Deep, Dark, and Delicious Colors
By Barbara Jacobs, color and design expert.
Let's look at it differently...Why Not?
We all love the qualities and experience of Light, Bright, Spacious...but what about the almost-forgotten Deep, Dark, and Delicious.
One comparison...
Just for a comparison, let's start with this off-white room, "before" color and artwork is added. (To be clear, I have masked the artwork in this image, you will see it in the next one).
I personally believe that the same space with deep color is not feeling closed in, but warm and comforting—even with the cooler wall color.
There's a lot to be said for the idea of using darker paint colors, even if it's less "popular" and often creates aversion to what the words seem to imply. It requires a slight change of mindset, and a close look at the details of your space.
So, to start, let's consider these...
A warm "nest” whether large or small
Sanctuary space
Cozy retreat
Meditative
Mask surface flaws
Use darker colors as accent features
Does not have to be the entire space
Less 'visual noise'
Glamorous
Make artwork a focus
Sophisticated
Corporate lobby or other specific areas (considering the use of the space, of course)
Unusual
Romantic
Now, think about the colors that could so beautifully satisfy those needs, both physical and aesthetic.
Some options, to start with, is a curated collection of colors I was inspired to create. You can even order painted samples of those colors right here, to check out in your own location. As with all my other curated color collections that you can see there, these gorgeous Deep Colors are 9"x 14" and painted with 2 colors of actual paint, for the most accurate and easiest way to test colors.
- iron-ore-7069-12x12
- tricorn-black-6258-12x12
- dard-hunter-green-0041-12x12
- yorktowne-green-hc-133-12x12
You will see some are "almost-black," and others have distinct other color attributes. Just remember that screen colors may differ a bit from actual paint.
What’s the Downside of using dark colors?
How about when "Down" becomes "Up?" It can happen.
Every color has its strengths, and possible detriments also. With dark colors there are a few important considerations for both physical space and your emotional responses.
Consider your personal preferences
"Cozy" can become "Closed In," so consider the scope of your own personal preferences.
- Size and existing lighting of the space
- How much time will you occupy the space
- What time of day will you typically use the space
Architectural detail in the space
Consider appealing ways to use dark colors and still highlight interesting detail like classical moldings.
For example:
- Flat or Matte wall finishes look softer and more elegant
- Use a satin or even semi-gloss finish of the same darker color on architectural trim, moldings, and doors.
- Or use a slightly lighter color on these accent areas.
- Do not forget the floor! Wood, Carpet, or other materials...lighter floors can create an interesting balance to dark walls.
- Dark ceilings? These do have special considerations. Higher ceilings work better with darker colors and offer conditions for using dramatic pendant-type light fixtures
Lighting
Careful testing and selection of lighting is extra important. You might want "more" lighting sources in a darker space. At least, consider lighting color, for example the difference between these 2 examples:
- LED lighting tends to be cooler--like daylight
- Incandescent lighting will be warmer--like candlelight
- Do you want to use ambient / overall lighting?
- Or focused lighting, like chair-side, desktop, or bedside lamps
- Specific wall washer detailed lighting for artwork
Furnishings and Artwork
Deeper colors offer a good opportunity to consider actual styles and colors of furnishings and artwork.
- Stronger colors and shapes will have more presence in a darker-colored space
- Bolder art pieces can provide excellent focal points and help create the vision you want to enjoy.
Known as an innovator in the field of color design for the built environment, Barbara’s
noteworthy design background since 1986 includes her personal artwork, and color consulting with the focus on creating supportive environments. She received accreditation status in 2000 through the IACC (International Association of Color Consultants), and her work has been published internationally through that organization.
Barbara continues her ongoing practice as an architectural color consultant for interior and
exterior color choices in residential and commercial locations of all sizes. Projects include online color consulting for “long distance” as well as “on-site” consultations, both local and traveling to further locations. One specialty service that Barbara’s clients appreciate is her digital color visualizations of the project site, demonstrating views of the spaces and buildings with proposed new colors.
Acknowledged as an expert in the field of applied color psychology and supportive color design, Barbara has also been interviewed by, and published with, numerous national professional and shelter media, both in print and online. These articles have been focused on supportive color design, color trends, and selecting colors for architecture and interiors of all types.
