PAINT A SMALL ROOM DARK FOR A DRAMATIC EFFECT
There's something dramatic and intense about dark paint shades that you just don't get from soft pastels, pure whites, and cheerful zingy shades. Interior designer Julia Dempster explains the appeal of the darker tones: 'Dark colors can all be used to create drama and intimacy. If you're feeling adventurous, try Benjamin Moore's Incense Stick, a dark, grayed-out brown that will create a quaint, comfortable vibe. This moody hue pairs well with warm neutrals to create a cozy feel that's perfect for a lounge or TV room.'
USE A DARK COLOR TO MAKE A SMALL ROOM LOOK BIGGER
It seems it's all a trick of the light, or rather the dark. Dark colors have a way of blurring the boundaries of a small room, adding extra length and height. Here's what the experts are telling us: 'In contrast to lighter color rooms, dark colors can look sophisticated yet cozy and larger. They blur the edges of the wall, creating an endless space for imagination,' says Hannah Yeo. 'You can also consider extending the wall color to the trim and ceiling. The unity of a single color minimizes the delineation of the surfaces, which instantly makes the room feel bigger and taller.'
DISCOVER THE BENEFITS OF PAINTING A SMALL ROOM DARK
What are the benefits of painting a small room dark? Hannah Yeo of Benjamin Moore thinks the benefits are all about the mood dark colors create. 'A well-designed small space can transform a less desirable room into a jewel box with lasting impression,' says Yeo. 'Dark colors with moody undertones are best in small spaces. The complex undertone evokes a sense of intimacy, creating a sophisticated yet cozy room.
THINK ABOUT THE HUE
If you're wondering what colors make a small room look bigger, try this one for size. Farrow & Ball's Down Pipe, described as a dark lead gray with blue undertones. It may take courage to paint a small bedroom in this near-black shade, as above, but see how it appears to push beyond the limits of the room, particularly with the wainscoting to add texture and create interesting shadows. It really is at its best paired with aged wood flooring and furniture, as here, with brass accessories adding subtle and welcome highlights.
CHOOSE THESE CALMING COLORS FOR SMALL ROOMS
We wondered if there were any calming colors for small rooms among the darker paint shades, and asked our experts for their recommendations. Their suggestions are thought-provoking. It seems it's just as important to consider a color's psychological effects as its visual effects on a small room.
Lichelle Silvestry, says: 'Many beautiful dark colors are relaxing and warm, especially those with green and blue undertones.' And the colors to avoid if you want to create a chill-out zone? 'Intense dark colors with red-based tones tend to be more energizing.' 'For a calming aesthetic go for dark greens and blues,' says Naomi Astley Clarke, 'avoid dark reds or pinks.' Julia Dempster picks out Benjamin Moore's Steep Cliff Gray, a rich blue-gray, which she says is 'the perfect way to create a soothing atmosphere without settling for true neutrals. I like to use a bold but muted color that provides warmth, and character and draws the eye, and I lean towards cooler shades when suggesting a calming paint color to a client.'
TRY BRIGHT COLORS IF THERE'S LITTLE NATURAL LIGHT
What if a small room has little or no natural light? Designer Naomi Astley Clarke, who put together the deep red scheme for the en suite shower room pictured above, says good lighting is just as important for small bathroom ideas as for any other room. 'I think the key with any room without natural light is to consider the lighting scheme very carefully. Think about soft, warm uplighters and consider how mirrors can be installed, which are a clever way to create an optical illusion of more light within a small room.'
So are dark colors out of the question in small rooms where there's no daylight? On the contrary, says Hannah Yeo of Benjamin Moore. 'Using dark colors in a poor-lit room can maximize its cocooning effect,' she says. 'Vivid, rich colors like Raspberry Blush and Starry Night Blue can complement artificial lighting sources to make a powerful style statement.' That's what the interior design experts advise – so now it's time to get the paintbrushes out and prepare for drama, coziness and a surprisingly more spacious-looking small room. All in a day's work for a can of dark paint.