Texture is something we crave within our home; texture is also an essential word within a designer’s vocabulary.
Introducing texture is about blending the rough with the smooth, which translates through all aspects such as the wall covering, furniture upholstery the flooring and smaller accessories – it’s about knowing how to create visual texture and layering key aspects with one another.
What is texture within interior design?
Texture is the structure or visual appearance of an object within an interior scheme. This could be the grain within a selected piece of marble, the linen sofa upholstery contrasted with a nobly bouclé cushion or a plaster wall covering which we discussed the pro’s of here.
Texture can also be how we perceive something, lighting is a fantastic way to introduce texture as it casts shadows, creates ambiance and even transforms a space into incredible softness or something that’s hard and aggressive for example, florescent.
Texture can also be considered as ‘visual weight’, which is how certain objects within a room blend or draw attention. When I design a room I create negative space rather than having all the objects at the same level or height which contributes to the visual weight.
Introduce texture
Combining texture within design isn’t just about selecting a range of materials and finishes, consider interesting ways to introduce texture with individual patina, rich and full of depth.
Contrasting pattern and fabrics
A range of fabric and pattern create balance, often a colour palette will be dominated by an individual colour with a variation of shade. Choosing a range of textures will break up the colour, pattern is a simple way to do this as not only will it create visual interest but also introduces another element and colour.
Consider less obvious elements such as the finish of an accent table, the scatter cushions across your sofa and even the curtains.
Textured accessories
When I begin to source accessories for a project I gravitate to vintage one of a kind objects with a unique patina and history. These pieces which are far less trend orientated will have a range of texture available and easily work within a home.
If you’re naturally drawn to newer objects consider the finish along with the height and shape. Combine a range of matt and gloss pieces on top of something like a tray or wooden sideboard, which will help a space feel multi dimensional.
All images via Studio Ashby
