8.24.2009

Dark Side of Design

Close your eyes and listen
to the silent sounds of night.
Hear the stars twinkle
and the innocent breaths of sleep.
There is only harmony
within the halls of your mind.
There we will dance in moonlight,
you my darling, and I.
While others dream of white interiors, whether crisp or aged by time, I am drawn to the dark side. I will forever be educed by trends and realize the need to step back and take my time before I commit. But dark walls - glorious dark walls; be it black, navy, plum or grey; a lacquered gloss or matte, they speak sultry, obscure, esoteric, comforting, even sexy.

Fleeting fad or a faithful fancy? Would you join the dark side?
























{go forth & live responsibly}
see the light of the dark

photo credits: altus@flickr.com; jo tyler, elledecor.com; methome.com; joanna henderson; michael devine; housebeautiful.com; vogueliving; mynottinghill.blogspot; housetohome.uk; Austrailian vogue; afreshspace.com; midcenturyjo.blogspot; miles redd; polly wreford, mary mcdonald; decorno.blogspot; nochintz.com; blue fryery; kenneth brown; curbly.com

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

There is something very classy about these designs. They are not the light, contemporary design, but look great nevertheless.

Nicolette
http://www.furnitureanddesignideas.com

The Townhouselady said...

Ohhhhh LOVE these!!

Wish I were brave enough to do a charcoal colored room.

Diane Dorrans Saeks said...

Hi DT-

Love this. European designers have long used greys and taupes and now American designers are starting to persuade their clients that it can be restful and lovely and moody and chic.
DT: happy to tell you you are listed on my favorites blog roll...check it out...
cheers, www.thestylesaloniste.com

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

These rooms are ab fab...I love them and I'm so pleased that you have gone 'off piste'and have shown 'the sark side'. My problem is that I'm a bit of a scardy cat and maybe wouldn't have the courage to do it but.....I love them. XXXX

Kitty said...

a life-long darksider, I really enjoyed your post. the nursery is magical.

Haute World said...

I love these examples... they are a perfect showcase for how darker walls can work well. I think a lot really depends on the room itself - if a room is airy with big windows allowing a lot of natural light, it's easier to paint a room dark without making it look depressing. If a room is tiny and dark to begin with, you might be better off painting just one wall in a darker shade and keeping the rest bright. I've seen bad examples of black or dark gray walls, but it's just about playing around with furniture and other effects. Hope you had a lovely weekend by the way :)

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Fabulous Deb
I love the idea of charcoal accents. Not sure whether walls, furniture or textiles, but I for one have no fear of my dark side!! haha [maybe a more evil laugh there]. I think it is true it depends on the space, but it does seem to work well in kitchens and dining areas.
Have fun x Julie

Jen Beaudet Zondervan said...

Beautiful designs! I love the chandelier! Gorgeous!!

Averill said...

I'm with you all the way, Deb. My newly painted navy dining room and plum study are my favorite rooms in the house (well, they will be once they're furnished!). Now I'm just thinking which room to paint dark next... ;)

Btw, that dark gray nursery is fabulous! What a wonderful change of pace from pastel....

Keith said...

Great photos. These are really wonderful. Thanks for sharing them with us. Hope your week started off well. Cheers!

debra@dustjacket said...

Ah don't mind if I do. Love quite a few of those rooms. I'm thinking of painting my dining room deep red, dark plum is really nice too.
xxx

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I'm longing for charcoal bedroom walls right now but I think my room is too small. Boo

Kellie Collis said...

Love room 2 what fabulous inspiration!! x

annechovie said...

I really dig the drama of these dark walls, Deb. Especially if the space is flooded with light.

Anonymous said...

I love the black and charcoal walls. It really creates a sense of drama, though i think you have to be a real risk taker to try it out ;)

Mademoiselle ♥♥ said...

I adore interior design and all things related! I adore these picutres and I agree, i love black walls there is something so modern yet gothic about it

xxx

Sarah Klassen said...

Love this look! I like white, but not all white, and not for every room. I adore dark walls with beautiful bursts of color, such as that room you featured with the bold magenta seating area. Deep grays, black, and plums get me every time. Fabulous post :)

P.Gaye Tapp at Little Augury said...

In a word Yes.
take me to your leader. la

LenoreNeverM♡re said...

Adore the many picture framessss on the wall, make such a wonderful vignette! Lovely Thursday dear~

Marsi @ The Cottage Cheese said...

Gorgeous rooms! The room in pic #2 is my favorite. Dark grays and black on the walls really works when paired with lots of white, bright colors, elaborate trim, and bold patterns. Inspiring...

Mimi said...

I love the dark side too! These are some of my favorite rooms...really great selections. Why can't I bring myself to do this in my own home though..I recently had a client paint her living a sapphire blue...She went for it and it looks great! I just live vicariously through my them..that's all.

Duchess of Tea said...

Hello darling,
I am back and have missed you terribly!! I have a post on my blog that explains my lengthy absence but enough of that, I just wanted to stop by personally to thank you for the sweet birthday wish you left Cristina and to let you know that your kindness meant the world to us both. I am now off to read the posts that I have missed and to look around your gorgeous blog.
Love & Hugs
Duchess ♥♥♥