Variety applies to more than just shades and hues. Good houses need both colour and texture.

When decorating a space, our minds tend to go immediately to colour. The tones we choose shape the entire mood and atmosphere of the space, informing all our other choices such as wall art, furnishings and accessories.

But while colour is undoubtedly important, it’s not the only important factor involved in interior design. Texture is arguably equally important when it comes to determining the look and feel of your living space.

While colours give you an immediate sense of roominess, textures provide the depth that encourages continued interest and enjoyment. But how do you know whether you’re using texture to its full potential in your home?

Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here are our top tips for boosting the impact of good textures on your interior design.

Mix it up

The magic of texture comes when you start using multiple textiles within a single space. Different elements work together to create an overall ambience, whether it’s wood tones, stone, mohair silk or a velvet.

When pairing textures together, contrast is key. Plush soft furnishings work well against hardwood floors as a way to bring depth and interest to a space.

Blend fashion and function

Blending textures doesn’t have to exclusively be about making an impact and creating a look. The great thing about texture is that you can create exciting spaces while still being practical in your decision making. For example, you may want to stick to hypoallergenic materials in the bedroom, but there are plenty of natural materials with great texture that possess hypoallergenic benefits. And you can always punctuate a space with smaller contrasting elements without sacrificing the functional benefits.

Plan for the impact of light

Remember that light impacts contrasting textures differently, so having a mixture in a space will create a real sense of visual variety as well as different tactile feels.

You get a completely different vibe from light hitting mohair or raw silk compared to cotton. Sunlight on stone or wood can expose the natural knots and movements of these materials, while metallics bounce light back out into the room and make the whole space feel bigger and brighter.

Complement the architecture

Don’t go against the grain when it comes to the natural bones of your home. Use texture to complement your architecture rather than fighting against it. If there’s a lot of moulding, for example, play off it. You can paint the wall itself matt and the moulding with a gloss finish to create a powerful juxtaposition on the same wall — one which will become even more powerful when the light hits it.

Hide imperfections

If the texture of your walls isn’t as smooth as you would like, texture can be your saviour. Wallpaper allows you to hide a multitude of sins, with textural, woven and raw designs available across a spectrum of hues.

If you’d rather stick to paint however, there are still options available. Dead-flat paint will show fewer imperfections, so if you don’t have the budget to create brand new walls, a brand new paint is the next best thing.

In short, don’t be afraid to take risks and enjoy yourself when it comes to texture, all while keeping functionality in mind.

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