Walls are more than just boundaries. They’re the backdrop to everyday life. And while smooth, freshly painted walls are always in style, custom textures offer something more—they add dimension, personality, and a unique story to a space.
A wall with texture isn’t just seen—it’s felt. It creates shadows in the morning light, softens sound in a bustling room, and brings depth to a design. Whether it’s the timeless elegance of knockdown, the subtle vibrancy of orange peel, or a bold skip trowel finish, textured walls elevate your interiors beyond the ordinary.
At Brawler Drywall, we believe texture is where drywall becomes art. Let’s explore how custom finishes can transform your space and tell a story that’s uniquely yours.
Why Texture Matters in Interior Design
Texture is one of the core principles of interior design, yet it’s often overlooked. Designers think in layers—color, shape, lighting, and feel. Texture plays a key role in that last category: how a room feels when you enter it.
Walls with texture:
- Create depth and dimension in otherwise flat spaces
- Conceal minor imperfections in drywall or framing
- Add character and warmth to large or minimalistic rooms
- Diffuse light in unique ways, changing the atmosphere throughout the day
- Tell a stylistic story—from rustic to modern, subtle to bold
While paint color sets the mood, texture sets the tone. It’s the difference between a plain room and one that feels intentional, layered, and full of life.
The Most Popular Drywall Textures (And What They Say)
Choosing a texture isn’t just about looks—it’s about how you want your space to feel. Each style tells a different story.
1. Knockdown Texture: Subtle and Sophisticated
This classic finish involves spraying drywall mud onto the wall and “knocking it down” with a wide knife, flattening the peaks into soft, irregular patterns. The result is a subtle, stucco-like texture that hides imperfections and adds elegance without being overpowering.
Best for: Open-concept homes, ceilings, and contemporary interiors that need a little extra movement without stealing the spotlight.
2. Orange Peel: Light, Clean, and Contemporary
True to its name, this texture mimics the surface of an orange—fine bumps that create a soft, uniform feel. It’s applied with a spray gun and is one of the most common choices in modern construction due to its clean look and versatility.
Best for: Modern homes, apartments, and commercial spaces where clean design is key but smooth walls feel too sterile.
3. Skip Trowel: Artisan Flair
This hand-applied finish involves troweling a thin layer of joint compound across the wall and skipping the tool along the surface, leaving behind unique, inconsistent ridges and swirls. It’s artistic, bold, and full of movement.
Best for: Rustic homes, Mediterranean or Tuscan-inspired interiors, or anyone looking to make a dramatic visual statement.
4. Smooth Finish: Minimal and Modern
While not technically a “texture,” smooth finish is a premium option that demands absolute precision. Achieving a perfectly flat wall requires expert-level taping, mudding, and sanding. The result is clean, reflective, and flawless.
Best for: High-end residential projects, art galleries, modern interiors, or anywhere visual perfection is the goal.
Custom Texture Is More Than Just Aesthetic
While texture makes a big design impact, it also offers practical benefits:
- Hides minor flaws: Older homes or DIY framing jobs often have slight imperfections. Texture conceals those gently, saving the need for costly refinishing.
- Durability: Textured walls tend to show less wear and tear over time. Dents, scratches, and minor marks blend into the pattern.
- Acoustic comfort: In spaces with hard surfaces—like tile floors and glass—texture can soften echoes and reduce sound reflection.
- Low maintenance: Many textures are forgiving when it comes to cleaning and touch-ups, making them ideal for busy households or high-traffic areas.
The Process: How Brawler Drywall Brings Texture to Life
Adding texture isn’t just an extra step—it’s a process that requires finesse, experience, and the right tools. Here’s how we ensure every textured wall is flawless from start to finish.
1. Surface Preparation
It all begins with expertly installed drywall. Seams are taped, mudded, and sanded to a smooth foundation. Even with texture on top, what lies beneath matters just as much. Any bumps or gouges are filled in to ensure a clean, even application.
2. Sample Matching and Consultation
We work closely with clients to choose the right texture. If you have a specific look in mind—or need to match an existing wall—we create sample boards or test patches to find the perfect style and density.
3. Application
Depending on the texture, we’ll use either spray equipment (for orange peel or knockdown) or hand tools (for skip trowel or custom designs). Each technique requires precision to control thickness, consistency, and flow.
4. Final Touches
Once dry, we may lightly sand or seal the surface before it’s ready for paint or primer. For clients choosing a raw texture aesthetic, we can leave it as-is or apply a protective coat for durability.
Matching Texture in Repairs and Renovations
One of the most challenging parts of drywall repair is matching existing textures. A small patch on a textured wall can stand out like a scar if not blended properly. At Brawler Drywall, texture matching is part of our expertise. We analyze the original application, adjust our tools and mud mix, and blend the repair until it disappears into the original surface.
That’s the kind of attention to detail that turns a good drywall job into a great one.
Custom Texture for Commercial Spaces
Textured walls aren’t just for homes. In commercial settings, they offer a layer of design that enhances brand identity and customer experience. Offices, restaurants, retail spaces, and hotels use texture to:
- Reduce visual monotony in large spaces
- Create contrast between zones or features
- Mask high-traffic wear on walls
- Impress clients and guests with premium finishes
Whether you want a subtle texture in a law office or a bold statement wall in a restaurant, we tailor the finish to your brand, lighting, and layout.
Every Wall Has a Story—Make Yours Worth Telling
Texture is personal. It can be bold or subtle, soft or dramatic. It can whisper elegance or shout creativity. And when applied by skilled professionals, it turns your walls into something more than surfaces—they become part of the story your space is telling.
At Brawler Drywall, we don’t just install drywall—we finish it with purpose. We believe texture is an opportunity to elevate your interiors and express your style. Whether you’re building new, renovating old, or patching up the in-between, we’re here to help you finish strong.