Just as you think about colour and pattern, also consider how you can mix textures in your home. All surfaces have texture be they matt or shiny, coarse or fine, rough or smooth. If you are thinking of working with just one colour group it is particularly important to introduce different textures. Neutrals are very popular at the moment as they are so easy to live with and co-ordinate with other colours so well, but they can be rather dull unless different surface finishes are introduced.

Floor Coverings

Different types of floor coverings are a good way of introducing textures into your home. A unifying theme in terms of colour will help link rooms in close proximity to one another, but why not have a change of texture? A different feel underfoot can add interest and atmosphere!

Wooden flooring gives a clean and yet homely feel due to its warmth. Colourful rugs will help to minimise the inevitable ‘bare’ feeling that comes with wooden floors.

TIP: Modern laminates that are made to look just like the real thing can work particularly well in kitchens, as they are more resistant to spillage or leakage from washing machines and dishwashers etc. However, it is always advisable to keep excessive amount of water away from wooden surfaces to avoid their absorbing the moisture and distorting. The laminate flooring in this kitchen is very practical for handling small spills and wear and tear. It is also an ideal material to complement the dark green painted furniture.

Sisal, jute and their derivatives create a natural feel but do bear in mind that they lack the degree of comfort you get with a woollen carpet. A deep piled woollen carpet (as shown at the top of this page) will always feel luxurious underfoot and make a room feel cosy. Ceramic, quarry tiles and terracotta have their uses, but are very cold to the feet. They chip easily so take care when choosing these hard surfaces for areas with a lot of traffic or where you require a degree of comfort.

Fabrics

Look at the texture of fabrics you are going to use as well as their appeal in terms of colour or pattern. A luscious silk, a thick velvet, a flimsy voile, a chunky woollen knit, a coarse linen, a shiny chintz – the list is endless when it comes to choice.

TIP: Try to mix and match by obtaining swatches of all your fabrics prior to purchase and team them together to make sure you like the overall effect.

You may also want to introduce some interesting trimmings, no matter how small, to provide that finishing touch. If you stick to just one type of fabric, you will miss out on the individuality that comes with using different textures. All the fabrics in this pink and jade scheme have silky textures. The jade background fabric and the pink striped moiré, complement the much thicker weave of the patterned fabric.

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