Is Texture Really That Important?

You know how sometimes you can just look at a room and know that something is missing? All the components of a complete design are there – color scheme, furniture, décor items – but the entire room just feels a little flat. If this scenario feels familiar, you are not alone and we might just have the answer you need: texture.

Screen Shot 2018-04-23 at 1.45.30 PM.png — What Do We Mean By Texture?

In design terms, it is often defined as, “the sensations caused by the external surface of objects received through the sense of touch.” Basically, how things feel. Think about squishing soft carpet between your toes, running your hand along a rough wooden tabletop, or sinking down into leather couch cushions.
Honestly, we think that the “sense of touch” part of the definition should be revised to say “*perceived*” sense of touch. Anyone who’s ever watched an interior design TV program or flipped through the pages of a magazine can tell you that you **don’t need to have physical contact** with a room to feel the power of texture.
While texture may play a supporting role to the function of the space, it is no less vital to a design’s success. Instead of examples of texture above, picture trying to get comfortable on a seating set made of granite. Always consider how texture will elevate the overall experience of your design.

picture by apartmenttherapy

picture by ApartmentTherapy

Screen Shot 2018-04-23 at 2.54.25 PM.png — Texture Creates Balance

Contrast is essential when essential when it comes to design because it keeps things balanced and also provides visual interest. Think about it: If everything is too similar, our eyes have trouble focusing and tend to glaze over. Use texture to make sure your most important elements pop.
Restraint, of course, is also key, so try not to go too texture crazy. Stick to two or three distinct textures in any single space. Choose three when you want people to take in the space as a whole and stick to two when you want to emphasize a prominent focal point.
Texture is particularly important if you’re working within a particular color palette where the shades are very similar. When a monochromatic or analogous color scheme, make sure you choose items that heavily contrast. When they come together, they will bring a sense of harmony to the space.

picture by apartmentTherapy

Screen Shot 2018-04-23 at 2.52.51 PM.png — Texture Emphasizes Visual Weigh

"Visual weight”means that an object – or space as a whole – has the ability to draw attention to itself. A healthy dose of texture will emphasize this.
Just how using a warm or cool color can effect how a space feels, texture works in a similar way. Rough textures are more likely to make a space feel intimate and grounded while smooth textures bring a sleeker, more aloof tone to the room.
You should also consider the placement of textures as you go about designing your room. Putting a smooth texture directly next to a rough one while make the rough object stand out more and seem weightier than if you space them apart. Use distance to determine how subtle of a visual weight you would like to achieve.

So How Should You Use Texture Effectively?

Architecture

If your home has chair rails, crown molding, or tray ceilings, make sure to draw the focal points to those areas. They add dimension and depth to a space, making sure it's not boring and lacking in detail.

Contrast

In an area where everything is painted the same, texture can be used to create contrast. In such a design, off-white walls can be often accessorized with elegant moldings, textured finishes, and are greatly complimented by wicker and rattan, two textures that create a rough feel.

Focus Point

One way to invite texture into a room is to find the room’s focus and use it as a starting point. Sometimes a fireplace, a interestingly shaped archway, or a window seat is the room’s natural focal point. You can play off existing materials inherited in your home’s architecture to create a canvas of textural possibilities, whether your room is clad in plaster or wood, metal or marble.

Use your imagination; everyday materials can become provocative additions. Even the simple choice of pillows and the way they are placed against furnishings can highlight texture.

Temperature

Sometimes texture can suggest temperature: smooth and shiny textures give a cool impression; soft, raised textures convey a sense of warmth. Displays combining fabrics or finishes of very different temperatures can be visually very engaging; using textures of similar temperatures brings a sense of quiet harmony to a room.

You can bring any season inside with items gathered from the local landscape. Look at the textures and colors of the outdoors when you choose fabrics, artworks, and accessories. In winter, a palette of blues, whites and browns may feel more natural, while in summer you may gravitate more towards sunny yellows, greens and tans.

accessories

Pillows, throws and other soft accessories, encourage you to settle in and stay a while. Chose colors and textures that complement your room’s existing furniture, upholstery and slipcovers. Try pairing leather, and faux fur, chenille and brushed twill, or cashmere and velvet. You can easily change soft accessories to add accents of color and texture to a room.

Whether glass, ceramic or metal, hard accessories bring a strong sense of form to a space in contrast to room’s soft accessories. Decorative or functional, displayed single or in collections, sculptural accessories add texture, color and finishing touch to a room’s decor. They are often the most personal accessories in a room.

fabrics

Whether you are partial to luxurious fabrics like cashmere or velvet or to practical flat-wave textiles like linens and cottons, introduce a variety of textures and patterns throughout your room with pillows, throws and draperies to create the most comforting environment possible.

Consider durability and washability as you select the materials to fill your your space, and strike a balance between aesthetic and functional concerns. Fortunately some luxury fabrics like faux suede can be washable , giving you the best of both worlds.