dark interior sample

How to Pull off Dark Colors in Interior Design

There are a lot of interior design themes we can adopt for our homes. But probably the most practical and aesthetic is a luxury-themed interior design. Especially with the growing popularity of the minimalistic point of view, people are beginning to incorporate simple but innovative designs into their homes. From bright, pastel colors, the trend is now nude or darker shades like black and gray.

But these dark shades can be hard to work with when it comes to interior design. That has something to do with color psychology, which suggests that dark colors can generate a somber mood and environment. This is particularly why most people opt to use black and gray only as accents to more vibrantly-colored homes. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t paint your walls black if you want to. In order to make dark colors work, you have to be careful with lighting, contrast, and composition.

If you want to convert your home into a more luxurious living space using dark colors, here are some tips to help you pull off your vision.

Add soft neutrals

A pure black room may look appealing and sophisticated. But if you go too dark, the atmosphere will start to feel overwhelming. Instead of going very bold with dark colors, soften them up with neutrals. For instance, you can have black walls coupled with lighter-colored furniture such as your bathroom vanity, dining table, couch, and kitchen cabinets. This will help make the rooms look more welcoming and homey. Plus, it will help define your living space.

Maintain an open space

Darker interior colors work better in large, open spaces. If the room is too cramped and crowded, you should opt for lighter shades as black or gray can feel a bit suffocating in small areas. If you, however, want to utilize dark colors, opt for an open layout without walls dividing the rooms. The bigger space there is, the less overwhelming darker colors will seem.

Pay attention to lighting

As you decorate your home with darker colors, you should make sure that you have enough light entering your home. Huge windows will work wonders since they allow natural light in and add brightness to the atmosphere. Opt for sheer curtains instead of dark, black-out types so that you don’t block off natural light. If you don’t have huge windows, you can always play with lamps, chandeliers, and the like.

Consider adding pastel accents

pastel accents concept

Black is a very dynamic color and can go well with other shades. So don’t be afraid to add a little color to your home. You can go wild with black as your primary color, but consider adding small accents of yellow, nude, green, or any color you may fathom. The possibilities are endless when it comes to color blending and blocking.

Work with texture

Having a monochromatic interior can look plain and dull, especially if you’re working with darker shades of color. To prevent that, you want to play with different textures and shapes. Add some fur carpets and decorate your walls with curves and clean lines. This will provide a visual angle in every direction, adding more life and movement to the room. Don’t be afraid to work with different materials, such as wood, silk, glass, or matte tiles.

Dark colors are difficult to work with when it comes to interior design. But there are several ways you can make it work. Take these tips to create a luxurious and sophisticated look for your home without making it feel too overwhelming and dull.

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