Wednesday 14 November 2007

Tall, Dark & Handsome

I'm not sure if its because the weather is getting cooler and I feel like hibernating, or if it's because I just can't seem to get the Steven Gambrel interior from the latest Elle Decor out of my head, but whatever it is I'm in love with dark walls at the moment. They aren't particularly practical in some rooms, but living in a city that is known for its small dark apartments, using dark colours doesn't necessarily combat this problem. But hey, if you can't change it, work with it!

I love how dark walls make a room feel instantly warm, comfortable and inviting. The complete opposite of some rooms I've seen that are all white. I also love how artwork looks against a dark backdrop. I'm sure I'll get into trouble for saying this, but I think most art looks better against black.
So, to help me get over this feeling of wanting to hibernate I'm going to share with you a few of the images I've been inspired by lately.

The two rooms by Steven Gambrel from the Nov 07 Elle Decor that got me on this...

Just lovin these sexy black walls - from Aerin Lauders home in the Dec 07 House & Garden


Interior by Australian designer Greg Natale

Dark walls in a Nate Berkus dining room

Charcoal library by Todd Alexander Romano

Image from KM Design

interior by Australian design firm Hecker Phelan & Guthrie

Dark walls by Thad Hayes


Another Thad Hayes room - love these colours together

The other master of dark colours, who practices what he preaches - Philip Gorrivan's own living room


A Miles Redd bedroom - another stunning colour combination

Federal blue walls by Markham Roberts


Another room by Markham Roberts

Hunter green walls by Darren Henault


Smouldering dark bedroom walls by Eric Cohler

14 comments:

TIG said...

Wow, Suzy--I've always been a bright and airy room kind of girl, but your post has me enamoured with these dark, smouldering rooms, especially the first Markham Roberts image. Dark rooms can be cozy and also quite sexy. Beautiful post! (Also love the coffee table in the first image.)

The Peak of Chic said...

I adore dark walls! Always have. That's why I can't pick a favorite image that you've shown here b/c I love them all!

ABC Dragoo said...

I am all for dark walls. Yesterday, I posted my interior bedroom which is painted a deep dark brown (Van Buren Browh) by Benjamin Moore. It is our favorite room in the house. Even considering wallpapering the front room a black on black pattern I love by Osborne and Little. I say GO FOR IT! abcddesign.blogspot.com

ABC Dragoo said...

By the way - earlier today desiretoinspire@blogspot.com did a post on black being incredibly chic.

Apryll Annie said...

In another life I'd like to have a dark and moody bedroom- I think it would be really sexy.

Mrs. Blandings said...

Perfection. You gathered together so many of the images bouncing around in my head. Super post.

MABELLE said...

What a great post! Thank you for introducing me to so many new designers!

Unknown said...

I'm with you on the dark walls. Like Peak I have always loved them. In my last office I painted the large wall behind my desk black and now I miss it so much. Great inspirational images...thanks.

Suzy said...

TIG, I love light and airy too - but then again I am a gemini so it's hard to make a decision with such a split personality!

Suzy said...

Thanks POC, glad you liked them!

Suzy said...

Papercupp - thanks for your comments, I saw your bedroom photos on your blog and it's beautiful! (as is the rest of your apartment!)

Suzy said...

Apryll Annie - I really want a dark chocolate bedroom - I think it would be such a wonderful cocoon.

Suzy said...

Thanks everyone - glad you enjoyed the pics, will post more as I find them, seems I still can't kick the habit for dark walls!

Material Girls said...

The charcoal library is fabulous! So chic and looks so cozy with the dark walls! Makes me want to paint my walls dark blue and curl up with a good book!