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For the past decade or so all white and neutral colored interiors have been the most popular options when it comes to interior design. As styles like farmhouse and ultra modern grew in popularity, sleek white marble countertops and eggshell walls started popping up in homes everywhere and while light-colored interiors are not likely to disappear from the mainstream anytime soon, trends are starting to shift and homeowners are learning that a little use of color can go a long way. Hi I’m Michele Irizarry, CEO and Broker of Shore Prime Properties. If you aren’t already following our Facebook page or subscribe to our YouTube channel, please be sure to hit that button below to stay on top of these latest home trends. Utilizing dark rich colors in your interior design can help create a more modern sensibility. We will talk about how to use this effectively in a way that is still true to your own style.
Start with a color scheme: If your spaces are bright white from the furniture to the walls don’t simply start bringing in colorful pieces without thinking through how they will contrast with your current aesthetic. First establish a color scheme to determine which elements in the room should be dark and which can remain light. For example, if you want to update the color scheme in your living room to black and white and you already have white walls you can bring in dark colored seating, end tables and accessories and leave the walls as they are. Similarly if you’re working with light-colored furniture and accents, a dark accent wall or area rug can help your room to look more put together.
Be cautious with patterns: Patterns have their place in interior design but when it comes to going dark many patterns can make your spaces look dated and gaudy. If you do want to introduce patterns into your room, stick to one or two. Incorporating wallpaper or patterned mural is a great way to achieve this. Otherwise consider limiting dark furniture and accessories to solid colors. Jewel tones such as emerald, sapphire and garnet are popular route for solid colors as they can create interest and make a room look more sophisticated.
Don’t go dark in every room: Dark colors can be effective for highlighting a room’s focal point but if you go dark in every single room of your home your design could start to look macabre and lose its luster. If you have a particular room that gets a lot of natural sunlight, incorporating dark colors can help add some contrast to that brightness. To do so you could hang mirrors or photos in dark frames which will help reflect the natural light and distribute it evenly throughout the room or you can opt for dark window treatments that can be adjusted to let in the perfect amount of light. Also be mindful of the rooms that you choose to incorporate dark colors into. The kitchen, for example, is not necessarily the best place for dark colored walls or window treatments if you’re looking for an energizing and vibrant feel.
Incorporate subtle dark elements: If you’re just making the switch over to using dark colors in your home the key is to start with small and subtle changes. Go dark and bold with the focal point of a room such as a statement sofa, a large coffee table in a dark wood stain or a gallery wall made up of dark frames. You could also choose to be even more understated and leave all of the dark elements to accessories and accent pieces. Fill white built-in shelving with dark candles faces and other decorative pieces or accentuate white french doors with black metal poles and dark curtains. Using dark colors doesn’t mean that your design needs to be dramatic you can still retain a minimalist aesthetic if that’s what you’re looking for.
Make cabinets and shelving stand out: Switching up the color of your cabinets and shelves with a fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to make a room look brand new. If you don’t want to commit to painting an entire room in a dark shade choose a color for your cabinetry and shelves that will stand out against the current wall color. For instance, if your kitchen walls and countertops are white or another light shade paint your upper and lower cabinetry a dark color like black or dark blue. If your living room walls are light paint your fireplace mantel a dark color or install dark shelves. Most people go light in the bathroom with a white sink and light floors- however opting for a dark colored sink, dark hardware for the faucet and shower or dark tile flooring can give the bathroom a more modern feel.
If you’re ready to get away from white washed interior design there’s no time like the present. If you need some advice on your home’s projects and what can bring you the best return on your investment feel free to reach out to us here at Shore Prime Properties. We are always happy to help. I’m Michele Irizarry selling prime real estate at the Jersey Shore.
