While looks might seem like the obvious first priority in design, touch is a close second. The textures inside a room help elevate its energy, providing some visual weight that keeps the eye interested. Whether it’s through material choices or knickknack purchases, there are plenty of opportunities to play with textural elements throughout a room.
RUGS, RUGS AND MORE RUGS
Available in an array of different fabrics, patterns, colors and sizes, area rugs provide a great textural foundation for a space. While many feel the urge to cover an entire floor with one large variety, experimenting with layering rugs adds some textural interest into the space. Stacking a plush faux sheepskin over a coarse, handwoven wool rug will not only offer a comfortable walking space but also some contrasting textures that will make the whole room feel dynamic. Be sure to start small with this trend — too many can often be too much.
LET THERE BE LOTS OF LIGHT
Chandeliers, floor lamps, pendant lights, wall sconces... the list of ways to brighten a room go on and on. Proper lighting options are not only functional components to every interior but also help establish a room’s feel. Whether the goal is a glossy, slick look or a warm, cozy environment, the amount, placement and color of lights informs the room’s overall texture and helps set up focal points. So shake up a flat room by adding accent lighting. A minimalistic downlight can place a subtle spotlight on an important painting, while a few hanging pendants can provide a concentrated glow over a dining room table.
TO THE WALLS
Whether a room’s current walls are covered in canvases or completely bare, textured wall art can bring some sophistication to a space. Wood-grain designs offer a warm, neutral palate while iron pieces can fall into a more cold, sleek aesthetic. Shadow boxes are an ideal way to showcase family memories in a sophisticated fashion, all while adding a new shape into the room. But pieces don’t need to be 3D to carry texture. Playful graphic wallpapers can also provide a new texture to a space. There’s no one way to play with texture, and that’s part of the fun.