A case for moody paint colours
Darker, moodier palettes are having a moment in 2024. This so-called ‘trend’ has been a go-to design choice by interior designers for yonks. While lighter-coloured interiors will always be the safer option, many of us home dwellers are waking up to the beauty and versatility of darker paint colours.
Why choose darker paint colours in your home?
Make a room look and feel more spacious
Contrary to popular belief, darker paint colours can give a room more dimension. They can also make it look more spacious than it is. By painting a room a darker colour, you give the illusion of walls ‘receding’ into the distance. This effect is especially noticeable if the walls, ceiling, and skirting are all painted in the same shade. Interior designers call this technique ‘colour saturation’). More light is absorbed into the shadows, giving you an uninterrupted or more seamless line of sight.
The heightened sense of cosiness
There is something inherently cosy and luxurious about a moody room. It gives a sense of enclosure and intimacy, making one feel instantly relaxed and ready to be sequestered away in a quiet corner with a good book and warm cuppa. Science has also shown that a darkened room is conducive to sleep. As someone sensitive to light, I can attest that painting our bedroom a deep (almost black) shade of green has helped me feel more relaxed at bedtime.
Highlighting and framing beautiful scenery
If you have a room that overlooks gorgeous views like coastal scenery or a dramatic city skyline, dark paint colours can help highlight and frame the scenery outside your window.
Visual impact ‘The Wow Factor’
As far as visual impact goes - dark colours bring all the WOW. In a world where moody rooms have long been viewed as a ‘design risk’, crossing over to the dark side can be an unexpected delight. Balance a moody colour palette with lighter-coloured furniture and homewares, as well as complementary patterns and textures.