We’re in for dark, decadent interiors. After a spell of the bright, technicolour and print happy palettes of the year past, the future is decidedly of a deep tone and a masculine touch. Understandably, a dark colour palette for interiors is not for everyone, so I present some key elements that will help you nail this trend without going all gloomy and goth.
Bold and beautiful
Go bold and let loose with a darker tone on your walls. Think deep charcoal greys, mossy greens, the inkiest of blues, and if you are in a particularly adventurous mood, try black.
Using a dark colour allows for a perfect frame for the rest of the interiors to pop. From accent furniture in bright colours to slick large span pictures in sepia and the simplest of lamps suddenly speaking volumes, a dark wall instantly injects character to the dullest of spaces. Caparol has a wide range of moody colours available in a variety of textures that can bring any room to life.
A design investment is a wise choice. If you are not entirely sold on a dark living space, invest in a limited edition design piece that celebrates the new trend but will not overpower your senses.
Designers the world over have fallen back in love with the darker palette of natural stones — as has the Dubai based designer Viktor Udzenija who reimagined his super exclusive marble rocker for the famous Carpenter’s Workshop Gallery in a seductive black marble version. Available on order and in a very limited production run, this is an investment in design that is as sure to reap dividends as it is on trend.
See light anew
Bold designs, innovative forms and sharp detailing — nothing brings these qualities of new-gen lighting pieces to life better than a dark colour. The play of light and shadow as seen in Aljoud Lootah’s latest edition of the Oru lamp is amplified in its black version, with each origami inspired fold and the clever use of burnished copper springing to attention.
On the other spectrum, designer Andre Hnatojko puts the focus firmly of the bulbous shape of his acclaimed Silhouttica pendants. In black, they belie their humble form; their suddenly strong silhouette destined to command attention in the most crowded of rooms.
The art of accessorising
From rugs to cushions and tableware, shades of black and other deep colours are informing the biggest names in home furnishing the world over. The Danish furniture company Muubs extends their raw, masculine edge to a new series of steel and glass cabinets. Finished in powder-coated black, these cabinets have gravitas while remaining unobtrusive and light on the eye.
The Dubai-based luxury accessories label White Almonds has the choices selection of table ware — in black, white and just a hint of luxe. The unconventional colour palette is balanced with the familiarity of floral prints. Johanna Gullichsen from Helsinki recently presented a monochromatic collection of cushions and soft furnishings that promise to keep you on trend without causing a stir!
— Pratyush Sarup is design manager at one of the UAE’s premium interiors firms
