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property of a particular texture, taking it from soft to slick, from homey to chic. The tablecloth as linen remained linen, whether it was white or blue. The eye, though, will perceive the blue as smoother and slicker than the white. The apples, to, were smooth in texture, but the blue cloth overrode their color, and so their texture became less important to the vignette.

Colors are not only warm or cool, they are soft, slick, vibrant, earthy. Matching a texture to a color is best done using a visual gauge. A complex pattern in muted colors is less textural than the same pattern in bright colors, though the actual fabric used remains the same. So, if the furniture in a room is upholstered in brightly colored, patterned fabrics, the walls should be painted a coordinating color pulled from the fabric, and should match in intensity. This not only provides continuity of color, the intensity maintains the textural integrity. A word of caution here. Intensity does not mean bright! It means tone. It means shade. It means find the color that anchors the pattern. This color will most likely be a few shades lighter than the more outstanding colors. The walls will then support the pattern and texture, not compete with them.

Color and texture are not interchangeable, but they are interdependent. One will define the other, and together they define the space they occupy. The space, then, is defined by the visual impact it presents. Color and texture are the primary elements in visual presentation. The best approach to achieving a pleasing appearance and a comfortable space is to start by comparing apples and oranges.

Learn more about this author, Shelly Mcrae.
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