Top Five Ways to Improve Depth and Texture in Your Home

The primary purpose of interior design is to create environments that are not only stunning but also mood- and thought-provoking. Texture and depth are two ways to do this in your designs. A room may feel cozier and more welcoming by using depth and texture to attract the eye, establish focal points, and provide visual interest. 

 

St Pete Interior Design
Various elements of this home we remodeled in St. Pete layer one upon the other to create visual interest, from the coffered ceilings and custom woodwork to the artwork, furniture and other home decor.

 

Designers, builders and homeowners can give a place more visual interest and depth by layering different textures and materials, using a variety of colors and patterns, combining unique lighting sources, and using diverse materials. Design areas that are not just attractive but also interesting and welcoming using these methods and ideas. 

Details of many techniques for adding texture and depth to interior design can be found here:

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Why Are So Many Florida Homes Built With Concrete Block?

Indian Rocks Beach Townhomes Under Construction
These five duplexes we are building on Indian Rocks Beach consist of a foundation and first floor made of concrete and masonry, with the second and third stories constructed with wood framing. This is common building practice in Florida.

 

In most parts of the country, structures are built primarily with wood framing from the foundation to the roof.  In Florida, however, it is very common to see homes built with concrete block.  It is done minimally on the first floor, but sometimes the entire structure is built out of concrete masonry units (CMU).  We are asked often why it is done that way down here.  Is it required by law?  Do Florida contractors just like to go the extra mile?  Is there simply an over-abundance of masons?

The answer is, none of the above.  Building code allows for both concrete block and engineered wood framing down here in Florida, as long as they comply with hurricane codes.  However, there are many reasons why concrete block is the more popular building choice.  We’ll discuss a few of the main ones here.

 

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Why Do Florida Homes Have Textured Walls, and How Do I Make My Walls Smooth?

Smooth Walls In Florida Homes
This St. Pete home we remodeled last year featured smooth finish walls. This made wallpaper application possible in the stairwell and other parts of the home. 

Have you just moved to the Sunshine State from somewhere like California or New England?  Then perhaps you are surprised by the number of homes that feature textured walls.  Whether it’s the small, rough specks on a popcorn ceiling or orange-peel walls, or the more sweeping texture known as knock-down, texture can seem rough and strange when you’re used to smooth finish walls.  So why do so many Florida homes have textured walls?  And how do you make your walls smooth if you don’t like the texture?  Read on to find out.

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