It's no surprise this upcoming year is going to be all about individuality, embracing your uniqueness and making bold statements. This will be a trend throughout many aspects of our lives, but for this post we're going to focus on this trend in the interior design world and how it applies to paint!
In my post about 2017 Interior Color Trends, I touched on the use of jewel tones in interior color schemes...well now that trend is growing and expanding into the world of other rich tones and even charcoals. Many of these paint colors are paired with stark white or even deep black trim, while the decor pieces come in a range of metallic finishes and luxe materials like velvet, suede, and faux fur. Let's explore all the ways you can incorporate dark colors into your space without making it feel like a cave.
JEWEL TONES
Coziness and rich (in lifestyle) living is becoming a desire more and more people want to obtain. One of the many ways designers and homeowners are achieving this is by using jewel toned paint colors to warm up the wall and create a mysterious yet inviting interior space. Many of these paint colors are combined with dark or metallic furniture pieces, ornate or geometric patterned textiles, and sometimes a contrasting pop of color in the decor.
I've gone ahead and picked out some of my favorite Dunn Edwards jewel and rich tones. Don't just think about these colors for the walls...you could use them for a cool take on accenting trim and even the ceiling. Also paint furniture in jewel tones for a fresh take on this trend, which could pose for a great alternative if you're not quite ready to make the bold jump to a dark interior.
As you can see there are several different tones of jewel-like colors and not all of them are incredibly dark. Browse through the photos below for some inspiration on how you can get jewel tone look.
Maybe an accent on the island is for you or are you bold enough to go with a vibrant fuchsia and black trim? Either way jewel tones are definitely a trend that's going to be around a little longer. These types of colors are even big among the fashion industry and there are countless ways you could use them in your everyday lives.
CHARCOAL & DUSTY GRAYS
So if you're not ready for the vibrancy that are jewel tones...then how about a neutral charcoal or dusty gray. These tones are also climbing in popularity and can be paired with virtually any color. Previously, light grays with crisp white trim and dark hard wood floors were the go-to, but now that everyone is starting to want more unique features, that light gray has slowly transition into charcoals and dusty grays with varying undertones like purples, greens, and blues.
By using a neutral option on the walls you tend to get more freedom with your accent colors, whether that may be in your decor or on a focal wall. Many often pair bright greens, yellows, and other statement colors to create visual interest as well as use a lot of layering between fabrics and materials. Gray paint can be tricky to select (since lighting plays such a major role in how a color appears), which is why I would recommend sampling a few of your favorites in the actual space before deciding. The gray tones have several different subtle undertones and in certain lighting they can become more prominent and noticeable, so below I've put together some of my go-to charcoals and dusty gray colors to jump start your design ideas.
Dark yet somehow inviting, these colors really amp up the sophistication level of a room. Continue scrolling down to check out some of the different ways people are decorating with these types of colors.
Don't you just love that dark gray brick wall with the gold metallic trim and drippings!!! Ugh, amazing...I want to live in that room!! :D
BLACK, BLACK, & MORE BLACK
Now, don't get scared...I know black sounds like a huge commitment, but trust me when I say it has a huge visual payoff. There's a vibe surrounding this color and when done right, it can make a true elegant impact. Black doesn't have to be all masculine either, sure you could pair it with more industrial fixtures and sleek lines, but you could absolutely glam it up as well. Throw in some floral prints, shaggy faux furs, crystal chandeliers, and gold/brass metallic accents and you might think you're staying at one of the trendiest boutique hotels in New York City (like The Mark - favorite hotel decor).
You may not want black on all the walls and that's okay... Start thinking about other ways you could incorporate this color, for example, use it on the moldings and baseboards, or just the doors, or even on the ceiling. Tone it down by decorating with lighter fabrics and materials like flowy chiffon or white/linen colored furniture. Below you'll find Dunn Edward's black paint color accompanied by 3 other "black" alternatives, one of which is a very dark espresso brown.
Dark Engine and Black Tie are soft blacks, but darker than a charcoal, while Espresso Macchiato is the darkest brown, on the verge of black Dunn Edwards offers. All of these could be used to substitute painting with black or consider them as accent colors for smaller areas. Check out some of these ideas!
The more heavy handed you are with the lighter accents, the black tends to look less harsh on the walls. Bold or subtle, black is a color you definitely shouldn't cast aside. If you're interested in browsing more colors head on over to the Dunn Edwards website where you can find 100's more as well as the newly announced 2018 Color of the Year - "The Green Hour" and it's somewhere between a jewel tone and a dusty gray. I'm trying to think of a cool project to do with this color and if I do...I'll definitely share! :)
COLOR, COLOR, COLOR!!!! I hope you all are inspired and excited to get out and try some of these trends in your own homes...LOL or convince a friend to redecorate so you can help. My intention for this post was to show how you can incorporate bold, vibrant and rich paint color into your home decor without making the space feel like a cave or too overwhelming. Similar to everything in life, design is about balance and proportions, which can be used in your favor to help carry those darker colors.
Possibly even just in time for some Fall redecorating... ;)