Enhancing Home Decor with Textures: Creative Tips for Interior Designers
Adding texture to a home’s interior design goes beyond just making a room more visually appealing – it can help create the perfect atmosphere and make the most of a limited amount of space. Expert interior designers can turn even the smallest rooms into something remarkable by combining different textures, colours, fabrics and fixtures. In this article, we’ll look at creative ways to use texture to enhance your home’s decor and help bring that designer touch to any living space.
The Importance of Texture in Interior Design
Texture adds character and personality
Texture adds character and personality to a room, which is especially important if you want your home to reflect your unique taste and style. Using materials that vary in texture can enhance a room’s aesthetic, making it feel more exciting and eye-catching. You can achieve texture in several ways, from using different fabrics for soft furnishings such as cushions and throws to incorporating tactile materials such as wood, leather and stone.
Texture creates depth
Texture creates depth in a room, essential when creating a sense of space and atmosphere. Textured wallpaper can add depth to a feature wall, whilst layering your soft furnishings can create a multi-dimensional effect. Including items such as rugs, curtains, and textured wall hangings can also add different layers of texture, creating various focal points for the eye to be drawn to.
Texture adds warmth and comfort
Texture also adds warmth and comfort to a room, which is particularly important in a space you want to be relaxed and inviting. Cosy blankets, tactile rugs and textured cushions can create an inviting atmosphere, perfect for snuggling up with a book or movie on a cold winter’s night. Natural textured materials such as wood and stone can also create a sense of warmth, bringing a touch of nature indoors.
Texture helps to break up monochromatic schemes
If your home is predominantly one colour, whether white, grey or another favourite hue, texture can help break up the monotony. Different textures, such as plush velvets, smooth leathers, or natural timber, can add depth and interest to the space without overpowering the overall aesthetic. Even a pop of pattern, whether a bold geometric or a delicate floral, can add a touch of texture and change the feel of the room.
How to Choose the Right Textures for Your Home
Consider Your Home’s Overall Design Style
Before choosing your textures, you need to determine your home design style. You can take inspiration from different design styles like traditional, contemporary, and modern. Once you have identified your design style, it’s easier to pick textures that match this style. For example, if your home follows the traditional design style, you can opt for velvet, silk, and tweed textures. Whereas, if your home’s design style is modern, you might want to go for more industrial materials like chrome, steel or fabric.
Pick Textures That Complement Your Colour Scheme
Textures are an excellent way to add depth and variation to your interior design but should also complement your colour scheme. If you have a neutral colour scheme, using textures can create interest in your design elements. Bold colours like red, yellow, and orange can be paired with textures that create a visual impact. For example, if you have a red accent wall, you can use woven textures or intricate patterns to create a sense of balance.
Mix and Match
Mixing and matching textures is one of the most effective ways to create a unique and impressive interior design. Don’t be afraid to play with different textures as long as they complement each other. For example, you can pair soft textures like wool with rough textures like exposed bricks for a unique and cosy interior design. Consider mixing up materials so you have a variety of finishes.
Take Your Lifestyle into Consideration
Textures also play a functional role in interior design. Consider your lifestyle when choosing textures for your home. If you have pets or young children, you might want to stick with durable, stain-resistant textures that can withstand wear and tear. Opt for leather rather than plush fabrics or microfibers to avoid accumulating dirt, which may not come off easily.
Textured Wall Treatments: Wallpaper, Paint, and More
Wallpaper
Wallpaper is a classic way to add texture to your walls. There are thousands of different patterns, colours and textures to choose from, so it’s easy to find something that will fit your style. Some popular options include grasscloth, textured geometrics, and brick-effect wallpaper. To make sure your wallpaper looks great, it’s essential to prepare your wall correctly before applying it. Make sure it’s clean and smooth so that your wallpaper adheres properly. If you’re new to wallpapering, practising on a small, inconspicuous area can be a good idea before tackling the whole wall.
