WELCOME TO THE DARK SIDE

We’ve created a beautiful design scheme, taking inspiration from some of the most inspirational (and contemporary) Designers and Retailers around at the minute, and we’ve added our own little dollop of creative flair, to produce a living room design that encompasses everything we love about dark, eclectic interiors.  We’re going to share our inspiration, our design process and tell you where to shop the look.  Aren’t we just flippin’ amazing?!

THE FINAL DESIGN

INSPIRATION

We HIGHLY recommend that you check out their websites/blogs for a closer look at their INSANE design skills!

Abigail Ahern

House Curious

Mad About The House

THE DESIGN PROCESS 

We already knew that we wanted to use an inky hue on the walls, and we were super familiar with some of the dark shades already available from Farrow & Ball, so we opted for Railings, combined with a vivid yellow-ish green for the sofa and shots of blush pink, with little injections of mauve, as the basis for our colour palette.  We’re not massive fans of bright green, but it looks amazing set against a dark backdrop, and we wanted to create INSTANT VISUAL IMPACT.  This is definitely one of the best ways to do it!  Incidentally, we added a picture rail to help prevent the dark walls from appearing too flat (including deep skirting board) but we also decided to include ceiling moulding.  Such an unexpected visual treat in a room of this eclectic nature, and a fabulous contrast between traditional and contemporary.  We LOVE this look!

Art is ALWAYS a major consideration in any space, and this room was no different.  We wanted to include a statement piece of abstract art, that also underpinned the colour palette.  We felt this piece from Rise Art was a winner.  The dark backdrop literally CATAPULTS this art into your FACE!  You can’t miss it and that’s EXACTLY what we wanted.  We are HUGE FANS of Rise Art due to the extensive range of art available; even if you aren’t in the market to actually buy art, their offerings will provide you with a ridiculous amount of inspiration.  Check ’em out yo!

Pretty early in the design stages of this space, we started thinking about statement lighting and we knew that a brass or bronze chandelier was a definite ‘want’.  But we weren’t interested in hanging it in the centre of the room, quite close to the ceiling.  No sir.  We decided to place it quite low to one side of the sofa.  This is a risky move!  We know that!  But this space, with its eclecticism, and quirky sense of style can handle it.  Metallics and dark walls are an absolute match made in heaven, and the positioning of the chandelier directly in front of the Farrow & Ball paint colour is absolutely beautiful.  It’s opulent and rich, which also helps to calm the more quirky and eye popping elements of the design.  Plus, it also adds a sense of presence and commands attention.

We decided to add a fluffy pink cushion to counterbalance the dark moody walls. We think the visual contrast works a treat.

We felt it was important to emphasise the height of this room by adding shelving and chucking all manner of stuff at it.  We included an awesome brass and marble lamp by Pooky, some botanicals (green looks amazing in front of a dark backdrop), a dollop of art (House Curious and Habitat), and finally, instead of getting all matchy, matchy, with a co-ordinating side table, we opted for (an EXTREMELY on trend) drinks trolley.  The pink cushion with the Bulldog print reinforces the kooky nature of this design scheme, and we think it looks right at home!

The opulence and richness of this interior was amplified with the addition of luxurious, floor grazing curtains. Yum!

SHOP THE LOOK

1. Callier 2 Seater Sofa, Wayfair

2. David Hunt Bailey Large Traditional Bronze Chandelier, Universal Lighting Services

3. Ted Baker Keliza French Bulldog Cushion, John Lewis

4. Railings, Farrow & Ball

5. Delft Velvet Noir, Designer’s Guild

6. Superman Screenprint, Abigail Ahern

7. Prism Tealight Holder, Heal’s

8. Etch Tea Light Holder, Tom Dixon

9. Luxe Drinks Trolley, Oliver Bonas

We hope you’ve found a little bit of inspiration as a result of our design scheme!  Do you LOVE dark interiors?  Or maybe you LOATHE dark interiors!  Let us know, in the comments section!

WE LOVED THIS DESIGN SCHEME SO MUCH, WE CREATED AN ILLUSTRATED INSTAGRAM FLAT LAY TOO! LEARN HOW YOU CAN CREATE A FLAT LAY SIMILAR TO THIS ONE HERE!