Decorate Like a Pro: How to Use Texture in Interior Design

Although often forgotten about by non-designers, texture can be an incredibly simple way to turn your interior from missing something to must-see and it should be on your mind when shopping for furniture and accessories. But where do you begin with adding texture to your interior design if you haven’t thought about it before? Read our top tips to add another dimension to your decorating…

Rugs are the simplest texture creators as placing just one in a key spot can quickly bring a rooms decor together and don’t think that you have to just go for a thick, fluffy rug to add texture either. Woven or knitted rugs can be just as tactile. Playing with different textures will also create a chic look for example, combine plain silk cushions with sequin or heavily embroidered versions for an intriguing contrast.

Adding texture is all about layering, yes adding a few key pieces like the aforementioned statement rug will go a long way, but to really get the interior designer style you should look to combine multiple textural elements to bring the space to life. One of the best ways to layer textures is to start with larger textural pieces, for example a velvet chair or an exposed wooden table (or both) then add smaller accessories and soft furnishings until the room feels complete to you. A great way to achieve this is to trial multiple textures together before deciding what works best for you and the room you are decorating.

Unique textures can really make an interior stand out. Finishes like macramé and rattan or rough/raw materials such as natural agate and burled wood add interest to any room and create a striking contrast to fabric textures. Also remember texture doesn’t just have to come from what we place in a room. It can come from the room itself. Textured wall and floor finishes are having a moment with homeowners getting more creative with the fundamentals of room design before even thinking about furnishings and accessories. Marble tiles or concrete flooring and wall finishes, whilst usually smooth offer tactility in their own ways and can be fabulous to layer with rough/raw furniture materials like wood or more textured concrete. Showing it really pays to think about texture from the very start of a room’s design. Plants, either real or artificial, are also a fantastic and unexpected way to add texture to a space.

The age-old adage of less is more still rings true with texture in interior design, whilst every room needs a certain amount of textural elements to look finished, be careful to not overload the space with too many conflicting sensations. Try and aim for a variation of hard, soft, rough and smooth textures to start off with and only add the same textures in certain accessories that you would normally have multiples of such as cushions, bedside tables or lighting. However even these elements can also benefit from contrasting textures too.