen chairs slipcovered in beige tapestry print, so BB&B here I come for 5 more of those bargains $5.99 each plus coupons!! Michelle