Trends: How to Introduce Raw Texture in the Right Way
Clean, contemporary schemes look chic, but for an eclectic, edgy feel, consider introducing ‘raw’ materials into your home
During a recent visit, my brother-in-law was very perturbed by the raw and distressed wall in our hallway. He seemed convinced that we were halfway through decorating and were pausing to consider our paint colour options. When I told him we loved the wall as it is, he couldn’t believe it. It got me thinking about the use of raw materials and surfaces in our homes – how some adore it and some abhor it!
Without a doubt I can tell you I’m on team ‘raw’. I’ve yet to meet a bare brick wall or polished concrete floor that I don’t instantly fall in love with. Natural materials such as wood and stone add much texture to a scheme, but it’s not just that – they also add an authenticity that’s impossible to fake. Take a look at these fantastic examples of using raw materials in the home and see what you think.
Without a doubt I can tell you I’m on team ‘raw’. I’ve yet to meet a bare brick wall or polished concrete floor that I don’t instantly fall in love with. Natural materials such as wood and stone add much texture to a scheme, but it’s not just that – they also add an authenticity that’s impossible to fake. Take a look at these fantastic examples of using raw materials in the home and see what you think.
Just give a hint
If you’re not keen on brick walls or large panes of raw wood, exposed wooden beams can give just a hint of rawness, not to mention texture and warmth, to an otherwise clean and contemporary space.
If you’re not keen on brick walls or large panes of raw wood, exposed wooden beams can give just a hint of rawness, not to mention texture and warmth, to an otherwise clean and contemporary space.
Bare on a budget
This Brooklyn brownstone has the ‘raw’ look down. From the brick wall to the worn wooden floor, the owner has introduced a plethora of gorgeous textures, all of which complement each other. If you love this aesthetic but don’t have the budget right now, you can achieve a similar look by adding a dishevelled wooden cabinet to your room. Pick one up in your local charity shop and sand back the paint fairly significantly for that authentic raw appearance.
This Brooklyn brownstone has the ‘raw’ look down. From the brick wall to the worn wooden floor, the owner has introduced a plethora of gorgeous textures, all of which complement each other. If you love this aesthetic but don’t have the budget right now, you can achieve a similar look by adding a dishevelled wooden cabinet to your room. Pick one up in your local charity shop and sand back the paint fairly significantly for that authentic raw appearance.
Find beauty in the bare
This owner is unapologetic about her love for industrial rawness. She has kept the bricks as they were – paint and all – and introduced plenty of characterful pieces, some rustic, some playful, for a fantastic eclectic energy.
Bare bricks are part and parcel with industrial style, be inspired by our industrial style section.
This owner is unapologetic about her love for industrial rawness. She has kept the bricks as they were – paint and all – and introduced plenty of characterful pieces, some rustic, some playful, for a fantastic eclectic energy.
Bare bricks are part and parcel with industrial style, be inspired by our industrial style section.
Make use of whitewash
If you want to introduce a brick wall to your home but don’t love their original colour, worry not. Take your inspiration from this warehouse conversion in Shoreditch and roughly whitewash them to lift the light levels while still keeping the raw mood.
If you want to introduce a brick wall to your home but don’t love their original colour, worry not. Take your inspiration from this warehouse conversion in Shoreditch and roughly whitewash them to lift the light levels while still keeping the raw mood.
Add another layer
This delicious combination of raw salvaged wood and stainless steel makes for a texturally rich powder room with a lot of character and an industrial feel. To re-create a similar look, layer different textures, including rough-hewn wood, stone, brick and bashed metal.
10 cool ways to use wood cladding
This delicious combination of raw salvaged wood and stainless steel makes for a texturally rich powder room with a lot of character and an industrial feel. To re-create a similar look, layer different textures, including rough-hewn wood, stone, brick and bashed metal.
10 cool ways to use wood cladding
Go back to basics
Stripping back a wall to its original brickwork brings an authenticity that’s almost impossible to fake. This chimney breast was uncovered from beneath aged wallpaper and plaster. It was then cleaned up and painted with a white paint and water mix and is now the main focal point in this bright dining room.
Find more brick fireplace surrounds here.
Stripping back a wall to its original brickwork brings an authenticity that’s almost impossible to fake. This chimney breast was uncovered from beneath aged wallpaper and plaster. It was then cleaned up and painted with a white paint and water mix and is now the main focal point in this bright dining room.
Find more brick fireplace surrounds here.
Buff it up
Concrete isn’t just for floors. Take it up the walls and choose anything from a slick polished finish to a rough surface or one with a wood grain impression. This mottled concrete wall adds depth and interest to this white room and perfectly frames the fantastic metal spiral staircase.
The smooth secrets of polished concrete
TELL US…
Do you prefer the rough or the smooth? Share your thoughts, and photos of any projects using raw materials, in the Comments below.
Concrete isn’t just for floors. Take it up the walls and choose anything from a slick polished finish to a rough surface or one with a wood grain impression. This mottled concrete wall adds depth and interest to this white room and perfectly frames the fantastic metal spiral staircase.
The smooth secrets of polished concrete
TELL US…
Do you prefer the rough or the smooth? Share your thoughts, and photos of any projects using raw materials, in the Comments below.
Using contrasting materials, such as this raw brick wall against the polished chrome and glossy white Corian, creates a fantastic juxtaposition of textures that appeals on all levels.