Textural Impact

Color is often used to make a strong impact or highlight a focal point. It is one of the primary factors most people respond to when experiencing an interior space. A space filled with color—neutrals or bold—may not achieve the desired effect, however, without the addition of texture and pattern. The balanced combination of these elements adds dimension and affects the proportion of a space.

Photo by Jorge Ibarra, via design-milk.com

Texture is the visual or tactile surface characteristic of something, and it can determine the way a space feels to a user. Textured surfaces can be smooth or rough; they can be matte or shiny. Smooth and shiny textures reflect more light and feel cooler. They make objects feel lighter and typically more modern.  Rough and course textures reflect the light and feel warmer. They give an object more weight and feel more rustic.

Photo © Raul Garcia, via designboom.com