CHICAGO – In stark contrast to the prevailing popularity of bright whites, light grays and airy interiors, a darker side of home design is being illuminated. Designers are calling it “dark” and “moody.” In fact, online searches for “moody living room” and “moody kitchen” have more than doubled compared to a year ago, according to the home remodeling site Houzz.
These darker color schemes can still feel welcoming and cozy, even as they’re bold and dramatic. Here are two styles harnessing this darker home design.
Western Gothic
Pinterest identified “Western Gothic” as a top interior design trend for 2024. It includes a combo of dark color palettes with vintage western and Americana motifs. Online searches for “Western Gothic,” “western bedding ideas,” “vintage Americana” and “country room ideas” are seeing an uptick.
The Western Gothic look includes a dark base with a statement wall painted in a dark color, say, in black or chocolate brown. It also often incorporates natural wood furniture elements; materials like leathers, lace, faux fur and velvet; gold metals; desert plant accents; and even bold patterns, like cow prints.
“Western Gothic is a trend I absolutely love,” says Joyce Huston, lead interior designer and co-founder of Decorilla Online Interior Design. “It is this bold and moody style that brings together the rugged charm of the Old West with the mysterious allure of Gothic aesthetics.”
Huston says she’s been experimenting with the look in her recent projects, such as with the use of deep and rich color palettes, darker woods, aged leather and matte black finishes. “I like to pair heavy and rustic elements—think of rough-hewn beams or wrought iron fixtures—with softer and more refined touches,” Huston says. “I also like to add velvet upholstery or silk draperies in deep jewel tones to add that touch of luxury and prevent the space from feeling too austere.”
Dark Academia
It’s cool to show a nerdy side in home design. “Dark Academia” channels a scholarly style; think of a book-smart look that pays tribute to reading, writing and learning. The style has been popular in fashion but is now appearing more in home interiors. Houzz reports that online searches for Dark Academia styles tripled in the first quarter compared to a year ago. This includes “reading rooms” or the British-style “snug,” a wall or nook that’s turned into a cozy area for reading or solitary relaxation. Online searches also have been rising for a “library wall,” “reading corner” and “book nook.”
Dark Academia also channels a few gothic vibes, including dark and dramatic tones, such as incorporating deep shades of blue, forest green, brown and black. Also, the style may pull in a heavy wooden desk, leather furniture and built-in bookshelves.
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