The Texture of Design: A Sensory Journey Through Materiality
Step into a space that speaks not just through colour or form, but through feel. Texture is the quiet storyteller of interior design; an element that invites touch, evokes emotion, and adds depth to every surface. It’s the grain of timber beneath your fingertips, the cool smoothness of stone, the soft embrace of upholstery, the gleam of metal, and the lightness of glass. Together, these materials shape how we experience a room, not just visually, but physically and emotionally.
At Cult Design, texture is more than a detail, it’s a design language. Across our curated collection of furniture and lighting, texture brings character to clean lines, warmth to minimalism, and contrast to cohesion. Whether it’s the raw honesty of oak, the plush comfort of boucle, or the crisp clarity of glass, each material tells a story of craftsmanship, mood, and style.
In this month’s blog, we explore the tactile richness of five key textures - timber, upholstery, glass, metal, and stone - and how they can be layered and paired to create spaces that feel as good as they look. From individual material highlights to mood-based styling inspiration, discover how texture transforms interiors into sensory experiences.
Material Highlights: The Building Blocks of Tactile Design
Texture doesn’t exist in isolation. In contemporary furniture design, materials are rarely used alone. Instead, they’re layered, contrasted, and combined to create pieces that are as visually compelling as they are sensorially rich. At Cult Design, our collection celebrates this interplay, showcasing how timber, upholstery, glass, metal, and stone can be used in harmony to elevate both form and function.
In the sections below, we explore each of these foundational textures, not just in their purest forms, but also in the way they interact with one another. From solid timber tables to hybrid designs that blend wood with papercord, leather, or metal, these materials are the unsung heroes of great design.
Timber: The Soul of the Space
Few materials ground a space like timber. With its natural warmth, organic grain, and timeless appeal, timber brings a sense of calm and connection to nature. Whether left raw and rustic or refined to a silky smoothness, it’s a material that invites touch and tells a story of craftsmanship, of sustainability, of enduring beauty.
Some pieces celebrate timber in its purest form. The Molloy Table by NAU, designed by Adam Goodrum, is a sculptural celebration of timber. Inspired by the meeting of two rivers in Western Australia, its fluid joinery and rounded detailing reflect a poetic approach to craftsmanship. Made from solid oak or walnut, the table’s seamless construction and natural finish highlight the beauty of Australian hardwoods.
The Islets Coffee Table by Fredericia, designed by Maria Bruun, is a study in sculptural minimalism. Crafted from solid oak, its clean lines and understated construction allow the material to speak for itself. The table’s quiet strength and refined proportions make it a timeless anchor in any space.
The Rey Chair by HAY, originally designed by Bruno Rey in 1971 and reissued in collaboration with Dietiker, combines solid beech wood with cast aluminium brackets in a screwless construction. Its rounded edges and stackable design offer both durability and softness, making it a versatile classic for modern living.
Molloy Table | NAU
Islet Coffee Table | Fredericia
Rey Chair | HAY
Timber also thrives in dialogue with other materials. The CH23 Chair by Carl Hansen & Søn, designed by Hans J. Wegner, features a double-woven papercord seat and elegant cruciform cover caps. Available in oak, walnut, or a combination of both, it’s a masterclass in Danish craftsmanship and material harmony.
The MR01 Outdoor Lounge Chair by Gubi, designed by Mathias Rasmussen, pairs a low-slung timber frame with a nautically inspired rope seat. Designed for meditation and relaxation, it’s a sculptural piece that blends natural textures with outdoor durability.
The X Lounge Chair HM10 by &Tradition, designed by Hvidt & Mølgaard, features a laminated oak frame with walnut inserts and a natural rattan seat. Inspired by vintage tennis rackets, its sloping silhouette and refined detailing showcase the duo’s mastery of material and form.
CH23 Chair | Carl Hansen & Søn
MR01 Outdoor Lounge Chair | Gubi
X Lounge Chair HM10 | &Tradition
Metal: The Modern Edge
Metal brings a sense of precision and clarity to interiors. Cool to the touch and often industrial in feel, it adds structure, contrast, and a contemporary edge to any space. Whether powder-coated, polished, or brushed, metal surfaces reflect light in unique ways, creating visual rhythm and architectural sharpness.
Some designs embrace metal in its purest, most sculptural form. The Wire Stool VP11 by &Tradition, designed by Verner Panton, is a minimalist sculpture in steel. Its geometric wireframe offers both strength and visual lightness, making it ideal for contemporary spaces that value form and function.
The Revolver Stool by HAY, designed by Leon Ransmeier, features a rotating seat atop a slim steel column. Its playful motion and clean silhouette make it a dynamic addition to kitchens, bars, or studios.
The Palissade Collection by HAY, designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, uses tubular powder-coated steel to create outdoor furniture that’s both robust and elegant. The collection’s symmetrical lines and open structure allow light and air to pass through, blending seamlessly into natural surroundings.