Paint
Along with wallpaper, another classic way to add texture to your walls is through paint. There are a variety of different techniques you can use to create texture with paint, including sponging, stippling, and rag-rolling. One of the most popular options is a texturizing additive, which mixes into the paint to create a gritty texture. Try using textured paint on an accent wall to create a focal point in your space.
Wood Panelling
Wood panelling is a classic way to add texture to your walls, a trend that’s recently come back into style. You can use reclaimed wood, shiplap, tongue-and-groove or beadboard panelling to add depth and warmth to a room. Wood panelling can work in any room of the house, from the entryway to the bedroom, and it’s perfect for adding a rustic or farmhouse feel to your space.
Tapestries and Textile Wall Hangings
Textiles can also be a great way to add texture to your walls. Try hanging a textile wall or tapestry for a bohemian or eclectic vibe. These can be great for adding interest to a large, empty wall or filling a space that doesn’t have a lot of natural light. When choosing a tapestry, opt for something with a lot of texture and dimension to make a statement.
Stone, Brick, and Concrete
For those who want to make a statement, consider using stone, brick, or concrete as a wall treatment. While this may be a more expensive option, it can impact your space. Stone or brick walls are perfect for adding a touch of industrial chic to your home, while concrete can look surprisingly sleek and modern. If you’re not ready to commit to an entire stone or concrete wall, try using it as an accent wall or in a smaller space like a bathroom.
Textured Fabrics: Upholstery, Curtains, and Rugs
Upholstery
If you want a cosy and inviting interior, textured upholstery is the way to go. Consider a sofa covered in soft chenille fabric with a plush texture, or opt for a chair featuring a sophisticated herringbone pattern in wool. These fabrics’ tactile nature adds warmth to a room and makes it more inviting. Whether you’re looking to reupholster an old piece of furniture or invest in a statement seat, textured upholstery can be a game-changer.
Curtains
Textured fabrics are an excellent choice for curtains and drapes, as they create visual interest while still providing privacy and offering protection from the sun’s strong rays. Thick, heavy fabrics such as linen or velvet are ideal for creating a dramatic effect, whereas sheer fabrics like cotton voile can add elegance and a touch of romance to a room. Consider layering curtains of different textures for an added dimension to your décor.
Rugs
Textured rugs add visual interest to a room, providing a plush surface underfoot. Consider adding a shaggy rug in wool or cotton to a living space for a cosy vibe. Choose a woven rug made from jute or bamboo for a more natural look. The texture of these natural materials brings a touch of the outdoors inside, creating a tranquil atmosphere in your home.
Integrating Textured Accessories and Accent Pieces
Now that you’ve added texture to your walls and floor, you can add even more layers of texture with accessories and accent pieces. Try adding throw pillows or blankets in luxurious fabrics such as velvet or faux fur for a touch of glamour. Or opt for natural materials such as woven wicker baskets, rattan furniture, and seagrass rugs for a more relaxed feel. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different textures, such as chunky knits with smooth leather or delicate lace with sturdy metal. You can’t go wrong if the overall design is cohesive and balanced.
Mixing Textures for a Layered Look
When it comes to mixing textures, the key is to create balance. For instance, if you choose a textured wallpaper with an intricate pattern and texture, pair it with solid-coloured curtains or furniture to avoid overwhelming the space. You can also use texture to create visual interest in a room and make it appear larger by layering different materials. For instance, try hanging a sheer curtain over a solid one or adding a textured throw blanket to a couch. These subtle touches will give your space depth and create visual interest.
Creative DIY Texture Ideas for Home Decor
Woven Wall Hangings
This is a fantastic idea to add texture to your walls. You can use an embroidery hoop, a branch, or a hanger to create a base and then use yarn, wool, or other textiles to weave the design. You can create different patterns, shapes, and sizes depending on your preference. Woven wall hangings add a bohemian, eclectic vibe to your home decor.
