From the Floors Up

Textures in Your Home’s Design

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Interior design is an outlet for you to express yourself and tailor your design to your specific needs. In fact, there are many attributes to consider when designing a space. We have seven elements to consider when designing your home: space, lines, form, light, color, texture, and balance. Yet, these elements are more than just the visual aesthetics of the space. A well-thought-out space integrates all the “what you hear,” “what you smell,” and even “what you touch” aspects. Our most perceptive sense is our ability to feel; therefore, it is critical not to neglect the element of texture in your design. What we physically come in contact with in a space creates a huge part of the experience. If you want a room to feel relaxing and comfortable, you better have furniture that is relaxing and comfortable. To help you better understand the topic, here is what you need to consider when adding texture to your home:

Physical Textures

The physical textures in your home are what you physically feel. This can mean, if your room is meant for comfort, you may have soft carpet textures on the floor. You may also include blankets and throw pillows on the couches. These small features are ways of having physical texture in your room. If you are trying to create a space that is more rustic, you may want more raw and authentic natural textures like woods. Texture is essential in finishing off how your room feels.

Visual Textures

On the other spectrum, we have textures we see but may not come in contact with touching. These can be stucco walls and ceilings or unique plastered wall arts. While we may not physically touch these elements in the room, their visual texture can add depth to the atmosphere. This concept is important to consider, as well, so try to have several forms of texture in every room.

Do not neglect texture from being apart of your design theme. Step back and ask what is your room’s general design purpose? Do the textures in the room help create that thought? If not, make sure texture is always aligned with your room’s purpose.

How To Use the Elements and Principals Of Design To Decorate Like An Interior Designer, Part 6

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Part 6 — Texture

Once you’ve determined concepts such as form and shape, as mentioned in Parts 4 & 5, it’s time to add elements that appeal to our tactile senses. Texture in design is defined as the characteristic physical structure given to a material or object, also known as the visual quality of a surface.

In simpler terms, it’s the way we imagine something feels just by looking at it; as well as the experience of actually feeling it, such a fuzzy rug under your feet. Furthermore, it helps draw the room out of 2D into 3D because the human eye equates texture with depth. Texture is possibly the most sensory experience in a well decorated room, yet it is also one of the most overlooked elements of decor.

The room in this photo is a superb example of texture. Let’s explore all that’s going on here. It could be argued that the metal surfaces are the first to demand your attention. Yet, there is something also very appealing about the plush blanket. This is one of the most enjoyable aspects of textures. They play very well off of each other.

In this case the bronze gleams, conveying elegance and a resistance to touch because one doesn’t dare smudge it with finger prints. Conversely, the fleece blanket is inviting and provides the much needed element of comfort that is so important in a place of rest. The headboard appears to be vinyl, a unique material not often found in most homes. In this room it works well because it actually increases the formality of the room.

You might be curious about how it feels, but not quick to test it out if it’s not your room. Whereas, the pillows encourage one to lie down and stay awhile. Last, consider the effect of the flooring. Notice that the designer chose carpet which maintains an air of cozy comfort in the room, and again gives balance to the harder surfaces.

Isn’t amazing how much can be accomplished with texture? Don’t make the mistake of a lot of homeowners by overlooking it. It’s not only incredibly effective, it’s an element that truly transforms a room from “furnished” to “fabulous!”

Next read Part 7 – Pattern

Don’t forget to go back and read Parts 1 – 5

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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