We all know that cooking is a sensual experience, so why not make the room where we carry out this activity as alluring as possible. As well as smelling the fragrances from sauces and baking and tasting our creations as we go along, the textures surrounding us can add to the scene.

There are lots of ways to incorporate varying textures into the kitchen. Here are our top five:

Choose a work surface with interest

While it’s true that the majority of work surfaces are flat, that doesn’t mean that the illusion of texture cannot be achieved. Granite work surfaces by their very nature tend to feature speckles and detail that help to break up a single block of colour. Similarly, the grain in wood has the same effect, introducing texture into your kitchen without making it difficult to clean. There are so many options to complement the rest of the room’s features, this is a textural element that won’t detract from the rest of the look.

Create a contrasting backsplash

The backsplash is a great place to add texture, as it needs to have particular qualities that the rest of the kitchen does not and is therefore suited to being different. Using tiles can be an effective way to achieve both the durability for the space behind the sink that you need and the texture that you desire. Opt for a series of small, rough tiles in a country kitchen or larger shiny ones that can be applied in the same configuration as laying bricks for a wonderful modern feel. They will provide the perfect juxtaposition to the other surfaces in the room.

Go rugged with extra storage solutions

Storage can be an issue in any room of the house and while glass jars are now all the rage in the kitchen, they are not the only solution that can be incorporated into the heart of the home. Textured baskets or vintage-style wooden crates can be perfect for keeping anything from bottles of wine to folded table cloths and napkins out of sight. Line them up on top of your kitchen cabinets to provide a perfect contrast to any shiny surfaces. If there is no space up high then any prominent position will allow them to do the job.

Think about your flooring

The floor can often get overlooked when designing your dream kitchen, but it can have a huge impact on the overall feel of the room. Wooden flooring can bring in an additional texture, as can tiles. Large flagstones can really set off your style and are easy to clean. Even more interest can be created by having them in different sizes and shades, slotting together to cover the space in a seemingly abstract manner, yet in reality perfectly planned. Make sure the colour works well with the other elements you have chosen in order to maintain a unified look.

Statement cupboards can really complement a space

The cupboards you choose are pretty important, as the design will be replicated around the room, as well as in miniature in the form of drawers. They can be made from all manner of materials, with wood and steel offering entirely different textures. Along with the fabrication, think about the design too. Any grooves will add to the interest on the doors and the handles chosen should complement your selection, as well as helping to achieve a varied look. Contemplate options you wouldn’t usually go for to ensure you get the maximum effect overall.