The Art of Layering Textures in Interior Design
Why Layering Textures is Essential to Creating a Luxury Feel
When planning a renovation or refurbishment, the focus is often on layout, colour schemes, the latest interior trend and furniture choices. However, one of the most overlooked aspects of great interior design is texture. A well-layered space, full of contrasting and complementary materials, is what transforms a house into a home—whether it's a forever home or a holiday retreat in Cornwall. I often explain to clients that layering colours and materials that are similar causes individually well thought out pieces to camouflage and fail to show their true beauty.
As a Cornwall interior designer, I love to create interiors inspired by the wonder of the coast—the changing colours, movement of light and waves of green tones that roll away into the sea. Texture plays a huge role in making a space feel warm, luxurious, and easy to maintain. Whether you’re refreshing a room or undergoing a full renovation, here’s how to master the art of layering textures to achieve a beautifully inviting home.
Section 1: How to Combine Different Fabrics – From Silk to Linen to Wool
When designing interiors, fabric choices are just as important as colour. Whether you’re renovating a period home, styling a Cornish holiday let, or furnishing your forever home, mixing the right materials creates depth and interest.
Linen & Cotton: Light, breathable, and ideal for a coastal-inspired look, these are perfect for curtains, bedding, and sofas.
Wool & Bouclé: Adding warmth and texture, these fabrics work well for throws, cushions, and accent chairs and effortlessly create a cosy, layered seat you want to sink into.
Silk & Velvet: If you want a touch of elegance, silk and velvet add contrast and softness, making them ideal for accent cushions or statement upholstery. I often choose an easy clean smooth velvet like Romo Smooth III for upholstery on benches, window seat pads, chairs and it’s great as a contrasting piping on cushions in patterned linens.
I love combining breezy linen like my favourites from Pepe Penalver with heavier, grounded textures like wool and woven jute from Christopher Farr Cloth—this cocktail reflects the relaxed yet rugged beauty of the coastline and both wouldn’t be out of place in a clifftop hotel.
Section 2: Layering Rugs and Soft Furnishings for a Rich, Inviting Look
Rugs and soft furnishings are especially important in open-plan spaces, helping to define areas while adding warmth and personality, equally in individual rooms they’re the elements that make a design cosy. Soft furnishings are a must-have in any refurbishment project, their role in the design is to add shape and comfort by softening architectural elements.
Advice for Rugs
Pattern & Plain: A patterned rug over a neutral floor base keeps a space visually interesting without overwhelming the design. Picture a Kilim rug option from Cornwall homeware business Uneeka over washed oak engineered flooring.
Durability Matters: In high-traffic areas opt for hardwearing natural fiber rugs that are easy to maintain. There are many easy-to-clean materials like flat-weave wool or indoor-outdoor rugs that offer durability without compromising on texture.
Max out on Size: Tape out the desired area with masking tape and make sure the rug is large enough to act as an anchor for furniture, at the least the front legs of a sofa should sit on the rug. It’s advised to have approx 450mm of bare floor between the edge of the rug and the walls. In open plan spaces use different sized rugs, with different orientations, to create zones, still apply the size rule. If the rug will be under a dining table ensure the rug is larger than the table by approx 800mm on all sides and when the chairs are pulled out all legs remain on the rug.
Soft Furnishings That Elevate a Space
Cushions & Throws: Combining different materials—like linen with refined bouclé or velvet—creates a sophisticated, layered look. Mix sizes, fabrics, and textures—combine oversized linen cushions with smaller velvet or knitted ones for interest.
Sheer Voiles & Heavier Curtains: A combination of sheer linen curtains with structured lined curtains offers flexibility in lighting and privacy. Fitting both window finishes to a double pole means you can close a voile to give privacy, whilst still letting light in.
Layered Bedding: A crisp cotton base with a linen duvet and a wool throw at the foot of the bed creates a luxurious, hotel-inspired feel. Bring on an extra layer with a chunky knit for the perfect trio!
Section 3: Texture in Furniture and Accessories – Wood, Metal, Ceramics
When planning a renovation or refurbishment, selecting the right mix of materials is crucial for a well-balanced interior, and is especially important with lighting which I covered in my last blog, ‘How to Choose the Right light’. A mix of organic and refined finishes, rather than a matching supplier range, ensures a space feels curated rather than overly coordinated. Plus it means you get to have more fun finding those extra special pieces, and the time doing so will pay off! A glass heavy, wood heavy, or metal heavy scheme can overall look too much like an old school furniture catalog, take a look at materials to include in some way in every scheme for a timeless result.
Wood & Natural Materials
Wood brings warmth and authenticity to any space, and you don’t have to fight to make them ‘match’ a light wood coffee table against a darker wood floor creates a beautiful contrast, it all comes down to tone and how they react to each other. When choosing wood consider:
Reclaimed wood for tables or shelving—perfect for a sustainable, characterful touch.
Light-washed oak for a relaxed coastal feel.
Dark-stained wood to add depth and contrast to a more traditional interior - definitely having a moment in design trends in 2025, but this is timeless furniture that has never gone out of fashion when done well.
Metal Accents
Incorporating metal adds refinement and structure, it’s also a clever way to mix hard and soft materials:
Aged brass and bronze bring warmth, ideal for light fixtures and hardware.
Matte black works well in modern renovations, adding definition to a space.
Brushed nickel suits contemporary designs, and pairs well with natural stone.
My go-to combinations:
Aged brass with antique bronze.
Matte black with bronze.
Brushed nickel with stainless steel.
Easy tip: A brass floor lamp next to a textured linen sofa or black hardware against a timber sideboard creates an effortlessly layered look.
Ceramics, Stone & Glass
Handmade ceramics bring a one-of-a-kind, artisanal feel to kitchens and living spaces. There are many companies making beautiful lighting. I've recently used Lyngard Lighting in my home for their bone china matt green shades, just beautiful!
Stone elements, like limestone or marble, add a timeless touch—popular for kitchen worktops or bathroom vanities for their durability and investment that is always appealing.
Textured glass, such as fluted or frosted designs, introduces subtle variation without overpowering a space. It’s certainly a design trend at the moment, but again when done elegantly, if it’s something you love it will last.
Above everything it’s important to select durable, easy-to-maintain materials that you can look after and are suitable for the environment. Stone, wood, and woven elements bring warmth and practicality without requiring constant upkeep.
Mastering the Art of Layering to Create Spaces That Feel Luxurious and Warm
Texture is what transforms a space from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're renovating your forever home, refurbishing a holiday let, or simply updating your interiors, layering textures adds depth, warmth, and personality.
By thoughtfully combining fabrics, soft furnishings, natural materials, and accessories, you can achieve a home that feels effortlessly stylish yet practical. As a Cornwall interior designer, I always focus on designs that are both visually stunning and easy to live with—my favourite interiors are those that feel as good as they look.