I was in Upper Street yesterday turning it all around and I have to say it’s looking beyond beautiful (if I’m allowed to say such things)! A lot of the own label vases have arrived as have the string lights, more flowers, new lighting, its looking good. I’ve pulled something in my back lifting and changing it all around but apart from that, I’m super happy.
I bang on about this a lot, but texture is such a majorly important part of the decorating puzzle. Think of it as a herb, it adds instant pizazz and intrigue. Trouble is when you say to add pattern, or colour or more lamps even (my personal crusade!) people instantly get what you mean, but sometimes seem to struggle more with texture. So without further ado, here’s my mini master class on texture, and why you can never overdose on it!
As I’ve said before, this is all about combining enough different textures. The rough, smooth, and soft all need to mingle up against each other. I’d say start with the soft stuff first. This is the funnest bit, where you’re gathering up fluffy, tactile, strokable accessories. Think deep pile fluffy rugs, slubby blankets, sheepskins and cushions. The cosy stuff!
Now you need to combine and contrast. Add in some sleek, smooth, glossy surfaces. Think lacquers, glass, mirrors and shiny metals. I’m a big fan of metallics that bounce the light around at night and during the day magically!
Opposites attract – how true is that – and with texture it looks even more amazing when you partner it with a completely opposing texture. You should know that we’re trying to create as much friction as possible. For example partner a roughly hewn coffee table next to a luxe velvet or wooly upholstered chair. Nice!
Mix silky, delicate textures with more rough rustic textures – it makes them both look way more interesting than they would on their own. Combine and contrast textures in areas I’m talking a cluster of contrasting textures on a sofa, objects on a mantle it adds more impact.
The quickest shortcut to turning your space into somewhere more interesting and textural is something you almost certainly already have! I can’t rave enough about decorating with books. Use them as another decorating element, stack them up as part of your tablescape, swap them round on the shelf. They add amazing texture to little spaces, consoles and whole bookcases.
My point is don’t get too strung up on always using actual texture – you get texture through so many things – tiles, a paint treatment, wallpaper. Plants and greenery add oodles of texture, as do flowers. Anything goes!
Best of all, unlike pattern or colour you can never really overdose when it comes to texture. But in order to make your room feel even more cohesive and luxurious repeat textures throughout the scheme. Like I have woollen cushions and poufs, or heaps of wood and wooden plinths which double duty as side tables. You could have woven baskets and jute flooring; shimmery glass t-lights and mirrors that kind of thing.
Happy decorating!