I am not a tech, so don't read this looking for programming advice. This is purely for all of the amateur web designers out there, in Houston, Texas and everyone all over the world.

First off, if you are a true designer, you should be using Photoshop to begin building your site ideas for the web. You need to know what your site will look like, how it will be laid out first and foremost. A sketchbook and pencil works wonders for that. And don't be afraid to go all out.

So let's talk about textures. Adding a texture to your site, most commonly used in the background, will really make your design pop. It's the next level above using a background gradient.

A texture is able to unify your design, create interest and add contrast simultaneously. But don't over-do it. Keep in mind, a background texture is a nice effect but it's still a detail, albeit a very large one. People do not like spending time on busy, cramped websites with ultra-contrasty colors. Use your background to accent your design with texture subtleties. Something like a thin, 20% transparent pinstripe or anything that can be repeated without getting busy. Here's a low key site with a subtle stripe.

A simple, effective method you can use in Photoshop is to create a layer mask. First, place your desired texture into the document and tile it so that it fits the width of the page. Next, add a layer mask (it's the little button next to FX), select your brush and make sure it's black. Then, after you've created another layer with your choice background color, brush over and around the texture until it looks as if it's fading into the back. This adds a nice accent that can't be ignored but doesn't detract from the content of your site.

One thing I've learned as a designer is that people, or non-designers, tend to skim over the general design. They see it, and they get it right off the bat (or they should, at least) and then they go on looking for other interesting things. So, they poke at the little details: the fades, the spacing, the highlights, the colors. The human eye is amazing; it can spot mistakes and dissimilarities instantly. Even if the person isn't aware of those details, incorporating all the little things will keep your site from looking flat and boring. So when you design, don't allow your viewers to find those mistakes. Really work on those details. That's what brings your design together. Solution? Use a texture. Ding! Ding! Ding!

Moral of this blog: you want to compliment the tone and message of your site with the right texture, to support it simply and with subtlety. This means no cute pictures of puppies or hot parties tiled endlessly across the page. Again, Photoshop will be your best friend for creating cool, shnazzy textures. It's all about the design and pumping out those little details. You can also visit www.cgtextures.com, a veritable shmorgisborg of great textures, and all for free!