The Wire Stool VP11 | &Tradition
Revolver Stool | HAY
Palissade Collection | HAY
In mixed-material designs, metal becomes a quiet hero. The Sia Chair by NAU, designed by Tom Fereday, features a slender steel frame supporting sculptural timber elements. Its stackable design and adjustable backrest reflect a thoughtful balance of engineering and comfort.
The Vipp Studio Desk combines a polished aluminium frame with a hovering tabletop in either Ocean Grey marble or refined Italian leather. Paired with timber accents and optional drawers, it’s a tactile workspace that blends industrial precision with natural warmth.
The PK22 Chair by Fritz Hansen, designed by Poul Kjærholm, epitomizes the elegance of metal in furniture. Its satin-brushed stainless steel frame supports a single piece of leather or canvas, creating a minimalist lounge chair that’s both sculptural and timeless. Awarded the Grand Prix at the Milan Triennale in 1957, it remains a design icon today.
In these pieces, metal isn’t just a support: it’s a statement. It defines form, adds contrast, and brings a sense of clarity to layered interiors. Whether used alone or in combination, it’s a texture that speaks to strength, sophistication, and design confidence.
Sia Chair | NAU
Studio Desk | Vipp
PK22 Chair | Fritz Hansen
Stone: Grounded Elegance
Stone is the quiet anchor in a room, a material that speaks of permanence, strength, and natural beauty. Its cool surface and organic variation bring a sense of calm and sophistication to interiors, whether used in bold slabs or subtle accents. Stone adds weight and presence, grounding lighter materials and offering a tactile contrast to wood, metal, and fabric.
Some designs let stone take centre stage. The Epic Outdoor Dining Table by Gubi, designed by GamFratesi, is a monumental piece crafted from Botanic Green quartzite. Inspired by classical architecture, its elliptical shape and hexagonal base evoke ancient Greek and Roman forms. Each table is unique, with swirling veins and crystal clusters that tell the story of the stone’s geological formation.
The Nola Lamp by NAU, designed by Tom Fereday, is available in a honed solid stone version that emits a warm, ambient glow. Its sculptural form, comprising a cylindrical base and domed top, offers a calming presence and celebrates the tactile beauty of natural materials.
The Tableau Coffee Table by Fredericia, designed by Space Copenhagen, is made from Dark Atlantico limestone. Its soft-cornered square top and intersecting stone base create a sculptural silhouette, while subtle fossil markings and tonal variations make each piece one-of-a-kind.
Epic Outdoor Table | Gubi
Nola Lamp | NAU
Tableau Coffee Table | Fredericia
Stone often plays a supporting role in mixed-material designs, adding weight, texture, and timeless elegance to more sculptural forms.
The RF1905 Sideways Coffee Table Marble by Carl Hansen & Søn, designed by Rikke Frost, pairs a handcrafted walnut frame with a reversible tabletop in luxurious Bianco Carrara marble. Resting on brass fittings, the table’s soft curves and layered materials evoke harmony and balance, making it a refined centrepiece for both residential and public spaces.
The Vipp494 Cabin Round Table is a tactile symphony of natural materials. Its organically veined stone tabletop rests atop a solid oak base, merging cool mineral textures with warm timber tones. Designed for intimate gatherings, the table’s sculptural silhouette and honest materiality evoke a sense of grounded elegance; perfect for interiors that embrace nature’s raw beauty.
The Lato LN8 Side Table by &Tradition, designed by Luca Nichetto, resembles a sculptural object more than a traditional table. Its slim, powder-coated steel top balances atop an oval-shaped marble base - available in Emparador, Crema Diva, or Verde Alpi - creating a graphic and poetic form that’s both playful and refined.
RF1905 Sideways Coffee Table | Carl Hansen & Søn
Vipp494 Cabin Round Table | Vipp
Lato Side Table | &Tradition
Glass: Lightness and Clarity
Glass is the quiet disruptor in interior design; a material that brings transparency, reflection, and a sense of weightlessness. It plays with light, opens up space, and adds a refined edge to heavier textures. While often seen as delicate, glass is also versatile and expressive, especially in lighting and surface design.
In lighting, glass takes centre stage. The Clam Pendant by Fritz Hansen is inspired by seashells revealing a hidden pearl. Designed by Ahm & Lund, it features mouth-blown opal glass and brushed brass fittings that slide open to adjust the light, creating a soft, ambient glow with sculptural elegance.
The Nola Lamp by NAU, crafted from hand-cast crystal glass, offers a serene presence with its seamless cylindrical base and domed top. Designed by Tom Fereday, it emits a warm, diffused light that transforms any space into a calming retreat.
The Apollo Portable Lamp by HAY, designed by Studio 0405, is handmade from a single piece of opal glass. Its concealed LED and rechargeable battery create a warm glow, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
Clam Pendant | Fritz Hansen
Nola Lamp Glass | NAU
Apollo Portable | HAY
Glass also excels in mixed-material designs, where it adds contrast and clarity to more grounded textures. The RIPPLE Cabinet by Montana is a poetic exploration of transparency and texture. Its fluted glass doors ripple with light, offering glimpses of the objects within while maintaining a sense of mystery. Framed in Montana’s signature lacquered MDF, the cabinet balances softness and structure, making it a standout piece that elevates everyday storage into an artful experience.
