Over the past few years, combining textures in a room, rather than working with one look throughout, has become the ultimate style goal.

Previously, the focus would have been on matching all your interior choices, whereas now it’s all about mixing and matching to create something truly wonderful and unique to you.

In recent years, the industrial look has become one of the biggest interior trends and it’s the perfect blank canvas for adding an eclectic mix of tones and textures.

Rather than the stark warehouse style that we’ve seen before, the look has softened, bringing about a more feminine feel with designers now using texture in interior design to complement industrial and raw surfaces.

Here’s how you can get the look in your home…

What is texture in interior design? 

You could argue that the home is full of ‘textures’, but when it comes to interior design it’s the stand out pieces that really matter. Surfaces that catch the eye or have touchable tactile qualities are where your home really comes to life. Whether it’s from soft fabrics or harder surfaces like wood and stone, there’s so many different ways to add texture to your home decor.

Most of us will focus our attention on colour schemes and layout when designing a room, but textures are the last piece of the puzzle to take your decor to the next level.

British Ceramic Tile - Luna

Why texture is important in home decor 

A little texture can go a long way in the home, often providing the perfect balance between fixed fittings and all your decor & accessories. Not only are textures great for adding warmth to stark areas, but they also provide a visual weight to your overall design, especially in larger spaces.

To summarise, textures are the finishing touches that take you from being an interior novice to a pro!

British Ceramic Tile Mosaics

Types of texture in the home 

When it comes to choosing textures, there’s so much you can get your hands on – literally!

Start big and think about the surfaces of your larger pieces of furniture and how they will work together. Choosing between rustic wood and brick or smooth glass and stainless steel will set the tone and help you make the right decisions for the rest of the room.

Don’t forget to consider textured wallpaper and tactile tiles too. They’re great for adding visual interest without overwhelming your room design.

Decorative items with structured designs or soft finishes are the perfect way to complement your larger pieces of furniture. Don’t be afraid to mix and match when it comes to texture in the home.

HD Rustic Wood

Mix it up in the kitchen

Talking tiles

It’s all about contrasts that complement these days! Rather than sticking to one look, mixing up your textures is a surefire way to achieve a stylish kitchen – especially if you love the industrial look!

Raw finishes, like wood and concrete, make enough of a statement that it can easily handle contrasting textures next to it. Try pairing a grey concrete-effect floor with textured wall tiles such as our Industrial White ceramic tiles. This will soften the overall look of your kitchen without overwhelming the rest of the room.

Alternatively, go for something a little more subtle with the ripple effect of our New Brighton tiles. These tiles are great for adding a little visual interest to your space and go great with raw finishes, too.

British Ceramic Tile New Brighton

How to accessorise

Open plan kitchens with a lounge area are becoming a common sight in the home, meaning we’re introducing a mixture of textures into one larger space rather than multiple rooms.  

With that in mind, don’t be afraid to add textures of the softer kind to your kitchen turned lounge. Chunky knit cushions and throws contrast beautifully against industrial backdrops, as do statement velvet covered pieces of furniture.

It’s not all about the soft furnishings either. Decorative items, such as vases and candles, with structured or geometric designs can be all the finishing touches your room needs.

Give your bathroom some shade

Talking tiles

The industrial look is surprisingly versatile, so if you think it’s all about cool, harsh finishes, think again! You can easily soften things up with a bit of tone and texture, especially in the bathroom.

For a more rustic approach to your bathroom interior, our Ted Baker Partridge tiles make a great choice, or, for something a little more modern,  consider the Ted Baker VersaTiles instead. Both these choices are great for adding a little depth to your room without much effort on your part.

We love seeing bathrooms that combine raw finishes too. Using both concrete-effect and wood-effect tiles in the same space creates a softer overall look that keeps things nice and homely too.

Ted Baker TacTile

How to accessorise

When you’re mixing up textures in a bathroom, it can be easy to tip over into ‘too much’ territory – especially if you’re working with a small space.

Sticking to a select palette of shades that complement your more industrial led surfaces will bring out the best in your varying textures. Plenty of soft furnishing will help keep things cosy, so play with towels and blankets throughout the room. Introducing plants will take the edge off harsh finishes, whilst metallic touches within your bathroom storage, holders, and decorative items will keep things looking super stylish.

If you love a bit of greenery about the house, then be sure to pick your favourite house plants for the bathroom too. Not only will they add a splash of colour, but they’ll add an extra depth of interest to the room too. From big leafy palms to funky cacti, mix and match to your heart’s content.

Getting cosy in the bedroom

Talking tiles

Feeling cosy is a priority for most when it comes to revamping your bedroom. This often includes lots of soft, plush surfaces from bed covers and curtains to rugs and more! To keep things a little more balanced when it comes to textures, consider using tiles in the bedroom instead of carpets or laminate flooring.

Tiles are the more durable option and offer up way more choice when it comes to the latest trends. A favourite of ours is the Ted Baker Partridge tile with its classic rococo pattern. Offering a rustic charm and textured finish, this is a great example of using a softer tile design for a cosier finish. 

Ted Baker Partridge

How to accessorise

It’s easy to go overboard with soft furnishings in the bedroom for obvious reasons – it’s the place we want to be most comfortable after all!

When it comes to finding the perfect balance of textures in the bedroom, it’s all about the accessorising. Working with a hard floor and a rug instead of carpet will add a visual depth to the room, as will a statement mirror or clock.

We love stylish lamps and ornaments in bronze or gold for the bedroom as they bring a shiny, smooth surface into the mix. Ceramic candles and plant pots with structured finishes add an a extra level of detail, too.

V&A The Serenity Collection

Living it up in the lounge

Talking tiles

We’re a generation who love open plan spaces, which is why so many of us dream of combining their kitchen and living room into one. The decision to do so comes with a few textural conundrums though, as you try to make two spaces with different purposes fit one overall design. Finding the balance can be tricky!

Working with tiles throughout your living space ensures you’re covering all aspects of practicalities without compromising on design. Our Laura Ashley Heritage Collection  offers a homely finish that works in both relaxed and busy environments.

For stand alone lounge areas, try working with tiled accent features instead. Spruce up a fireplace with patterned tiles or create a statement wall with tactile and oh-so-touchable tiles.

Laura Ashley Heritage Collection

How to accessorise

Colours and themes that offer a cosy energy are what we desire in a living room, but what about textures?

Leather bound accessories, wicker furniture and rustic surfaces are perfect for creating homely surroundings. That, combined with statement prints, velvet cushions, faux-fur throws and a decorative trinket or two, is all the texture you need!

Common mistakes when using texture

There really is no wrong or right way to use texture in the home, it all comes down to your interior preferences. Your style and room size can all have an impact on how much texture you use, so go with your gut when it comes to those finishing touches.

A top tip from us is to limit the amount of similar textures you use in one space, in particular when it comes to cushions and throws!

You’re now ready to start playing with texture in your home! Start planning your unique textured look today...