

The Art of Layering: Pattern, Color, Texture, & Lighting
Feb 5
3 min read
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Have you ever noticed those rooms that have that perfect composition of coordinating, matching, and contrasting colors and textures? They’re like a work of art that controls the eye’s movement as it absorbs the environment, making you feel somehow comforted by its beauty. There’s a lot of psychology behind design and the details in how it evokes various emotions, subconsciously or not. Whether it’s through color, textures, or lighting, they all play a role in the incredible art of layering.
Pattern on pattern or various hues of color put together in the most unexpected way. This is what sets a room apart. Honestly, it’s also one of those skills like styling a bookshelf where you can’t necessarily describe how to do it, you just see it and know whether it works or not. Much like composing music I imagine. All are forms of art in and of themselves. Layering colors in an expected way like using all pastels, or all darker colors (navy, burgundy, emerald green) together creates more of a “color wash” across a room, leaving you with a lack of contrast or “pop” while mixing it up with the perfect combination of a more pastel blue and a peacock blue creates a visual contrast and depth, drawing the eye in. Patterns can be a bit trickier as they’re more complicated and varied. There are opportunities to combine similar and contrasting patterns based on whether they are both geometric or organic, linear or whimsical. And often, the combination of colors within these patterns play an important role in whether or not they can be used together.
Layering textures create a visual depth but go one step further in many cases by creating that tactile depth, especially when applied to textures you actually experience like in seating or bedding. Once again, a variety of textures creates a visual contrast, avoiding a “textural wash” across a room. Details such as fringes, trims, and cord welts on upholstered pieces, pillows and window treatments instantly add this level of textural depth, even if the color were to be the same across the room. With the “color drenching” of rooms that’s so popular right now, you’ll see the use of layering textures to maintain some level of visual depth within the room. Trims and moldings on the walls become even more important in adding that depth as you drench the walls, doors, and moldings in the exact same color.
Lighting, likely the most overlooked element when it comes to layering, is key. The various layers of lighting are ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. If you only use overhead lighting, you’re missing out on a whole new world! Overhead lighting would fall under ambient lighting, lamps can constitute both task and accent lighting depending on their style and placement. Sconces on walls, picture/cabinet lights installed over artwork or at the top of a bookshelf, under-cabinet lighting and lighting inside bookshelves or behind mirrors are all elements of layering using light. Creating an added element of depth and contrast to a room while also playing a role in creating a more comfortable and user-friendly experience.
Layering is most definitely an art form. It can be overdone to create an overwhelming experience but when done well, it creates balance, harmony and a rich depth of space that the eye just wants to absorb. It’s an incredible element of interior design and one that is often overlooked in the mass market of retail furniture and accessories. If your home is in need of some dimension and detail, you’re in the right place. Once you submit an inquiry on our website, we can discuss your needs further with a complimentary consultation.