Do you ever look at the rooms in your home and wonder why they seem so flat? Have you tried certain decorating techniques and wondered why they didn’t look like the rooms in the magazines? Consider texture, an element of design that is often overlooked when selecting furniture, textiles and accessories. Here are a few ways to add texture to your rooms to achieve a full, more dimensional look.
Mix up upholstered pieces. Don’t just use one type of fabric on all sofas and chairs. Use a variety of fabrics, such as leather, suede, wool and cotton. If you have an ultra-suede sofa, pair it with chairs in leather and cotton. Use toss pillows and throws as accents. Faux animal hide pairs well with leather and wool or cotton pillows will enhance ultra-suede. In the winter, use faux fur or thick knobby knitted throws on the sofa, in chairs and draped over ottomans.
Wood adds character, depth and texture to a room. Smooth, polished surfaces contrasted with rustic natural wood creates visual tension and breaks up the space, taking texture to a more interesting level. Add pieces of wicker or rattan for added interest.
Wall treatments envelop a room in texture and make the space warm and inviting. Wood and stone are natural textures that work well in a variety of design styles. A stone surround on the fireplace, wood beams on the ceiling, wainscoting and specialized wall treatments all factor into the texture quotient of a room.
Accessories are a great way to add texture to a room. When selecting accessories, consider nature-inspired plants, wood and stone. Carved pieces balanced against smooth glass or textured glass paired with sleek silver frames all contribute to texture in the room.
Rugs add instant texture. Faux fur, sisal and woven rugs give rooms a lift. Area rugs can be placed over carpeting as well as on solid surface flooring for added depth. Enhance aged hardwood or stone floors with area rugs as well.
Textiles add texture to a room as well. When dressing windows, layer using shades underneath fabric panels. To add additional texture, apply decorative trim to window panels. Tassels, beads and flat trims add a nice finishing touch to window treatments.
Bringing texture into a room is all about variety. Mix the smooth with the rough to achieve a balanced and dimensional room that never falls flat.
