Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Design 101: Layering in Texture

When designing a space, there are several layers to factor in, such as color, furniture, pattern, accessories, finishes, and texture. Texture is an important layer that can do wonders for a space! It's what gives a room  depth, warmth and comfort - all of the qualities that make a space inviting and livable. This is something I've really tried to improve in my design projects over the years. I used to think that layering pattern and color were enough, but with without texture, my designs would turn out somewhat "flat", if that makes any sense?! While there's no real formula on adding texture to a space, there are several different ways to do so. The following are great examples on how you can incorporate a little bit of texture into your own home. Please feel free to comment with any of your ideas or suggestions as well!

 Simple objects like shells and a natural wood branch are easy ways to add a touch of texture to a space.

Layers of accent pillows in different fabrics and textures, along with a contrasting throw and crisp linen window treatments give this white room depth.

The sisal area rug helps anchor the white slip-covered furniture, adding warmth and depth, along with the zebra ottoman. 

A stack of chopped firewood  in the fireplace adds a touch of texture, which breaks up this otherwise sleek and modern living room.

Exposed brick walls give this glamorous and elegant space an a hint of warmth.  

The grasscloth wallpaper and 3-dimensional sunburst mirror add layers of texture to the walls, creating a warm and cozy backdrop for this bedroom.

A tufted bench and animal hide rug give this room a nice layer of texture.

This fabulous room by Palmer Weiss has several layers of texture: the shag rug, gold table base and 3-dimensional wall sculpture.

 Also designed by Palmer Weiss, the one major element of texture in this sophisticated dining room is the grasscloth wallpaper. The sleek white lacquered buffet looks fantastic against it! The over-sized chandelier in a natural finish also gives a nice touch of texture.

The interesting carpet pattern and fabric window panels anchor a bedroom that's filled with smooth surfaces.

*****
IMAGE CREDITS: HOUSE & HOME; DECOR PAD; PALMER WEISS; JONATHAN ADLER

20 comments:

  1. I love what texture can do for a space... the carpeting in the last image is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful images!

    abodelove.blogspot.com

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  2. Wow, beautiful rooms! I love the variety of textures, shapes, sizes, colors, etc. What a feast for the eyes!

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  3. What a lovely post Julie..the room with double-height ceiling and that glamorous chandelier is to die for! thankyou for sharing..have lovely day..do check out an awww-inspiring post on my blog today! xx meenal

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  4. Gorgeous images. That lucite bed in the last photo is ridiculous!!! LOVE!

    xx
    http://www.metamusings.com

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  5. ohh love the grasscloth wallpaper! this is such a great idea and it makes the room look amazing!
    xoxo
    -linh
    http://la-lalinh.blogspot.com

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  6. that head couch and the gold branch glassed top coffee table are amazing! wrap them up and send them over.

    http://sashagoldstyleblog.blogspot.com

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  7. I'm hugely into texture! Every room benefits from a little velvet or seagrass.. or leopard... That Palmer Weiss living room is STUNNING!

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  8. Gorgeous! Glad to see gold/brass is making a come back...since i have a gorgeous antique brass table!
    Lovely blog!!
    Pamela :)

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  9. These are wonderful examples x

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  10. I love the last image! Very clean. luxurious bedroom!

    Homeowner Insurance

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  11. Really nice spaces, i particularly gravitate towards the two stories living room. I have always favored textures over colors and as you so well illustrated, texture gives a space its chore and soul

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  12. What beautiful images. Too many great ones for me to have a favorite. I love what working with balance and texture can do for an otherwise boring space. I'm working on my house right now and am going with a very muted all white color palette and hope I can have my home come off this interesting. Thanks for sharing

    http://thecubaninmycoffee.blogspot.com/
    XOXO, Whitney (the cuban in my coffee)

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  13. I think my favorite image of them all is the brick wall with that fabulous chandelier. It is so unexpected but, perfectly placed! Love it!
    xoxo
    Lila Ferraro

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  14. AnonymousMay 05, 2011

    What a great guide!!All of the rooms are gorgeous. I would KILL for the lucite canopy bed and chandelier!! xoxo E &A

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  15. Lovely examples Julie! But oh my gosh do I spy a lucite and brass 4-poster bed? I'm left breathless.

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  16. love the first picture ... tones and natural branches. Dead wood ... but alive by it's shape and presence.

    vx

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  17. oh I love this style!
    follow my blog, I just started:)

    http://beaverhausen-factory.blogspot.com/

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  18. Dying over the exposed brick. Not to mention the chandelier!

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  19. AnonymousJune 14, 2012

    Thanks, what a wonderful post - great advice and gorgeous inspiration. I have this linked to my decorating project post as well today too!

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  20. AnonymousJune 20, 2012

    Gorgeous! Any idea where I can get those toss pillows??

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Thank you for your comments! I appreciate you stopping by :)