{"id":204497,"date":"2025-12-26T06:31:26","date_gmt":"2025-12-26T06:31:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/204497\/"},"modified":"2025-12-26T06:31:26","modified_gmt":"2025-12-26T06:31:26","slug":"6-ways-to-use-texture-in-interior-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/204497\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Ways to Use Texture in Interior Design"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve ever wondered why a neutral living room looks dynamic on your favorite designer\u2019s feed but falls flat when you recreate it at home in similarly subtle shades, the culprit is rarely color. It\u2019s texture \u2013 or, more precisely, the absence of it. As palettes whisper even quieter heading into 2026, texture is what gives a space depth and tension without asking anything of color at all.<\/p>\n

That makes this tactile-first interior design principle<\/a> especially powerful for color-averse minimalists, but it matters just as much across every design style<\/a>. Layering materials \u2013 including the ones you don\u2019t immediately clock \u2013 is what makes a room feel richer, more characterful, and ultimately, well designed. It\u2019s a principle that shapes not just how a space looks, but, quite literally, how it feels.<\/p>\n

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You\u2019re probably already working with texture, even if you don\u2019t think of it that way: the friction between warm wood and velvet, the contrast of limewash against a rumpled linen towel. But the difference between your work and that of a designer is the calibrations that make those pairings read as choices, rather than coincidences. Ahead, experts unpack the art of surface effects \u2013 and the under-the-radar ways texture does the work when color steps back.<\/p>\n

You may like<\/p>\n

What is Texture and Why is it Important?<\/p>\n

\u2018Texture is the sensory language of a room,\u2019 explains founder and creative director of M.H. Interiors<\/a> Madelynn Hudson. \u2018It\u2019s what makes a space feel tactile, dimensional, and engages your emotions. You encounter it constantly without realizing it: the grain of a wood cabinet, the softness of mohair, the coolness of stone, the slub in linen, the contrast between matte and polished finishes.\u2019<\/p>\n

Texture isn\u2019t a design trend<\/a>, designer buzzword, or even a seasonal device. It\u2019s a condition. Without it, even a carefully furnished room can read as flat, particularly when the palette is restrained. \u2018Texture is essential because it keeps a room visually engaging, especially in more neutral palettes,\u2019 Madelynn continues. \u2018It prevents spaces from feeling sterile and makes them feel inviting, no matter the season,\u2019 she says.<\/p>\n

6 Ways Designers Use Texture in the Home<\/p>\n

Texture, at its best, is often less obvious than a shaggy rug under a coffee table. Designers use it to build visual interest you don\u2019t always consciously register. Ahead, the methods they rely on most \u2013 and how to translate them into the feel of your own home.<\/p>\n

1. Juxtapose Sheen<\/p>\n

\n

\"Dining\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: TROVE by Studio Duggan)<\/p>\n

Sheen works best when it\u2019s doing something in relation to its surroundings. A lacquered table on polished stone can feel expected. Place it against something more tactile \u2013 handwoven wool, textured plaster, softly honed stone \u2013 and the contrast<\/a> starts to carry the room.<\/p>\n

Design expertise in your inbox \u2013 from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.<\/p>\n

\u2018Mix the reflectivity of materials,\u2019 says Joy Lynskey \u2013 founder & CEO of Jewel Toned Interiors<\/a>. She points to a bar setup as a natural place to experiment: \u2018Have a leathered countertop next to smoky glass shelves in a bar,\u2019 she explains. \u2018You can up the ante by adding a textile that has both matte and metallic threads on the barstools.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u2018Combining sheen levels \u2013 matte, satin, gloss,\u2019 she continues, \u2018creates instant dimension and is an easy, high-impact move for any room.’<\/p>\n

2. Integrate Handcrafted Accents <\/p>\n

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\"Contemporary\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Kate Berry. Design: Stellah De Ville)<\/p>\n

Handcrafted objects introduce texture in a way manufactured pieces can\u2019t replicate. Not because they\u2019re charming, but because they\u2019re inconsistent. Small variations in surface, edge, or finish interrupt the uniformity of a room.<\/p>\n

