When you walk into a room and it feels warm and inviting, you are often immediately put at ease knowing that you are entering a tranquil zone. However in a modern world of gloss furniture, exposed metal elements and shiny surfaces, it is all too easy to fall prey to creating a cold, sterile space. Interior designers have a special secret when it comes to injecting warmth to a room without heating – texture. Here we look at five of their top tips for adding texture to a room.
#1: Textured Plaster
One of the most traditional ways to add texture to a room is to use a rough plastering technique on the walls. This is reasonably drastic and will require the skills of a professional plasterer for a good finish but it will immediately soften the look of a room whilst giving it depth. There are a wide range of different plastering finishes that will add texture from swirls to other designs. Complete the look with a coat of paint and voila - instant texture.
#2: Textured Wallpaper
If you’re looking for something a little less drastic, less long-term and considerably less money than having your walls replastered, textured wallpaper is a great alternative. There are many brands which offer textured wallpapers but the most well recognised brand is Anaglytpa Wallpaper. Within the Analypta Luxury Textured Vinyl Wallpaper collection are some beautiful embossed Victorian wallpapers which are perfect for adding texture to any room. We particularly like the Anaglypta Luxury Textured Vinyl Wildacre wallpaper. With all its elegant flourishes, it really helps to set the mood.
#3: Floor Coverings
Another way the top interior designers add texture to a room is by utilising what is on the floor. By mixing and matching floor coverings like carpets, vinyl flooring and timber flooring and then layering with rugs will really add texture and warmth to your home. Our favourite look this season is adding a retro inspired rug under a dining table, leaving the surrounding wooden flooring on show – it’s a real winner for an informal dining space.
#4: Cushions
Cushions never go out of fashion and there’s a key reason for this, they can be adapted to suit virtually any interior design trend. Cushions can be used to add texture by choosing contrasting stacking cushions. Wool or mohair cushions are perfect and look particularly good when teamed with satin or simple cotton covers for that all important contrast.
#5: Home Furnishings
It’s important not to overlook other home furnishings when looking to add texture to a room. Ottomans in different fabrics like leather and suede are perfect for a formal living room whilst voile drapes will add a romantic twist is a bedroom. Mix and match a few key home furnishings to get the most effective look.
So whatever theme you choose for your home, inject some texture to really give it that professional looking finish which is worth of any stylish home magazine.