They say variety is the spice of life, and when it comes to creating exciting interiors, we couldn’t agree more! Here at RWD, texture is a key part of our aesthetic. Creating contrasting textural layers helps to bring a design scheme together, while adding warmth, depth and character to a room. On-trend materials such as faux fur, leather, bronze and stone can be combined to create real impact and a truly individual look.

Lovely layers

Adding layers of contrasting textures and fabrics is the perfect way to create a sense of luxury with plenty of variety to please the eye. In the guest room of our Broad Walk project, the clients wanted a warm and welcoming look which would also be elegant and sophisticated. To achieve this, we chose a palette of deep navy and amber with a feature wall of Maya Romanoff braided hemp grass wallpaper to provide a textural focus for the scheme. The box-shaped bronze wall lights by Heathfield provide further textural contrast as does the circular charcoal mirror. Layers of contrasting texture on the bed provide a sense of opulence with cushions in luxurious fabrics by Rubelli and Armani Casa, and faux fur throws by Andrew Martin.

Layering also takes centre stage in our Bromptons project master bedroom. As this was to be the client’s secondary residence, it was important to create a sense of home from home, as well as fulfilling their brief of luxurious yet pared back elegance. Contrasting layers were created in this room with the use of pale blue silk wall coverings, silver faux silk carpets and an aubergine-coloured silk headboard. Combined with pale maple bespoke furniture and champagne-coloured picture frames, the result is an elegant sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of Chelsea life.

Mixed metals

Interesting metallic finishes can be used to great effect to create texture and visual interest, and our Eaton Mews North kitchen is a wonderful example of this. The developer of this mews house wanted to create a real wow factor to ensure strong demand for resale, so for the kitchen we selected a battered copper splash back teamed with chrome taps and appliances. Add to that the concrete effect worktops, textured timber cabinets and bronze detailing and you have a highly desirable space which really stands out from the crowd.

A variety of metals and materials come together in our Bromptons master bathroom to create a stunning space with a spa-like vibe. With pale marble as the base for this light-filled room, the brass, gold and chrome fittings provide the ultimate contrast to lift this bathroom into a league of its own. The amalgamation of contrasting textures in this luxurious space creates a pleasing, harmonious look.

Clever combinations

Sometimes it’s the surprising combinations of materials which can really make an interior stand out. Animal prints with mirrored surfaces, for example, or velvet juxtaposed with leather, can turn an elegant space into a real showstopper. In our Fitzrovia project – the complete refit of a pied-à-terre for an international client – we combined contrasting materials such as velvet, oak and leather to create a bold and distinctive design. The bespoke island brings together dark stained timber, an aubergine-coloured composite and high-tech Gaggenau appliances. The teal leather dining chairs provide a vivid splash of colour and the charcoal velvet sofa contrasts beautifully with the suede ottoman to create a stunning, contemporary aesthetic.

In our Buckingham Street project, our client’s love of travel is apparent in the striking combination of animal print fabrics and exotic objets in the glamorous sitting room. The brief was to create a cocoon-like ambience into which the client could retreat from London’s less favourable weather. We achieved this by employing rich textures in the scheme such as velvet, walnut and faux fur.

It’s all in the detail

It’s worth remembering that even the tiniest of details can be an opportunity to inject texture, colour and character into a scheme. Finishing touches really do count, and it’s this kind of attention to detail which epitomises our approach here at RWD. In the library of our Antrim Grove project, for example, the client was keen to display their much-loved art collection. Recognising our client’s preference for an industrial look, we designed bespoke leather straps from which their artworks could be suspended. A unique feature which is both fun and functional.

Textural details are also celebrated at our Eaton Mews North project where you’ll find doors clad in a leather effect finish from Xylocleaf and satin chrome lever handles from The Brassware Company. This combination of textures conveys the sense of elegance and sophistication our client was keen to achieve in this high-end contemporary mews development.

Photography by Richard Waite