Designing with texture: how surface choices influence your space

Much like colour, the textures we choose for our interior spaces can significantly affect the overall feel of a space.

Textures can add depth, influence how big a room feels, and help evoke different moods. But it’s not just about the look and feel – practicality also needs to be considered. Durability ane of maintenance are high on any homeowners list, especially when it comes to choosing wall and home flooring textures.


So how do you incorporate different textures into your space? Here’s a few handy tips to get you started.

Understanding the impact of texture in interior design

Your choice of textures contributes to the overall aesthetic of a room, and certain textures can trick the mind into perceiving the space differently. For instance an abundance of smooth, rigid and high-gloss surfaces can appear modern and sleek. On the other hand, rough textures can evoke comforting rustic feelings, while fluffy or visually soft textures can add a sense of warmth and cosiness.

When choosing textures it pays to consider how those surfaces will be used, to ensure choices are practical for high-traffic areas and your family’s needs. Non-porous surfaces with smooth textures will likely be easier to keep clean, with minimal crevices for dirt to hide in (especially for flooring or kitchen benches) and these and rough surfaces may wear better.

How flooring sets the foundation

As one of the largest surfaces in your home, your choice of flooring can be pivotal in setting the tone for your entire space. Both colour and texture play a role in creating your ideal aesthetic, with timber or stone looks being elegant choices that will stand up to daily use. Hybrid flooring and luxury vinyl planks and tiles offer highly durable scratch and stain resistant surfaces that are easy to clean and maintain.

Adding texture with walls and ceilings

The vast expanse of your walls and ceiling bring more to your home than just structure – they define the space. Adding a fresh coat of paint can be a great update, but sometimes this approach can leave it all feeling a bit flat.

Add depth by using textured paint or wallpaper, either in an entire room or just on one wall to complement the rest of your room design. You can also create a stunning focal point by using 3D wall panels to enhance furniture, or create a feature wall for added character.

Another great way to add visual interest to your room is with textured ceiling tiles. Classic options like those with a pressed tin look, reminiscent of late Federation & Victorian style, will add elegance and a sense of sophistication to your space. Combining different textures for walls and ceilings can create focal points and add layers to your room design, giving it character and dimension.

Furniture and fabrics that enhance texture

One of the easiest ways to add texture to your space is with your furniture selections. Here’s how:

• Sofas and chairs in lush fabrics like velvet, leather, or tweed add to the visual and tactile texture of a room.
• Soft furnishing such as linen curtains, faux fur or alpaca wool throws add warmth and cosiness.
• Use floor rugs to create contrast. You can play with different textures like a soft rug on a concrete-look floor.
• Layer different textures, achieving a balance between hard and soft, rough and smooth to create a more dynamic space.

Rugs and accessories to complete the look

Rugs are wonderful additions to any room's design. They can provide a pop of colour, define a zone, and provide warmth and cushiness underfoot. There are also plenty of different textures to choose from, including:

• Wool rugs: Known for being soft, warm, and durable, they’re ideal for cosy and traditional spaces.
• Synthetic rugs: Offering an affordable option that is easy to clean, these rugs are suitable for high-traffic areas and modern designs.
• Jute: These rugs can be suitable for mats and decor when you want a natural, earthy feel that’s perfect for rustic or coastal themes.

Don’t forget about your other soft furnishings. Throws and cushions are any easy and cost effective way to transform the textural landscape of your space, using material like wool, chenille, faux fur, velvet, linen or woven and embroidered fabrics.

The role of lighting in highlighting texture

The colour and brightness of your room lighting can change the perception of texture in your room. The direction, colour, and intensity of light can either enhance or diminish the texture.

Warm lighting such as diffused natural light or yellow or warm white artificial lights can soften harsh textures, while bright daylight can showcase woodgrain and tone textures by making them more visible. As the sun moves throughout the day it will cast shadows and different lighting effects throughout the room, highlighting different textures as it goes. To create a well balanced space try the layered lighting approach. By using a combination of ambient lighting (overhead lights), task lighting (kitchen pendants, table lamps, reading lights), and accent lighting (spotlights, sconces) your will add depth and effectively showcases textures throughout your space.

Texture is a crucial element in any home design, but it’s often overlooked. Layering textures effectively can elevate a room from flat and ho-hum to a harmonious haven that beckons you in. Try experimenting with different texture combinations to find what works for you and your space. Explore the many different surface options available that can transform your space into a unique and personalised textural oasis.