Decorating with Dark Colors 

By Interior Designer TRACY SVENDEN | Published September 03, 2024 |

Dark colors have steadily gained popularity in interior design in recent years. Gone are the days when homeowners shied away from using bold, moody hues, fearing they would make a space feel small and oppressive. Instead, designers and homeowners alike have embraced the allure of dark colors, recognizing their ability to create a sense of sophistication, drama, and depth within a room.

The shift towards darker palettes can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, there has been a growing appreciation for the timeless elegance and visual impact that dark colors can bring to a space. From the deep, rich tones of charcoal and navy to the sultry allure of burgundy and dark greens, these hues have a way of imbuing a room with a sense of luxury and refinement.

Furthermore, the rise of minimalist and Scandinavian-inspired design trends has also contributed to the increased popularity of dark colors. These design styles often rely on a pared-down aesthetic, focusing on clean lines and a neutral color palette. When used judiciously, dark hues can serve as the perfect counterpoint to this minimalist approach, adding depth and visual interest to the space. Feature image courtesy of Sean Anderson Design.

Sean Anderson’s Soulful Style

The self-taught designer takes a multi-layered approach to creating soulful, dark, and moody interiors. Here, we’ll tour one of his most recent projects, which exemplifies the careful layering of neutrals, sophisticated dark walls, and a mix of modern and traditional style finished with masculine touches.

Sean Anderson honed his design skills by transforming his home, room by room. Defying the prevailing trend of light neutrals and bright whites, he boldly painted the entire house in varying shades of charcoal.

This daring move paid off, showcasing his willingness to break design conventions and trust his instincts. Anderson’s self-taught journey was fueled by his innate understanding of scale and proportion, a skill he believes is essential for successful design.

Greek Revival in Memphis

When Anna Fagala and her family purchased their Greek Revival property in 2020, they needed guidance on revitalizing the space. Despite its spaciousness and pastoral setting, the interior felt dated and overwhelming. The Fagalas were introduced to designer Sean Anderson, who helped them navigate their design challenges.

As art and design enthusiasts, the Fagalas were drawn to a variety of aesthetic influences. Similar to the fusion of country, jazz, and blues in Memphis music, Anderson was tasked with harmonizing these diverse styles in their home.

The home already featured striking elements such as well-scaled rooms, high ceilings, and stunning hardware. The designer revitalized the residence by introducing a captivating color palette. Moody, saturated, and subdued hues transformed the space. 

Brown woven-wool wall coverings with dusty pink undertones adorned the dining room, while dark green grounded the formal living room. Even black made its presence felt in the wet bar, adding a touch of drama.

1. Creating a Sophisticated Space with Dark Colors

Contrary to the common misconception that dark colors are depressing or make a space feel smaller, they can have a profound psychological impact on how we experience a room. Dark hues envelop a space, creating a cocooning effect that can make a room feel more welcoming. This can be particularly beneficial in larger spaces, where dark colors can help to create a more intimate and cozy environment.

Dark colors can also have a calming and grounding effect on the senses. They tend to have a more muted and subdued quality, which can help to create a sense of tranquility and relaxation. This makes them an excellent choice for bedrooms and living rooms where you want to foster a sense of serenity and calm.

The entryway features a collection of vintage furniture, adding a touch of timeless charm. The walls are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Classic Gray, while custom window treatments complete the sophisticated look. Red brick flooring and warm wood furniture add to the cozyiness. A large display of leafy branches in a black rustic pot, placed on an antique round wood table, further enhances the natural and welcoming feel of the space.

2. Choosing the Right Dark Color Palette

When incorporating dark colors into your interior design, the key is to strike the right balance. Carefully consider the undertones and hues that will work best with your existing décor and the overall aesthetic you’re trying to achieve.

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a dark color palette is the lighting in the space. Darker hues can absorb and reflect light differently, so it’s essential to consider the room’s natural and artificial lighting sources. A space with ample natural light may support a deeper, more saturated dark color, while a room with limited lighting may benefit from a softer, more muted shade.

Another important consideration is the size and layout of the room. Smaller spaces may feel overwhelmed by darker colors, so balancing dark hues with lighter accents and furnishings is important. Conversely, larger rooms can often support more dramatic and bold dark color choices, as the space can better accommodate the visual weight of these deeper tones.

The dining room features walls adorned with Savile Suiting Solids by Phillip Jeffries in Mayfair Brown, creating a warm welcome. The ceiling is painted in the same hue for a cohesive look. An antique oil painting above a 19th-century German cabinet and a custom-made dining table balance the space. This stunning dining room combines warmth, texture, and history.

