Mixing Textures and Materials: A Guide for Interior Design Firms

In the world of commercial and hospitality interiors, mastering the art of mixing metals, woods, and materials is essential to crafting sophisticated, layered spaces that speak of intentionality and depth. For interior design firms, the skill to combine various textures, finishes and tones transforms bland environments into dynamic experiences. This article delves into why mixing materials matters, how to approach it strategically, and offers expert tips to achieve a harmonious yet visually exciting outcome.


Why Mixing Materials Matters
Interior design firms understand that combining different materials — metals, woods, fabrics, and more — adds critical layers of depth and contrast. A well-curated mix creates visual interest, making a space feel thoughtfully designed rather than haphazardly assembled. The varied tactile and reflective qualities invite engagement, enhance lighting effects, and highlight architectural details or furniture focal points.

In commercial interiors, where atmospheres must often balance professionalism with warmth or creativity, material mixing is vital. The play between textures and finishes can guide visitors’ movement, create zones within open-plan areas, and reinforce brand identity through carefully selected palettes.


Start with a Dominant Finish
A fundamental principle for interior design firms is to choose one dominant finish as the foundation of the scheme. This might be a rich warm oak veneer on reception desks or brushed brass fittings on light fixtures. The dominant material anchors the room’s aesthetic and creates a consistent thread.

Once established, designers add one or two complementary accents to build complexity without overwhelming the senses. For example, pairing warm oak with matte black metal legs or soft grey textiles achieves contrast while maintaining cohesion. This approach prevents visual clutter and ensures each material can shine.


Understand Undertones for Cohesion
Understanding the undertones of metals, woods, and fabrics is a nuanced yet indispensable step. Materials may carry warm, cool, or neutral undertones, and mixing incompatible tones can disrupt harmony and create unintended discord.

Interior design firms often assess undertones using sample swatches in situ, under the specific lighting conditions of the project. Warm undertones like copper and honeyed oak work well together, while cooler metals such as chrome pair better with ash or bleached wood. Neutral undertones provide flexibility and can bridge warm and cool materials gracefully.


Limit the Number of Finishes
While variety enhances texture and interest, too many finishes can create visual noise. Successful interior design firms advise limiting finishes to two or three per room. This restraint allows for a balanced, refined look where each material has presence and purpose.

In commercial environments, where visual clarity supports function, this principle is especially important. For example, a boardroom might combine a walnut conference table with chrome light fixtures and leather seating—each finish deliberate and complementary.


Balance Warm and Cool Metals
Mixing metals often intimidates designers, but balanced combinations of warm and cool tones can elevate interiors dramatically. Warm metals such as brass and copper bring a richness and glow, while cool metals like stainless steel and nickel introduce sleekness and modernity.

The key lies in distribution. Interior design firms skillfully place warm metals as focal accents—such as statement lighting—while cooler metals provide structural or background elements, maintaining equilibrium throughout the space.


Contrast with Intention
Purposeful contrast is a powerful design tool. It emphasises focal areas and articulates spatial zones, making interiors more navigable and engaging. Interior design firms use contrast thoughtfully, pairing light woods with dark metals or matte finishes with gloss to create dynamic interplay.

Contrast should always support the design narrative. For example, a luxury hotel lobby might juxtapose a matte black reception desk with glossy brass fixtures and soft velvet upholstery, resulting in a visually arresting yet harmonious environment.


Test Samples Together
Before finalising any scheme, it is imperative for interior design firms to test samples of metals, woods, and fabrics together under the actual lighting conditions of the space. Lighting dramatically affects colour perception and material interaction.

Creating physical mood boards with samples ensures that undertones align and finishes complement rather than clash. This step helps avoid costly mistakes and confirms that the materials will maintain their intended character throughout the day and evening.


Practical Recommendations for Interior Design Firms

1. Start with the Floor: Flooring sets the tone for all subsequent materials. Whether it is polished concrete, timber, or carpet tile, its finish and undertone will influence all other choices.
2. Incorporate Soft Textiles: Soft materials such as upholstered furniture or acoustic panels balance harder metals and woods, improving comfort and acoustics in commercial spaces.
3. Add Thoughtful Accessories: Accessories like lighting, artwork, and decorative objects can reinforce material themes and introduce subtle textures.
4. Maintain a Unified Palette: All finishes should contribute to a cohesive colour story aligned with the client’s brand and the building’s architecture.

Mastering Material Mixing for Commercial Interiors
For interior design firms, the ability to mix metals, woods, and materials with expertise transforms interiors into layered, compelling spaces. By starting with a dominant finish, understanding undertones, limiting finishes, balancing metals, and applying contrast intentionally, firms can create environments that are both visually stunning and functionally coherent.

Testing samples together in real-world lighting is critical to confirm harmony before installation. Ultimately, thoughtful material mixing conveys professionalism, enhances brand identity, and elevates user experience.

If you want to explore how these principles can be tailored to your commercial or hospitality projects, we invite you to contact us at Turnkey Interiors. Our team specialises in crafting bespoke interiors with expert material coordination, ensuring every finish is perfectly balanced and impactful.