Rope Baskets
Rope baskets are functional and stylish; they add texture to your space and provide additional storage. You can use various materials, such as cotton rope, jute rope, or sisal rope, to create different basket designs. You can do this easy and affordable DIY project in a few hours.
Macramé Plant Hangers
If you’re a fan of indoor plants, macramé plant hangers are an excellent way to showcase your plants and add a unique texture to your space. You can use different knotting techniques to create designs and play around with different colours and yarn thicknesses to get the desired effect.
Tassel Garlands
Tassel garlands are an easy-to-make DIY project that can add a fun and playful texture to any room. You can use different coloured yarn, twine, or ribbon to create the tassels and connect them using string or wire. Tassel garlands are perfect for decorating your kid’s room, office space, or a party.
Wood Wall Art
Wood wall art is an excellent way to bring natural texture to your home decor. You can use reclaimed wood, pallet wood, or driftwood to create different shapes, sizes, and designs. You can also experiment with different wood stains or paints to achieve your desired effect.
Incorporating Art into Your Textured Home Decor
Incorporating art into your textured home decor is a great way to elevate your space and add personality to your home. Incorporating art pieces from paintings to sculptures to handmade crafts can give your living space a unique touch. Not only does it make a statement, but it also serves as the perfect conversation piece for guests. Consider the colours, textures, and themes that complement the space when incorporating art into your decor. Doing so can create a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing living area representing your style.
Complementing Textures with Your Color Palette
When creating textured home decor, the devil is in the details. Colours play an essential role in setting the tone for your space and should be chosen according to the texture and materials used. Consider opting for warm tones such as yellow and orange if you’re using natural materials like wood or stone. Cool tones can complete the look if you’re using more vibrant colours like blues and greens. Texture can also be achieved by going for a monochromatic colour palette. This will give your room a classic look while still providing visual interest. Ultimately, the key is to balance the textures and colours used in your home decor to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result.
Lighting Solutions for Textured Interiors
Pendant Lights
Pendant lights are a great addition to your home that illuminates living spaces and adds aesthetic appeal. Hanging pendant lights is perfect for textured walls or a high ceiling. Whether you choose a single pendant light or multiple lights, they provide adequate lighting that accentuates the texture of the walls, especially if you have a textured feature wall. With many designs and styles available, you can opt for a pendant light that suits your décor and style.
Spotlights
Another great lighting solution for textured interiors is spotlights. These lights complement the texture of the walls or any feature in your home, bringing attention to it. Spotlights are sleek and minimalistic, and you can easily install them in any corner of your home. You can choose from different types of spotlights, including adjustable spotlights that you can point at a specific texture you want to highlight.
Wall Sconces
Installing wall scones in your textured interiors ensures that the walls’ texture stands out. These lights are an effective way to add lighting accents to different spaces in your home. Not only do they make the space brighter, but they also add a decorative touch to your home. Wall sconces come in various styles, and you can choose from rustic, modern or elegant designs that suit your home’s style.
Cove Lighting
Cove lighting involves installing fixtures in recessed areas along the ceiling or a wall. This type of lighting makes the space look more stunning regarding textured interiors. It creates a soft and warm ambience, which you can use to accentuate the walls or ceiling texture. Cove lights come in different colours; you can incorporate them into your home’s overall aesthetic design.
Floor Lamps
Lastly, floor lamps are an essential solution for textured interior rooms. These lighting solutions add a layer of ambient lighting to spaces with textures like wooden beams, textured carpets or area rugs. You can opt for an arc lamp or a tripod lamp that illuminates different parts of the room, highlighting the textures in your space.
Conclusion
Adding texture to your home creates a visually appealing space. Choosing the right lighting fixtures to accentuate the room’s textures and materials. Plenty of lighting solutions for textured interiors exist, from pendant lights, spotlights, wall sconces, cove lighting, and floor lamps. You can create a stylish and comfortable space with the proper selection and placement of these lighting solutions. With the right combination of textures and lighting solutions, your home will transform into a beautiful, inviting, warm abode.
