Introducing texture and depth to a modern interior brings it to life, adding character, visual interest and warmth. From layered rugs and textured walls to natural materials and mixed patterns, sumptuous textures prevent sleek, contemporary spaces from feeling sterile. Read on for 10 inspiring ways to bring enticing texture into your pared-back modern room.
Use Layered Rugs
Layering rugs is one of the simplest ways to bring depth and dimension to floors in a modern space. Choose rugs with varying pile heights, weaves and materials. Layer a fluffy sheepskin over a jute or sisal rug, or overlap a woven kilim over a shaggy high-pile rug. The mix of textures adds cosiness and interest underfoot. Focus your layered rugs in lounging areas or by the bed to enhance the inviting feel.
Select Textured Walls
Walls present ample opportunities to bring tactile, dimensional surfaces into modern rooms. Panelled walls with wood cladding or tile inserts add beautiful warmth. Concrete, brick or stone accent walls lend an organic, raw texture. For more subtlety, paint on layers of translucent glazes over base coats to build up an enticing, multi-dimensional wall surface. Neutral, natural-hued textured walls act as interesting backdrops to display contemporary art and furnishings.
Use Natural Materials
Natural, organic materials infuse comfort and texture into sleek, modern spaces. Wood paneling, ceiling beams, stone surfaces and jute rugs bring wonderful raw textures. Unfinished wood adds gorgeous grain and color variations. Display natural objects like driftwood, geodes or shells to ornament smooth surfaces. Use live plants of varied sizes and leaf shapes to animate the space. Manage the look to retain a modern feel, and mix in raw materials judiciously amidst sleek finishes.
Add Woven Accents
From throws to pillows and wall hangings, incorporate woven accents throughout the modern room. Handwoven throws in natural fibers like wool, cotton and jute feel supremely cozy draped on sofas or chairs. Choose woven pillows with interesting textures – a bouclé knit mixed with faux fur, for example. Hang woven tapestries or macramé wall hangings to decorate smooth, blank walls with artistic texture.
Select Mixed-Texture Furniture
Wood furniture adds beautiful warmth – choose dining tables or consoles with live-edge details that expose an organic wood grain. Upholstered furniture with textural fabric brings comfort – deep woven fabrics like bouclé add inviting dimension. Using contrasting finishes like wood, leather and fabric together lends visual interest. Avoid furniture that is all sleek, hard edges and opt for some pieces with natural, tactile appeal.
Install an Accent Ceiling
From wood planks to textured 3D panels and tiles, accent ceilings build in wonderful dimension above eye-level. Wood cladding adds linear detail, while concrete tiles lend an architectural feel. Faux beams of weathered wood crosses a smooth ceiling break up the expanse overhead. Geometric medallions, ornate plasterwork or pressed metal inlays work over a modern dining table. An accent ceiling suits a space where the walls need to remain simple.
Add Handcrafted Pottery
Introduce ceramic pieces from local artisans to add handmade appeal. A vase made with visible brush strokes and color variations enlivens a console. Hand-thrown bowls and mugs bring imperfect, organic shapes and glazed surfaces into the mix. Display ceramic pieces together in a credenza or shelving to form an artful, textural collection. The craft details contrast beautifully against sharp modern furnishings.
Mix Natural and Synthetic Fibers
Juxtapose the uneven weaves and textures of natural fibers with sleek synthetics for visual interest. Jute and sisal rugs work nicely with minimalist furniture. A chunky wool throw tossed on a leather sofa softens the look. Arrange a vase of unruly grasses alongside precisely cut blooms. Blend ceramic tableware with modern metal cutlery. Avoid uniformity and let the divergent textures play against each other.
Incorporate Textured Metallics
Metallic finishes don’t have to be shiny and smooth. Brushed bronze, oxidized silver finishes and hammered gold surfaces add delightful texture. Seek knobs, hardware, lamps and accessories with artisanal metallic finishes. Or look for items that mix metals like bronze with glossy acrylic for contrast. Metallic finishes give a glam, contemporary edge yet the tactile textures temper the slickness.
Play with Pattern Combinations
Carefully combining patterns embellishes a space with layers of detail. Solid colored walls allow you to play with patterned rugs, pillows and window treatments. Set a graphic black and white rug underfoot to contrast with an organic mudcloth sofa. Choose pillows that layer a woven front with a striped back. Hang roman blinds with a modern geometric print at the windows. Build up the textures gradually for a clean, curated layered look.
Adding Texture to a Modern Room: FAQs
What are some easy ways to add texture to a modern room?
Some easy ways to add texture to a modern room include using layered rugs, installing an accent ceiling with wood or tiles, incorporating woven accents like pillows and throws, and displaying natural materials like wood furniture, stones, shells or plants.
How do you add texture to walls?
To add texture to walls, install wood paneling, exposed brick or stone, concrete tiles, or wallpaper with a textured pattern. Paint dimensional details like raised squares or horizontal lines, or layer translucent glazes over base coats to build up an organic, multi-toned wall surface.
Should you mix textures in a modern home?
Yes, mixing textures is an excellent way to add visual interest and dimension to a modern home. Combining sleek surfaces like glass and metal with organic textures like wood, sisal, ceramic and woven textiles prevents a space from feeling sterile. Mix textures through rugs, upholstery, accent walls, window treatments, decorative objects and beyond.
How do you add warmth to a modern room?
Adding warmth to a modern room can be done by: using textured rugs and layered natural fiber throws, incorporating wood and handcrafted ceramics, displaying live plants and flowers, installing a fireplace or wood stove, using lamps instead of overhead lighting, and adding warm accent colors through furnishings, pillows and artwork.
Should modern decor be cold?
No, modern decor does not need to feel sterile, stark or cold. The key is balancing sleek, contemporary elements like smooth furniture and white walls with plenty of texture, warmth and personality. Strategically add cozy rugs, natural materials, soft textiles, artwork and decorative accessories to liven up the look.
What colors add texture to a room?
Colors that add texture to a room include deep hues like emerald green and sapphire blue, neutrals like brown, tan and gray, and hues with natural depth like deep reds, purples and inky blues. Glossy or metallic finishes also add perceived texture and dimension through their reflective qualities.
How do you decorate a modern bedroom on a budget?
Some budget-friendly ways to decorate a modern bedroom include using a patterned accent wall, pale furniture from IKEA paired with boldly-hued bedding, secondhand midcentury or Scandinavian-style wood furniture, inexpensive textured bedding and throws, and gallery walls displaying a mix of thrifted artwork and photos.
How do you modernize a home exterior on a budget?
To modernize an exterior on a budget, try a fresh coat of paint in a sleek gray hue, update an old front door with inexpensive hairpin legs as handles, install new modern porch lighting, remove ornate exterior home detailing, power wash surfaces for a clean look, and plant a row of simple boxwood shrubs along the entry.
What are the most important elements in modern interior design?
The most important elements in modern interior design are: clean lines and shapes, lots of natural light, streamlined furniture often with sleek metal and molded plastic, neutral wall colors like white or gray, pops of bold colors and patterns through decor and accent walls, and incorporating organic, textural elements.
Conclusion
The addition of sumptuous textures takes a minimalist, modern space from sterile to welcoming. Thoughtfully layered rugs, textural accent walls, organic materials, woven accents and mixed patterns create depth and visual interest. When balanced with sleek contemporary elements, enticing textures craft a modern room with character, warmth and soul. Get creative with varied materials and finishes to transform your smooth, modern home into a beautifully enveloping space.
