The Styling Detail That Will Shift the Feel of Your Home
It’s easy to assume that once the big pieces are in — the benchtops, the sofa, the rug, the lighting — the space is done. But in many homes I’ve loved, it’s the final layer of decor that has made the biggest impact. Not just visually, but in how the space actually feels to live in.
Texture plays a big role here. Not just in fabrics, but in objects, materials and surfaces. A stone bowl that breaks up a polished bench. A sculptural vessel that adds height and form. A stainless steel tray layered with books and ceramics. These are the kinds of pieces that create depth and contrast — the styling layer that makes everything feel like it works.
Layer texture well, and the room starts to click.
In this piece, I’m focusing on three key common areas (the living room, kitchen and bathroom) and how small textural layers within them can add warmth and depth. I’ve also pulled together a moodboard for each to help spark ideas around contrast, from tactile textiles to tonal ceramics and natural finishes.
Of course, the design of every space is different, and what works in one home won’t likely translate directly to another, but hopefully the principle is clear and these ideas give you a useful starting point.
Living Room
Texture here is about rhythm. A weighty stone bowl on a coffee table. Sculptural candleholders. A soft throw. Mix materials with purpose — wool with linen, wood with glass, matte with sheen. These are the details that stop a space feeling flat, and help it feel lived-in without ever looking overdone.
layering with books
Place a bowl or curved object on top of your stack — it breaks up the lines and adds texture.
objects
When styling a surface, vary the shapes and materials. Trays, sculptural glass and natural elements all work well.
cushions
Source cushions that contrast your sofa, by colour but also by material. If you have a leather sofa, try a linen cushion etc.
lamp
Choose a lamp that brings its own shape and tone, while adding contrast to nearby soft furnishings or surfaces.
MATERIAL CONTRAST
Introduce a new finish through accents like brass or bronze — a warm metal adds depth without stealing focus.
vases
Choose vases with organic shapes or a tactile finish to bring in softness and visual depth.
throw
Choose a throw that brings softness and a new layer of texture to your space. I often like a two-tone weave and tasseled edge.
vignettes
Style consoles or sideboards with artwork and objects in varied heights and tones to create a layered focal point.
candlesticks
Use candlesticks to break up straight lines. A curved form, like these, adds interest and a more sculptural feel.
mirror
Pick a mirror that brings softness through shape and ties in with other tones or finishes already in the room.
The Kitchen
In high-use spaces, details can be both purposeful and elevated. Kitchens tend to be full of straight lines (benchtops, cabinetry, tiled splashbacks), so bringing in more organic forms through decor can shift the tone quickly. Think a round, stone fruit bowl with a raw finish beside a polished bench. A sculptural vase of fresh flowers. A timber bread board leaning against a tiled or stone splashback. A steel spoon rest next to a woven linen tea towel.
Think about the materials that have been used in the design of your kitchen, and then look to create contrast through your decor. If your surfaces are already smooth or refined, lean into natural textures and softer forms. If they’re more raw or textural, consider something with a cleaner or more polished finish to balance them out.
vase
A sculptural vase softens the hard lines of benchtops and cabinetry. Opt for something handmade or subtly uneven in form.
FRUIT BOWL
A stone fruit bowl anchors the bench and softens the tops. Its raw edge brings earthy weight and instant character.
SALT AND PEPPER GRINDER
A sleek brass grinder adds shine and brings a refined finish.
chopping boards
Timber boards are both functional and beautiful. Layer different shapes or lean them to add warmth and variation.
KITCHEN TOWEL
A simple kitchen towel adds warmth and texture. Look for one with a soft weave or frayed edge to offset polished surfaces.
SPOON REST
A sculptural silver spoon rest adds a cool contrast to natural stone or timber.
The Bathroom
Bathrooms are often dominated by hard, polished surfaces. What they need to feel resolved is softness and tactility. Think cotton hand towels on a stone vanity, woven jute baskets tucked under the basin, brass or chrome hardware beside a heavier cotton bathmat and a ceramic vessel with flowers. Here, texture isn’t about adding clutter. It’s about softening the room and grounding it in more natural materials.
hand towel
Swap out standard towels for something with weight and weave. A heavier cotton or fringe detail adds softness fast.
toothbrush holder
Even the smallest items count. Choose a holder in glass, resin or stone to subtly lift your vanity styling.
baskets
Use woven baskets to store towels or hide clutter. The natural fibre brings instant warmth to your bathroom.
vase
A rounded ceramic vase adds calm and balance. Leave it empty, or style with a stem or two for a softer finish.
To Keep in Mind…
Not everything should match: Mixing textures (linen with timber, gloss with matte) adds depth. It’s not about a coordinated set, it’s about thoughtful contrast.
Small things carry weight: Trays, bowls, vases, spoon rests. These everyday pieces shape the tone of a space more than you think.
Texture balances the room: Too many slick surfaces and a room can fall flat. Grain, weave and material weight can lift everything.
I hope this has offered a useful foundation for thinking about your spaces, and whether they have the texture, contrast and layering that bring a home to life.
If you feel like you need some tailored guidance, I’ve recently introduced a smaller consulting package that focuses purely on decor — helping you pull together the smaller pieces in your home, like tableware, bedding, artwork, cushions, vessels, books and styling objects. It’s a way to bring clarity to the pieces you’re choosing and ensure everything feels cohesive. Feel free to get in touch if that sounds interesting to you.
Hx
