Introduction to Texture in interior design

Texture is an element which can sometimes be overlooked when planning a scheme. It has the ability to add a powerful, and subtle dimension to any room. Texture refers to how the surface of an object feels; therefore, you are no longer confined to visual elements such as line and colour, now you can actually determine the way the space will feel too by using texture.

Just as you think about colour and pattern, also consider how you can mix textures in your room schemes. All surfaces have texture be they matt or shiny, coarse or fine, rough or smooth. If you are thinking of working with just one colour group it is particularly important to introduce different textures. Neutrals are ever popular, as they are so easy to live with and co-ordinate with other colours  well, but they can be rather dull unless different surface finishes are introduced.

Think in terms of:
•Light reflection
         A carpet will reflect less light than a wooden floor
•Visual & Tactile texture
        By adding a glass top to a roughly hewn coffee table you will change the tactile texture whilst retaining the visual texture

•Scale
A sofa upholstered in a chunky cord is going to look very different to the same sofa upholstered in linen
•Suitability
       It may be great to have a sleek marble floor in a contemporary bathroom, but is it a practical choice?
     

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Texture & Scale
One of the basic principles of using texture has to do with scale. Rough, coarse textures tend to make an object feel heavier, while smoother textures will make it feel lighter.

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Texture & Light
Texture can suggest temperature: smooth and shiny textures which reflect more light and give a cool impression; soft, raised textures, which absorb more light, convey a sense of warmth. Rooms we would describe as ‘cosy’ usually include lots of texture.

Texture adds interest to a scheme – especially monochromatic schemes – they change the way a room ‘feels’

Rough/Course textures
•Reflect less light & therefore feel ‘warmer’
•Give an object more ‘weight’
•Feel more ‘rustic’

Smooth/Shiny textures
•Reflect more light and so feel cooler
•Make an object feel lighter
•Feel more modern

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