Afraid of the dark? Don't be!

OMG it's been such a long time. Wedding planning, course work and 9-5 have been taking up far too much time lately! Anyway, today's post is inspired by Kelly Hoppen's latest creation for Yoo - Barkli Virgin House in Moscow. The queen of taupe has honoured her love of neutral hues but with a twist; the main colour in much of the space is black.

Images - Facebook.com/KellyHoppen

When researching for this post I came across the following quote:


"A light colour will never come to life in a dark room but a rich, deep colour can make a dim, somber space feel warm and luminous – even though it receives no natural light." Donald Kaufman


This is so true! There is such a misconception that a dark colour will make the room feel small and dingy, but if the room lacks natural light a light colour will only enhance the shadows. Plus a room is the size it is no matter what colour the walls are so if it is small then dark walls will make it even cosier.


Dinginess is avoided through finishings and accessories, here are some tips on how to make dark walls work:


1) choose a silk finish paint- this will reflect the light off the walls making the room feel less enclosed


2) Light coloured furniture and soft furnishings will add contrast and depth


3) reflective accessories such as glazed ceramics, glass and chrome will keep the light around the room


4) break up large blocks of colour. A large blank wall is a waste of useable space at the best of times but in a dark hue it could feel quite over-bearing. Break the space up with pictures, plates, shelves - anything!


If in doubt, why not experiment in the hallway - whist you will pass through it multiple times a day, you won't spend long periods of time there so it is a great place to try out colours to see how you feel about them in your life.


Until next time!


(and hopefully it won't be so long) x