How can you use texture to improve your design presentations?

Certainly! Mixing and matching textures is like painting with feelings in design presentations. When you combine textures that work well together, it's like creating a harmonious symphony for the eyes.

Using a variety of textures is the best way to create character in a space. Textures evoke feelings of touch, which in turn creates warmth and excitement. A compilation of a few is enough to give a custom look that continues to be interesting. You can create magic with textures that you can’t with only color.

People recognize contrast in design in different layers, a combination of color palettes, textures, roughness, reflectivity, glossiness, patterns, glow and size is key. Imagine a room painted with different colors, against a room with different materials, depth and roughness covering the walls. The first room colors could be chosen very carefully, but it would still be difficult to reach the second room is depth of design. This principle applies to all aspects in interior design.

This is something I am experimenting with currently for exteriors. Instead of using two to three completing colors for the exterior finishes we use a single monochromatic color with varying textured finishes, ie. siding, stucco, wood etc. love this!

Textures are not only visually appealing but they do add a depth to your space. Incorporation of different textured materials in one space can create a beautiful harmonious environment. Textures have the ability to convey your feelings, they reflect emotions. Give a personalised touch to a space by adding textures.

Material/Mood Boards are a key part of the overall design process, whether in physical or digital format. They serve as a powerful tool to help convey your design direction to the client, especially when used in conjunction with other visual elements and components in design presentations. I often use a combination of both digital & physical board formats within different areas of the presentation. Towards the beginning, digital boards help solidify the overall look & feel of the space and are a great tool to portray the concept. When moving more into the details, having a clear, single view of all the materials together makes the presentation more of an experience for the client.

Texture is like building a timepiece into an interior. It changes like a sundial in response to changing light, casting shadows of varying lengths in various directions. In that respect, it presents an ever-changing experience of an interior that echoes with celestial bodies and the natural rhythm of a day.

Texture boards are very important as clients cannot visualize an overall effect, many a times if textures are looked at in isolation even the most experienced eyes can go wrong. Total visualization is the key.

Texture boards are a fantastic tool in design presentations. They bring the tactile dimension to life by showcasing materials and textures, making it easier to convey design concepts and moods. Whether physical or digital, they offer a tangible glimpse into the look and feel of your design. A powerful way to connect with clients and stakeholders.

Texture boards/ Mood-boards play a crucial role in transforming ideas into realty. I often create texture boards throughout the process for better visual understanding. Beginning with digital creations to finally showcasing individual textures through physical materials. The aesthetic appeal of the space can be achieved though the digital creations but the real feel can only be obtained through physical touch. Giving clients liberty to touch and feel the materials gives them a fair idea of how their place will feel upon completion. This helps a designer in conveying their thoughts and concepts. Texture Boards often becomes the deciding factor & pivots a lot of stages throughout the process.

The one thing no one can disagree with, is that textures and materials are the most powerful thing when you start the rendering stage. Aside with lighting, you can not start visualizing your space without adding textures to it.

One of the reasons I’m most commonly hired is to help clients visualize their space, and 3D renderings and models are key in delivering. Design software allows us to create their new space, present to our clients, and make revisions to the design prior to changing a single aspect of the physical space. Customizing the textures within the design software is part of what visually brings the design to life and makes it such a powerful tool for our clients. Varying colors, patterns, textures and surfaces are essential components of a successful design project, so it only makes sense to include those elements within the design presentation itself to ensure a successful outcome.

3D renderings are a very powerful tool that is here to stay! Design professionals can easily read floor plans and elevations (which are 2D) but some clients have hard time visualizing what they are looking at and get confused 3D renderings can definitely help understand spaces, relationships and proportions. They also convey materials that can be used. Sometimes a design professional creates what they feel the client will love and it’s not always the case; therefore, it is good to see the spaces in 3D.

In the realm of interior design, technology is not just a tool—it’s a bridge connecting vision to reality. It empowers us to portray the intricate tapestry of our future designs with precision and depth. As we delve into design’s complexities, technology illuminates every nuance, transforming abstract concepts into tangible previews. At RavenThorn Interior Design, we harness this power, ensuring our designs are both visionary and vividly communicated.