You may like<\/p>\n

\u2018Handcrafted pieces such as ceramics, carved wood, or textured artwork introduce irregularity and soul,\u2019 notes Madelynn Hudson. \u2018These subtle imperfections keep a room from feeling overly manufactured.\u2019<\/p>\n

Lamps are often the most efficient place to start. Cara Shahbandi, founder and principal interior designer at Stanton Home Design<\/a>, points out that even a single handmade lamp can recalibrate a space dominated by sleeker elements. \u2018A vintage ceramic or glass lamp that has unevenness to it,\u2019 she says, noting her preference for glass bubble textures and metals.<\/p>\n

3. Layer Your Textiles<\/p>\n

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\"Brooklinen\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Brooklinen)<\/p>\n

Textile layering matters everywhere: at the windows, in the bathroom<\/a>, across a table setting, or on a sofa. Relying on a single material \u2013 all linen, all velvet \u2013 may technically register as texture, but it still reads one-note. Variety is what creates range.<\/p>\n

That can start with the architectural elements. \u2018Layered window treatments<\/a> combine function and softness,\u2019 notes designer Madelynn Hudson. \u2018A sheer paired with a heavier drape or shade introduces both lightness and structure.\u2019<\/p>\n

The same thinking applies to soft furnishings. \u2018Layer pillows with different textures,\u2019 adds Cheryl Stauffer of Crimson Design Group<\/a>. \u2018Some smooth, some woven, some with tassels. Even subtle variation makes a big difference.\u2019 As Dan Mazzarini, principal designer and creative director at Mazzarini & Co<\/a>, points out, this approach also makes seasonal shifts easier. \u2018Cotton rugs, pillows, throws, and drapery in biophilic fall tones add a soothing, cocoon-like feel and can be swapped seasonally,\u2019 he says.<\/p>\n

Even so, layering doesn\u2019t always require abundance. In some cases, a single contrasting textile is enough to reset the balance of a room. \u2018A beautiful chunky or boucle throw blanket<\/a> adds so much texture draped on a sofa,\u2019 explains Cara Shahbandi.<\/p>\n

4. Apply Artisanal Wall Finishes <\/p>\n

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\"Calming\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Sarah West Interiors)<\/p>\n

If you want to fully commit to texture, few moves are as effective as applying it directly to the walls. Hand-applied finishes like limewash and Venetian plaster introduce surface variation at an architectural level, changing how a room reads throughout the day as light shifts.<\/p>\n

\u2018Venetian plaster on the walls is a great way to add tactile texture as well as visual texture,\u2019 notes Cara Shahbandi.<\/p>\n

\u2018Hand-applied or artisanal finishes introduce depth that manufactured materials simply can\u2019t achieve,\u2019 adds Joy Lynskey. \u2018Their subtle irregularities catch light differently, creating micro-movement that gives a room subtle sophistication. Consider limewashed walls or handwoven textiles; these crafted materials add nuance and a graceful character to any interior.\u2019<\/p>\n

5. Favor Natural Materials<\/p>\n

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\"Marble\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Alexander James)<\/p>\n

Natural materials tend to read as texture even when they\u2019re smooth. Marble is a good example: polished, reflective, and technically sleek, yet visually active in a way synthetic surfaces often don\u2019t. The movement is inherent. That\u2019s why designers often rely on stone, wood, and clay to introduce texture that feels \u2018real.\u2019<\/p>\n

Jen Baxter, founder and designer of Baxter Hill Interiors<\/a>, gravitates toward natural stone and tile for exactly this reason. \u2018Veining, fluting, and honed finishes bring quiet drama. A marble tray<\/a>, stone lamp<\/a>, or ribbed vase<\/a> can echo the sophistication of the fluted marble fireplace without major renovation.\u2019<\/p>\n

Natural materials also tend to reference the outdoors without spelling it out \u2013 a popular cinematic shorthand. \u2018Sea grass wallpaper<\/a>, teak furniture, or matchstick blinds channel natural textures famously used by Nancy Meyers<\/a>. They soften a room with depth and organic details,\u2019 explains Dan Mazzarini.<\/p>\n

