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Friday, February 8, 2013

Making a Nice looking Room Look GREAT!!!

 

Today I want to talk about something that can make a nice room turn into a GREAT room.

We have all heard the word TEXTURE many times, but have you ever thought of how important it is in a well designed room.

Often times you might see a room that you think looks pretty, but it is not GREAT! Chances are the room is void of varying types of textures.

When you here the word texture it will often conjure up the image of something rough. Truth be told there are, rough, shiny, and smooth textures that need to be considered.
Try This

Now for a little exercise…… Choose one room in your house.  Now walk into that room with fresh eyes.

See if you can list the varied textures in your room. Is there a balance? You need all three textures in a room to keep it balanced and interesting, rough, shiny and smooth.

Personally I did not have enough rough textures in my room. I tend to like things that are more smooth or shiny. 

NEXT STEP

Write down what textures you have, and don’t have in your room. What textures are lacking in your room? 

Personally I needed more rough textures in my room.

TIME TO FIGURE OUT WHAT  YOU CAN ADD TO YOUR ROOM!

I needed  to figure out what elements I like that would come in a rough texture. For me it was baskets, and cutting boards. I love both of these elements, and they can give some interest to my room.

HELP!

Do not fear, Kathysue is HERE!!

For a little help I made a list for you  that might help guide you in your observations, and in choosing textural elements for your room.

Let’s look at a few elements that will give texture to a room, and maybe you will find something you like…..
Rough
Baskets….Clay pots…….Plants



Notice in the image below the rough stone, nubby throw, rough hewn wood mantel. Even the  rug has a rough texture. You will find shine in the candle holders and smooth finishes in the pottery pieces.


Wood Beams

Source: houzz.com via Rachael on Pinterest

Next you will see a list for shiny, and smooth elements that you  can add to your rooms.

SHINY
Mirrors
Candlesticks
Pottery,ceramic, porcelain pieces
Lacquered furniture
Light fixtures
Hardware
Natural stone (this can fit in all three categories, depending on the finish your get, shiny or honed.)


SMOOTH

Upholstery
Flooring
Wood finishes
Painted finishes
Ceramics, porcelain, pottery pieces
Tile

I am going to now show you a few rooms that have varied their textures.  Now you can see what a difference it can make in making your room NICE or GREAT!



Let’s look at another image……..


Can you pick out all of the different textures in this room?
 Remember, rough, shiny, smooth.

One more…….

So by now I think you probably get the picture! 

If you feel your room is missing a little 
Something-Something it just might be missing a good dose of textures.

Are you ready to go into your own personal space and evaluate the textures?

LET THE TEXTURE GAMES BEGIN!!

 

15 comments:

The enchanted home said...

Great post..once again. You are right so many hear the word texture but my guess is the average person doesn't totally understand how to bring it into the home..well now they do! Wonderful user friendly post and I agree with every word!

Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies said...

EXCELLENT!
You are a fabulous teacher.
Would write more, but I'm traveling through the house "counting"

Babs said...

Great post Kathysue! Before I started visiting blogs and blogging, I was a "big picture" person..seeing a room I liked, but not knowing why I liked it. It's so neat to be able to analyze a room and understand why it works. One of the things that I discovered was that I like contrasts..in colors and textures. Thanks for your informative post. I'm off to analyze my rooms.

Susan said...

I loved this post! You did a super job of explaining texture - thank you~

Grace @ Sense and Simplicity said...

Such a good post. I always read about texture and know to add some fluffy pillows or something, but not having it broken down into three groups. That explains why I find my front hall grouping pleasing to the eye - mirror is shiny, picture frames are smooth, and basket hung on the hook is rough. So useful- thanks.

michele said...

brilliant examples! i'm swooning.

smiles.

michele

Ann from On Sutton Place said...

Love this post. I struggle a bit with texture but I'm getting better. I have baskets, a layered rug and preserved boxwood. A few more things would add that extra touch for sure!

Mumbai said...

When I enter a room I look only for seconds at the "big picture" and I like it or not but looking at the many details can change your first impression. Your careful explanation
helps a lot and you are a good design-teacher.

Linda Hartong said...

My favorite element in designing a room. Nice post.

Unknown said...

rough, shiny, smooth! Love that quip- one I'll remember to pass on. Great tips! Have a nice weekend KathySue!
xo Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com

Leslie said...

Wonderful post! Varied textures ARE so important .. but as you say, you really need to step back, and and take a fresh look every now and then. The addition of plants, the zebra rug, the wood in the kitchen.. there is so much inspiration here :)

Enjoy your weekend!

The Pink Pagoda said...

You're so right, Kathysue! Bringing the rough into a room is the hardest for me, but I'm working on it!

Melinda said...

Thank you for pointing out things I know but don't realise and for making the decorating of rooms such a formulaic process which makes it easier to follow and recreate. I have analysed all my rooms, and now I kow what I need to add or remove.

pam {simple details} said...

You're right Kathysue, texture makes all the difference! Love a little weathered rustic paired with my glam to keep it interesting. Great examples!

vignette design said...

Great post Kathysue. Hope you're enjoying this beautiful weather. Looks like it's here to stay for a while!