Texture

Today is a sick day for me, and an opportunity to indulge a desire

to meditate on the use of texture in living spaces.

Using a variety of textures is a must

when pulling together a neutral color scheme.

If color is the body of a room,

then texture is the soul.

It elevates a room beyond the visual

and into the sensuous.

Softness, warmth, and comfort are all qualities that are derived from

smart use of texture.

In the main room of my house,

there is a multitude of textures.

Here you see gray velvet chairs

ultimately touchable and luxurious,

flanking a white painted table.

The table is decorated with fresh, fluffy flowers;

a chrome lamp topped with a linen shade;

a stack of woven boxes; a matted photograph; and frosted glass

votive holders.

On the wall above are an etched mirror and pressed

botanicals, also textural elements.

This photo shows the flooring change from glowing pine

to soft carpeting. The metal bed adds contrast in both color

and material.

Bookshelves are a great way to introduce texture and interest

to a room (although they can easily become a catchall, as mine seem to have done here).

Rustic baskets and books of all sizes line the shelves.

Books represent knowledge, escape, and relaxation,

begging to be opened and devoured.




A wool rug at the front door denotes a tiny entry.

Flooring sets the tone of a room and is one of the largest

sources of texture in the house. Paneled doors and routered edges

add texture and depth to furniture. Even video boxes provide

visual interest and invite you to spend some time in repose.

The close-ups that follow reveal additional detail.





Dried hydrangeas from the garden pair with a woven bee skep

and a black-and-white photo atop a bookshelf.

A vignette consisting of a potted, cloche-covered plant; crystal candle sticks;

a silver candle holder; a deer antler; a frosted glass votive;

and a thickly woven table runner sits atop an antique dresser.

Houseplants add living texture.

Fresh flowers delight all the senses.

The matelaisse spread on my bed feels delightful

beneath the fingertips (so does Igby's fur).

As a tactile person, one who is often running my hands over fabrics

and materials, having a variety of things to touch

makes spaces feel more peaceful to me.

I often run my hands up and down the arm rests on those

velvet chairs.

On cold nights, I snuggle beneath the fuzzy wool blanket while

watching movies.

And on hot days, the cotton canvas slipcovers stay cool to the touch.

I invite you to consider the textural elements in your own home

and to use this aspect of design to breathe depth into your own rooms

and comfort into your life.

Until next time...

Anne