Neutral colours can be easily complemented by a variety of textures

Why Texture Matters

Think about the difference between a silky mango lassi and the satisfying crunch of a freshly-baked ondeh ondeh. Both textures add to the overall enjoyment, and the same goes for your home! Texture refers to the way a surface feels and looks visually. It's not just about how something feels to the touch (smooth vs. rough), but also the visual interest it creates.

Think about a night market with its vibrant colours and textures – the woven baskets overflowing with spices, the silky fabrics of clothes, and the rough-hewn wooden stalls. It's a feast for the senses! In your home, using different textures keeps the eye engaged and prevents a neutral space from feeling flat.

Must-Have Textural Elements

Now that you know why texture is important, let's explore some ways to use it in your neutral colour scheme!

-Soft and Plush:

A luxurious hotel bed after a long day – that's the feeling you can create with soft textures like fluffy white bedsheets, velvet curtains, or chunky knit throws.

-Woven and Natural:

Woven baskets, jute rugs, and seagrass furniture add a touch of natural beauty and a rustic charm that complements the clean lines of a neutral colour scheme. Think of the woven baskets used in local hawker centres – they add a textural element alongside the delicious food!

-Wallcoverings:

Don't limit texture to just furniture and accessories! Consider textured wallpaper on a feature wall. Consider exposed brick or understated geometrics for visual intrigue without overcrowding.

-Flooring:

The texture underfoot can also make a big difference. Consider a plush rug in a contrasting colour or a woven sisal rug that adds a natural touch.

Inspiring Room Sets, Putting Texture Into Action

Feeling inspired? Let's see how texture can change a neutral room:

-Living Room:

A light and airy living room painted in a calming beige. Soft, plush cushions in different textures are scattered across a white sofa, creating a sense of comfort. A chunky knit throw is draped over the armrest for added cosiness. Woven baskets filled with lush greenery flank the fireplace, bringing a touch of nature indoors. This living room is a perfect example of how texture can make a simple room into something warm and inviting.

-Modern Bedroom:

Swap the white walls for the clean lines of a public housing estate. Singapore may be known for its modern architecture, but there's a certain calming effect to a freshly painted HDB flat. Pair that with a plush velvet headboard, as luxurious as the finest hotel suite, and a woven jute rug that adds warmth like walking barefoot on the sand at Sentosa. This colour combination is both sleek and inviting, perfect for resting after a long day. Fluffy white bedding provides a sense of comfort, and textured throw pillows in various patterns add a touch of visual interest. This bedroom shows how texture can be used to create a modern and sophisticated space, even with a neutral colour palette.

Tips for Textural Harmony, Master the Mix
 

Adding texture is all about achieving a harmonious balance.

-Keep it Balanced:

Aim for a mix of different textures, but ensure they complement each other and don't create a cluttered look.

-Start Small:

If you're new to playing with texture, start small with a few key pieces. Add a textured throw to your sofa, swap out your plain cushions for ones with different weaves or patterns, or layer a plush rug over your existing flooring.

-Let Light Play:

Position furniture and accessories to maximise the natural light in your room and watch the textures come alive.

-Mind the Details:

Add little things to make a difference! Consider textured lampshades, throw pillows with embroidery or tassels, or a woven basket for magazines. These details and visual interest to your room.

-Use the DIY Spirit:

Add creativity, with a DIY flair! Make your own textured throw pillows, weave a wall hanging using natural materials, or revamp old furniture with a coat of paint and some textured fabric accents.

Your happy place starts with you: design for comfort and style. So, have fun experimenting with different textures and create a home that feels like a true reserve in the heart of Singapore!