Adding texture to a space adds a sense of warmth and comfort. There is a relaxed atmosphere in a room that has a profusion of textural elements. Texture adds depth and visual interest, which is important to the feel of any room.
Breaking it down
There are many ways in which texture can be introduced into a space. Several simple and inexpensive changes can add up to a room that is filled with visual interest and tactile comfort. Our feature room is no exception. Yes, the highly textured furniture is a big part of it but it's the smaller touches that bring it all together.
The area rug, for instance, has one solid colour with a raised Greek key pattern that adds instant texture to the sitting area. Not only is the rug visually appealing, it will feel cosy underfoot. If you changed it out for a single-tone, flat-surface area rug it wouldn't be half as interesting or as comfy. If you removed it altogether you'd be left with a flat, cold tile floor underfoot, which would be stark and uncomfortable. Including non-permanent features, like this area rug, is a great way to bring in the desired amount of texture and comfort without a lot of fuss or cost.
The coffee table, with its grid of iron underneath, adds architectural interest and visual texture to the sitting area. The draperies have a textural quality to them as well. Opting for a fabric that has a raised pattern rather than a smooth surface will add instant drama. In this instance, the fabric filters sunlight through the pattern, which gives the space further visual appeal. The pattern in the draperies mimics the grid on the lower part of the coffee table, which helps make the space cohesive.
Other textural touches include the tall, sculptural floor lamp with its rough terracotta finish instead of a smooth glass shade, the woven ball table accessories, the dried flower topiary, the small picture frame with the woven edges, the plants and even the curtain hold back. There's a lot going on in this room.
Balance
To balance all of that visual activity there are no pictures or accessories on the walls in this room. The calming backdrop of bare, soft yellow walls (Northern Paint colour Oliver, from their 2009 trends collection) balances the busyness of the elements and also keeps the room light and airy against the dark furniture and accessories.
The linen-like seat cushions mimic the wall colour and boast a subtle textural touch. A wall filled with accessories and artwork would be overwhelming in a space like this. You must find a balance in order to achieve success.
Lower maintenance
Textural finishes require a lot less maintenance than their opposites might. There are no worries of daily dust buildup or fingerprints on high-gloss furniture surfaces. You won't have to polish the wicker ball accents as you might with a shiny vase. The casual toss cushions, which have a textural element of their own, don't require lot of fuss and are meant to be tossed around in a casual fashion for ease of comfort.
The furniture itself can be wiped down with a damp cloth. No need for deep vacuuming, as you'd have with upholstery. The seat cushion covers and the toss cushion covers can be tossed into the washing machine or sent to the cleaners.
The distressed finishes on items like the floor lamp shade and the small, decorative chest speak to the casual nature of the space. There is nothing on the coffee table that will shatter if dropped.
The area rug, by way of the solid colour and highly textural pattern, will require less daily maintenance than, say, a flat, dark area rug would. Texture can be very forgiving. The dried flower topiary and the silk plant arrangement on the side table don't even require watering. How low-maintenance can you get? This is an easy space to live in.
On the lighter side
Texture doesn't necessarily have to be dark and earthy. Yes, natural elements like wicker and wood finishes fit well into a textural space but that doesn't mean the elements have to be dark. If the dark wicker furniture and accessories are not to your taste but you like their textural qualities you can always opt for a lighter colour. White, cream, soft blue or ocean green wicker in lieu of the dark pieces would instantly change the look of this space.
Texture adds a sense of comfort to a space and makes it inviting and cosy.
