Building base structures—what if you had to start over?

I’ve always thought less is more when it comes to base structure—like, if you want exposed beams or reclaimed wood, make those the stars and let everything else kind of fade into the background.

I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I’ve found some of my favorite spaces are the ones that lean into a bit of chaos. There’s something about mixing textures—old brick, raw concrete, maybe even a splash of metal—that just feels alive to me. Sure, it can go sideways fast if you don’t rein it in, but sometimes that “salvage yard exploded” vibe actually gives a place character.

A few years back I redid a garage and went all-in on mismatched woods and exposed hardware. It was risky, but now it’s got this layered look that feels like it’s been there forever. Maybe it’s not for everyone, but I think there’s room for more than just one approach. Sometimes soul comes from a little messiness, not just restraint.

- Totally get the “salvage yard exploded” vibe. There’s a certain energy in spaces that aren’t too polished.
- Mixing materials—especially when you throw in something unexpected like raw concrete—can make a place feel more lived-in and less staged.
- I’ve noticed, though, if you go too far, it can start to feel cluttered instead of layered. It’s a fine line.
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Sometimes soul comes from a little messiness, not just restraint.

If I had to start over, I’d probably do what you’re describing—pick one “wild card” element and let the rest breathe. Last time I tried mixing too many rough textures, it just felt busy, not intentional. Learned that lesson the hard way...

Last time I tried mixing too many rough textures, it just felt busy, not intentional.

That’s a common pitfall. It’s easy to get excited and want to layer in all the interesting things at once, but restraint really does pay off. I usually recommend starting with a neutral base—think smooth walls, simple flooring—then adding that “wild card” piece you mentioned. Maybe it’s a bold rug or a standout chair. Give it space to shine. If you want more texture, try adding it in smaller doses, like a single woven basket or a ceramic lamp. It’s all about balance... sometimes less really is more, even if it feels counterintuitive at first.

BUILDING BASE STRUCTURES—WHAT IF YOU HAD TO START OVER?

It’s all about balance... sometimes less really is more, even if it feels counterintuitive at first.

- Gotta admit, I’m not always on the “less is more” train. Sometimes I look at a space and think, “Why not just go for it?” But yeah, too many rough textures can start to feel like you’re living inside a lumberyard.
- When I’m starting from scratch (which, let’s be real, is both terrifying and kind of awesome), I always ask: what’s the one thing that HAS to stand out? Is it the exposed beam? The crazy tile? If everything’s shouting, nothing gets heard.
- Here’s my usual checklist:
- Neutral base—yep, totally agree. Drywall, basic floors, nothing wild yet.
- Pick one “hero” texture. Maybe it’s reclaimed wood on the ceiling or a stone fireplace. Not both. Learned that the hard way after a client wanted “rustic everything.” The result? Looked like a ski lodge exploded.
- Sprinkle in smaller textures—woven baskets, metal hardware, maybe a funky lamp. But I try to keep it to two or three max in any room.
- That said, sometimes restraint feels boring. Ever walk into a place and think, “Wow, this is so... beige”? There’s a fine line between balanced and bland.
- I do wonder if there’s a trick to making multiple textures work without chaos. Maybe it’s about color matching or scale? Like, rough wood + smooth leather = good. Rough wood + rough stone + rough brick... not so much.

Anyway, if I had to start over on a build, I’d probably spend more time up front figuring out which texture gets the spotlight and which ones are just backup dancers. Otherwise you end up with a room that feels like it’s trying too hard—or worse, like you just emptied out the clearance aisle at Home Depot.

Curious if anyone’s actually pulled off the “maximalist texture” thing without it looking like a mess...