I Love 3D Textures

The use of texture in interior design is just as important as the use of patterns. In fact, it could be argued that texture is just another form of pattern…and vice versa! I love to play with textures and I actively seek out new and exciting examples to incorporate into my own designs.

I’ve recently got excited about what I refer to as 3D textures. These aren’t your flock wallpapers or raised pattern wall tiles of old, but they are just as tactile. So much so, you feel compelled to touch. Some of the examples I’ve found are simply stunning and would add interest and excitement to any interior space. In this blog, I take a look at some of my favourites.



Terrific tiles

Tiles have been around since the year dot. In years gone by they were often used for decorative purposes, such as in fireplaces. In more recent times, they seem to have been consigned to the walls and floors of kitchens and bathrooms. But they have so much more to offer.

Why not finish off an amazing feature wall, or make a stunning statement in a stairway with these lovely examples? Just imagine them complimented by dramatic lighting, which would highlight the texture even more!

Wonderful wall panels

Wall panels have most often been used in office environments, but they’re gradually becoming more accepted in the domestic environment. They are extremely versatile and very easy to install.

Some of my particular favourites are the Motivo textured quartz surfaces by Caesarstone - http://www.caesarstone.com/motivo.aspx. They feature relief patterns like pretty white lace, or even black crocodile skin, but the only real limit to what you can have is your own imagination. Just take a look at some of the examples below.

I also love Lamellux’s designer panelling - http://www.lamellux.com/produits/6/. Some of their wood and resin blend panels are just sublime. They vary from the very traditional to the ultra-modern and really do make a bold design statement. Look at these examples.

Fabulous flooring

If you don’t want flooring to be plain and boring, you don’t have to settle for floral designs or loud and brash patterns. More and more manufacturers are offering innovative and eclectic designs that I think are fabulous. Here are some of my favourites.

If you want to make a really bold statement, how about this from an Italian company called QuatroLegno? It has a “leather-like crocodile skin” covering and will certainly vie for position as a room’s focal point. I almost said it’s slightly off-the-wall…I won’t, but you get what I mean!




Fantastic furnishings

Once you’ve designed your space, with all its brilliant 3D textures, why not really finish it off a treat with some amazing furniture and soft-furnishings?
I think this chair with its multi-layered leaf and flower design is just wonderful.




And what about these examples?







I hope I’ve given you some food for thought and that you will consider the use of 3D textures in the future. Whether you go for subtle or really daring, I’m sure you’ll love the space you create with them.

Nice & Girly

In this month’s blog, I want to explore interiors for the softer, feminine folk who like an interior to look somewhat girly.

I imagine many readers instantly think pink when it comes to girly rooms, and there is certainly nothing wrong with that. But what if you were set a challenge to not use pink in an interior? Would the result still be feminine?

I know that if we at Mood applied all our skills and expertise to the task, the answer would be a resounding, “YES!”

Here are some examples of inspirational interiors that are indisputably feminine and should leave you in no doubt that you don’t need pink…unless you really want it!

Crochet, Sheers and Lacy Things

Don’t worry we’re not talking the stuff of granny’s boudoir here. Crochet, lace and sheers are no longer the dowdy items you might imagine them to be. They offer beautifully intricate designs and can be used to great effect to set off soft-furnishings or, in the case of sheers and lace, to soften a look or diffuse light

They really do look exquisite in contemporary interiors. If you haven’t been lucky enough to see the latest designs around, then feast your eyes on the samples below.























The Wallpaper

To create a feminine space, you don’t have to choose flowery wallpapers. A positive mix and match of textures and colours will create the kind of look you’ll love. For example, striped feature wallpaper looks great mixed with delicate floral printed fabrics and furniture. You can even buy lacy wallpaper to compliment the lace you use elsewhere in the room.

I’ve found some truly fantastic, inspirational wallpaper that would make any interior space look amazing and set it apart from the bog-standard design. Here are some examples:





Ok, I know this one is pink, but its very nice if you like shoes.















The Furniture

There are so many pieces of furniture you can use to turn an ordinary room into your own little girly zone. Why not try using replicas of English or French pieces of furniture from between 1700 to 1900 and upholster them with a contemporary 21st Century fabric. It creates a fabulous contrast that really works.











Accessories

And so to the final touches. This is where we ‘glitz and glam’ our space whilst delicately playing with different textures. I love this part of the design process because accessorising is the stage at which you can really individualise an interior so it truly suits the personality of the occupant.