Decorating Ideas - Interior Colour Paints | Dulux
Colours
Collections
Help & Tools
Trend colours
Area
Surface
Finish
Space
Sustainability
Contact
How to decorate with dark colours hero
4 schemes that'll inspire you to embrace the dark.
Perhaps it started with our current obsession with all things grey, but using moody, dark hues at home is on the up, and it’s gone far beyond the grey spectrum. From deep navy to darkest violet, using rich and saturated colours is officially a trend – and, as if to prove it, one of our 2016 trends, ‘Dark & Light’ is all about embracing darkness.
There’s an easy way to trial this trend before you jump straight in, though – the Dulux Visualizer app
How to decorate with a dark palette image 2
Strike it Rich
Two or three dark colours together are better than one, so play dark shades off one another to create a look with real depth.
Expert Tip
This smokey, blurred line effect brings a mysterious mood to any space. Placing a lighter shade between two dark tones really helps each colour to shine. Give it a go with Bitter Chocolate, Purple Infusion 1 and Maraschino Mocha 2.
Create a sleep sanctuary
Cloud Nine
Bedroom spaces are a natural choice for using a dark palette as it's one room in your home where light can be a disturbance. Cocoon yourself in a dreamy midnight shade such as Hawaiian Blue 1 and accessorise with dark bedding and textiles.
Expert Tip
There's a new spin on the popular ombre effect this season – instead of fading your wall colour to white, try teaming it with a dark mid-tone such as Earth Glaze 1 for an on-trend and relaxing sleep space.
How to decorate with a dark palette image 3
Dark Matter
Think beyond paint with your decorating palette and consider materials, too. Rich browns and blues such as Twilight Cinders 2 and Hawaiian Blue 3 work wonders with timber and other natural materials such as slate and stone.
Expert Tip
When using a dark palette, a combination of surfaces will bring depth and texture to your space as well, especially if you’re using a satin finish.
How to decorate with dark colours hero
Power Couple
Dark blues are a great alternative to grey if you want impact without forsaking colour. A jewel-like, toned backdrop such as Khaki Mist 1 and Luna Landscape 1 will also make your furnishings shine all the brighter.
Expert Tip
Finish the look with luxe velvets and flashes of metallic for a subtly opulent mood, and don't be afraid to add a few bright dashes of colour in your textiles (yellow, orange and emerald greens work especially well).
Find out how your room would look dressed in the dark with the free Dulux Visualizer app
