How to decorate your home with textures to create tangible decor - article for SheKnows UK lifestyle magazine

1. Tangible decor: How to decorate your
home with textures
Feb 15, 2014
by Eileen O'Sullivan
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Don't be afraid to mix and match textures when
decorating your home
From SheKnows UK
Skillful use of textures can jazz up or pare down your living areas and the
tactile feel of different surfaces can really bring warmth and va-va-voom to
your home. Create effective layers of interest with complex fabrics and carved
or sculpted finishes to replicate this season's glam new decor.
Texture adds a cosy element to smooth and shiny surfaces, like polished slate
and glass. It also makes a good contrast to the clean metallic lines which are

2. very on-trend for 2013. By introducing textural items in your home, like
sculpted wallpapers and complex fabrics, you add warmth and visual impact.
Pattern or texture?
Make a decision: pattern or texture? If you jumble together texture with checks,
spots and stripes, it's too much for the eye to take in and your living spaces
end up looking cluttered and messy. It's all about creative balance. If you have
a lovely cushion with textural interest, perhaps with a complicated weave or
embroidered surfaces, then be light on pattern.
Textural paint finishes

3. Leaving natural layers of old paint on kitchen tables and chairs provides
textural depth. Source second-hand furniture from antique shops or you can
create your own "distressed" paint finishes on your chosen pieces. If you don't
have the time (or the inclination) this distressed hand-painted chest from
Overstock.com is a fine example of the look, or the A Little Distressed online
store has many similar items of furniture.
Incorporate more decor trends into your home. Try adding natural elements >>
Texture on walls
Wall tiles can be sculpted, carved and embellished to add texture to any
space. Tiles give you the freedom to use as much or as little texture as you
want and you can even mix textured tiles with plain tiles. If you are willing to
be a bit more bold with your choice, a textured wallpaper will make a major
statement. Wallpaper can be flocked, incorporate wood chip, or be
decoratively moulded. Wallpaper is a major commitment and isn't for everyone.
If you aren't quite ready to commit to the look and texture that wallpaper
provides, consider stencilling. Stencilling also produces textural interest but it
can be easily painted over if you decide it isn't for you. Try stencilling natural
forms like feathers around a mantelpiece or above a bed or consider more
graphic patterns to give your room a modern feel.

4. Carved detail in wood and metal
For furniture with a real "wow" factor, the "La Rochelle" range from Homes
Direct 365 has a French rococo "antique" look in carved mahogany that will
introduce glamour as well as texture to your bedroom. Carving can be
effective on mantlepieces and frames, like this pretty wooden picture frame
from The Holding Company or thisantique hand-carved frame by Paper High
at Not on the High Street. Grouping together different shapes and sizes of
mirrors on a wall also produces texture, as well as interesting changes in light.
Natural textures and forms
The depth of pattern in smooth marble finishes or the creative positioning of
pebbles, plants and crystals can all lend textural interest to a room. By mixing
rough finishes with smooth, hard with soft, you build up layers of interest.
Decorating tip
If you have a small space to decorate, remember that adding lots of textures
will visually diminish the proportions of the room. If you want a light, airy
feeling in a confined area keep textures to a minimum for maximum impact.