This year we’ve seen texture become the hero in many interior spaces. Whether through upholstery, wall finishes or ceramic accessories; our desire for the natural is shining through. So why has this trend taken us by storm and how can you achieve it within your next interior project? In an era of high-tech media, bright light cities and isolation caused by lock-down; it’s understandable that us humans are craving to be surrounded by all things that emulate the landscapes we miss, and nothing is more natural than raw, organic feeling textures. Here are some easy ways to create your next Instagram-able space using texture.
Choose your colours
Because this texturised based trend is expressive of sand, bark, cement - and all other things that feel good to touch on a bush walk - bold colours would be a negative contrast to the organic vibe that texture creates. Use earthy colours like ochre, beiges, and browns and if injecting a more striking colour like orange or green, make it a ‘muddy’ toned one.
Picture: Phu Tang Photography
Choose your finish
Matte reigns supreme when choosing a textural finish. Again, this feels truer to the ambience that is desirable. Some excellent examples of successful matte-textural finishes include Caesarstone’s Concrete range stone and Dulux’s Tuscan Suede and Stone Effects range paint. That being said, in the correct medium, the way that light reflects off a surface can also create a magical moment highlighting texture. A favourite wall finish that we regularly use is Porters Paint’s Fresco finish with Wax Stucco. The addition of the glossy wax finish (best applied by a professional) creates a bold statement in any space. Selecting a mix of glazed (glossy) and matte ceramics is a beautiful way to not only support a local artist, but to also inject some personality into your home. A cluster of ceramics (vases, bowls, incense burners) is a simple way to achieve layered texture.
Picture: Left- Phu Tang Photography, Right- Mike Gallagher Photography
Choose your application
The approach of adding styling elements is especially suited for those renting their homes. Here is a list of elements that can be selected to easily incorporate texture into your space;
Dried flowers; think palm leaves and native flora.
Cushions; think boucle and felted wool fabrics.
Ceramics; think travertine stone, terracotta and beige clay.
Artwork; think oil paintings with broad layered brush strokes in muddy tones.
Small furniture pieces; think natural timber, rattan, and stone (the Plinths by En Gold are a winner on price point and style).
If you have the luxury of applying more permanent finishes; wall tiles, wall paint or wall render, pendant lights and joinery are all ways that texture can be expressed.
Picture: Left- Mike Gallagher Photography, Right- Maree Homer Photography
Whilst this texture influx is undoubtably a trend, it’s one we’ll be continuing to implement for many years to come because unlike some colours and styles; ‘natural’ is never polarising. Our advice; embrace this trend, jump on the band wagon and create an organic looking, harmonising space for yourself.
WORDS | Sophie Bowers, Strutt Studios
IMAGES | Supplied
