Elevate Your Space with Texture: A Design Guide
- Citrus Velvet
- Mar 4
- 5 min read
Here are Citrus Velvet Interiors, one of the many design goals we have for your space is creating a space that feels good to you. I mean picture this: You walk into a room, and it just feels good. Cozy, sophisticated, interesting—like a Pinterest board came to life. But what’s the secret sauce behind that effortlessly stylish vibe? Texture, my friend.
Texture is the unsung hero of interior design, the thing that takes a space from “meh” to “yesssss” without breaking the bank or requiring a degree in feng shui. Whether your home is channeling minimalist chic, boho dreams, or modern glam, layering textures is the design hack you didn’t know you needed. So, let’s talk about how to make your space feel as good as it looks.
1. Mix Up Your Materials
Think of your room like a great outfit. You wouldn’t wear head-to-toe denim (unless you’re pulling off a very strong Canadian tuxedo - have to admit I have a denim jumpsuit that I love very much so this is not a great example for me), so why settle for a space that’s all one-note? Contrast is key.
Mix wood with metal, velvet with leather, woven textiles with smooth ceramics. A soft, plush rug can ground a sleek, modern sofa, while a glass coffee table balances out rustic wood accents. The more your space has a variety of materials, the more visually dynamic it becomes.
And don’t be afraid to get a little adventurous! Try adding unexpected materials like a concrete side table, a lucite chair, or a woven light fixture. The interplay of different surfaces keeps the space feeling fresh and inviting. Plus, when guests ask, “Where did you get this?” you can smugly reply, “Oh, just something I put together.”
Boom. Instant design cred.
2. Throw Pillows: The MVPs of Texture
Never underestimate the power of a well-placed pillow. Or five lol. If your sofa is looking a little too “new apartment starter pack,” add in throw pillows with different fabrics—think chunky knits, faux fur, linen, velvet (!!!) or embroidered designs. They instantly add warmth and dimension without requiring you to repaint or buy new furniture. Bonus points if they double as nap enablers.
If you really want to up your pillow game, play with shapes and sizes. Square, lumbar, round—mix them up! And don’t forget layering. A solid-colored pillow pairs beautifully with a patterned one, and adding a fringed or tasseled option brings in even more personality. The goal is to make your seating area look effortlessly curated, even if you spent hours arranging and rearranging.
3. Layer Your Rugs Like a Pro
Rugs are like the eyebrows of a room—sometimes you don’t realize how important they are until you see one done right. Try layering a smaller, bold-patterned rug over a larger neutral one for an effortlessly cool vibe. Or mix materials, like a jute base with a softer wool or shag rug on top. This not only adds depth but also makes walking around barefoot a five-star experience.
Another trick? Use rugs to define spaces within an open floor plan. A plush rug under a dining table can make the area feel separate yet cohesive, while a long runner in a hallway adds interest and warmth. And don’t be afraid to rotate them seasonally—a lighter, woven rug for summer and a thicker, cozier one for winter can subtly shift the entire mood of your space.
4. Add Natural Elements
Mother Nature knows a thing or two about texture. Bring the outdoors in with woven baskets, wooden furniture, stone accents, or even a touch of rattan. Plants count too! A mix of leafy greens with different shapes and sizes (hello, fiddle leaf figs and snake plants) adds a refreshing, organic feel to any space. Plus, they clean your air—win-win!
If you’re not exactly a plant whisperer, consider adding dried floral arrangements, pampas grass, or faux greenery for a low-maintenance way to bring in natural textures. Even something as simple as a bowl of driftwood or a stack of raw-edged coasters can introduce an earthy, grounding element to your home.
5. Wall Treatments That Wow
If your walls feel a little flat (literally and figuratively), it’s time to give them some love. Textured wallpaper, beadboard, shiplap, or even a bold gallery wall can create depth and make your space feel intentionally designed. Not ready for a full wall commitment? Try a large-scale piece of art with an interesting surface, like canvas, wood, or fabric.
Another game-changer? Upholstered or paneled walls. Whether it’s a velvet headboard that spans the entire width of your bed or wooden slats arranged in a geometric pattern, these additions can make a space feel instantly luxurious. And if all else fails, hang a large woven tapestry or macramé piece—effortless texture with minimal effort.
6. Metallics & Mirrors: The Secret Weapons
Shiny things aren’t just for magpies. Metallics—whether it’s brass light fixtures, a silver-framed mirror, or gold hardware—add instant dimension and a touch of glam. And mirrors? Not only do they make your space look bigger, but they also bounce light around, making everything feel brighter and more inviting. It’s like magic, but make it interior design.
Pro tip: Mix your metals. Gone are the days when everything had to match perfectly. A brushed brass lamp next to a matte black frame? Chic. Chrome fixtures paired with gold-accented décor? Unexpected and stylish. The key is to be intentional—pick a dominant metal, then add in a secondary one as an accent to keep things interesting.
7. Textiles, Textiles, Textiles
Curtains, throws, upholstered furniture—this is where you can really lean into texture. Sheer, breezy curtains can soften a space, while heavy velvet ones bring drama. A chunky knit throw draped over a chair instantly makes a room feel cozier, and linen bedding? Chef’s kiss.
If you want to go all-in on the textile game, consider layering window treatments (sheer panels behind heavier drapes), adding a fabric-upholstered bench to your entryway, or swapping out a plain headboard for a tufted or quilted version. These small changes make a big impact and ensure your space feels rich and inviting.
The Takeaway: More Texture = More Character
The beauty of texture is that it doesn’t require a full home makeover—just a few thoughtful additions can completely transform a space. So, if your home is feeling a little flat, start experimenting. Mix and match, play with layers, and have fun with it. Because at the end of the day, your space should feel as good as it looks. And trust me, with the right textures, it’ll feel downright amazing.
Ready to give your home a texture upgrade? Start small—grab a cozy throw, add a textured vase, or layer a new rug. And if you try any of these ideas, share your before-and-after pics! We’d love to see how you’re bringing texture to life in your space.
If you have any questions or comments (or just want to chat), don't be afraid to ask us!
x Citrus Velvet Interiors
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