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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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