The opportunity to physically interact with the materials can be the difference between a successful presentation or one that seems to have raised more questions than answers from the client’s perspective. As designers, we typically wouldn’t place orders prior to having first hand experience with the product and materials we’re specifying, so it makes sense to give our client the same opportunity.

I love holding physical samples in my hand when presenting to clients. They are able to use all their senses when they can not just see, but also feel, smell, and touch the samples presented for use in their project. It might even be the difference between being awarded the project or not.

Incorporating samples and swatches into design presentations is an invaluable tactile approach. These tangible elements allow clients to not only see but also touch and feel the textures, conveying the sensory dimension of the design. It's a fantastic complement to texture boards, 3D models, and renderings, enhancing the overall understanding and appreciation of the materials' quality and durability. Creating a mini showroom with samples adds another layer to the presentation, elevating the client's experience and decision-making process.

To evaluate your samples use you senses like sight, touch and hearing. - Evaluate sample in the correct light. Typically the light in a shop / building mart / office presentation is not similar to the light in final installation location, especially if you're looking for sample for residential or outdoor. - Touch the material. So many artificial materials are available today, like wood panels, wood look-a-like tiles. When you touch some of those sample are they flimsy, the wrong temperature (ie. aluminium with wood foil). Does the texture feel correct when you touch it? - Knock on the samples, does it sound hollow (when not expected to be), is it acrylic instead glass and sound like plastic when you put is down on the table.

Earlier it used to be only physical but with technology digital is being used a great deal. As rightly mentioned, it can only supplement digital. The touch and feel is foolproof.

Texture can narrate a compelling story within the design. Incorporate textures that reflect the history, culture, or personality of the space's occupants. Example: In a restaurant, incorporating textured elements like exposed brick walls and distressed leather seating can narrate a story of authenticity and timeless charm.

Textures speak to the sense of sight and touch. Textures can elicit emotions such as comfort, warmth or even repulsion. Contrasting textures can create visual interest and evoke feelings from users.

Certain textures can communicate with the person experiencing them. Silk and velvet, for instance can convey luxury and comfort. Rough linen can evoke a sense of organic simplicity. Cold smooth marble can bring a sense of austerity. All these feelings play into the story the client wants to tell about themselves and their home.

Every designer will attest to that immediate, almost electric, connection when one touches Austrian silk, a testament to centuries of craftsmanship by multi-generational artisans. The reassuring embrace of fine bouclé, the allure of exquisite Italian leather, the gentle caress of linen, or the dreams of romance inspired by velvet - each evokes distinct emotions. At RavenThorn Interior Design, we recognize and celebrate these timeless bonds, understanding that our visceral reactions to textures have been cultivated over millennia, deeply interwoven into the fabric of our shared history.

use samples and swatches, which are small pieces of materials, fabrics, wallpapers, and other elements that you can touch and feel. Samples and swatches can help you convey the tactile and sensory aspects of your design, as well as the quality and durability of the materials. You can use samples and swatches to supplement your texture boards, 3D models, and renderings.

Finally, why not consider commissioning a unique artwork, in order to add texture, imagination, colour and light? This can greatly improve the ambiance and flow of the space, whilst dramatically enhancing the calibre - and memorability - of any project.

Using a 3d model with precise and flexible textures is my preferred method. It lets me control the textures in the 3d model with ease. I can experiment with different textures and colors and present multiple options to the client. I appreciate having such amazing tools to work with.

Textures can also help amplify the experience of being within a space. From affecting the acoustics to elevating the effects of lighting, textures play both major and subtle roles in how a space is experienced. Due to this, designers need to understand the function of different textures and its suitability in different situations. As a designer that mainly works with retail and commercial projects, one of my pet peeve is when function, cleanliness and maintenance is not considered by a designer when choosing finishes and furniture, leading to problems further in the future.

Cost effectiveness plus walls protection from dampness.. This is one of the most unique thing that makes texture one of the best in business. Experimenting textures with any of shapes, color, or its appearance, texture stands apart in adding life to boring spaces in comparatively less costly manner comparing with stones or panellings.