The Impact of Texture: How Material Design Shapes Space Perception in Interior Design and Real Estate

Materials and Textures: How Small Details Revolutionize Interior Design and Real Estate Success

In interior design and real estate staging, texture and material go beyond aesthetics; they are key factors influencing how we perceive, remember, and value a space. Through experience, I’ve seen how selecting the right wall finish or floor texture can elevate an ordinary room into an irresistible environment. But what drives this effect? Why has texture, seemingly subtle, become a main differentiator for properties and design projects?

The Psychological Insight: Why Texture Matters More Than You Think

Texture triggers memories and sensory responses that shape our emotional connection to spaces. Neuroarchitecture studies reveal that warm natural surfaces like wood inspire trust and comfort, while cooler finishes such as polished metal and glass evoke modernity or detachment. Moreover, textures visible in images enhance digital property identification: a floor with clear grain or a plush rug can increase engagement in real estate listings by up to 22%, according to recent visual marketing research.

How Texture Defines a Space’s Character (And Speeds Up Sales)

Used skillfully, textures tell a story: they can make you feel like you’re in an art gallery, a mountain cabin, or a New York loft. For real estate agents and designers, this is invaluable. An apartment with stucco walls and parquet floors conveys a homely warmth, while modular 3D wall cladding in corporate spaces signals innovation. I’ve witnessed this firsthand during property presentations: when furniture texture complements the desired ambiance, buyers often decide faster.

"A unique texture turns an ordinary space into something one-of-a-kind. And the unique sells better."

Most Influential Textures and Materials for 2025

• Natural woods, especially with distinct grain or handcrafted finishes.
• Rough stone and textured marble, perfect as accents in kitchens, bathrooms, or walls.
• Bouclé, jute, thick wool rugs, and artisanal tapestries.
• Relief ceramics and tiles adding dynamic texture to surfaces.
• Granulated glass, brushed metal, and industrial details for urban styles.
• Exposed concrete, microcement, and brutalist-inspired finishes for contemporary minimalism.

The trend is clear: mixing textures across ceilings, walls, floors, and furniture is now a key differentiator in designer portfolios and real estate listings. According to Architectural Digest, 78% of renovation projects in 2024 prioritize using at least three different materials within a single space, aiming for visual richness and sensory depth.

The Role of Texture in Real Estate Photography and Rendering

In digital real estate marketing, capturing attention boils down to one detail: realistic texture. Studies by 99designs report that ads displaying well-defined textures get 30% more clicks. Digitally flat textures can undermine virtual staging efforts, while a textured rug, granite countertop, or natural light falling on linen curtains instantly sparks desire. Investing in surface details and digital realism is a top strategy for designers and agents looking to stand out in a crowded online market.

Real-life Examples: When Texture Alters Perception (and Price)

I’ve collaborated with brokers who focused on highlighting textures in virtual images before the physical property tour. A clear case: an apartment in Punta Carretas was months without visits. We changed the shot to emphasize a natural stone wall and waxed wood floors. After updating photos, visits increased and the closing price surpassed the building’s average by over 5%. A similar success happened optimizing 3D office renders where carpet and mechanical blinds textures conveyed exclusivity and modernity—key for tech companies seeking headquarters.

Details sell: a thoughtfully chosen and emphasized texture can boost a space’s perceived value by up to 15%.

Disruptive Trends: Digital Textures, Smart Surfaces, and Mass Personalization

Technology now allows playing with materials and textures in ways unthinkable just years ago. Tools like real-time rendering engines, AI simulating tactile effects, and photorealistic texture mapping have democratized access to sophisticated portfolios. This has revolutionized property presentation: it’s now possible to customize wall and floor surfaces, test different combinations, or experiment with self-cleaning, acoustic, and sustainable materials—with no construction or high costs.

With advanced visual platforms, you can reinvent any space by choosing from thousands of textures and finishes without physical remodeling. Want to see how changing materials affects a property’s personality? Try Deptho’s Material Shift tool, which simulates material changes on floors, walls, or furniture within seconds to instantly see their effect.

Sustainability and Health: Textures Beyond Aesthetics

Trend evolution goes hand in hand with environmental awareness. Recycled materials, eco-friendly paints with mineral textures, and certified wood add not only visual and tactile value but also improve air quality and occupant health. Trend studies like the Well Building Standard report reveal growing demand for sustainable solutions, with reused natural textures topping wish lists for younger buyers and millennials, who prioritize ecological footprint as much as design.

How to Choose and Combine Textures: Practical Strategies

When designing or showcasing a property, I recommend following these simple techniques I always apply with clients:

1. Define the desired mood or atmosphere (cozy, corporate, relaxing, dynamic, etc).
2. Balance warm and cool materials (wood with metal, stone with wool, glass with textiles).
3. Limit your palette to 2-3 main textures plus a few accents to avoid sensory overload.
4. Always consider the visual flow from the entryway.
5. Use digital tools to preview and test combinations before spending time and budget on physical changes.

Textures should create visual and narrative coherence, but don’t shy away from surprises: an unexpected detail can become the conversation starter that seals the deal.

The Future: Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, and On-demand Textures

The intersection of AI, AR, and mass personalization opens endless possibilities: from viewing on your phone how your living room looks with a new floor texture, to adjusting walls and furniture simply by dragging digital textures onto real images. Platforms like Deptho drive this revolution, enabling not just experimentation but measuring potential buyers’ reactions in real time, optimizing presentations based on what sparks the most interest and desire.

In summary, texture is one of the most powerful strategic tools for designers, agents, and homeowners aiming to stand out in an increasingly demanding and visual market. As with all valuable things, the difference lies in details no one notices until they experience them.

Ready to Transform Your Spaces? Bonus Tips and Resources

If you’re looking for inspiration or concrete examples of how texture reshapes spaces, visit sites like Architectural Digest or try different combinations in the Material Shift section. I also recommend subscribing to specialized newsletters, visiting showrooms, or reviewing real material samples. For more advice, explore other Deptho blog articles like “Color Psychology and Furniture Arrangement” or recent success stories in our case study category for even more inspiration.