Styling and Inspiration: Tone and Texture

Have you ever looked around a room and thought it felt a little...flat? It might be difficult to pinpoint, but you know something is missing.

One-dimensional design is often lacking in tone and texture; all the wonderful things that add depth, character and personality to a space.

Here at Tom Raffield, it's a design philosophy we live by; our looping, steam-bent, bold creations speak for themselves when it comes to beautiful texture, colour and interest, but there are plenty of ways to incorporate a little more life into your homes.

Playing with colour

Introducing more tone into your space doesn't necessarily mean throwing lots of different colours together. It's about curating a palette that works for you and understanding how to layer pieces in the same colour family to add depth.

For example, if you love green, find different ways of incorporating the colour into a space. Perhaps your walls are a soft shade of sage; introduce tone with darker green soft furnishings, or lighter accents through accessories such as vases. Or experiment with different textures in the same colour to add further interest; mixing materials can be an easier way to incorporate character into a room — think linen, wool, antique furniture or even brushed metals, to add contrast.

Add even more depth with our Cove Skipper Small Wall Light in Sea Glass Green; the undulating loops are created from sixteen pieces of sustainably sourced beech wood, uniquely shaped together to create eye-catching light and shadow effects across your wall.

Texture first

Layering different textures throughout your space is a design-first approach to creating a room that looks and feels full of character.

When we walk into a space and it immediately feels warm and inviting, this is often down to the different textures used within the room. In our homes, it's easy to do this with different accessories; rugs and throws add soft texture and warmth, natural materials such as wood, stone or metal add different characteristics such as strength and visual richness.

Perhaps one of the most versatile materials, wood — with its natural knots, grains and colour variations — can add both softness and depth through its texture and tactility. A piece of wood used as a rustic dining table is immediately inviting and makes a statement, while a softer approach through curved lighting designs, such as our Loer Crescent Pendant or Urchin Pendant, can create a welcoming atmosphere.

Mix it up

The beauty of playing with tone and texture means you don't necessarily have to immediately commit to a specific style. Take the time to build up your collection and move things around to suit different spaces or seasons.

Accessories such as vases or table lights are an easy way to introduce new colour or texture to a space. Our Artus Table Light is a fine birch cage, allowing light to be diffracted through 100 ethereal dowels, casting a dramatic light across the space. Handcrafted from sustainably sourced wood, this versatile piece moves effortlessly from a hallway console to a reading nook or bedside table, bringing warm light, texture, and character to any corner of your home.

Posted: 20.03.26
Updated: 20.03.26