The dark side: 6 ways to rock some moody vibes at home...
As the darker days set in, Sam Wylie-Harris shows how to embrace moody blues, plush velvets and bejewelled tones, for cosy and sumptuous schemes
If you’re not afraid of dark colour schemes, feel bold enough to brave the shadows and make your mark with luxurious fabrics, this is the season to style it up. “Our Biba fabric collection embodies the beguiling blend of beautiful design and plush materials. There’s been a growing trend for jewelled-toned velvets to cater for bolder, more
Instagrammable interiors and these fabrics are perfect for bringing a layer of luxe into your everyday space,” says Claire Wilks, designer at Sofa.com.
1. MIDNIGHT VELVET LAMP SHADE, FROM £69; CONCRETE AND BRASS HEXAGON TABLE LAMP, £115 (OTHER ITEMS FROM A SELECTION), GRAHAM & GREEN
When it comes to light and shade, think about using velvet as a backdrop for metallic accessories. With its rich texture topped with a gold inner to channel a warming glow and chic concrete lamp base, this is instantly inviting.
2. THE RUG SELLER DECO MULTI-COLOURED RUG, FROM £269 (OTHER ITEMS PART OF ROOM SET), THE RUG SELLER
To highlight those furnishings, floorwear also serves as an amazing piece of decoration, especially this lustrous weave.
“Those who favour the dark side can luxuriate in the opulence of midnight blue, rich russet, amethyst, emerald green and deep teal this season – and black is back!” says Daniel Prendergast, design director at The Rug Seller.
“When these shades are teamed with opulent weaves and fabrics, the look oozes style. A richer, deeper colour palette can add sophisticated drama to décor schemes and help create that all important feeling of being cosy and cocooned. It’s perfect for cosy winter living-room sanctuaries.
3. MEDIUM PINK & GOLD QUILTED CANDLE, £9.99 EACH, WILD ONE INTERIORS
These glamorous pink and gold candles will glow beautifully against a dark wall, especially if you place them on a marble slab or mirror candle plate to show them off.
4. CROFT COLLECTION IONA 4 SEATER ROUND DINING TABLE – BLACK, £399; WEST ELM INGRID DINING CHAIR – PINK, £299; CONNUBIA BY CALLIGARIS NEW YORK VELVET DINING CHAIRGREEN, £329 (OTHER ITEMS FROM A SELECTION), JOHN LEWIS
For alluring and tactile tablescaping and dining areas, more is more, with so many classic designs being reimagined to stimulate our senses. “Using jewel tones in interiors can instantly make your space feel luxurious, especially when paired with soft velvets and statement furniture,” says Bethan Harwood, home design stylist for John Lewis.
“By using deep tones on the walls, you can create a moody atmosphere, whilst brighter gemstone colours like sapphire can be used in soft furnishings.” She says these tones are best suited to a gold metallic finish and materials with a sheen.
5. CHRISTIAN LACROIX BIRDS SINFONIA CUSHION IN CREPUSCULE, £110, THE RUG SELLER
We’ve a huge crush on this swish designer cushion. More like a work of art, this flight of fancy would look super stylish on a Zoom-friendly shelfie.
6. GRAHAM & BROWN TIMEPIECE AMETHYST WALLPAPER, £60 PER ROLL; EPOCH RESISTANCE ULTRA MATT EMULSION, £70 FOR 4L (OTHER ITEMS PART OF ROOM SET), GRAHAM & BROWN Graham & Brown’s Timepiece is a celebration of the top wallpaper brand’s rich 75-year history.
Their Wallpaper of the Year for 2021, it juxtaposes contemporary geometric forms with archive florals.
“Perfect for a decadent feature wall, the dark jewel-toned purple and teal balance between warmth and elegance, ideal for luxurious autumnal evenings at home,”
Midnight Velvet Lamp Shade, Concrete and Brass Hexagon Table Lamp, other items from a selection, Graham and Green. says Paula Taylor, colour & trend specialist at Graham & Brown.
In the bedroom, Taylor suggests pairing it with gold accents to help create an opulent aesthetic. Alternatively, combine with rich velvet upholstery in shades similar to their Colour of the Year for 2021 – Epoch – for a regal touch to any living room.