The Tactile home
Designer Helen James makes use of textures, both natural and crafted, in her interior design and cookware collections. She describes what we can achieve in our homes by paying attention to the sense of touch when choosing furnishings and accessories
Hard
Stone is long-lasting but expensive. Limestone, travertine and marble are all porous stones. They will need to be sealed and maintained. Granite and slate are more resilient and better for high-traffic areas like hallways.
Marble, technically a stone, deserves a unique mention. A small amount of marble can make any room look luxurious. Be careful if selecting marble for kitchens as it can damage easily. If you don’t mind the wear and tear, then go for it. Marble is expensive though, so if decking out your entire bathroom is beyond your budget, go for accent pieces like marble accessories.
Wood, in the form of a solid wood floor, is a material that has gripped us in the most mainstream way in the last 20 years. Wood is also great as a kitchen counter. Vintage and weathered wood is an instant way to add texture and interest to a room.
Linoleum is having a bit of a comeback as it is available in a large variety of colours and is relatively inexpensive, hard-wearing and easy to clean and maintain. Did you know it is actually made from linseed oil combined with cork dust, limestone and mineral pigments and so is also an ecofriendly option?
Cork provides eco-friendly flooring that is soft and warm underfoot. I laid a cork floor in my own home and loved it. It can also be dramatic as a wall covering in a bathroom or study.
Ceramic tiles are a great way to add colour. The handmade ones are incredibly beautiful but equally expensive. Porcelain tiles are more expensive than ceramic as the dye seeps all the way through the tile, giving a richer colour. Terracotta floor tiles are a go-to bathroom floor tile, they have a ’70s vibe I like (think vintage Habitat catalogue) and a natural shading in the tiles which I also find appealing. Terracotta pots are also a favourite: exquisite in their simplicity.
Encaustic tiles are expensive but stunning. The pattern on these is made by colouring the clay and firing it so they have a real depth and are highly durable.
Brick is a great way to bring character to a new build. Look out for vintage bricks in salvage yards.
Brass has a warmth to it that stainless steel is lacking. A brass surround on a mirror or frame can add a nice dimension of texture. I love brass taps, but you need to accept that they will mark and stain.
Silver is something you can pick up in vintage form at flea markets and in junk shops. I like using vintage silver-plated cutlery every day: the weight is beautiful and it can be picked up for a good price. You can use old silver jugs and sugar bowls as containers for fresh flowers. Don’t worry about polishing them often, as the patina is what makes them beautiful.
Soft
Linen is a fabric that will get better with age. Embrace the wrinkles. Look out for vintage linens in flea markets and mix your textures from fine to thick and slubby.
Cotton in its pure form is the only thing that should go on your bed (unless you are investing in linen sheets). Heavy cotton can also be used in rugs, curtains and cushions.
Wool, whether knitted or woven, is versatile and hardwearing for carpets, rugs, cushions and more. You can use boiled wool as an upholstery fabric for a cosy effect with great durability.
Tweed is essentially wool, but woven into a tweed pattern (herringbone or twill). It can add a lovely masculine touch to a living room either by using a couple of throw cushions or covering an occasional chair or armchair. Velvet and silk are great for adding texture and luxury, although they are generally not very hard-wearing. It’s best to use these in low-traffic areas such as the bedroom or on an occasional sofa. Coir is made from the husk of coconuts so is very environmentally friendly. The only drawback is that it has a coarse texture so is not a good flooring choice for bathrooms or bedrooms where you might be walking barefoot. It is however perfect for doormats or mats in a pantry.
Seagrass is a very durable material and naturally water repellent, making it good flooring for high-traffic areas such as hallways and stairs. Seagrass is also used to make baskets and containers and is a great material for adding texture.
Jute is used in rugs; it’s very soft but not that durable. Use it in low-traffic areas like bedrooms.
Sisal is very coarse and though sturdy, can become slippery with wear and tear so is not suitable flooring for stairs. Sisal is also used in making rope and string. Sheepskin, used as a rug, is something every home should have. It adds warmth and texture, has a very accessible price point and is portable.
Leather couches are the saviours of families everywhere. A good leather couch will stand an incredible amount of battering from small, sticky hands. Beware of new leather couches with rock-hard upholstery that are overstuffed. The leather should be soft and have removable seat cushions.
“Sheepskin, used as a rug, is something every home should have”