3. Dark Colors in the Dining Room

Dark colors can be used in the dining room to create a sense of drama and elegance. A deep, burgundy-colored accent wall or a sleek, black dining table can instantly transform the space, making it more sophisticated and elegant. Complement these dark elements with warm, metallic accents and statement lighting fixtures to create a truly stunning and memorable dining experience.

4. Contrasting Elements to Balance Dark Colors

While dark colors can create a stunning and sophisticated look, it’s important to balance them with lighter, contrasting elements to prevent the space from feeling too heavy or oppressive. Combine light colors with dark tones to create a high-contrast interior.

One effective way to balance dark colors is through natural light. Large windows or skylights can flood a room with natural daylight, helping to counteract the weight of the dark hues and creating a sense of openness and airiness. Additionally, sheer curtains or light-colored window treatments can heften the impact of the dark colors and allow more light to filter in.

5. Dark Colors in The Kitchen

Dark colors, such as deep blues, grays, browns, or blacks, add a touch of drama and elegance to kitchens. They create a striking contrast with lighter elements and conceal everyday wear and tear, making them practical choices for high-traffic areas. 

Dark hues also foster a cozy, intimate vibe, especially in larger kitchens. Adequate lighting is crucial to ensure a balanced space. Recessed lighting, pendant lights, or under-cabinet lighting can combat darkness.

Designer Sean Anderson’s masterful use of dark wood cabinets creates a striking contrast against the light off-white stone accent walls, adding depth and drama to the space. The warm tones of the wood cabinetry harmonize beautifully with the earthy hues of the area rug, creating a cohesive design. 

The copper pendant lighting introduces a touch of metallic elegance, while the black marble countertops add a touch of sophistication. This kitchen is a testament to Anderson’s ability to blend contrasting elements to create a visually stunning and functional space.

6. Incorporating Dark Cabinetry

Dark kitchen cabinets are a powerful design tool, adding a touch of elegance, sophistication, and drama. Their striking visual contrast creates a captivating focal point, transforming the kitchen into a statement piece. 

Beyond aesthetics, dark kitchen cabinets contribute to a cozy appearance. When paired with the proper lighting and complementary elements, they create a visually stunning and functionally practical space.

Consider these tips for incorporating dark cabinets into your kitchen design:

• Balance with Light: Introduce lighter elements like countertops, backsplashes, or flooring to create a visually appealing contrast.
• Warmth and Texture: Incorporate warm-toned materials and cozy textiles to balance the dark cabinetry.
• Strategic Lighting: Utilize under-cabinet, pendant, or recessed lighting to illuminate the space and prevent it from feeling too dark.
• Complementary Accents: Introduce decorative elements in contrasting or complementary colors to add personality and visual interest.

In the modern rustic kitchen, two vintage armchairs create a cozy seating area around Rober Kuo’s The Bean cocktail table. The nook between the island and the breakfast table is perfect for morning coffee or children’s activities while adults prepare dinner. The kitchen’s cabinetry features a captivating tramp art-inspired design. The oxidized nickel galley lights add a touch of industrial elegance, completing the stylish and functional space.

7. Dark Colors in the Living Room

Dark colors, such as deep charcoal, can infuse your living room with sophistication and coziness. These hues create a captivating, stylish, and comfortable conversational area.

Consider pairing the dark tones with lighter, neutral furnishings and accessories to balance them. This contrast creates visual interest and prevents the space from feeling overly somber.

A large Japanese screen, cleverly concealing the family’s TV, is a striking focal point on the living room’s inner wall. This thoughtful inclusion reflects the homeowner’s appreciation for Japanese art and demonstrates Sean Anderson’s ability to seamlessly integrate personal touches into the design.

The custom-designed sofa, console, side table, and window treatments complement the space, while the Cassiopeia Chandelier by Andrea Claire Studio and the vintage Jindrich Halabala armchair add a touch of elegance and history.

8. Color Drenching a Room in Dark Colors

Color drenching transcends the traditional accent wall, immersing a room in a single, vibrant hue. Walls, ceilings, window treatments, and light fixtures come alive in this monochromatic fantasy. 

While a single tone might seem limiting, skilled interior designers play with paint finishes, combining gloss and matte on various textures like wood or plaster. This finishes interplay adds visual depth and prevents monotony, creating a captivating and welcoming space.

This formal living room, painted in Farrow & Ball’s Treron, is a captivating study in monochromatic design. The custom Anderson soda in a plaid pattern adds a touch of texture, while vintage lounge chairs from 1stDibs offer a comfortable seating option. Warm wood accents and floor-to-ceiling window treatments in the same hue as the walls complete the design.

