Dark colors are now a trend in interior design. Moody colors, from burgundy to dark green, are very appealing and create a dramatic and cozy backdrop for our homes.
When it comes to interior design trends, it is important to consider their longevity. And if you’re embracing the dark color trend, once the cozy season ends, you may have questions about how well these moody hues work throughout the year. Decorations require investments, such as furniture colors and wall paint, so you want to make sure your color scheme remains appealing year-round.
We looked to the expertise of designers and color experts to weigh in on this controversial topic. Below, they share their thoughts on fall’s dark color scheme and explain how to ensure the colors change well throughout the year.
Are dark colors only for comfortable seasons?
(Image credit: Marie Flanigan Interiors, photography Julie Soefer)
“We love the dark, moody design trends these days,” says Courtney Hill Att, designer at Chu Interiors. “Clients often ask if spring and summer are too dark, but we always recommend that these darker color schemes work as well all year round, especially as they complement the seasons. That’s the case when it comes to rotating accessories.
Interior designer Marie Flanigan agrees that dark colors work well into fall and beyond. “Dark color schemes definitely work year-round if you approach them with balance and intention.” In the cooler months, they create a cozy and intimate atmosphere, but as the seasons change, deeper tones and Consider combining bright accents. ”
“Incorporate natural textures such as linen weaves and light-colored wood to add contrast and keep the space feeling fresh,” Marie adds. “You can also create a seasonal change by swapping out accessories like cushions and artwork for items in lighter, airier tones. The key is to embrace the richness of a dark palette while also creating a transition for the warmer months. It’s about layering elements that make it soft and bright.”
6 ways to make dark colors last longer
For a timeless approach to room color ideas, learn how experts can make it last longer when you decorate with dark colors.
1. Consider which rooms are best suited for dark colors
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
Before you dive headfirst into the dark paint trend, think about the rooms in your home and how they naturally feel. Although dark paint looks great in any space, there is an argument that it works best in naturally dark rooms. There, you can lean into the dark light and create a comfortable and cozy space all year round.
“Your home has different rooms in different locations in your home that serve very different roles,” explains Tash Bradley, interior design director and color psychologist at Lick. “Try not to fight nature. If you have a dark room, that’s a great place to lean into.”
“Hallways are a great place to choose dark colors, because when you open the door to another room, your eye is always drawn to the brightest part of the room,” adds Tash. “So if the hallways are a little darker, people will gravitate toward the living room or kitchen, where they tend to prefer brighter light.”
Alternatively, a room that is primarily used for relaxing in the evenings, whether it is autumn or summer, can provide an opportunity to decorate with dark paint.
“Rooms that are primarily used in the evening are perfect for deep, dark, saturated colors and are completely seasonal,” says interior designer Caroline Gidiere. “There’s a certain seduction in the twilight and twinkling lights of the evening, so bars and dens are welcome spaces for dark shades.”
2. Choose dark paint colors carefully
(Image credit: Little Green)
There are currently a number of popular dark paints, from richly colored burgundy paints to dark forest greens, but it’s worth considering how these colors maintain their appeal throughout the year. For example, you may feel that certain shades are too associated with the festive season, so if you don’t want to repaint right away, you may want to choose a more versatile dark paint.
“When adapting moody, dark color schemes for each season, especially for summer, we like to choose dark color schemes that don’t feel conventional,” says Atelier Interiors Principal Designer and Founder Katie Schroeder explains. design.
“Dark greens, reds, and blues tend to be formal or masculine, but when paired with moody dark purples, teals, or rusts, these colors blend well with more cheerful tones and lend themselves well to summer interior spaces. Adapt,” Katie added.
3. Consider color combinations to soften the impression
(Image credit: August, photography Pete Helm)
There’s no denying that color dressing is gaining in popularity at the moment, but you may be able to create a more versatile look by using darker shades sparingly in your color combinations.
“Incorporate dark hues thoughtfully and intentionally so they don’t overwhelm the space,” advises Hannah Yeo, senior color marketing manager at Benjamin Moore. “Pairing off-white trim and ceilings with deep, rich colors creates a crisp, tailored look while instilling lightness into the space. This approach works especially well in bedrooms and home offices, and trim Maintaining a consistent ceiling color can help unify different rooms and create a cohesive aesthetic.”
“Accent walls are a great way to introduce bold color and create a focal point,” adds Hannah. “If your room has wainscoting or chair rails, consider pairing dark and light tones for balance.”
Karolina Wierzbicka, Head of Design at August, also recommends combining bold hues and bright colors to create a more livable scheme. “Rich, layered tones are key.” Darker shades like deep navy, charcoal, forest green, and burgundy are beautiful at creating a sense of depth, especially when paired with bright, contrasting tones like soft neutrals and pale pastels. It works. These dark shades visually set back and make the room feel more three-dimensional, while bright or reflective surfaces draw the eye and enhance the sense of space. ”
4. Limit dark colors to the bottom half of the wall
(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)
Another way to incorporate dark colors into your plan while ensuring a year-round livable look is to limit dark paints to the bottom half of your walls and use lighter shades on the top half. This paint trick will give your room a more balanced overall feel, allowing you to enjoy the soothing and dramatic appeal of rich colors.
“Dark colors can trick the eye,” says Tash Bradley. “A 50/50 wall around the room with dark colors at the bottom and light colors at the top tricks the eye into making the room appear larger.”
5. Decorate with flowers to change the color scheme
(Image credit: Bethany Adams Interiors, JL Jordan Photography)
Looking for an easy way to transition your dark color scheme? As soon as the seasons change, swap out your flower arrangements to reflect the changing weather. Bright, bright colors liven up a space in the summer, while dark foliage adds to the moody atmosphere in the winter.
“Dark colors are great year-round,” says interior designer Bethany Adams of Bethany Adams Interiors. “Just adding some fresh flowers can brighten up the atmosphere. But remember, we’re not indoors much during the summer, and when we are indoors, there’s nothing better than a cool, dark room.” .”
6. Change your decorations according to the season
(Image courtesy of McGee & Co)
If your room has a cozy, dark color scheme for fall and winter, you can easily change up the decor to refresh it for spring and summer, ensuring a balanced look all year round. can.
“The key to transitioning a color scheme from one season to another is always in the details,” says interior designer Kathy Kuo. “Any color works any time of the year if you frame it in a certain way. For example, if you like jewel colors or ‘dark academia’ colors (burgundy, emerald green, navy) brings in cushions and blankets in similar dark colors and rich textures like cashmere and velvet. And in summer, bring light textiles such as linen or cotton in contrasting light tones: cream, blush, sand. ”
“Dark, moody color schemes can be transitioned into the warmer months by adding bright, bold elements and accessories,” agrees designer Gabrielle Bove of Opaline Interiors Studio. Liven up a room with a layer of washed-out vintage rugs to add another layer of interest while adding bright color to your space. If you have open shelving or display space, bring in a collection of white or light-colored wooden objects.
Incorporate a dark color scheme this fall with this cozy woven throw in an on-trend shade of brown.
The pattern acts as a way to break up a dark color scheme, and this linen pillow is perfect for the transition from fall to summer.
Soho Home Claudius Fringed Check Alpaca Blend Jacquard Throw
Embrace cozy fall vibes with this jacquard throw that pairs perfectly with cool color schemes.
According to designers and color experts, dark colors work stylishly in your home all year round. They come into their own in the fall and winter, but bright decorations are effective during the summer.
Also, as the experts above share, in addition to considering which rooms are best suited for dark colors, use paint color combinations to balance out the colors to avoid interior design mistakes. It is also worth considering creating a .
