Texture and Pattern: How to Use Them to Add Depth and Interest to Your Space

Think Interior
7 min readMar 4, 2023

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Texture and pattern are essential elements in interior design that can add depth, interest, and personality to any space. Whether aiming for a cozy, rustic feel or a more modern and sophisticated look, incorporating texture and pattern into your design can make a big difference.

An interior design diploma program should cover topics related to texture and pattern in interior design, such as choosing and mixing different materials, layering rugs, using wallpaper and patterns, incorporating plants, and considering the room’s function. Here are some tips on effectively using texture and pattern in your space.

Start with a Neutral Base

Before adding texture and pattern, it’s crucial to establish a neutral base for your space. It means choosing neutral colors for your walls, floors, and furniture. Neutral colors include white, beige, gray, and cream. It will create a blank canvas for you to work with and allow the textures and patterns to stand out. When incorporating texture and pattern into your space, starting with a neutral base is essential. It provides a solid foundation to build upon and prevents the space from feeling overwhelming or chaotic. Neutral colors like white, beige, gray, and taupe work well as a backdrop for introducing texture and pattern. You can also incorporate different textures in the neutral base, such as a plush rug or woven throw, to add depth and interest without overwhelming the space. Once you have a neutral base, you can add pops of color and more intricate patterns.

Mix Textures

Mixing different textures can add visual interest and depth to your space. Consider incorporating materials such as wood, metal, glass, and fabric. For example, a leather sofa paired with a wool rug and a metal coffee table creates a contrast in textures that adds depth to the room. Mixing textures is a great way to create interest in your space. Feel free to combine smooth, rough, soft, and hard textures to create a visually appealing tactile experience. For instance, pairing a plush velvet sofa with a rustic wooden coffee table or a soft fluffy rug with a sleek leather armchair can add depth and dimension to your space. Different materials like glass, metal, stone, and wood can create a harmonious contrast that adds character to your decor. Just remember to balance the textures and complement each other instead of clashing.

Layer Rugs

Layering rugs is a productive way to add a touch to your space. Consider layering a patterned rug over a neutral rug to create a focal point. You can also layer two rugs of different textures to create depth and interest. Layering rugs is a productive way to add texture and pattern to your space. Mix and match different textures, colors, and patterns to create a unique and personalized look. Start by choosing a neutral rug as your base, then layer a slighter rug with a bolder pattern or texture. It will create an interesting focal point in your room and add depth to your space. You can also experiment with different shapes and sizes of rugs to create a more dynamic look. Just make sure the rugs complement each other and don’t clash.

Use Patterned Wallpaper

Patterned wallpaper is a great way to add patterns to your space. Consider using it on an accent wall or in a lesser space like a powder room. If you’re hesitant about committing to a bold pattern, try a subtle pattern in a neutral color. Patterned wallpaper can add depth and interest to a space. It can create a bold statement or a subtle texture. When using patterned wallpaper, consider the size and scale of the pattern. Larger patterns can be overwhelming in small spaces, while smaller patterns can make a room feel busy if not used appropriately. Also, consider the color scheme of the pattern and how it will coordinate with other colors in the room. Patterned wallpaper can be used as an accent wall or throughout the room to create a cohesive design.

Mix Patterns

Mixing patterns can be tricky, but it can add visual interest to your space. Start by choosing a dominant pattern and then mix in smaller patterns that complement it. For example, if you have a bold floral pattern on your curtains, you can mix in smaller geometric patterns on your throw pillows. Mixing patterns can be intimidating but a great way to add excessive depth to a space. To do it successfully, start with a large-scale pattern, like a bold floral or geometric print, and mix it with a smaller-scale pattern, like a subtle stripe or check. Keep the color palette consistent between the patterns to create a cohesive look. When mixing patterns in a room, remember that less is often more. Stick to just two or three patterns and balance them with solid colors and neutral textures to prevent the space from feeling overwhelming. Finally, feel free to experiment with different combinations until you find a mix that feels just right.

Add Texture with Accessories

Accessories easily add texture to your space. Use velvet, faux fur, or woven fabrics to add visual interest. Accessories are a great way to add texture to your space without making any significant changes. You can use pillows, throws, curtains, and other textiles to add texture and depth to your room. Consider using different materials such as velvet, faux fur, or knit to create interest and contrast. You can also use decorative items like vases, baskets, and sculptures to add texture and dimension to your space. Look for items with interesting textures like woven, hammered, or carved surfaces. Just be wary not to overdo it — too many accessories can clutter your space and detract from the overall effect.

Incorporate Plants

Plants are a great way to add texture and life to your space. Consider incorporating plants of different sizes and textures, like succulents and ferns, to add depth to your space. Incorporating plants is a great way to add texture to your space. Plants bring life and color to a room, and their leaves and stems also add a natural texture that can soften the hard lines of furniture and decor. Plants come in wide varieties, so you can choose a few that fit your style, and with the level of maintenance, you’re comfortable. You might opt for a tall, leafy tree in a corner or a collection of succulents on a windowsill. Whatever you choose, incorporating plants is an easy way to add both texture and a touch of nature to your space.

Consider the Room’s Function

The room’s purpose can influence the texture and pattern you choose. For example, a bedroom may benefit from soft and cozy textures, while a home office may be more suited for sleek and modern textures. When incorporating texture and pattern into your space, it’s essential to consider the room’s function. For example, a bedroom may benefit from soft, cozy textures and patterns that promote relaxation and comfort. In contrast, a home office may benefit from more structured textures and patterns that create a professional atmosphere. High-traffic areas such as entryways or hallways may also benefit from durable textures and patterns that can withstand heavy use.

Experiment with Materials

Refrain from limiting yourself to traditional materials. Consider incorporating unexpected textures and patterns like a woven wall hanging, a sheepskin rug, or a concrete planter. Another way to add texture and interest to your space is by experimenting with different materials. From concrete to metal, wood to leather,

countless materials can create unique textures and patterns within a room. For example, a concrete wall or fireplace can add an industrial feel to a space, while a wooden accent wall can bring warmth and natural texture. Mix and match different materials to create a visually engaging space.

Please don’t overdo it.

Balancing texture and pattern is essential, as too much can overwhelm a space. Start small by adding a few textured or patterned accessories, and gradually build from there. While texture and pattern can add depth and interest to a space, it’s important not to overdo it. Too much texture or pattern can make a room feel cluttered and overwhelming. A good law of scan is to choose one or two focal points in a room and use texture and pattern to enhance those elements. For example, if you have a beautifully upholstered chair, you might choose a textured throw pillow or a patterned rug to complement it. It’s also vital to consider the size of the room. More texture or pattern can make the room feel smaller in a small space.

Conclusion

Incorporating texture and pattern into your interior design is a great way to add depth and interest to your space. You can create a visually appealing and comfortable atmosphere by starting with a neutral base, mixing textures, layering rugs, using patterned wallpaper, and incorporating plants. It’s essential to consider the room’s function, experiment with materials, and not overdo it with too many patterns and textures. With these tips and creativity, you can transform any room into a modish and attractive space.

By completing the cheapest online interior design degree, you should gain the knowledge and skills to effectively use texture and pattern in your interior design projects. However, gaining hands-on experience and practicing these techniques is also essential to master them.

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