While it’s natural to want to jump right into your room’s layout and color scheme, texture is a key component to setting the tone for the room, too. To clarify, by texture I mean the interplay of shape, pattern, and finish that creates dimension. It’s the subtle (or not so subtle) art of mixing and matching that makes a space dynamic and interesting.
There are many ways and places to play with texture. You can even create texture by blending styles, like vintage and modern, in one space.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
Focus on floors.
Tile is one of my favorite ways to add some pizazz in a small room, either from the tile material itself, from the pattern you create with the tile, or from the contrast you create with another surface in the room.
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Photo Credit: Houzz |
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Photo Credit: The Apron Blog |
Cork has become a hot ticket as far as flooring goes, and for good reason: it’s all-natural, great for people with allergies, and a bit cushioned for comfort. Besides all that, it looks great and adds instant visual interest without a lot of fuss.
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Photo Credit: Apartment Therapy |
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Photo Credit: Apartment Therapy |
And of course one of the easiest ways to add texture to your floors is with carpet or a really great area rug.
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Photo Credit: Design Love Fest |
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Photo Credit: Rosenberry Rooms |
Have your way with the walls.
Wood paneling isn’t just for the 70’s anymore. Ok, so maybe wood paneling really is a thing of the past, but there are lots of creative and contemporary ways to incorporate wood plank on walls to create a warm, rustic look that can be both cozy and modern.
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Photo Credit: Mandy Jean Chic |
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Photo Credit: Project Nursery |
Wallpaper has made a comeback, too. Whether you choose a textured wallpaper to literally add texture or play with pattern to liven things up, it’s a relatively affordable way to add a unique touch that can truly transform a space.
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Photo Credit: Red River Interiors |
It’s a sad fact that many people still only think of tile when it comes to the bathroom or a backsplash. Want some drama (the good kind) in a small space? Do the whole darn wall!
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Photo Credit: Decor Pad |
When it comes to making a statement, consider tile with texture over a bold color. It will be easier to incorporate accents and might not feel so two-years ago trendy down the road.
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Photo Credit: Pinterest |
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Photo Credit: Design Milk |
Expand your artistic horizons.
Art doesn’t need to be limited to tidy framed classics hung in perfect order. I mean, unless that’s your thing. There is a whole world of creative, beautiful things out there waiting to be displayed on your wall!
Mix and match. Play with dimension. Tell a story.
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Photo Credit: Pinterest |
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Photo Credit: Driven By Decor |
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Photo Credit: House Beautiful |
The fireplace mantel is a perfect spot to try your hand at depth and texture without making any big changes or investments.
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Photo Credit: Addicted2Decorating |
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Photo Credit: Chic on a Shoestring Decorating |
Have a fabric free-for-all.
Throw pillows. Bed linens. Furniture upholstery. Fabric is one of my all-time favorite ways to change the look of a room quickly and with minimal cost. Swap pieces between rooms to keep things fresh without buying a thing!
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Photo Credit: Target |
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Photo Credit: Cute Home Design |
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Photo Credit: Decor8 |
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Photo Credit: Lemonade Makin’ Mama |
Make a ceiling statement.
Granted, changing up your ceiling can take a bit of thought and work, but the effect can be nothing short of stunning.
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Photo Credit: Interior Design Info |
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Photo Credit: Apartment Therapy |
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Photo Credit: Apartment Therapy |
I find that playing with texture is one area that feels risky to my clients but also really lights them up. When it’s missing, you might not be able to name it but even a beautiful room can tend to fall flat.
When evaluating floor choice or art in isolation, it’s easy to think a more creative option is too much. But in the context of your room or space, all the elements work together. Think about the big picture and mix and match to convey the desired texture and feeling over time. Before you know it, creating texture and dimension in your home will be second nature.
Sara Eizen is a Seattle-based interior designer and home organizer with a passion for helping busy families reclaim style and space in their homes on any budget. In a bi-weekly column for Seattle's Child, Sara shares creative, fun, affordable tips and tricks for clearing clutter, sprucing up rooms with minimal effort, creating systems that simplify family life, and much more.
