Afraid of Dark Colors? Don't Be! 8 Tips To Create An Indulgent Sanctuary

I used to be a huge fan of white walls as a neutral palette - they allow you to dress a room with artwork, tapestries and richly colored window treatments.  However, I noticed living in London that some of the warmest, most sophisticated spaces used dark colors to dramatic effect. I still love a neutral wall, but I have a deep appreciation for the cozy and indulgent environment created by darker colors.  As the days grow shorter and a crisp chill fills the air, our homes become sanctuaries of comfort and warmth. Our design choices play a crucial role in cultivating a cozy atmosphere, and one effective way to achieve this is through the use of rich, deep colors and luxurious textures.

Venturing into the darker spectrum of colors doesn't have to be intimidating. Here we have curated a list of 8 tips from English Home Magazine's Katy McLean on how to decorate with dark colors:

1. Opt for soft, chalky matt paints. They offer a gentle look while producing dark, shadowy textures that evolve with natural light variations throughout the day and come alive with artificial lighting and candlelight at night.
   
   
   
   
2. Use paint palettes influenced by moody tones, like those showcased by leading paint brands Farrow and Ball and Benjamin Moore. These include inky navy, deepest green, dusky plum, chocolate brown, and charcoal black. These shades can be accentuated with touches of russet orange, mustard yellow, or shimmering teal, resulting in a stylish, rich, and unexpectedly captivating color scheme.
   
   
   
   
3. Extend the chosen paint color over ceilings and woodwork, eliminating the distraction of crisp white contrasts. This seamless effect will wrap a space in warmth.
   
   
   
   
4. Subtly introduce neutrals through natural flooring, wood elements, and textiles.
   
   
   
   
5. Avoid bold patterns, allowing the chosen strong colors to take center stage.
   
   
   
   
6. Opt for fabrics with intricate weaves in semi-plains for cushion covers and heavy interlined curtains.
   
   
   
   
7. Use throw and blankets to introduce intense color contrast. Jewel tones such as orange, yellow, turquoise, and pink, with their rich saturation and depth, complement dark navy, green, and brown tones, infusing a touch of light relief.
   
   
   
   
8. Extend the dark color scheme to the bedroom for a restful, restorative sleep. Continue dark walls and richly colored upholstery into darker bed linens to maintain the soothing and snug ambiance.
   
   

Picture a scene: the soft glow of candles, the warmth of an armchair by the fire, and the enveloping embrace of rich, deep colors for the perfect cozy night in. Embrace the allure of dark colors and transform your living spaces into inviting retreats that radiate warmth and sophistication.