How to use textures like a pro: Interior Design Principles 101

Texture, similarly to contrast or balance, is a key concept to design spaces like a professional interior designer. In the context of interiors, “adding” texture to a space refers to incorporating materials with different finishes, colours and smoothness levels to achieve a space that feels alive and comforting.

Texture has “visual weight”, which means it can add both interest and bulk to a room. Spaces that lack diversity of texture can sometimes feel dull and uninteresting, because the eye has limited cues on where it should move around. On the other hand, too much texture can feel overwhelming and too stimulating, leading to rooms that feel small and busy. 

The right balance between textures is where the gold standard’s at. Once you start looking out for the effect of textures, you won’t be able to ignore it, but thankfully there are many ways to incorporate different materials in one space. In this article, we’ll guide you through some of our favourite ways to add texture: from rugs to tiles, we’ve got something for you.

01. Rugs, carpets and tapestries

Rugs are some of the most powerful interior design products. Easily interchangeable and infinitely versatile, they can change the atmosphere of a space in no time.