How to Mix Matte, Glossy, and Wood Finishes in Interior Design

The Designer's Secret: The Art of Mixing Interior Design Finishes

Have you ever looked at a professionally designed room and wondered what makes it feel so rich, layered, and complete? The secret often lies in the expert mixing of interior design finishes. Rather than sticking to just one texture, great design is about creating a symphony of different materials that work in harmony. This guide is about adding texture in interior design to create a space that has depth, character, and visual interest.
At Axis Group Of Interior Design, we believe that layering materials in design is what separates a good room from a great one. It’s about creating a tactile and visual experience. Imagine the stunning contrast of a matte and gloss combination, or the timeless appeal of warm wood and metal interiors. This is where your home’s personality truly comes to life.
Why Mixing Finishes is So Important
A room with only one finish can feel flat and one-dimensional. By introducing a variety of textures, you achieve several things:
Creates Visual Interest: The interplay between different surfaces—rough and smooth, shiny and dull—catches the eye and makes the space more engaging.
Adds Depth and Warmth: Layering different materials, especially natural ones like wood and stone, prevents a room from feeling sterile and adds a sense of warmth and comfort.
Defines Different Zones: You can use a change in finish to subtly define different areas within a room, like a textured wallpaper behind a dining set.
Highlights Key Features: A high-gloss finish on a TV unit will make it pop against a matte-finish wall, drawing attention to it as a focal point.
Popular Combinations That Always Work
Our portfolio is filled with examples of expertly mixed finishes. Here are some classic combinations:
The Matte and Gloss Combination: This is a modern classic. Think of a super-matte black media wall with sleek, high-gloss white drawers. The contrast is dramatic and sophisticated.
Wood and Metal Interiors: The warmth and organic grain of wood paired with the cool, industrial edge of metal (like black powder-coated steel or brass) is a timeless pairing that works in almost any style.
Smooth and Textured: Pair a smooth, painted wall with a heavily textured element like a fluted wood panel, a raw concrete-finish laminate, or a natural stone cladding.
Mastering the art of mixing finishes is the key to a professionally curated home. Let us show you how.

[Browse our portfolio to see stunning examples of layered design in action. Learn from our experts and start creating a richer interior today!]