Love Opulence? It's Time To Take Your Interior Design to the Dark Side!

Many a person, if asked what their favourite colour is, will respond with something glorious and bold. Deep blues, rich purples, sumptuous teals, decadent ochres, and vibrant reds tend to make our hearts sing. And yet, we very rarely take the plunge in surrounding ourselves with our most adored palettes. Do you find yourself wondering, why is that?

Recent years have seen minimalist trends for white and pale grey interiors abound. With them has come the misconception that dark interiors make spaces look cramped and should be avoided at all costs. However, in reality a darker colour scheme can make an interior feel both grand and cosy, while not making it feel shrunken at all, and perhaps even creating an illusion of spaciousness!

In fact, deep and dark hues can trick the eye by making a space's true size harder to perceive—especially when different surfaces all share a similar shade. From black herringbone parquet underfoot to gloriously patterned wallpapers and dark ceilings, there is a lot to be said for being brave and claiming this playful avenue of interior design for yourself. It's time to take your interior design to the dark side!

Picture from - https://adorable-home.com/apartments/exquisite-modern-dark-interiors-54184

​The Advantages of a Darker Colour Scheme
A dark colour palette is ideal for those aiming to infuse a feeling of luxury into their interior spaces. When rich hues are combined with a flourish of fabulously tactile fabric, dark oak parquet wood flooring, or eye-catching metallic highlights, the result is certain to feel both dramatic and inviting. And if you are somewhat concerned that a darker colour scheme might not go with your existing furniture, fear not, because those flavourful shades lend perfectly to an eclectic vibe, allowing far more scope to play with creative combinations of style, texture, and time period.
 
Within historic interiors, darker colour schemes are far more forgiving than a white or beige treatment. The undulations of older masonry or evidence of decades—or even centuries—of upkeep will graciously all but vanish when a stronger colour is applied. When the warmth, interest, and decadence of, say, deep smoked parquet flooring is added into the mix, an impression that feels both indulgent and intimate will result. Few interiors feel more comfortable, and by extension—perhaps surprisingly—relaxing, than those who have taken to the dark side!
 
Tips To Master the Art of Dark Interiors
The marvellous thing about a darker colour scheme harnessed in interior design is that it is exceptionally liberating. There are no hard and fast rules, but rather plenty of opportunities to experiment and have fun. Darker walls make a fantastic backdrop for treasured art pieces, while furniture styles ranging from period to scandi and from minimalist to steampunk can all appear at home. All of that said, there are a few pleasing ideas that are worth exploring when considering your dream dark interior:

• Reflective Surfaces Create Depth
  Whether your preference leans towards gilt frames and historic light fixtures, mirrors, or modern metallic elements, they all share a presence that will pleasingly draw the eye.
• Warmer Lighting Will Enhance Cosiness
  Dark interiors become all the more inviting when enveloped in warm light. Depending on your interior styling inclinations, lamps, pendulum lights, or dramatic light fixtures can all add to the “wow” factor of a darker space.
• Don't Fear Pattern
  A deeper palette doesn't mean that you have to steer clear of pattern—in fact, the opposite can be true. Mesmerisingly patterned wallpapers, decorative fabrics, rugs, and interesting parquetry such as black herringbone parquet or deep smoked parquet flooring will all tantalize the senses!
• Introduce a Little Nature
  If you think about it, the muses for many of those sumptuous shades lie in nature, and as such, decadent colours serve as an enriching backdrop for more common natural elements. This may take shape through some substantial houseplants set against a deep aubergine hue, a natural stone fireplace against a peacock blue wallpaper, or dark oak parquet wood flooring as a companion to an embracing forest green. A touch of nature adds a wonderfully instinctive boost to any interior, no matter how urban.

​So, there you have it. Have we emboldened you towards taking your interior design to the dark side? Here at Unique Bespoke Wood, we are always thrilled to see some of our deeper and more boldly coloured hardwood floors transform spaces in dramatic and delightful ways.

If you cherish the vision of black herringbone parquet, deep smoked parquet flooring, or dark oak parquet wood flooring, why not contact our team to discover more about their suitability for your envisioned space? We are always happy to provide expert advice and are passionate about helping our clients realise interiors that they will treasure. To find out more, get in touch today.