Interior design today is not just about choosing furniture and/or color for a space; rather, interior design is an experience created within a space that renders a reaction/emotional response to occupants as well as representing the unique personality of each occupant and lessee. Abstract texture is a great form of design that interior designers use to accomplish experience through art. Abstract textured art is not just flat artwork but also brings another level of art to space by adding dimension, motion, and tactile quality to any interior.
Textured art has recently gained a prominent role in design ranging from luxury residences, boutique hotels, open office arrangements, and even curated retail venues. In this article, we will discuss the visual impact created by abstract textured art and its place within the context of modern-day interior design and discuss how and where abstract texture art may be applied in order to allow the interior designer to deliver the ultimate in enhancing a project's professional image.
Art in an Abstract Textured Way
Art in an abstract way has no representative shapes and is created with layering materials. Uncovering your material's true potential will give you a sense of depth. These works use surface texture to manipulate the surface texture with the use of a variety of techniques, such as adding light, shadow, and even dimensional layers.
Abstract textured art does not require a specific view of the world, so it can convey emotions, rhythm, and form while not depicting something seen through your eyes. Creating texture can use a combination of plaster, acrylic, fabric, metals, wood, and/or a combination of all of these materials to create dimensionality.
In the end, an abstract textural painting may not look the same from one angle to another, nor may they appear different at various times of the day. What this means for interior design is that they are always in motion and not static.
The Importance of Texture in Interior Design
Texture is a key design component in interior design but often receives less attention than it deserves. While color affects how we see the space, texture applies to how we perceive the environment in a more holistic sense. In fact, through sight alone, texture contributes to visual diversity and depth within an environment.
There are several reasons why texture is so important:
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Texture adds another dimension to an environment, where flat walls tend to appear drab. The addition of textured art offers layers of depth and adds visual variety.
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Many designers prefer to design spaces using the minimal approach associated with modern interiors. In this case, texture helps to eliminate the cold, sterile feel of an all-white space.
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Light rays interacting with raised surfaces create soft shadows. Shadows defined by texture create drama in the environment.
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Textures are organic and invite a person to feel welcome and accepted.
As seamless, unified elements are incorporated into an environment, then the texture becomes the final detail that connects all other features.
The Use of Abstract Textured Art:
1. A Strong Center Of Interest
The strong visual center of a room is an important part of any interior design project and can be achieved through the use of abstract textured wall art. Large textured wall art instantly becomes the visual anchor for any space; in living rooms it replaces the need for many different decorative elements, whereas in bedrooms it adds an elegant touch without overwhelming the area.
As textured artworks typically have a lot of depth, they can create a contrast with plain walls, even in a neutral color scheme.
2. Increase Perception of Space
Textures can also be used to subtly alter how a particular area feels/looks. Examples of this are vertical and horizontal textures making ceilings seem higher or wide/flat textures making a room seem larger. Designers will frequently include 3D textured wall art (with the component type of addition to the existing room) for special appeal where other structural updates are not an option.
When a space is small, adding a 3D textured wall art element at the appropriate area/location will enhance the character of the space without creating visual "clutter."
3. Interaction of Light and Shadow
The lighting conditions of the room have an effect on the look of the texture in the room. For example, in the morning, the sun may highlight parts of the texture, while at night, when other forms of artificial light are used, the illuminated portions create a dramatic contrast against the remaining parts of the texture. This interaction between light and texture creates movement and life in interior spaces.
When 3D/outside dimensional textures are used in monochromatic or earthy colors, they essentially become sculptures, similar to architecture hanging on the wall.
Textured Artworks and Their Relationship to Modern Interior Design
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The Minimalist Approach to Creating a Modern Interior
By its very nature, minimalism is characterized by clear lines, simplicity, and restraint. Without the inclusion of texture, however, minimalistic interior designs can become quite bland. The use of textured artwork with an abstract quality adds another layer of dimension and character, yet still keeps true to a tranquil design concept. In addition, textured artwork featuring muted colors provides nice contrast to minimalist furniture and creates more open space for visual enjoyment.
This is the reason the use of textured artworks in contemporary and modern interior design is generally seen as being utilitarian and neutral in color choice, such as light beige, grey, or muted earth tones.
