Hints and tips for #styleitdark
Many have been led to believe the only way to solve a low light space is to paint the room white... this simply isn't true. Lighter colours will only brighten the room by bouncing off existing natural light. The best way to add depth and an illusion of space is to use the problem rather than fight it...by going dark!
Paint it Dark
The best way to create infinity as before mentioned is to 'go dark' by this I mean painting with an inky hue that suits your style. This by no means has to be black, there are so many luxurious dark shades of blue, purple, brown and green out there! Check out Abigail Ahern for paint palette inspiration.
The best way to create a sense of grandeur and a never ending space is to extend the dark hue onto the skirting board, door frames, windows and ceiling. For this I would highly recommend a flat emulsion, this gives a velvety feel to the walls. The ceiling however, can go gloss, this will do a great job of bouncing some light around. Want to take it one step further? Paint a piece of furniture or the fireplace in the same hue ( as seen above ) to really curate your space.
Scared of the dark?
If you are persistently hesitant when it comes to using dark colours, then start small, paint one wall. But don't pass judgement until the second coat has been applied, believe me they can look very scary after only one application, do persevere! At this point you can go all in...and paint the rest. Or if you're happy, pick a complimentary neutral colour for the rest of the room. For help with this check out the Design Seeds Pinterest boards, they pair together perfect complimentary palettes to help you decide. Their page never fails to help me out when I'm designing sets for a shoot.
How to #styleitdark
"When sticking to a dark palette for walls and furniture, contrasting shapes and texture are important, otherwise everything just merges into one"
For a muted, moody and sophisticated feel, simply use the advice above and use texture to create interest rather than adding more colours. This can be achieved through use of a shaggy rug, a large mirror or metallic accents to mention but a few.
If you are less of the dark and mysterious type and more about making a bold statement, dark walls are also the perfect backdrop to showcase those statement pieces you cherish, such as a brightly coloured sofa, a gallery wall or even your favourite vase! In the same way that an eclectic mix of textures adds interest, using contrasting colours creates a sense of drama.
Don't Forget
Lighting is always very important , more so in a dark environment! My advice is to add dimmers where possible for any ceiling lights, to create the perfect mood for the occasion. Secondary lighting is an absolute must, use lamps in those dark corners to light up your curated objects and furniture. My preference is to use bulbs with a coating so the light is less direct and softer. Check out Dowsing and Reynolds, a family run Leeds based company , I'm always using their light switches and sockets that come in a range of black and metallic finishes when designing a space with dark walls.
So Go On....
I dare you.
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