I’ve been thinking a lot about darkly decorated rooms lately and how they can be done with such style. Just because you use a dark paint or mass of dark furniture, does not mean that your room will shrink! I just think that with a little confidence you can create a dramatic and interesting interior.

The ‘queen of darkness’ Abigail Ahern is well known for her love of dark spaces. She brings them to life by a few simple rules, I’ve summarised these points but you can read her blog post here .

• Paint the ceilings and walls in the same colour. Creating a grand and sophisticated room.
• Layering accessories, this will  bring interest to the room and keep the eye wondering.
• More than one source of lighting bringing warmth and avoiding that sterile feel that some rooms have.
• Colour, bring in something dazzling like flowers, a bold rug, painting etc
• Get furniture placement right. The room needs to feel balanced and NOT like a waiting room.

 

You can see here how those rules apply.

Here’s another pic from Abigail Ahern’s pad. I love the feel you get when you see these pics, inviting, realistic, inspiring and creative.

Below I’ve looked at some more dark spaces that also shout personality.

This room featured in Elle Decoration looks super luxurious. The wall/ceiling colour is beautiful, take a look at the lampshade and the colour compliments and almost blends into the wall, making us concentrate on the light rather than the shade.  And of course I’m a sucker for that parquet herringbone flooring.

 This home in Melbourne celebrates pattern with the geometric wallpaper among the dark furniture.

 Calling all comic book geeks out there, take a page out of this book, you can still like Batman and have style. This home of Brazilian DJ truly celebrates his passions and interests from comics to KISS.

I think this lamp saves this room. The wall colour is beautiful too!