Still, this doesn\u2019t mean committing to natural materials exclusively. Texture still relies on contrast. As Joy Lynskey points out, it\u2019s the interaction between materials that gives a space dimension and balance. \u2018It\u2019s important to layer in natural elements within manmade materials,\u2019 she explains. \u2018For instance, even though stone is a hard surface and can be reflective, it can still ground a space with the sweeping movement of its veins. Bringing organic forms into structured environments softens the room and introduces the kind of visual movement that makes a space feel more nuanced and sophisticated.\u2019<\/p>\n

6. Opt for Unexpected Placements<\/p>\n

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\"Moody\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Felix Speller)<\/p>\n

Throw blankets and accent chairs are the obvious entry points for texture \u2013 and you\u2019re probably already using them. But designers tend to get more mileage by placing texture where you don\u2019t expect it.<\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t be afraid to take risks. Introducing texture in unexpected places, such as under a stair, within a recessed ceiling, or along the vertical face of a kitchen island<\/a>, can have an outsized visual impact,\u2019 explains Joy Lynskey. \u2018These surprising placements draw the eye upward or inward and create moments of discovery within the home.\u2019<\/p>\n

This doesn\u2019t have to entail a major renovation. \u2018Even a small application of plaster, wood slatting, stone, or specialty paint<\/a> can shift the entire feeling of a room,\u2019 Joy continues. \u2018These details often become the elements people remember because they add subtle depth without overwhelming the surrounding finishes.\u2019<\/p>\n

Texture Edit
\n<\/p>\n

\n

\"CB2,\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Put your love of texture on equal footing with this acacia wood pedestal table designed by Kenyan-born designer Sandra Githinji for CB2. The protrusions are inspired by \u2018toron\u2019 palm sticks used in traditional African architecture.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Auburn\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

McGee & Co.<\/p>\n

Auburn Marble Tray<\/p>\n

As we\u2019ve learned, smooth doesn\u2019t mean flat. This oxblood tray by Shea McGee introduces visual texture beneath otherwise sleek barware, adding depth without disrupting the surface.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Pleated\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

TOV Furniture<\/p>\n

Corrine Table Lamp <\/p>\n

You can clock that natural jute texture from across the room. Lamps like this work as a final layer, reinforcing that \u2018perfectly imperfect\u2019 character we\u2019re chasing.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Textured\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Threshold designed w\/Studio McGee<\/p>\n

Textured Ceramic Vase <\/p>\n

Offset the smooth curves of fresh florals with a vase that looks as if it were just pulled\u00a0from an excavation site. It\u2019s also an easy way to give an otherwise flat bookshelf some gravitas.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Ondine\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

The Favorites<\/p>\n

Ondine Fluted Coupe Cocktail Glass<\/p>\n

Bring texture to the table without touching the palette. This fluted coupe glass from The Favorites does the work for you \u2013 even against crisp linens and white tapers, it keeps things interesting.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Slub-Weave\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

H&M Home<\/p>\n

Slub-Weave Cushion Cover <\/p>\n

Slub-weave is already a shortcut to California-coded ease. Add fringe, and now we\u2019re really talking. Slip this cover over pillows you already own for a low-commitment way to build in character.<\/p>\n

Texture, operationally, is anything but surface-level. It depends on range: of materials, finishes, tones, and scale. It lives in the upholstery of a sofa and the velvet fall of a drape, but just as much in the relationship between them. That\u2019s where experimentation matters.<\/p>\n

All else being beige, texture is the difference between a space that just looks pretty and one that actually holds your attention.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"If you\u2019ve ever wondered why a neutral living room looks dynamic on your favorite designer\u2019s feed but falls…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":204498,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[437,434,435,436,438,146,85,46],"class_list":{"0":"post-204497","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-arts-and-design","8":"tag-arts","9":"tag-arts-and-design","10":"tag-artsanddesign","11":"tag-artsdesign","12":"tag-design","13":"tag-entertainment","14":"tag-il","15":"tag-israel"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/204497","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=204497"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/204497\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/204498"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=204497"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=204497"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=204497"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}