ELEMENTS OF DESIGNElements of design are “tools”. Just like the

carpenter has a hammer and saw, the designer has the

elements. There are 4 elements of

design: Line, Form, Color, & TEXTURE.

Texture is the appearance or

feel of a surface.

Textures can create variety and interest in a room.

There are two types of texture:

1. tactile

2. visual

Tactile Texture:

Texture you can “feel” by rubbing your hand over it

Visual Texture:

Texture that you can see, but you

cannot feel.

Texture can communicate different

feelings in a room:Rough, hard, or coarse textures can create

a more casual feeling in a room.

Smooth, soft, or fine textures can create a more formal feeling in a room.

Too many different kinds of texture in one room may cause confusion.

Texture affects visual size…

When furnishings with heavy or rough textures are used, they absorb more light than smooth textures. They do not reflect light throughout the room, so the

room appears smaller. Using smooth textures, therefore, reflects more light and gives the illusion of a

larger room space.

Texture affects color…

The color of a surface is the result of some light waves being reflected from it, while other light waves are absorbed by it.

A rough surface absorbs much of the light that strikes it. The light that is reflected is cast off in various directions, creating

shadows. The surface, therefore, appears darker.

A smooth surface reflects much of the light that strikes it. The light is reflected in straight, orderly lines, and the

surface appears lighter.

Applying texture to smooth surfaces…

Decorative painting and faux finishes can give a flat surface a 3-dimensional, textured look.

Most techniques use paints and glazes with

various types of brushes, sponges, rags,

masking tape, plastic wrap, combs, feathers,

etc.

Faux finishes include surfaces

that resemble stucco, antique

metal, brick, stone, leather, granite,

and marble.

Terms used to describe textures:

Can you think of words that accurately describe texture? Imagine you are trying to describe the following items to someone who cannot see or touch them…

Sandpaper Bricks

Velvet A knitted blanket

Glass

Satin

A pleated lamp shade

Texture Project Assignment…

1. Find 10 interesting/dramatic tactile textures on surfaces around your home interior.

2. Lay a piece of paper over each surface and rub it with a pencil, crayon, or colored chalk . Use firm, even strokes until the pattern or texture shows through.

3. Creatively display your 10 textures on an 8 x 10” piece of paper, used horizontally or vertically.

4. Title your project: TACTILE TEXTURES IN THE HOME

5. Put your name on the front of the project, and label each texture sample with it’s source. (i.e. soleplate of a steam iron or kitchen floor linoleum)

TACTILE TEXTURES IN THE HOME

BY YOUR NAME

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