Embrace your dark side

Embrace your dark side

Find out how to add depth and character to your new home by giving darker shades a go

Choosing colours from the darker end of the spectrum is a quick and easy way to add personality to your new home, creating a sophisticated feel minus the designer price tag. But many of us tend to shy away from using darker hues as we’re unsure how to use them

Make a room feel larger

We’re conditioned to believe that darker colours will make a room feel more enclosed. But some darker shades – such as deep, inky blues – are actually recessive, and will make a small room feel much larger, and more spacious, than it really is.

Make a cosy scheme

Choosing a darker colour scheme is a great way to make a room feel instantly cosy and intimate. Consider using rich, deep reds that tend to pull walls closer towards you, and will make a large room feel instantly warmer.

Create an optical illusion

Painting woodwork, such as skirting boards and doorframes, in a darker hue is another clever way to create the illusion of space in your home. Deep, royal blues will look crisp and fresh against lighter coloured walls, while a coffee coloured hue will fit with a more neutral palette.

Add a sense of drama

A dark, bold colour scheme will immediately add a sense of drama and flair to your new home. Deep charcoal grey is a versatile choice that will go with just about anything.