Incorporating texture and patterns into your apartment home’s style is a powerful way to elevate its visual appeal and create a more inviting atmosphere. Whether through layered rugs, framed textiles, or thoughtfully chosen decor, these elements can transform a space from simple to sophisticated. Whether you live in an apartment in New Haven, CT, or a house in Newark, NJ, this ApartmentGuide article will teach you how to add depth, warmth, and personality to your home through art pieces, making each room feel uniquely yours.
1. Frame kitchen textiles or pieces with tactile interest
Framing kitchen textiles or pieces with tactile interest, like woven placemats or patterned tea towels, can introduce a unique blend of texture and pattern to your space. This approach adds visual depth to your kitchen or dining area, making everyday items into functional art pieces.
“Think outside the box by framing eye-catching kitchen textiles or hanging hand-crafted pieces with tactile interest. These additions bring creativity and elegance to your space and celebrate the artistry and craftspersonship of textile and surface pattern designers,” states textile design business Pattern Observer.
2. Incorporate woven tapestries
Adding texture and patterns to your apartment can be as simple as incorporating handcrafted items like woven tapestries or textured ceramic wall art.
Stainless steel belt buckle company MS Crafts says, “These pieces not only add depth but also bring a unique, artisanal touch to your space. Consider adding a mix of textures, such as pairing a soft fabric with a rugged metal sculpture, to create a visually engaging environment.”
“Crochet a wall hanging to add color, texture, and dimension to your space. Add embellishments like beads, wooden dowels, and shells to enhance the room’s personality. You can work from a published pattern or create your own,” adds Sharon Silverman Crochet.
3. Hang up quilts
Hanging up quilts can infuse your home with rich textures and intricate patterns, turning a simple wall into a cozy focal point. The layered fabrics and vibrant designs add warmth and character, making your space feel more inviting and personalized.
Quilt Skipper notes, “Quilts and other textile pieces add unique texture and dimension to your space. Quilts look best when hung freely, without covering, away from any sunlight.”
“Quilt wall hangings can instantly making any room feel cosier and more inviting. With their unique designs and tactile fabrics, quilts are a fun way to add style to your space.” adds Excell Quilt Co.
4. Consider African contemporary art
Transform your home decor with the vibrant textures of African contemporary art.
“Experience the depth and intrigue of abstract works on canvas with their bold colors and textured brushstrokes, or elevate your space with mixed media collages that combine fabric, paper, and found objects for a rich, tactile experience. These unique pieces not only add visual interest but also infuse your home with cultural significance and a touch of artistic sophistication,” shares art website artmuze.com.
Photo courtesy of Art Muze, Art by Emmanual Anaiye, Hidden
5. Bring in florals and greenery for more apartment textures and patterns
Bringing in florals and greenery can breathe life into any room. These elements create a refreshing atmosphere, making your space feel more connected to nature while adding texture and color to your apartment.
“I love to add texture in a room with florals and cut greenery,” shares Bad Rabbit Flowers. “This could be as simple as an arrangement you create from farmers market bunches, but can also be more interesting and impactful with unexpected pieces like branchy cuts, long grasses foraged from the woods or roadside or large vases filled with a single variety of blooms or greens.”
“One fun way to captivate attention on a mundane solid wall or a corner is to add floral arrangements with interesting shapes. For example, a whole bunch of pin cushions of contrasting color can ornate a solid wall panel exceptionally well. You can also add tall, dried branches in a corner of a room to make it interesting,” adds Mahir Floral & Event Designs.
6. Decorate with layered rugs
“Use textured rugs to create layers and add depth to your space,” recommends yarn company Paradise Fibers. This technique creates a cozy, well-curated look that enhances the warmth and character of your living spaces.
7. Bring in sculptures
Incorporating textured or patterned art pieces, such as abstract sculptures, can dramatically transform a space by adding depth and dimension to your home.
“As an artist, I find that the interplay of light and shadow, as well as form and space, on textured surfaces creates dynamic visual interest, making each piece a focal point that evolves throughout the day. Consider using artwork that not only complements your existing design but also introduces thought provoking tactile element that brings a unique sensory experience to your living space,” shares artist Ralph Pàquin.
8. Don’t be afraid to mix colors
“Don’t be afraid to mix things up and don’t be afraid of color,” states Elizabeth Miller of Parris House Wool Works. “In my fiber art I mix a variety of materials to add texture and interest, along with embellishments and found objects. Fiber art pieces are a great way to achieve visual interest and character, be they contemporary or traditional (or a mix).”
She recommends looking for pillows, wall hanging or art pieces, throws, and table mats that fit your style. They may be hooked, punched, knitted, crocheted, macrame, felted, appliqued, but they often add an unexpected texture or focal point to your apartment.