Best Paint Colors
November 3, 2015
10 Cozy Dark Rooms That Make A Case For Moody Walls
Create a cozy atmosphere with dark, moody walls. From charcoal grey to deep plum and rich chocolate brown, a coat of dark paint will add a warm and luxurious palette to your space. Here are 10 dusky spaces that will tempt you to come over to the dark side.
In this Montreal living room, it’s all about balance with light floors and a pale grey rug tempering the dark walls. A leggy armchair and vintage sideboard with clean, mid-century-inspired lines contribute to the curated vibe, while a soft throw ups the cozy factor.
Chocolate-toned paint gives this spacious library a more intimate vibe — perfect for cozying up with a book — and creates a striking backdrop for an eclectic collection of artwork.
Black walls and cabinets create a cozy effect in a small, galley kitchen. Designer and homeowner Jeffrey Douglas’ modern Toronto kitchen stands out from the crowd thanks to its dark and dramatic envelope. A crisp white ceiling, white-painted trim and lighter toned floors balance out the effect.
A show-stopping green sofa plays up the warmth of the walls in Trinity Jackman’s library. The media may be different, but Josef Albers’ chromatic abstract echoes the Scott McFarland photograph over the sofa. The two works are both a similar size and linked by a green palette that’s anchored by a lush, green velvet sofa.
Dark textured walls create an inviting space for entertaining. The dining area in Mark Robert and Jim Johnson’s remote all-weather cabin is handsome, chic and inviting. Layered in cozy shades of grey — from the textural grasscloth walls to the handsome striped chairs — it’s the perfect respite from the cold.
A deep tone-on-tone color scheme creates a cocooning effect. This sitting area feels snug and sophisticated thanks to its moody plum-painted walls, trim and mantel. Furnishings in similar shades of purple — like the regal velvet armchairs and mottled area rug — enhance the effect.
Designer Scott Yetman and his partner, Jean Michel Lavoie, call this Ralph Lauren-inspired room in their Knowlton, Quebec weekend home the “winter room.” With its cozy charcoal walls, rows of books and plush furniture — including a sofa Yetman designed himself — it’s the ideal place to spend a snowy afternoon.
Classic trim becomes an understated detail when painted. Smoky green paint lends an earthy feel to this elegant dining room, and transforms the substantial trim into a more subtle textural feature. Framed bird prints suit the natural color palette perfectly.
In Michael Angus’ Toronto apartment, a rich teal hue covers the walls for a masculine, luxurious look. A ceiling-height gallery wall — including paintings by Angus’s nieces — helps break up the dark color. In keeping with the rest of his home, the room is decorated with an old world aesthetic, featuring an antique wood desk and worn leather chair.
Senior design editor Joel Bray dressed this dark plum-brown bedroom with colorful botanical prints and layers of texture to create a warm and inviting vibe. White and beige accents offer a bright contrast to the moody walls and inky blue linens.