Want to make your new home feel instantly lived in and authentically you? Incorporate texture into the decor. Textural decor adds depth and dimension to the aesthetic, with plenty of opportunity for personalization.
Yes, texture looks appealing, but it’s what is going on in your brain when you reach out and touch it that defines its beauty. From wood details to textiles to tiles, here is why texture is trending, and tips on how to integrate texture into your home.
Why Textures Offer Warmth
Why are rooms with textural elements cozier than those without? Texture is the hook that compels you to be immersed in a design, as opposed to just viewing it, thanks, in part, to how touch works with the science of design to trigger a positive emotional response. Varied textures make design tactile, enhancing physical comfort too.
Take for example a textured tile, says designer Jennifer Farrell of Jennifer Farrell Designs.
“The connection between textures and touch is a neural response of pleasure and goodness, so incorporating texture to design your aesthetic is literally making you feel good,” she says. “When we are connected in a tactile way to a design, it stimulates a good feeling within us, and that's what makes a design resonate with the person experiencing it.”
Texture as an Alternative to Dramatic Colors
A lot of current color trends are dark and moody or bright and bold, which might be too intense for some homeowners, especially over the long term. Using textural decor as the focal point, as opposed to relying on color alone, is an effective alternative.
“Textured materials and finishes provide built-in color with shadow and interplay of light," says Farrell, even if you aren’t actively aware of it.
Think leathered countertops (natural stone counters with a leather-like finish), rounded, dimensional or pockmarked tile, nubby fabric, and natural materials – such as stone, wood, or bamboo – where surfaces are textured, and hint at color.
The Warmth of Wood
Wood details are trending for their texture, and how they add depth to the design, says Marc Forget, associate editor with the Journal of Light Construction. Coffered or tray ceilings, wainscoting, and molding all add visual texture, he says.
For a dramatic style statement, choose a textured accent wall, with painted trim and geometric patterns. “A standalone wall is a bold choice, but you’re creating art, which can replace traditional artwork,” he says, addressing the challenge of scale and artwork on a large wall.
Or, follow natural architectural lines with textured trim, along a stairwell, for example, where a pattern unfolds upwards. “A lot of homeowners like this option because it feels organic,” he says
Tips for Styling Textures
Use a curated, layered approach to create balance with textures, combining different materials, patterns, and finishes. Experiment with scale, size, and contrast to add unique depth.
Farrell encourages homeowners to embrace dimension in their decor in bathrooms and kitchens, where plentiful hard surfaces need softness to create an inviting ambience.
Here are some ways to style textures:
Dimensional Tile and Grout
Tiles have evolved to feature ultra-thick edges, with different shapes and surfaces, including fluting, waves, weaves, and more. Pieces with built-in patina are trending, which will be of particular interest to new construction homeowners looking to infuse their new home with old-world charm.
“We're seeing a return to hand craftsmanship, a feeling of artisanry and the human touch. Pieces feel as though they have heritage and history, even if those pieces are modern,” says Farrell.
Grout now plays a significant role in making textured tile even more prominent, so grout color, width, and texture should be chosen intentionally for the right effect.
Accessories and Decor
Using textured accessories and decor is an effective way to add warmth, physically and visually. The bonus is these are low-investment pieces that can be switched up easily.
For example, a braided rug adds chunky visual texture, and offers comfort underfoot, says Farrell. Establishing texture on the floor helps set the aesthetic stage effectively.
Textiles and upholstery are good choices too: pillows, blankets, scalloped or tufted upholstery, and lush window treatments.
Mixing Metals
Mixing metals, especially in kitchen and baths, is a sleek way to incorporate texture. Mixing metallic colors is popular, but focus on finishes, too, for more visual interest, choosing from hammered, polished and matte options.
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Hero Image Courtesy of Emser Tile
