Mixing textures in your home

First of all, what does “mixing textures” or “blend of textures” actually mean? At face value, it’s one of the most vague phrases I’ve ever heard - it tells me virtually nothing. Yet, I hear people refer to “texture” all the time on HGTV. (Nothing against HGTV, I’m just using it as a reference most people are familiar with). The homeowner describes their style as a “blend of textures” and suddenly they and the designer are eagerly nodding their heads in unison as if some mutual understanding was reached. Admittedly, I do understand the spirit of the phrase. But just so you know, as a designer, it gives zero clarity on design direction. Stepping off my soap box now….

So how do we do it, and what does “blending textures” (vaguely) mean? Mixing textures is a means to an end: creating a balanced room temperature, and creating a particular mood or style. I could write a book on these, so in this post I’m just going to focus on using texture to create a balanced room temperature. I’m not talking about thermostat temperature. I’m referring to visual temperature.

Whenever you add textural variation it almost always adds warmth, and warmth is mission critical to make a space feel inviting.

For example, placing a live-edge bench in a contemporary white hallway would add much more warmth than an acrylic bench. Here is where the texture conversation gets a little more complex. Are we talking about adding texture with building materials or decor? Or both?

The jackpot of perfectly blended textures starts with the building materials.

There is a positive correlation between the amount of money spent and the degree to which you create the perfect temperature balance (see what I did there?) Faux materials do not have the same temperature impact that real materials do. Fake wood isn’t warm the way real wood is, and faux marble doesn’t create the same cooling effect compared to real marble. The list goes on. Even though two materials might look extremely similar, they don’t necessarily create the same “feel”. White painted drywall and white plaster can look very similar, but they will always have wildly different impacts on room temperature. Please re-read that sentence and let it sink in.

I’m going to interrupt myself to tell you that textured drywall, in my not so humble opinion, should be banned for how ugly and impractical it is. The worst part is, sprayed drywall texture actually does add warmth to the room, and not in a tropical Hawaiian island kind of way. Rather, it adds warmth in a humid swamp kind of way where no amount of mosquito repellent will prevent you from being eaten alive. Instead of texturing drywall, please spend the extra money to get smooth walls if you are currently building a house or plan to. I will write an entire post on the travesty of textured drywall, but for now, please just trust me. Smooth walls, level 5 drywall finish all the way. Ok. Back to the program.

Creating Texture with Building Materials

Building materials do impact the temperature of a room. Let’s look at a few examples. First we have the Westlake Dermatology building in Marble Falls, designed by architect Matt Fajkus of MF Architecture. This building speaks to my soul.

Location: Marble Falls, Texas | Phase: Completion 2017 | Architecture Team: Matt Fajkus, Jayson Kabala, Ian M Ellis, David Birt | General Contractor: Zapalac Reed | Furniture Selection: Allison Burke Interior Design | Structural Engineer: MJ Structures | MEP Engineer: DBR Engineering Consultants | Civil Engineer: LJA Engineering | Landscape Architect: Eden Garden Design | AV: Smart Systems – Austin, TX | Photography Logistics: Nitsche Events | Photography: Charles Davis Smith, FAIA

Location: Marble Falls, Texas | Phase: Completion 2017 | Architecture Team: Matt Fajkus, Jayson Kabala, Ian M Ellis, David Birt | General Contractor: Zapalac Reed | Furniture Selection: Allison Burke Interior Design | Structural Engineer: MJ Structures | MEP Engineer: DBR Engineering Consultants | Civil Engineer: LJA Engineering | Landscape Architect: Eden Garden Design | AV: Smart Systems – Austin, TX | Photography Logistics: Nitsche Events | Photography: Charles Davis Smith, FAIA

If you look at the first picture of the outside of the building, you can see the effect the glass has next to the concrete. Glass is a cool temperature material because it reflects light and is ultra smooth. This is a great lesson. Putting opposite textures next to each other maximizes their impact, and balances the visual temperature. Looking at the interior, the concrete ceiling, metal, wood panels, and the notched detailing in the wood paneled wall, all combine in a delightful mix. The softness of the rug contrasts all the other hard materials, adding warmth.

Notice the tone variations in the concrete ceiling. Even though the surface feels smooth to the touch, the variation in the grey tones create warmth, and thus, I would say tonal variation is one of the effects people could be referring to when they say they want “texture”.

Let’s look at another example.

Creating Texture With Finishes and Decor

This example is one of my favorites - a home built by Koch Construction called the Scenic Drive Project. The stone walls that extend from the exterior to the interior paralyze me with… I don’t know what the word is. There isn’t one in english. But it feels like I’m looking at heaven.

Architect: Ryan Street Architects, Builder: Koch Construction, Interior Designer: Studio A Group, Photographer: Ryann Ford

Architect: Ryan Street Architects, Builder: Koch Construction, Interior Designer: Studio A Group, Photographer: Ryann Ford

Let’s unpack this image. To me, this is the holy grail of “mixed textures”. We are now venturing beyond the role of building materials to the role that finishes and decor play in contributing to a room’s textural palette. By finishes, I mean every finished surface that you see - walls, floors, ceiling, even windows and inside the firebox. Looking at the fireplace, we have a layered texture effect with the coarse stone surround against the mortared wall. TAKE A NOTE. The wall and surround are similar in color which makes them cohesive together, but the texture variation on the surround creates an accent. You can use this method anywhere to create accents that are cohesive - keep the color consistent but vary the texture.

Remember, one of the best ways to create cohesion is repeating your color scheme over and over again across materials. We see that in the rug choice, which is arguably another texture that ties with the wall and surround.

Stay with me, I’m almost done. I can’t resist talking about the herringbone rose colored tile in the firebox. It is pure joy! Look closely and it appears to be ungrouted, which creates an organic look and another type of textured effect.

There is alot of warmth in this room. But it is cooled by the shiny sleek surfaces, for example the silver decor on the mantle, the goldleaf on the frames, and even the polish on the wood chair frame. When you think “mixed textures” this is a space that should come to mind.

Architect: Ryan Street Architects, Builder: Koch Construction, Interior Designer: Studio A Group, Photographer: Ryann Ford

Architect: Ryan Street Architects, Builder: Koch Construction, Interior Designer: Studio A Group, Photographer: Ryann Ford

The next time you go to blend textures, remember that you are embarking on a mission to set the room’s temperature. Maybe you want it to feel warmer, maybe you want it to feel colder. Evaluate each finish and item in terms of whether it comes across as “cold” or “warm” and experiment with placing opposites next to one another. Try to strike a balance that feels good to you, and remember there are thousands of “right” answers when it comes to interior design.

Thank you for reading my blog post! Cheers!