Malaysian architect on art of texture in interior design

The grand open Amphitheatre at the Kedah Digital Library is filled with juxtaposed textures created from the combination of acoustic ceiling panels, wooden vinyl floor tiles and polished solid surface desk pedestals against matte-looking stone floor tiles. Photos: BETA

Remember the intangible magic of visual connectivity in my previous article? It’s intangible because we feel the significance, yet we can’t hold, touch nor grasp it with our hands.

In the world of design and architecture, I teach my students to appreciate the power of using intangible elements in their design toolbox, together with physical elements like doors, windows, furniture, light fittings and loose household decor.

The intangible elements that we have discussed earlier in this column are natural lighting, shadow, colour and visual connectivity. See the connection?

Today, we will talk about texture in design, whether in architectural design or interiors. Using texture is another secret “master skill” for you to pick up from this five-minute read. We know proud homeowners like you are ever ready to grab “insider” tricks and tips to design your home.

So, are you ready?

What is the meaning of "texture”?

We all learn that texture is a noun describing the physical feel and appearance of a surface. We use words like smooth, rough, polished or sticky when defining the characteristics of a material or object.The public washroom at the Penang Digital Library 2 evokes a garden feel by mixing textures of concrete-finish counter tops with Peranakan tiles and steel-framed mirrors to create a glossy visual texture.

Naturally, this form of texture is known as “physical or tactile texture”. Physical texture is something that you can feel with your fingers and hands.

Do you know that texture can also be perceived through our sense of sight? Our eyes concoct the sensation of various textures, even without our hands reaching out to touch the surface. This version of texture is known as “visual texture”.

Some designers use the terminology of “Implied Texture”. Now, think of the last time you saw a photograph of a beach filled with rocks and sand.

Or the wallpaper in your hotel room that features patterns of marble. When you touch it with your hand, the surface is ironically smooth.

With the empowerment from this new knowledge, I encourage our readers here to view your built world with new lenses.

I am a self-proclaimed geek in architecture and design. Every time I travel, I marvel at the myriad variety of textures that I see at the airport, hotel, museums and restaurants. I marvel at how visual texture does fantastic tricks on the eye.

When I travelled pre-Covid, I often discreetly touched surfaces that caught my eye. I would feel how polished stainless steel handrails look glossy yet cold to the touch, but a grainy wooden countertop feels rough yet warm to our hands.

Why do we need texture?

Without texture, your interiors will look dull, monotonous and plain. To spice up a minimalist white interior, textures from potted green plants, curtains and cushion fabrics lend an interesting balance.

In every room that we design, we often strive to create a sense of depth to avoid the space feeling dull and one-dimensional.

If you activate the right strategy of texture, it easily plays up the room by adding visual weight and influencing the way you perceive the space.

Imagine entering a room filled with full-height photo prints of large cactus plants.The living room of the Mansion Library at the Kedah Digital Library demonstrates good tactile effects by pairing rattan furniture with panelled wooden walls against a polished marble floor.

The photo wall may be smooth to the touch but the image of spiky thorns is enough to score “visual discomfort and pain” in your brain, telling you to flee. Imaginary, yes, but that is the power of texture play!

When, where and how?

In our talk about texture, some of you may be quick to think of creating a textured feature wall to spruce up your home for the next festive season.

True, a feature wall is a dominant surface that screams texture. But do consider other less costly options that come in small packages.

Small ‘punches’ like textured sofa fabric, velvet cushions or shaggy-haired floor rugs can work up the room equally well.

Cushion covers are probably the most versatile items you can use to dabble in textures. It’s easy to change according to the seasons of the year. Glam it up with sequinned cushion covers when you’re having a party or pair down with an easy-to-wash soft cotton for daily cosy use.

For dining space, be brave to juxtapose subtle textures of panelled walls, matte non-glossy flooring and grainy wooden furniture paired with fabric cushions.

Who are we designing for?

This is my favourite question to my students, designers and audiences who attend my design talks. When the world celebrates inclusivity in all layers of our lives, we must remember that textures in interior design leave a huge impact for everyone, from people with good vision to visually impaired users, guests and visitors.

The visually impaired and elderly folks with poor vision often rely on physical texture to give them a sense of the world they live in. Creating delight in interior space is all about evoking sensory perceptions in our human body.

Tan Bee Eu is a professional architect registered with Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia. She has two decades of working experience involving diverse local and international projects in architecture and design. Tan also teaches at Universiti Sains Malaysia, advocating passive design strategies, design principles and professional architectural practice.