Working With Texture

• In small rooms, reduce contrast by visually blending window treatment with walls with the same color. Window shades and blinds in wood and metal are relatively high contrast textures.
  
  
• Texture is all about contrasts. More contrast means less unity. Keep contrast subtle in small spaces but go bolder in larger spaces.
  
  
• A great method for selecting texture is to create a swatch board. On a large piece of white cardboard, paste samples of fabrics, wood finishes, wall coverings and other materials you like. This will help you see how these textures relate.
  
  
• Some textures seem light and contemporary and appear to take up little space. That makes them ideal for small spaces. Rooms with these textures need help from heavily textured furniture and accessories that might add depth and warmth.
  
  
• Texture is the key to style and you can be as subtle or as bold as you want. Texture is part of your decorating bag of tricks to be used to brighten up a quiet room or tone down a loud one.