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Textured Artwork as a Sign of Luxury
When applied to luxury interior designs, textured artwork is synonymous with exquisite craftsmanship and high levels of exclusivity. The addition of several layered abstract pieces with high-quality finishes serves to enhance the overall ambience of the space. Therefore, large-scale, textured artworks are frequently found in luxury living quarters, including villas and penthouses, because they create an atmosphere that is similar to that of a fine art gallery.
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Textured Artwork in Industrial and Urban Interiors
The use of unfinished materials, such as raw concrete, metal, and rough plaster, complements the aesthetic quality of an industrial or urban interior. The use of abstract, textured artwork enhances the soft, artistic feature of the space and the exposed brick wall, the metal fixtures, and the open layout of an industrial/urban interior.
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Scandinavian and Japanese Interior Design Styles
Both Scandinavian and Japanese styles incorporate ideas of balance, nature, and understated elegance. Textured abstract artwork, which features organic forms and muted tones, is in complete agreement with the design philosophy of these two styles and provides a warm feel without excessiveness.
The Benefits of Art
Art has the ability to create feelings about a space. One of the best types of art to give you those feelings is abstract textured artwork. Abstract textured pieces invite interpretation by removing precise imagery. When this happens, the viewer is able to experience and connect with the work/art in an emotional way instead of an intellectual one.
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Providing soft, flowing textures within a space creates a relaxed and calming feeling.
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Artwork with bold and layered compositions projects confidence, energy, and exuberance.
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Earthy textures give a person a feeling of being stable, secure, and connected to the earth.
Since this emotional connection exists, many people choose to decorate their houses using textured art pieces. Examples of common uses of textured art pieces include wellness, hospitality, and medical environments where mood plays a role in people's experiences.
Custom & Personal Expression
One major benefit of abstract textured art is that it can be customized and made to fit an individual's personal style. This ability to customize a piece enables individuals to choose the colors, dimensions, and themes that best match their individual taste.
This adaptability has become very popular among designers looking for unique pieces to complete their customers' interiors, such as
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Matching furniture tones/finishes
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Complementing wall color/materials
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Accommodating unique wall sizes and/or architectural features
Ultimately, a custom-made textured piece is an extension of the space that it is in and of the owner themselves.
Ways to Incorporate Texture into Different Living Areas
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Living Rooms
Textured art can be used to create a space for relaxation and socializing in the living room. Textured art above a sofa that extends out over other furniture should give off an invitation to sit down and relax together as well as create an overall mood throughout your home. Neutral colors in textured art would appeal to everyone, while bolder colors will attract expressive personalities.
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Bedrooms
Textured art is a great way to create a peaceful atmosphere in the bedroom. A calming palette of soft pastels on the artwork will draw people to relax when they enter the room and will keep them relaxed while they sleep and dream.
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Dining Rooms
Dining rooms are ideal locations for textured art. Using textured art to decorate a wall in your dining room will add sophistication to this space and will inspire conversation while enjoying meals, drinks, and snacks.
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Offices & Commercial Spaces
Textured art is a great way to inspire creative thinking in office settings. Abstract textures show creativity, professionalism, and modernity. By incorporating textured art into your office and/or commercial spaces, you elevate your brand image and make your space an enjoyable and interesting place to work.
Why Textured Art Will Remain Relevant
The idea of using textured art has been gaining popularity over the past few years because of the way we see and touch things. Textured art will continue to be in demand long after the trend has passed.
As people continue to want unique and meaningful design elements in their space, textured art will only become more relevant as we continue to move toward handcrafted products, sustainable living, and thoughtfully curated interiors.
Final Thoughts
Abstract textured artwork is one of the few elements available that can dramatically improve the aesthetic of an interior. This is done by imparting depth, movement, and emotional connection to the interior space, changing a "vanilla" look into something extraordinary. An abstract textured painting with subtle texture can transform a simple space into something unique, while an exciting three-dimensional textured wall art piece will change the manner in which people view walls.
Abstract textured artwork must be included in a person’s list of necessary items when designing contemporary, modern, and emotionally stimulating interiors. When the right pieces are selected, abstract textured artwork will become the focal point of the room and quietly attract attention while not overpowering the design of the room.
The voice of abstract textured artwork will not only speak louder than the voice of the room through words, but the voice of abstract textured artwork will also be timeless and elegant.
