Sublime Surfaces

Sublime

Surfaces

Bring More to Your Décor With Texture

By Tracy Ellison

Have you ever wondered why a beautifully decorated room feels so right? A lot of it has to do with the perfect amount of texture that’s been infused into the design. From cool metallics to rough-hewn woods to sumptuous fabrics, adding tactile interest is essential to the decorating aesthetic. With many vacation plans on hold, now is the perfect time to get started on this indoor project that will lend just the right touch to your interiors.

Cards on the Table

Reveal your vibe through tabletop surfaces that speak your language. Sleek and smooth, strong and hearty, reflective and resilient. From live-edge natural stone slabs to history-aged burled wood to polished-to-perfection metals that gleam, texture comes in all forms for a multitude of table surfaces. Whether it’s a

counter, bar, sideboard, desk or dresser, these main-stage performers command significant attention in a room. So, begin with them as your jumping-off point for all other textures to follow. Keep in mind, a mix of tactile elements should mingle harmoniously. One way to encourage congenial combinations is to recognize that opposites attract. Juxtapose weightier metal objects with barely-there glass and mirrored surfaces. Balance the rugged, coarse nature of wood or rattan against smooth-as-ice stone. Remember, powerful pairings resonate in utterly unique surroundings.

Feel It Head to Toe

Though you may not think much about what’s underfoot, the floor covers a lot of influential tactile territory. Use this expanse to make a statement in every room, from natural wood that speaks to nature, to textural matte tiles or glossier, reflective stone flooring. Perhaps a softer approach is in your floor plan. Then lay it on thick with a plush accent rug of shag, chenille or faux fur to shake things up. Layer rug over rug for even more ground floor action. And be sure to look up for inspiration as well. The ceiling holds exciting textural opportunities: rugged exposed beams, architectural coffered grids and decorative faux plaster medallions will definitely raise the design quotient.

Lean on These

Call on all four walls to do their fair share to

impart texture within. Whether it’s the subtle sheen of a reflective paint finish, the timeless chic of grass cloth or a dimension-inducing patterned wallpaper, give your vertical surfaces the full tactile treatment. Consider introducing crown moldings and chair rails into the equation and build on the touchable intrigue. It may even be fun to add a trompe l’oeil effect to give the illusion that something more than mere paint awaits. Create even more sensory sensations by accentuating the windows and inspire a specific atmosphere with airy, ethereal gossamer sheers, down-to-earth wood blinds or sophisticated silken Roman shades. Count on interesting walls to hold their own in the textural scheme of things.

Bring in the Attitude

Once your texture is established on essentials like sofas, tables, walls and flooring, it’s time to breathe some soul into the room.

Spark tactile drama with accents and found treasures you may have acquired along the way, perhaps from your favorite flea market in Paris. Bring in the unexpected – a translucent colored pool of organically shaped Murano glass nestled among a series of square metallic stacked bowls. Or a perforated brass Moroccan lampshade hovering above a Louis XVI-style pink velvet chair. Intriguing items imbue ambience; however, placement is key. Strategically separate similar textures so they quietly nod to one another from across the room – it’s a little interior design secret that creates a big impact.

When you’re ready to begin designing your perfectly appointed interiors with tactiletempting elements, start introducing items slowly. Find balance in color, weight and material. Then wait for the response. You’ll know soon enough if your adventure in texture is successful – when visitors feel the need to

reach out and touch everything in the room, yet they’re not quite sure how to put a finger on why it all feels so right.