The Psychology of Materials: Why Texture Matters in Interior Design

By Ester White Gherea | WBN News | May 27, 2025

Have you ever touched something and suddenly felt calm, excited, or even cozy—just because of how it felt? Maybe a fuzzy blanket made you want to curl up and relax. Or a smooth, cool stone made you feel focused and clear.

That’s not just in your imagination. That’s texture, and it’s one of the most powerful—and most overlooked—tools in interior design.

Texture Talks to Your Feelings

When we talk about texture, we mean how things feel when you touch them or even just look at them. Rough or smooth. Soft or hard. Shiny or matte. Our brains react to these materials in deep, emotional ways—even if we don’t realize it.

A chunky knit pillow says, “Relax. You’re safe here.”
A shiny metal lamp says, “Let’s focus and get to work.”
A warm wood table says, “Welcome. You belong.”

That’s why designers like me care so much about materials. Because we’re not just making rooms—we’re creating feelings.

Texture Makes a Space Come Alive

Imagine a room with only smooth, flat, hard things. It might look nice, but it would feel cold, empty, maybe even a little sad.

Now picture this: a soft linen sofa, a jute rug, a velvet cushion, a rough clay vase, and a wooden coffee table. Suddenly, the room feels warm, real, and inviting—even if it’s quiet and simple.

That’s the magic of texture.

It adds layers. It makes your eyes want to explore. It invites you to stay a little longer.

Your Senses Want to Feel at Home

We often think about how rooms look, but how they feel is just as important. And texture helps with both.

Here are a few ways to bring texture into your space:

Use different fabrics. Mix cotton, wool, velvet, and linen.
Choose natural materials. Wood, stone, clay, and woven baskets make rooms feel grounded.
Add contrast. A soft cushion on a leather chair. A shiny vase on a rough wood shelf. These opposites bring balance and beauty.

You don’t need fancy furniture. You just need to pay attention to how things feel—and what feeling they give you.

Let’s Get Personal

So, how does your home feel to you? Is it soft and safe? Bright and exciting? Or does something feel off that you can’t quite explain?

I’d love to hear what textures make you feel most at home. Do you crave softness? Do you love the look of stone or wood? What materials speak to your soul?

Reply and tell me: What does your dream room feel like? Let’s turn those textures into something beautiful—together.

Ester White Gherea is an Interior Designer and the founder of Gherea Studios.
She can be reached at 236-339-6644 or estergherea@gmail.com. Connect with Ester on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ester-white-gherea-6b339a2b5/. Connect with Ester at https://www.ghereastudio.com/.

TAGS: #InteriorDesign #TimelessStyle #DesignTrends #HomeDecor #ModernLiving #StylishSpaces #GhereaStudio