Textures of Home

Texture has an incredible ability to set the tone in a space. In our home, I love using varying textures to create contrast and visual diversity. Because our home is so neutral in terms of color, I rely on texture to create that variation that color normally would add.

Even a space seeped in color can sometimes fall flat, if texture isn’t used appropriately. In my case, our apartment is neutral–so texture is the main element of variation and contrast. Although its important to think about all the different textures you have in play in your space. For example, rugs, drapes, lampshades and pillows all allow the opportunity for texture to come into play. You’ll want to vary your textures, but not have them fight or draw attention from one another–you want the entire space to feel cohesive and considered.

While there isn’t a “recipe” for creating the perfect balance of texture in interior design, there are a few pointers to keep spaces on track. For example, I like to allow one texture in the space to be a stand-out or statement maker. Then, I’ll choose complementary materials whose textures creates are in a similar family to accent that statement piece. I then like to pepper in moments of high-contrast, for example dark woods, or super thick knit pillows/throws. Here are a few of my favorite ways to add texture!

Where to add texture

Okay so I use texture pretty much everywhere, but here are a few places that I love adding it!

Textiles
Throw pillows
Rugs
Lampshades
Blankets / Throws
Accessories (candle sticks, vases, trays)

My favorite types of texture

Jute
Linen
Ceramic
Plaster
Velvet
Embroidery
Boucle
Wood
Marble
Iron
Bleached stone

Texture Vs Material

Texture is a tactile element within a physical material. Material on the other hand–is what an object is made of. For example, a jute rug is a material whose texture offers warmth and depth to a space. You may choose your materials because you like the texture–ie “I love this marble coffee table because it offers a smooth, feminine finish to my space”.