Are You Decorating With Dark Colors The Right Way?
No one wants to come home to a gloomy space
Many homeowners experiment with dark shades—may it be a fresh coat of paint on the walls or a bunch of edgy accessories that complete a vignette—to make an area interesting and unique. While these color options add a touch of elegance to any home, big or small, too much of it can make a house seem sad and uninviting. Achieve a classy and sophisticated space with these easy design hacks:
Inject hints of black in small doses.
Black or charcoal paint has the tendency to absorb heat. Instead of using it on the walls of your bedroom or living area, consider creating a feature wall. You can also paint the borders of your shelves and niches in dark colors.
Lean on the safe side and opt for chocolate brown or gray.
While brown and gray are less dramatic and seem subdued compared to black, it's easier to incorporate into your home's look. It's also easier to pair these colors with different furniture styles.
Make sure you have the right lighting pieces.
You've heard it many times before—lighting plays a big role in your home's look and feel. A dark room with poor lighting may feel like a tunnel at night, making it difficult to sleep and relax. Invest in general or ambient lighting to create a homey and soothing space.
READ: 5 Types of Lights You Need To Know
Pair it with plants.
Potted plants and blooms in vases bring a lot of benefits. Aside from making a room more relaxing, a pot can add a refreshing touch to a space. It can add life and color to an area, keeping it from being boring or too masculine.
Pick an accent piece.
Sprucing up the living area? Start with a black sofa. It can be the focal point of your decor. Liven it up with pillows in patterned covers. Don't stick to a pattern and feel free to mix-and-match. The patterns on your covers can be in dark shades as well for a cohesive look. Add pillows in bright colors for balance.
This snippet originally appeared in the February 2017 issue of Real Living Magazine.
