How to Use Texture when Decorating Your Home

Imagine how boring the world would be without texture! The same can be said for decorating your home. When choosing items that will be on display in your home, look for things that say, "Reach out and touch me". I find myself doing this when I am out somewhere and an item catches my eye. When I touch it, I am basically exploring the possiblities of where or how I can use it in my home. I like the feel of smooth wood or the intricate stitching on a pillow, or the way certain types of baskets are weaved that seems like one smooth line. Texture can be used in every room of the house to make your decor a little more interesting.

In your Bedroom: Choose a comforter or bedspread with an alternating color or pattern on each side. This way you can pull back your spread at the head of the bed and then layer pillows of different sizes, shapes and colors over this. Fold or spread a throw or quilt at the foot of your bed. This creates a focal point in your room that is beautiful and that should make you happy every time you enter your bedroom.

In the Bathroom: Choose the prettiest fabric shower curtain that you can afford. I have even seen quilts used as shower curtains and that was very impressive! When you are deciding what type of a rug to use in your bathroom, look beyond the regular ho-hum bath mats and find one with a beautiful pattern or color. Just because it is a bathroom does not mean that you have to choose a bathroom type rug. Use your imagination.

In the Living Room: One word: Pillows! I think that they do the most in adding texture to this room. This is where your family likes to relax and where your guests usually hang out (unless you're cooking, and then it is usually the kitchen!). You can find pillows with stripes, flowers, buttons, tassels..you name it. I have seen pillows made of leather, brushed suede and hot pink fake fur! When you shop for pillows, whether at the store or online, look for unusual designs and for fabric that creates an impression. Most striped pillows use texture in their designs so that the stripes do not lie flat on the fabric. Quilted pillows look neat too, but don't use them if your look is ultra modern. It might throw some people off! Tassels and buttons look awesome, but be cautious if you have small children or inside pets that like to chew. We do not want any choking hazards!

In the Kitchen: In a room that is usually filled with wood, metal and plastic objects, it can sometimes be a challenge to create texture. Beautiful chair cushions and place mats can add warmth and comfort. If you have cushions in a pattern or print, pick out the dominant color and use that color when choosing your place mats and curtains. If you have a more formal kitchen or dining room, using chair covers with bows or ties looks very elegant.

Here are some more ideas to add texture to every room in your home:

Install ceramic tiles on your floor or on your walls.

Find tin ceiling tiles at your local Home Improvement store. They are making reproductions that really mimic the antique look.

Use interesting wood vases or figurines on your book shelf. Arrange them between your books to add visual appeal. Place some books vertically and some stacked horizontally.

Use fresh flowers whenever possible. If you are allergic, buy the best looking silk flowers that you can find.

Use tall plants in corners, and ivy or similiar creeping plant high on a shelf. Topiary plants always look nice, no matter the type of decor, but can be rather high maintenance.

Use fabrics to add warmth to any room.Choose your curtains carefully. If they are the wrong style or color for your room, they can make the whole room look "off".

Use decorative room dividers as accent pieces in corners of your room, or to hide something you would rather others not see. They can cleverly disguise a multitude of sins.

Metal sculptures and original canvas paintings make a statement all by themselves.

I hope that this article has given you some ideas that you can use and also inspired you to look around your home and begin some new projects that you can be proud of.