The 7 Elements of Interior Design: Why Texture Makes All the Difference
- wildkindinteriors
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Written by Louise Wynne, Founder of WildKind Interiors
It’s been, ahem, some time since we dived into the 7 Elements of Interior Design series. I got slightly sidetracked with other blogs. So here I am, bringing it back and it turns out we’re almost at the end. We’re on Element 6.
An element that’s often overlooked but makes a huge difference: texture.
If you’ve ever looked at a beautifully styled space and thought, “Why does this feel so inviting?” chances are, texture played a big part in that.
It’s one of those behind-the-scenes interior design tools that transforms a room from flat and uninspiring to layered, interesting, and yes, more valuable.
Let’s go!
Texture: The Secret Sauce of Interior Design (sorry to use that phrase, but it is!)
Texture refers to the way things feel – or better still, the way they look like they feel. It brings depth, warmth, and tactility to a space, stopping that flat, one dimensional and oh so boring feeling.
It can be many things too, from soft and cosy (like a velvet cushion), rough and rustic (like a raw timber coffee table), or sleek and smooth (like polished marble). It’s not just about physical surfaces, it’s visual too. Even something you don’t physically touch, like a boucle armchair in a photo, can evoke a feeling of softness and warmth.
And what I really love about it in modern times is that something can look like it has texture but actually has no texture whatsoever, for example, a wallpaper printed to look like panelling or linen, but at a fraction of the price of the real deal. Clever, eh?
Why Texture Matters in Interior Design and Property Staging
When staging a home for sale or rent, most people focus on colours, layout, and furniture. All important, of course. But if you choose to ignore or rush through the process of adding texture, the space risks feeling flat – a bit meh, basically.
Texture adds dimension, creates contrast, and appeals to the senses. That’s what helps sell and rent properties. People want to imagine how a space will feel to live in, not just how it looks on Rightmove. Yeah, I know I’ve said that sentence seventy gazillion times, but I can’t promise not to say it another XXX times!
Here’s how to use texture smartly:
Layer It Up
One of the easiest ways to add texture is by layering materials:
Cushions and throws in varying fabrics; cotton, linen, velvet, boucle. Yum!
Rugs that contrast with hard floors (jute over wood is my personal fave, and I also layer a carpet with a jute rug if I feel the need i.e. where a developer has used a mid to dark grey carpet!)
Soft furnishings like upholstered headboards or window treatments all add softness and help to reduce echo.
Natural elements like rattan, wood, wool, and stone – and the beauty is, these natural materials just never, ever date.
Metal accents that add a cool, contrasting edge. A little goes a long way though, so don’t go mad!
Texture on Walls and Surfaces
If you want to push your interior design further (and make it stand out in a crowded market), think beyond soft furnishings:
Paint finishes: Matt vs. satin vs. gloss can completely change how a colour reads.
Panelling or mouldings: Even subtle details make a big difference to perceived quality – and panelling is relatively simple and inexpensive to use.
Wallpaper: Choose one with a slight raised texture for a premium feel, even in neutral tones.
Tiling: A zellige tile or herringbone layout adds texture through layout and finish.
Think About Your Market
This again! But it’s so important.
Serviced Accommodation: Go soft, tactile, and cosy. Guests want comfort and Instagrammable corners (I know, maybe cringe to you but they do!).
HMO rooms: Use texture to add individuality; rattan lampshades, velvet cushions, cork pinboards are all inexpensive options.
High-end flips: Combine luxurious textures (brass, marble, quartz) to signal quality and attention to detail.
And finally, here are my 5 ideas for using texture in unexpected (but clever) ways…
1. Layering Paint in the Same Hue
Clever use of paint, by layering the same hue in two or three tones, is an inexpensive way to add the feeling of texture to a room. It tricks the eye into perceiving depth – even when surfaces are smooth.
2. Use Colour Variations for Textural Interest
Conversely, too much of one colour and a room can feel bland. Layering different tones, finishes, or undertones of the same shade adds depth, dimension, and the illusion of texture, without adding clutter.
3. Mixing Hard and Soft in Furniture
Use a solid, angular coffee table (like concrete or stone) with super soft, curvy armchairs or a faux fur throw. The contrast between hard and soft creates a visual texture that feels well thought through.
4. Using Plants as a Textural Element Plants are way more than just greenery – they add texture too. Think trailing foliage against matte walls, spiky sansevieria in a smooth ceramic pot, or a big rubber plant with glossy leaves next to tan leather upholstery. It’s tactile, dynamic, and changes with the light.
5. Layering Panelling with Soft Furnishings
Add painted wall panelling behind a bed, then layer it with an oversized fabric headboard or padded wall cushion. It’s an easy way to mix hard and soft textures for a boutique look that feels high end without the price tag.
So to summarise… all hail texture!
It doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, but it’s a big part of what makes a room feel considered, comfortable, and real. It’s the difference between a space that looks OK in photos and one that actually connects with people; whether that’s a buyer, guest, or tenant.
So next time you’re planning a scheme, whether it’s a flip or a rental, don’t just ask, “Does it look good?” Ask, “How does it feel?”
And then add the texture!
Next up? Pattern. Pattern’s one of the most misunderstood elements in interior design, but done right, it can totally transform a space. I LOVE pattern and I’m absolutely not scared of it (some people are). I’ll talk about how to use pattern like a pro!
About the author: Louise Wynne has been designing, styling and installing showhomes since 2006. Combining interior design and styling with her colour psychology expertise, Louise gets to the heart of her clients' requirements.
