Texture design - how to create a beautiful home using this new decor idea

Texture is a bit of a buzzword in interiors at present…  without texture design, a scheme can fall seriously short of the mark.

Simply put, texture is an object's physical feel or look, and is a key part of modern interior design. Everything from a boucle throw or a fringed cushion to textured furniture or a marble backsplash count as texture. 

Experts at Amara say, 'Interior designers are trained to always look at the room as a whole and one area they give as much attention to as possible is texture. Using texture in interior design will bring the decor of a room together and is a powerful finishing tool when redecorating.'

'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.'

And a room's overall textural feel includes the look and feel of tactile objects, but it also focuses on how we see things, like how an area of a room is able to draw attention to itself.

Colour is often the first thing we turn to when our home is feeling a little lacklustre, yet texture is an equally - if not more - effective tool for zhuzhing up a space.

So let us take you through all the ways you can add texture to your room decor.

Texture design – 5 key approaches 

1. Layer different textures

(Image credit: Dunelm)

Layering tactile materials is key to producing a scheme that’s full of depth and interest. 

As a start point, try blending multiple textures so you’re not solely relying on fabrics or furniture with a tasselled rug, a bookcase full of books, sculptural wood or even a collection of striking pieces of (affordable) artwork.

This hotel acts as a great lesson in mixing materials for executing a textured design.

2. Mix contrasting fabrics

(Image credit: Katherine Howard)

If your room’s decor is made up of similar shades, break up the colour palette by changing up the textures or patterns of any fabric in the room. 

And if your room’s scheme is made up of a number of different shades, use contrasting fabrics to shake things up a bit.

Look beyond the fabric on your sofa and armchair and try not to overlook fabrics on cushions, curtains and lampshades. 

As seasons change you can swap out these fabrics pretty easily, switching winter’s velvets and corduroy to linens and cotton for the summer.

3. Add texture to your walls

(Image credit: Michael Sinclair)

You can add a touch of luxury to your walls using tiling, wood panelling or a textured wallcovering – or even paints and wallpapers with perceived textural effects – which will instantly liven up a room that's falling flat without taking up surface space. 

4. Play with textured home accessories

(Image credit: Habitat)

If a textured wall gives you the fear, why not display objects in your home? Creating an arrangement of vases, ornaments, sculptures, mirrors and accessories with various textures will make an equally strong statement.

But try not to overdo it... Welcoming a collection of textured objects that harmonise with each other is enough to inject variation and intrigue in a room.

5. Decorate with plants and flowers

(Image credit: Future)

Finally, experimenting with greenery will add texture to a scheme. 

Choose plants and flowers that link to other textures in the space, such as the glossy leaves of rubber plant linking to the sheen of polished wood furniture, the velvety leaves of eucalyptus to go with a plush sofa or soft pampas grass highlighting rattan home accessories.