Just before the start of the New Year, Benjamin Moore unveiled Shadow (2117-30), a statement-making, rich amethyst, as its 2017 Color of the Year. Ever since then, we’ve been drawn to many more enchanting dark shades. But these hues are not the easiest to decorate with, so to help diminish any fears, Benjamin Moore color specialist Hannah Yeo shared her expert advice for incorporating dark colors in interiors with Country Living—and they’re too good not to share with all of you.
It’s okay to start small
“Dark colors like Shadow can be a pop of color or act as a deep neutral depending on your home’s lighting,” Hannah told the publication. “If you’re intimidated by color, start small. Small rooms painted in these dark tones create a small jewel box in your home.”
But size doesn’t really matter
“Don’t let the size of a room stop you from using rich, bold colors,” she added. “Deep colors blur the edges of walls, creating an illusion of an endless and expansive room. Stick to dark colors on the walls and lighter furnishings and linens to balance the room.”
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Embrace bold accents
“Color often tricks the eyes to make the room look larger,” explained Hannah. “Whether it’s a painted chair or a throw pillow, place a few bright-colored accents in a dark room. This redirects the focus to the forefront, allowing the walls to disappear, acting simply as a backdrop.”
Ditch the trim (sometimes!)
“When using a dark color on walls with a low ceiling, paint the trim the same color as the walls. This hides the trim and makes the wall appear taller,” Hannah shared. “Place a mirror against the wall to add an illusion of depth.”