I've been told that because I'm a Taurus, I will always interpret the world around me through heightened senses. Perhaps the stars predestined me to do what I do for a living.

How something is sensed in the world of design happens primarily through texture. It is perhaps one of the most vital elements in interior design. It is that feeling when entering a space, walking on the floors, sitting down in a piece of furniture and taking in the whole room. 

Creating texture is not simply just about how decor and furnishings feel, but it's also about visual texture. It's a way of adding depth and dimension. Rugs are often the first place to start when building color and pattern into a room. Using objects of art, fabrics, wall coverings, wallpaper, toss pillows, throws, and elements like glass, ceramic, wood, stone, and metal – all add visual interest.

Texture itself is sensed in a variety of ways.

To the touch. Experiencing more than one texture in a composition has so much more depth and interest, that you'll often see designers layering a variety of materials together to create something wonderful–much like you would dress with clothing. Running your fingers through the nap of velvet, across a blended tightly woven fabric, and finishing on a sumptuous knitted material just feels good in your hand, all the way to your fingertips!

Sight. Texture doesn't have to be inherent in a material itself...it can be created with pattern and scale of pattern. A small geometric pattern layered atop a solid material– from a distance can often 'fade to a texture' and appear as a woven or nubby fabric when in fact it may be quite one dimensional.

Hearing. Buying a piece of furniture that squeaks when you move can be quite disconcerting let alone embarrassing. (you all know what I mean). A particular type of flooring material may look great and match perfectly with your cabinetry color-wise, but when you actually walk on it, the texture of it may produce a sound like hollow tapping on plastic which is NOT the sound of quality, comfort, or peace & quiet.

The smell of a new leather sofa can definitely delight the senses much like that new car aroma–emanating warmth and comfort.

Taste. While I most certainly do not profess to taking a bite out of a chair arm to see how it tastes, your dog might! Needless to say, the one and only sense that texture in design will not stimulate are the taste buds but I have heard people say "that fabric is yummy."

Remember, the key is mixing materials and layering – creating harmony in the whole room. Quite literally, texture is woven into the very fabric of interior design.

Stop into DesignBar Home Furnishings and check out all of our varieties of textural yumminess. We have an extensive collection of beautiful items that will bring more aliveness to your personal style. Our team is here to help you pull it all together!