How to Use Texture in Your Ranch-Style Home: Brumbaugh’s Lead Interior Designer Weighs In

In the world of interior design, texture is the secret ingredient that transforms a space from ordinary to extraordinary. Like the right spice in the perfect dish, texture is the tactile harmony of furniture, textiles, objects, and art, all blended to create visual interest and a delightful touch.

When done correctly, you can’t quite put your finger on why it’s perfect.

At the same time — it’s the pièce de résistance.

Leading us on this textural journey is one of our talented designers at Brumbaugh’s, Sally Brumbaugh. With her expertise, we’ll explore the art of seamlessly incorporating various textures, infusing life and personality into your living spaces.

Now, dive into an exclusive interview with Sally Brumbaugh, the lead designer and owner of Brumbaugh’s Furniture and Design.

Q: What are some natural elements that can be incorporated into a modern rustic ranch-style design?

Sally: A natural color base is an excellent start to any design element you may be working on. Natural mohair is a fabulous choice for any seating surface. Mohair is available in numerous colors, so your selection is not limited. Another personal favorite is curly lamb. It is tight enough to be an accent on a seat or choose it for an accent pillow with a great reverse welt of leather or place it on a front arm panel of a sofa or chair.

Q: How does the use of wood, stone, or leather contribute to the overall textural appeal of a space?

Sally: Leather is a ‘go-to’ choice for many design ideas you see today, from modern to traditional. Leather is available in 300 or more colors in today’s better upholstery manufacturers. Exposed wood arms are a beautiful accent as well. The use of stone is often found in accent tables, ranging in many color choices as well.

Q: How can homeowners easily utilize natural elements in their homes?

Sally: We call it ‘tabletop accessories,’ and this is where natural stone and wood elements are great choices to use. You may have a fabulous exotic wood bowl from a recent travel that would be a perfect natural element to bring into your home.

Q: What are some tips for effectively layering different fabrics, materials, or pillows to create depth and warmth?

Sally: You can have a solid brown leather sofa or a cream-colored sectional, and bringing in dramatic pillows with color and possibly a hair hide like axis can make that ‘mundane’ sofa come to life with a color that brings warmth to your room. 

Q: Can you share any short examples of how layering textures can transform the look and feel of a room?

Sally: Always remember that the rug is the jewelry of your room. The rug choice can be where your color comes in. At Brumbaugh’s Furniture & Design, we carry one of the largest in-stock selections of 100% wool rugs in all available room sizes. A wool rug is a perfect layering texture to the whole room; plus, a wool rug is a beautiful investment in quality.

Q: What are some surprising ways you've mixed different materials together in a home?

Sally: At Brumbaugh’s Furniture & Design, we always listen to our customers and how conservative they may be or if they want to push the design envelope. This can be everything from art to furnishings. We have used one-of-a-kind wood-carved pieces of art to the use of turquoise in accent pieces such as end tables and dining tables. Zebra hides are great to use on the back of a host and hostess chair to bring drama to a home.

Q: How does color influence texture?

Sally: As might be expected, the deep, rich jewel tones of dominant primary colors allow texture to take on depth in a piece of furniture, whereas the more pastel palette is often more feminine and perhaps a coastal feel.

Q: Are there specific types of furniture that are particularly effective in achieving a texturally rich atmosphere?

Sally: Specific furniture types, no. Any and almost all furniture pieces can take on a conservative appeal to something much more edgy and almost fashion-forward. That look that you see nowhere else on a frame makes it unique to you and therefore allows your home and space to be just that… “you!” 

Brumbaugh’s — Crafting Texture for Your Home.

When you know what you love but you’re not sure how to pull it off, turn to the Brumbaugh’s design team for help. Our store offers more than 50,000 square feet of curated furniture, carpets, and accessories you won’t find anywhere else. With our talented team, we’ll craft the texture for your space that will take your space from ho-hum to amazing. Have a project in mind? Reach out to us today.