How to Add Texture to Your Home
Texture can make a boring room lively and vibrant. To add texture into a room or area, these ideas can help – textured walls, fabric hangings, tiles, wainscoting, and stone veneers. No matter what style you choose, there will always be something that can suit your needs and preferences.
There’s a difference between a room that’s visually
appealing and one that has character. Color, layout, and furnishings make your
room attractive, but they don’t always make it unique and interesting. Often, a
well-thought out room turns out rather unremarkable simply because it’s too
sleek and clean-cut. If your room lacks that extra flourish, you probably need a
bit of texture.
Texture breaks the monotony of color in your walls and adds
dimension to your room. If you know the right tricks, even a small patch of
texture can become your room’s focal point. But the best thing about it is that
you can do it yourself, using only a few simple tools.
There are several ways to add texture, from simple add-ons to
direct wall applications. No matter what your style is, there’s sure to be one
that will work for you. Here are some texturing techniques you might want to
try.
1. Textured walls
This is what most people think about when they think of
texturing. A textured wall is painted in a creative pattern instead of a solid
block of color. You can texture just one wall and make it a focal point, or do
two or more if you have a large room. Start with a base color—the main color in
the rest of the room—and add a texture layer in a contrasting or complementary
shade. You can do this by sponging or rubbing the paint on, or using a patterned
paint roller. There are all sorts of texture patterns you can use, from soft,
cloud-like finishes to stone and floral designs.
Alternatively, you can use textured wallpaper if you don’t
have a steady hand. Some of them come already colored and ready to use, while
others have embossed patterns you have to paint on. Fiber-based wallpapers such
as grass cloth can be used on their own and require a bit less work.
2. Fabric hangings
Fabrics have been used
decoratively for centuries, although we’ve only recently discovered their use
for texture. Curtains are the cheapest way to decorate with fabric, although
you can hang a cloth anywhere you like. Laid flat against the wall, they make a
great contrast against the smooth surface and solid color. A cloth painting or
tapestry will look great against a plain, neutral-colored wall. Wall fabrics
can be expensive, but you can always improvise by hand-painting your own or
using fabrics you already have.
3. Tiles
For your kitchen or bathroom, ceramic tiles provide a double
deal: they make a functional backsplash and spruce up your wall at the same
time. You don’t have to cover your entire wall; most people tile bathroom walls
up to eye level and paint the rest in a complementary color. Another option is
to tile it all the way up, but with a row of small colorful tiles at eye level
to break up the space.
In the kitchen, try tiling up the wall just above your sink
and counter. Effectively, you’ll be creating a backsplash as well as a wall
accent. Most backsplash areas are too small to add accent tiles, so try going
for bolder colors. If your counter is your kitchen’s focal point, creative tiling
can make it all the more attractive.
4. Wainscoting
A wainscot is a panel of wood covering the lower half of a
wall, usually topped with a decorative bar or cornice. Wainscoting creates a
cozy, traditional look while protecting the drywall underneath. An additional
panel at the bottom provides an added accent and serves as a foot-guard. Traditional
wainscoting uses solid wood, although you can make your own with polished
plywood or a pre-made wainscoting board.
For a more dramatic effect, consider getting beadboard
wainscoting. A beadbord is basically a textured wainscot, made from several thin
slats instead of a flat board. The pattern makes it more interesting and eliminates
the need for additional texture. This works great especially if you already have
a beadboard ceiling.
5. Stone veneers
If you like the look of rural lodges, a brick veneer may be
best for you. Brick and stone veneers add a rustic, country feel to your home
while giving your walls additional texture. If you have a large fireplace, try
placing the veneer around the border or creating an arch over the top. You can
also veneer an entire wall and turn it into a feature wall, creating an instant
focal point. Use faux stone or brick if you the real thing too expensive.