Read Aisling’s expert advice on how to utilise dark colours successfully in your home, creating a cosy haven perfect for cocooning as we enter the darker months ahead.
1. Embrace Rich Colour Schemes
Let’s start at the beginning with choosing a bold colour scheme. When designing a dark interior you’re want to choose rich, deep paint colours that create an inviting and cosy atmosphere. Black is the ultimate moody hue but navy, charcoal greys, burgundy, fir greens, deep browns and even shades of deep pink will create the same effect without feeling overwhelmingly heavy.
It’s always important to think about the function of your room. These dramatic dark colours will create an intimate feeling making them perfect for TV rooms, bedrooms, offices or rooms that you entertain in. These colours are also great for North-facing rooms that don’t get much daylight. As I’ve said many times, white paint won’t make a room bright! Lean into the low light and embrace dark wall colours and furnishings.
Always try paint samples before committing to a colour. You’ll want to live with it for a few days before you make a big commitment. If you are still nervous, start small by painting a feature wall, then the remaining walls, woodwork and lastly the ceiling (stopping at the point you feel most comfortable).
Balance dark hues with pops of contrasting colours, such as vibrant greens or jewel-toned accents, to add depth and visual interest.
2. Experiment with Sheen Levels
A great way to keep darker rooms from feeling flat and lifeless is to integrate texture into your scheme. This can be done in a couple of ways. Firstly, balance chalky matt finishes on your walls with higher sheen levels such as a satin or gloss finish on your woodwork (in the same colour as the walls) to create depth and interest to your room. This also goes for
ceilings. Opting for a soft sheen finish on your ceilings increases the amount of light being reflected back into the room, creating a softer ambiance.
3. Consider your lighting
Dark rooms will require additional lighting to ensure the room doesn’t feel too gloomy, particularly during the day when it will feel more obvious. Invest in a selection of table lamps, floor lamps, ceiling lights and wall sconces to create a layered lighting effect. Place lighting in areas where you may wish to highlight architectural details in a room or simply in task areas where you may need additional light to read or carry out crafts etc. Rechargeable light options are now readily available and provide additional options when it comes to selecting lighting solutions. If possible, it’s also worth investing in dimmer switches which will allow you to adjust the brightness based on your mood and or the function of the room.
4. Create a moody backdrop to add bold wallpaper and/or wall art
Dark walls are the perfect backdrop for bold prints and patterns. Choose wallpaper designs that incorporate metallics or contrasting bold colours to create a visually striking focal point that will also reflect under lamplight. Bold patterns are great for making a statement in your home, and maximalist schemes are ideal for intimate spaces like bedrooms and dining rooms. Dark walls also provide a great backdrop for wall art, with bright pops of colour appearing enhanced whilst adding personality to your home.
5. Embrace a sense of cocooning
When decorating a dark room, comfort is key. In living rooms, choose plush velvet sofas, oversized armchairs in slubby fabrics, cosy textured cushions and high pile rugs to maximise the overall sensory experience. It’s also important to experiment with different materials - for example mixing smaller elements of leather, metal, and wood to avoid monotony and to also give the space a sophisticated and opulent feel. In a bedroom, upholstered headboards add a sense of luxuriousness and also provide a welcome contrast against your dark walls. Ramp up the cosy factor with plush carpets and rugs and add hero pieces of furniture such as fringed or velvet ottomans and elegant heavily lined curtains to maximise the overall sense of cocooning.