9. Dark Colors in the Powder Room

Dark colors can create a sense of drama and luxury in a small space like a powder room. However, since powder rooms are typically small, it’s important to use dark colors strategically to avoid making the space feel too enclosed or overwhelming. 

Consider using dark colors as an accent rather than painting all the walls in a deep hue. For example, you could opt for a rich, dark wallpaper on one feature wall, or you could choose to paint the vanity or cabinetry in a dark color while keeping the rest of the walls light. This approach can add interest and depth to the space without feeling overly dark. 

If you use dark colors in a powder room, consider incorporating reflective surfaces such as mirrors, metallic accents, or glossy finishes to bounce light around the space and create a sense of openness. 

10. Create a Cozy Seating Area with Dark Walls

Within the first year of the project, Anderson and the homeowners realized this room’s potential was untapped. They recognized the need for a versatile space and transformed it into a sanctuary for Bible studies, board games, and other activities. The room has become a focal point of the home, impressing guests with its stylish and functional design.

11. Dark Colors in the Bedroom

Dark colors can be particularly effective in creating a serene and restful environment in the bedroom. A moody dark green, brown, or navy blue wall or a plush velvet headboard can evoke a sense of luxury and relaxation. Pair these dark elements with crisp white bedding and soft, textural accents to achieve a balanced and visually appealing look.

Using dark colors in a bedroom can create a sense of coziness, intimacy, and sophistication. Dark hues can bring warmth and comfort, making the bedroom a welcoming and relaxing space. 

Additionally, dark colors can have a calming and grounding effect on the senses, fostering a sense of serenity and tranquility. When choosing dark colors for a bedroom, it’s essential to strike the right balance and consider the room’s natural and artificial lighting sources.

This modern rustic primary bedroom is a sanctuary of rich textures and contrasting hues. A woven natural fiber canopy bed adds a touch of elegance, while dark brown floor-to-ceiling curtains and Roman shades create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Large wooden ceiling beams in a dark stain add a rustic charm, complemented by antique wood furniture in varying shades.

The eclectic mix of artwork, lighting, and sculptures adds personality and visual interest. The chocolate brown bedding and off-white accent chair complete the luxurious ambiance. A small reading area shows the custom cabinets Anderson designed to match the fireplace.

12. Dark Colors in the Primary Bathroom

Darker tones, such as charcoal, brown, navy, or deep green, infuse your primary bathroom with luxury and sophistication. These hues create a spa-like ambiance, fostering relaxation and tranquility. Pair dark colors with light elements like white fixtures, ample lighting, and mirrors to prevent the space from feeling overly enclosed. 

Dark colors offer a unique opportunity to create a luxurious and sophisticated primary bathroom. Their ability to evoke a spa-like ambiance and add a touch of elegance is undeniable. You can transform your bathroom into a serene and inviting retreat by carefully balancing dark hues with light elements.

The primary bathroom was a focal point of the renovation, featuring a striking Tuscan fireplace and a luxurious Clothilde Copper Tub by Waterworks. Anderson capitalized on the ample space, utilizing every square foot to create a functional and visually stunning bathroom.

13. Lighting Techniques for Dark-Colored Spaces

Lighting plays a pivotal role in showcasing the depth and richness of dark colors. The proper lighting transforms a space, preventing it from feeling dull or uninviting.

Layered lighting creates a well-balanced and visually interesting space. Ambient lighting, like recessed or pendant fixtures, provides a warm glow. Task lighting, such as sconces or table lamps, illuminates specific areas and architectural features. 

Accent lighting, like track lighting or spotlights, draws attention to focal points, adding depth and drama. Dimmer switches offer a versatile way to adjust light intensity, allowing you to create a range of moods, from cozy and intimate to bold and dramatic.

Exterior View of Home

Conclusion: Embracing the Power of Dark Hues

Dark wall colors can be a powerful and transformative tool in interior design. You can create a sophisticated and inviting home by carefully selecting shades with warm undertones and pairing them with brass or gold accents. 

The rich depth of dark hues provides a perfect backdrop for showcasing other design elements, while the warmth and coziness they exude make the space feel inviting. Remember, the key to success with dark wall colors lies in finding the right balance between the darkness and other elements in the room. 

Choose the right dark color palette, balance it with lighter elements, and incorporate textures and patterns. Don’t hesitate to embrace the dark side of design. The rewards are immense – a luxurious, sophisticated space that reflects your unique style.

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