Are you afraid of the dark?

I know I was when I was younger! I mean, I could not enter a room without first putting my hand in and searching for the light. Did it stem from watching too many horror movies? Or maybe it was the late nights of reading Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark? It may have even been the game of hide-and-seek, where I was rarely found and had to sit in a dark space for long periods of time (it’s okay; I think that meant I was good at the game). However, with time and age, I have come to appreciate the dark and all it entails. It may be the quickly approaching spooky season or the saturated trend of moody tones in fashion and design, but I am here for it!

Color theory suggests that by visualizing different tones and hues, we as humans seek harmony and a sort of philosophical connection to our universe. Some believe that this stems from our psyche connecting color with the earth’s elements, while others think color is a way of subliminal communication. In any case, color and its effects have been debated for many centuries but bring us into unity with how it makes us feel emotionally.

In a positive light, darker colors evoke a sense of grounding and steadiness, as well as a sense of calm, since dark colors tend to help people fall asleep. However, they should be used in moderation!

So, how do we approach this in our homes, specifically to make us feel warm and welcomed?

I personally love a few ways to incorporate dark colors into a space: furniture, paint, and lighting.

The first item that comes to mind is incorporating a dark, deep, and plush lounge chair that sits elegantly and independently in your favorite spot in the living room. Whether that’s by a window with a gorgeous view, your favorite bookcase, a warm and crackling fire lighting up your fireplace, or maybe it’s located in front of your TV, this chair will draw you in at the end of a long day with your favorite glass of pinot noir. And you don’t have to worry about stains! If you want to go even bolder and larger scale, a great sofa covered in buttery dark velvet will make all your moody dreams come true.

Another great approach to introducing dark colors into your home is choosing a specific room. I suggest something smaller, like your intimate study, den, or even a powder room, and painting the walls and ceiling a deep, dark color. Some of my favorites are Farrow & Ball's Tanner’s Brown, Paean Black, and, of course, Studio Green. I can also appreciate a good Benjamin Moore color like Barista, Ebony Slate, and Approaching Storm.

Last but certainly not least—actually, maybe one of the most important elements in introducing dark colors into your home—is lighting. Lighting is crucial for creating a good and moody ambiance in a space; I cannot stress this enough. As we know, lighting can and will affect how a color looks throughout the day, as will artificial lighting. Even if you don’t have a lot of dark colors incorporated into your space through fabrics, paint, wallpaper, etc., creating mood lighting can do the trick. Consider using lamps in large spaces, especially in the evenings, to create a darker tone in a room. Candlelight is another great trick to contribute to this factor during the darker parts of the day. During the daytime, you can also use natural light and avoid over saturating a space with additional artificial lighting. You might even draw your sheers over the windows during the day to set a darker tone.

So there you have it: some advice on achieving a darker color scheme within your home. Remember to always balance these dark and rich tones with light neutrals to create that inviting and grounding atmosphere. Off you go to make it dark and beautiful!

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