Jennifer Sheahan: How to elevate interior design with texture

Because, as Kelly Hoppen said: 'The use of texture in design is not just about how things feel, it's about how they look too.'

Jennifer Sheahan uses layered textures in the living area in her home in Rathmines. Picture: Moya Nolan

Getting texture combinations right is, in my opinion, the best thing you can do to take your home design from “very nice” to “oh wow”. This is true in any situation, but especially true if your preference leans towards neutral colours, in which case the absence of colour contrast requires textures to play an even more important role in creating depth, warmth, personality, and interest in a space. 

If you’re new to design it can be easy to forget texture — you may think all that matters is how soft your bedsheets feel or how comfy your couch cushions are to sit in — but as Kelly Hoppen said: "The use of texture in design is not just about how things feel, it's about how they look too." It’s important to get texture right for both visual and tactile interest in your home. The best part is — it’s easy! Here are some simple guidelines and the most effective texture combinations to get you started.