Touch: Add Texture for Design With Mindful Touch and Feel
What is texture in interior design?
Texture in design is très cool — it’s something in a room that you can “feel” just by looking at it. You don’t even need to put a finger on it because your mind is already telling your body what it feels like. You know exactly what I mean.
What happens when you see soft grass? What about rough brick? Silk fabric? The texture of an object makes you want to go over and touch it, that’s how strong the mind-body connection is.
That feel of walking bare-footed in the grass…
I bet that you can instantly mentally feel each one of these things that I just mentioned. And if we can’t determine the feel in our mind we are forced to walk over and touch it.
This is one of the reasons texture is so important to incorporate into a well-designed space. It not only creates visual interest, but physical interaction with your space. It makes you feel grounded.
Be mindful of how textures make you feel
Add your favorite textures to your space to elevate your mood in the room.
First, be mindful of how certain textures make you feel. What textures are important to you? Are you craving an elegant space, a feeling of warmth and coziness, or a casual nostalgia?
Pay attention to the textures in photos of rooms you love - what is it about these mental textural feelings that draw you to them? Incorporate more of that into your space and you’re well on your way to creating your own mindful interior or exterior.
Types of texture you can add to interiors and exteriors
When designing your perfect outdoor space, soft grass is a must, even if it’s a tiny raised zen garden bed of grass. Something you can run your hand over, or step upon in bare feet. Here are several additional options…
Wicker furniture fits in every space.
1. wicker furniture
I love wicker furniture. The knobby weave invites us to relax with a glass of lemonade, whether outdoors on the patio, or inside on a sunporch. Even a family room, wicker or woven grass furniture has a place.
2. woven wood
Woven wood shades are a hugely popular choice for adding texture to any space, no matter the style. These can appear dressy (formal) or super casual depending on what you pair with them. The wide variety of colors provides a myriad of options.
Area rugs add texture and color.
3. fabrics and textiles
Of course, fabrics and other textiles like rugs are a great source for texture. Depending on how the raw fibers are woven, the threads and yarns all intertwine to make nubby softness, silky-elegance, or chunky warmth in a space. Even small prints and patterns can create visual texture.
Balance a variety of textures in one space
When selecting textures for your outdoor or indoor space remember that even a neutral texture will create an impression, so decide how much surface area you want that texture to cover. A large, chunky sea-grass area rug will take up a lot of visual space, so pair it with a more subtle feeling fabric for the wicker sofa cushions.
From mindful selections to balance, a little texture can go a long way toward the home that feels and looks perfect to you.
Yours,
Monique