When interior design comes up in conversation, most minds jump straight to colour schemes. Pairing wall paint with furnishings, balancing patterns, or finding a statement palette. Rarely does texture in interior design take centre stage.
Yet for hospitality spaces, texture is far more than a decorative afterthought. It is a strategic design lever that shapes first impressions and guest comfort.
For hotel and villa managers, as well as the architects who advise them, understanding how to use texture effectively is essential. Why? Because the right tactile choices can strengthen both the visual identity and emotional feel of a space.
This article explores the essential role of texture in interior design and how it can be intentionally used to enhance not only guest experience but also long-term brand value. Let’s begin by understanding why design matters so deeply in hospitality.
Why Interior Design Matters in Guest Experience
Surveys have shown that interior design quality has a direct impact on guest comfort and satisfaction. In fact, 32% of U.S. travellers consider interior design the most important factor when selecting a place to stay. Supporting this, other studies reveal that the use of premium textural elements can increase a guest’s willingness to pay by up to 30%.
That is why design—especially texture in interior design—has become one of the key foundations of modern hospitality. Guests are not just paying for a bed; they are investing in an experience. From the first impression in the lobby to the tactile feel of the bedroom fabrics, every surface communicates value and care.
In a competitive market, thoughtful design becomes a decisive differentiator. Warm lighting, well-curated textures, and premium materials signal quality the moment guests arrive—shaping their perception of comfort, luxury, and brand credibility, and ultimately influencing both reviews and revenue.
As we’ve seen, design quality has a clear impact on guest perception and business outcomes. But what gives a space its character and emotional tone? The answer often lies in texture—the unseen element that brings hospitality interiors to life.
Texture’s Role in Hotel Interior Design
In today’s Instagram-driven era, visual appeal holds the same weight as the hospitality itself. Guests expect more than just good service—they expect beautiful spaces that feel curated and memorable. This is where texture in interior design becomes a powerful tool. While colour creates atmosphere, texture adds dimension, warmth, and a sense of refinement that elevates the entire experience.
With the right balance, combining colour and texture can transform a room from ordinary to exceptional. The challenge lies in not overdoing it—too many contrasting textures and colours can feel chaotic, while too little can leave a space feeling cold and flat. The key is to layer materials that complement one another both visually and functionally.
For example, pairing a soft linen sofa with a solid teak coffee table instantly creates contrast between smooth and natural grain surfaces. Even something as simple as adding throw pillows in varying fabrics can subtly enrich the guest’s sensory experience. These small touches may seem minor, but in hospitality, they make a lasting impression.
Understanding how texture works begins with knowing its types. By categorising texture into tactile and visual, designers can make more strategic material decisions that balance beauty, comfort, and brand identity.
Types of Texture in Interior Design
In today’s hospitality landscape, where every detail contributes to the guest experience, understanding texture in interior design is no longer optional—it’s essential. Recognising the different types of texture and how to use them strategically allows you to shape spaces that feel intentional, elevated, and unmistakably yours.
Texture can be grouped into two primary types, tactile and visual. Both play essential roles in shaping how a hospitality space feels, functions, and communicates its brand story. Below is a breakdown of each category, complete with examples and typical applications in hotels and villas.
1. Tactile Texture
Tactile texture refers to textures that can be physically felt by hand. This type of texture plays a crucial role in creating a tangible sense of comfort and physical impression for guests.
| Texture Subtype | Core Characteristics | Example Materials | Typical Applications |
| Soft | Soft, plush, warm to the touch | Cotton, linen, velvet, foam-filled cushions | Bed headboards, guest room sofas, spa lounges |
| Hard | Solid, durable, and sturdy | Solid wood (e.g. teak, oak), ceramic tile, stainless steel | Dining tables, floor surfaces, structural furniture |
| Smooth | Flat and polished surface | Marble, glass, ceramic tiles with glossy finish | Dining tables, floor surfaces, structural furniture |
| Rough | Uneven or raw natural texture | Exposed brick, unfinished wood, natural stone | Accent walls, terrace walls, outdoor lounges |
| Layered / Mixed | Combination of different textures | Wood with fabric cushions, metal legs with soft upholstery | Luxury suites, rooftop lounges, VIP common areas |
2. Visual Texture
Visual texture refers to textures that convey surface depth visually—through patterns, colors, or visual effects—even when the actual surface feels smooth to the touch.
| Texture Subtype | Core Characteristics | Example Materials | Typical Applications |
| Patterned / Embossed | Visible patterns or raised surfaces | Printed wallpaper, carved wood panels, woven fabrics | Feature walls, behind beds, hotel restaurants |
| Matte | Soft-looking, no shine | Matte ceramic tiles, painted plaster, brushed metal | Guest rooms, quiet corridors, wellness area |
| Glossy | Reflective and sleek | Lacquered wood surfaces, mirrors, high-gloss wall tiles | Bar areas, lobby focal points, luxury bathrooms |
Among the wide variety of materials available, natural textures remain among the most timeless and impactful—particularly teak wood, which bridges both tactile and visual qualities with functional durability.
Teak Wood as a Foundational Texture
Among the natural materials used in hospitality interiors, teak wood stands out as a timeless choice that brings both tactile richness and visual warmth. Its smooth grain creates a refined surface that feels naturally elegant. The wood’s warm tone adds depth without overwhelming the space—making it a strong element of texture in interior design.
Beyond appearance, teak is celebrated for its durability and resistance to weather. These qualities make it ideal for hotels and villas that demand furniture with long-lasting beauty and performance.
When used thoughtfully, teak wood furniture becomes a foundational texture that enhances the guest experience. It also supports a premium and consistent design identity. To discover how teak can bring lasting value through natural texture and design, browse our curated collection of texture‑rich pieces.
So, How Texture Enhances the Value and Branding of Hotels & Villas
Quality design is no longer just an aesthetic bonus—it has a measurable impact on the bottom line. A Cornell study shows that a 1 % lift in online reputation, driven largely by a property’s visual and physical appeal, can raise RevPAR by 1.42 %. Put simply, when guests perceive richer texture in interior design, they translate that perception into higher value and stronger reviews.
Premium, natural textures—think teak wood, hand‑cut stone, or tactile linens—push that value even further. Research indicates that 72 % of Gen Z travellers will pay more for brands that demonstrate social and environmental responsibility. Integrating sustainably sourced wood grains or organic fabrics not only elevates the look and feel of a space. It also signals eco‑conscious luxury that resonates with tomorrow’s guests.
In practice, texture becomes a dual‑purpose strategy. Visually, it differentiates your hotel or villa from competitors. Functionally, it fosters comfort, cements brand identity, and encourages repeat stays. Embracing thoughtfully layered textures is more than just an interior choice. It is a proven pathway to higher rates, stronger loyalty, and a premium brand presence.
Otazen’s Take on Texture: Redefining Hospitality with Natural Materials
For Otazen, texture is more than a design detail—it’s a philosophy. Through the use of natural teak wood, refined rope detailing, and expert craftsmanship, each piece is made to elevate hospitality spaces with warmth, strength, and style. These materials not only offer long-lasting durability but also communicate a sense of calm, luxury, and care that today’s guests remember.
Ready to bring natural texture into your space? Explore our curated collection.
