Be bold and discover the dark side to fashion that luxurious new look
As the darker days set in, Sam WylieHarris shows how to embrace moody blues, plush velvets and bejewelled tones, for cosy and sumptuous schemes
“To complete your look of luxury at home, style sumptuous velvet upholstery with accent accessories of brass and marble – whether it be a beautiful brass floor lamp or a marble coffee table. These mixed material pieces paired with plush textured velvets, will elevate your space into one of a glamorous boutique hotel,” suggests Wilks.
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.
With a little glitz and glamour and a smattering of jewelled tones, dark room sets have the power to transform the mood of a space ( as well as our own moods in the process) – especially when there’s a sumptuous velvet sofa, dramatic carpet and gold accents in the mix.
And when an iconic fashion label that goes back to the swinging Sixties and Seventies – Biba – launches a fantastic fabric collection to dress our sofas, armchairs or footstools, all the more reason to get excited about this dark, rich trend.
“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.
Tonquin Gold Rug 37005 by Wedgewood, from £ 375, The Rug Seller
It goes without saying that bold flourishes are a natural bedfellow with black – a rich, versatile shade ( probably why we have so much of it in our wardrobes!).
As Prendergast points out: “Some may be fearful of this shadowy shade, but there are lots of advantages to using black in the home – it has a real cocooning effect and it’s nigh on impossible to clash with.”
However, if black feels a step too far, Prendergast says charcoal grey is a great alternative: “Metallic highlights or a contrast of cream shine brightest against a black backdrop. Alternatively, mix in some more surprising shades that express originality, ingenuity and creativity.”
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,” says Paula Taylor, colour and 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.