The Sett Side Table LN12 by &Tradition is a study in contrast and clarity. Designed by Luca Nichetto, it pairs a solid aluminium base with a floating smoking glass top, creating a layered interplay of translucency and reflection. The sculptural form feels both grounded and ethereal, inviting touch and contemplation. It’s a celebration of glass as both a functional and expressive material.
And the Pedrera Coffee Table by Gubi, designed in 1955 by Barba Corsini, combines a slender, V-shaped steel base with an organically rounded glass top. Inspired by the vaulted ceilings of La Pedrera in Barcelona, it’s a modernist classic that feels airy and architectural from every angle.
Whether used to soften a space or sharpen it, glass is a texture that invites light and movement. It’s the material that opens up a room, visually and emotionally, while adding a layer of elegance that’s hard to ignore.
RIPPLE Cabinet | Montana
Sett Side Table LN12 | &Tradition
Pedrera Coffee Table | Gubi
Upholstery: Comfort in Every Curve
Upholstery is the texture of comfort, the material we sink into, wrap ourselves in, and associate with rest and relaxation. It softens a space, adds colour and warmth, and invites a tactile connection that’s both emotional and physical. Whether plush and sculptural or tailored and refined, upholstered pieces bring a sense of intimacy to interiors.
Some designs let upholstery take the lead. The Loafer Chair by &Tradition, designed by Space Copenhagen, was originally created for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. Its fully upholstered form, with soft curves and a compact silhouette, offers a sense of cozy seclusion even in open spaces; perfect for lounges, dining rooms, or meeting areas.
Soft yet structured, the Billo Armchair by NAU wraps comfort in contemporary curves. Designed by Adam Goodrum, its plush upholstery hugs the body, while the sculptural form adds a playful sophistication to any space. Billo’s tactile fabric and inviting silhouette make it a standout in the realm of upholstered seating, where texture meets emotion.
And the Jota Sofa and Armchair by Fredericia, designed by Jasper Morrison, blend Danish design heritage with modern sophistication. Handcrafted in Denmark, the collection features clean lines, solid oak legs, and sublime comfort. The seat and back cushions have removable covers, and the upholstery is detailed with piping and French seams, reflecting Morrison’s refined approach to everyday elegance.
Loafer SC24 Dining Chair | &Tradition
Billo Armchair | NAU
Jota Sofa | Fredericia
Other pieces use upholstery in dialogue with other materials. The F300 Lounge Chair by Gubi, designed by Pierre Paulin, features a futuristic shell made from recycled HiREK® polymer, paired with a plush upholstered seat. Its sculptural silhouette and low-slung comfort make it a standout in any space.
The Pa Lounge Chair by NAU, designed by Timothy Robertson, combines a timber backrest with a stainless steel frame and soft fabric seat. Inspired by the designer’s father, it’s a tribute to craftsmanship and storytelling through materiality.
And the Vipp Swivel Chair features a cast aluminium base and an upholstered seat in aniline leather. Designed for extended comfort, it includes a tilt mechanism and 360° rotation, making it ideal for both home offices and meeting rooms. Its slender armrests and padded backrest offer ergonomic support with a refined silhouette.
Upholstery is where design meets emotion. It’s the texture that invites you to stay a little longer, to relax, to feel at home. Whether paired with timber, metal, or used on its own, it’s a material that speaks to softness, style, and the human need for comfort.
F300 Lounge Chair | Gubi
Pa Chair | NAU
Swivel Chair | Vipp
Texture as Design Language
Texture is more than a surface: it’s a feeling. It’s the warmth of timber under your hand, the cool solidity of stone beneath a cup, the softness of upholstery that invites you to stay a little longer. When thoughtfully combined, textures shape the emotional tone of a space, guiding how we interact with it and how it makes us feel.
Designing with texture is about creating harmony through contrast. Here are a few ways to use texture as a design language:
Cozy & Inviting
Combine warm timber with soft upholstery to create spaces that feel relaxed and welcoming. These textures evoke comfort and familiarity, perfect for living rooms, reading nooks, or intimate dining areas.
Minimal & Sleek
Pair glass and metal for a clean, contemporary aesthetic. These materials reflect light and add clarity, making them ideal for workspaces, modern kitchens, or minimalist interiors.
Earthy & Grounded
Blend stone with timber to bring nature indoors. This combination adds depth and authenticity, creating a calming atmosphere that’s well-suited to entryways, bathrooms, or meditative spaces.
Playful & Eclectic
Mix unexpected textures, like metal with upholstery or stone with glass, to add personality and contrast. These pairings bring energy and individuality to a room, perfect for creative studios or statement corners.
Conclusion: A Sensory Approach to Design
Texture allows you to layer meaning into your space, to tell a story through materials, and to connect with your environment on a sensory level.
At Cult Design, we celebrate texture as a language of design, one that speaks to craftsmanship, emotion, and individuality. We invite you to explore the tactile richness of our collection and discover how texture can transform your space into something truly personal.
