texture gives a room depth beyond colour. the contrast between a soft fabric, an open frame and a polished surface helps furniture sit within a layered, individual interior.

this selection from our 2021 journal explores seven different expressions of that idea. the pieces remain useful references for form and material; current finishes and availability should be confirmed with their suppliers.

Rounded cream boucle armchair beside sheer curtains in a softly lit living room.

huggy occasional chair — sarah ellison

the chair’s rounded profile and the faux-shearling finish pictured create a soft, tactile presence. within a restrained palette, a piece like this can introduce both texture and a distinctive silhouette.

Black dining table and wire-frame chairs beside full-height sheer curtains.

unbeaumatin dining chair — ligne roset

the mesh back introduces a lighter texture, allowing the chair’s outline to remain visually open. it offers a useful counterpoint to a substantial table or more solid architectural surfaces.

Low white sofa with pleated upholstery and generous cushions in a contemporary living room.

togo sofa — domo

the togo’s low profile and quilted cover create a relaxed composition. its folds give the surface movement, showing how upholstery can contribute texture through construction as well as fabric.

Round black dining table with an open wire base, shown against a white background.

jil dining table — tait

texture can also come from line and repetition. the table’s fine frame gives a harder material a lighter expression, offering contrast with upholstered seating and planted surroundings.

Pink bed linen against a timber bedhead, with a patterned black bench at the foot of the bed.

lincoln bedhead — heatherly designs

the quilted velvet bedhead pictured brings structure to a soft surface. its proportion and fabric can help establish the bedroom’s character while sitting quietly with bedding and window furnishings.

Teal rug, dark sofa and round black side table beside sheer curtains.

casablanca rug — tribe home

a rug provides a tactile foundation for a room. the sheen of the example pictured responds to light, introducing tonal variation within an otherwise restrained composition.

Paired brass-toned and dark coffee tables on a black-and-white patterned rug.

coffee table — barbera design

the custom table in our ivanhoe project was handcrafted in melbourne. its harder surfaces sit against softer materials, illustrating the balance that gives a minimal palette depth.

our furniture selection service considers scale, materials and comfort together. from our essendon studio, we coordinate these choices with interior decoration and styling for melbourne homes.

tactile layers in the living room