Decorating: The Importance of Touchable Textures
Great design stimulates all the senses, including touch. Check out these great uses of texture, then let your fingers do the talking
User
11 November 2014
Think design is all about what you see? Think again. Touch is just as important when it comes to putting together a scheme. But how many people make conscious decisions about the texture of the materials they use when designing a home? Texture works on a number of levels, from creating comforting, evoking experiences or dampening noise, to giving a room visual depth. Imagine these schemes with flat surfaces and you’ll see the important, yet often overlooked, effect of texture.
Mix up textures for dramatic effect
The colour scheme is simple, but the effect is stunning. Look beyond the simple monochrome palette and you see a range of different textures at work. Contrast the matt black wall with the rough surface of the white-painted bricks; the soft, inviting bed throw with the rough natural fibres of the rug. Even the ceiling and artwork are textured. This is an all-over tactile and visual feast.
The colour scheme is simple, but the effect is stunning. Look beyond the simple monochrome palette and you see a range of different textures at work. Contrast the matt black wall with the rough surface of the white-painted bricks; the soft, inviting bed throw with the rough natural fibres of the rug. Even the ceiling and artwork are textured. This is an all-over tactile and visual feast.
Make yourself at home
Furniture is a traditional way to add texture to your home. This gorgeous Ligne Roset sofa gives an instant sense of comfort and makes a great focal point, with the fabric echoing the pattern of the brick wall in a softer way. You can’t help but sit and get cosy.
Furniture is a traditional way to add texture to your home. This gorgeous Ligne Roset sofa gives an instant sense of comfort and makes a great focal point, with the fabric echoing the pattern of the brick wall in a softer way. You can’t help but sit and get cosy.
Warm up a cold space
Raw natural materials can add a sense of calm and warmth to a pared-back space. This wood panelling and farmhouse table introduce subtle texture and interest to the white, grey and blue colour scheme.
Raw natural materials can add a sense of calm and warmth to a pared-back space. This wood panelling and farmhouse table introduce subtle texture and interest to the white, grey and blue colour scheme.
Combine practical and beautiful
These ribbed porcelain tiles serve the bathroom in a physical, practical and visual way. They simultaneously stimulate the feet, provide a practical non-slip surface and add visual depth. Light bounces off the irregular, diamond-cut ridges for a playful, elegant effect.
Get expert advice on where to start with a bathroom redesign
These ribbed porcelain tiles serve the bathroom in a physical, practical and visual way. They simultaneously stimulate the feet, provide a practical non-slip surface and add visual depth. Light bounces off the irregular, diamond-cut ridges for a playful, elegant effect.
Get expert advice on where to start with a bathroom redesign
Don’t forget to look up
Forget flat ceilings. Here, the texture creates interest and opens out the room. You can create a characterful ceiling using painted textured wallpaper, plaster mouldings or exposing wooden beams.
Check out ways to make your ceiling count
Forget flat ceilings. Here, the texture creates interest and opens out the room. You can create a characterful ceiling using painted textured wallpaper, plaster mouldings or exposing wooden beams.
Check out ways to make your ceiling count
Create a tranquil vibe
The texture of this garden wall creates a beautiful ripple effect for a soothing atmosphere. Floor-level up-lighters really bring out the detail for a tranquil evening spot.
The texture of this garden wall creates a beautiful ripple effect for a soothing atmosphere. Floor-level up-lighters really bring out the detail for a tranquil evening spot.
A touch of luxury
Leather is synonymous with luxury. Here, the touchable headboard doubles as a room divider and is offset with white cast-concrete light fittings to keep the look contemporary and interesting.
Leather is synonymous with luxury. Here, the touchable headboard doubles as a room divider and is offset with white cast-concrete light fittings to keep the look contemporary and interesting.
Complete the room
Use statement textured pieces to pull a design together. The combination of the soft ottomans, leather chair and luxurious rug here bring a sense of comfort to this elegant scheme.
Use statement textured pieces to pull a design together. The combination of the soft ottomans, leather chair and luxurious rug here bring a sense of comfort to this elegant scheme.
Treat your feet
Luxurious underfoot, artificial grass brings the joy of walking barefoot in the garden without the hassle of a real lawn. It’s perfect for adding a relaxing garden mood to a roof terrace or balcony.
Luxurious underfoot, artificial grass brings the joy of walking barefoot in the garden without the hassle of a real lawn. It’s perfect for adding a relaxing garden mood to a roof terrace or balcony.
Bring depth to a neutral scheme
If colour isn’t your thing, create interest with texture. In this room, a range of textures, from the natural wood to the touch-me throw and rug, add depth and comfort.
TELL US…
Have you incorporated texture into your home. Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
If colour isn’t your thing, create interest with texture. In this room, a range of textures, from the natural wood to the touch-me throw and rug, add depth and comfort.
TELL US…
Have you incorporated texture into your home. Share your tips and photos in the Comments below.
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Thanks for sharing the pictures!
Texture are so important! If there is no texture there is no depth or interest and character in the space. Here are a few examples-
I love texture contrasts. Yet I am concerned about dust buildup on textured walls. what is the best way to keep a brick or stone wall clean?