| Texture is one of the secret tools in a | | | | feel lighter than a hardwood floor, even if the |
| decorator's utility belt. It is often overlooked, but | | | | marble actually weighs more. Another factor that |
| when used properly, it can add a whole new | | | | contributes to the perceived weight of a texture |
| dimension to the ambiance of a space. Use the | | | | is its thickness. A thick shag rug will always seem |
| following basic texture tips to ensure that you get | | | | heavier than a Persian of the same size. |
| the most out of the look, and feel, of your decor. | | | | - Another factor to consider when using texture |
| - You usually think of texture as something you | | | | is the size of the room. Heavier, thicker textures |
| can touch, but it is also something you can see. | | | | tend to overwhelm a room and make it look |
| When you look at a texture, your mind recalls | | | | smaller. By contrast, sleek smooth textures can |
| how textures such as that have felt in the past. | | | | make a space open up and fell emptier. Use these |
| That memory is enough to almost make you | | | | aspects of texture to compliment the size of |
| relive the sensation of that experience. This | | | | your room, and create an ambience with the |
| means that even if you don't touch it, texture is | | | | perfect balance between coziness and stretching |
| important to the ambiance of the space. | | | | room. |
| - When you do touch a texture, it can add a | | | | - In traditional styles various textures tend to be |
| whole new dimension to a room. Texture can | | | | similar, contrasting gently over a gradient. The |
| make a space more than just attractive; it can | | | | textures also tend to be deeper, and thicker, |
| make it interactive, inviting visitors to indulge their | | | | creating interplay between the light and shadows. |
| sensual impulses, running their fingers along satin | | | | In contemporary styles it is more common to |
| curtains, or gingerly experiencing the rough bite of | | | | use vastly different textures to compliment and |
| raw concrete. | | | | offset one another in interesting ways. These |
| - Texture is also an important component in | | | | textures can be thick or sleek, but tend to often |
| many traditional decorating styles. For example, | | | | be more translucent, glorying in radiance and light. |
| rough textures such as those of slate and raw | | | | Texture is a relatively advanced decorating |
| logs are often associated with a rustic cabin | | | | concept. It involves not only the way a room |
| décor, while smooth stainless steel and | | | | looks, but also the way it feels, both sensually and |
| mirrors are connected with a more modern look. | | | | emotionally. When considering the use of texture |
| When trying to achieve a more specific room | | | | in a space, go slowly. Add one or two textured |
| style, texture can add a depth to your design | | | | items in complimentary styles, and see how you |
| that can't be achieved any other way. | | | | feel with them. When considering walls, ceilings, |
| - Some textures can make objects seem | | | | and floors, always try to get samples. Place the |
| heavier, while others can make them seem lighter. | | | | samples close to where they will go, and see how |
| You can use this to balance large bulky items with | | | | they affect you for a couple of days. In the case |
| smaller, highly textured furnishings. A good rule of | | | | of flooring, try to purchase a couple of feet of |
| thumb is that textures which reflect more light will | | | | samples so that you can experience walking on it |
| feel less bulky, while those that absorb light will | | | | at different times of the day. |
| seem heavier. In this way a white marble floor will | | | | |