7 Expert Tips For Decorating A Dark Room

We love it when designers go bold with paint! But, one of the biggest design challenges is decorating a dark room. So recently we were delighted to learn of a room cloaked in intensely saturated color. The space in question is an intimate library designed by Chad James of Chad James Group (www.chadjames.com), within the Atlanta Homes & Lifestyle Southeastern Designer Showhouse & Gardens. (www.southeasternshowhouse.com)

The Showhouse is located in the tony community of Buckhead, a six-bedroom home overlooking a preserve and recreational fields, designed by renowned Architect, Young Pak. Behind the weathered brick facade of this stately home is a room that captured our attention, a ‘Library of Collections & Curiosities.’

 The library, which one must pass through in order to enter the master suite, is already an intimate location, Chad chose to take advantage of this by creating a space which would encapsulate a journey through the homeowner’s life. He did this by playing with contrast; as he notes, our lives are rarely contained to one style, and the room mixes dark and light, masculine and feminine, shadow and reflection. 

Each piece has been curated to illustrate a life well-lived, creating a tapestry-like space. Chad states, “Life’s journeys often influence collections that complement each other. From primitive architectural tools to custom embroidered, silk velvet sofas, every piece has a story.”

One of the most immediately striking elements of the design, as you enter the space, is the prominent use of the intensely deep color Sherwin Williams-Greenblack. Of course, the selection of this color too has a story. Reminiscent of the deepest shade of a magnolia leaf, this green is balanced by the use of soft white – the color of the magnolia flower itself – with the intention of balancing the masculine and feminine elements of the room.

Chad James gives us designer insight into creating your own room with a dark color on the walls!

1. “I love using a dark color- When using a dark color ‘Blanket the Room’. Paint the walls, ceiling, and trim the same color to give it that feeling of infinity and keep it from chopping the room up.”

Designer/ Chad James-Photographer/Marc Mauldin

2.    “When using a dark paint be aware of what the wall finish is- use paint with less sheen because a dark color will magnify imperfections.”

Designer/ Chad James-Photographer/Marc Mauldin

3.    “Part of using a dark color is juxtaposing light elements –  If you’re painting a bedroom a dark color swing the pendulum in another direction with accessories. Use crisp white linens or a cream colored chair.”

Designer/ Chad James-Photographer/Marc Mauldin

4.    “When using a dark color it’s important to make sure the room has ample light – Use a lampshade that produces a crisper quality of light. A silk or linen shade will do that trick and always use incandescent bulbs.”

Designer/ Chad James-Photographer/Marc Mauldin

 5.    “Accessories are key to a dark room make sure you are adding a spot of color and a light palette so the darkness isn’t too pungent and gives the room a sense of depth.”

Designer/ Chad James-Photographer/Marc Mauldin

6.    “On the floor –  It is important to have something that balances the dark and light, so I like to mingle both into a pattern in a rug.”

 Designer/ Chad James-Photographer/Marc Mauldin

7.     “And of course, ART is essential to add balance to a dark room – Think of the dark walls as a backdrop to draw your eye to the artwork and important pieces in your spaces.” 

Designer/ Chad James-Photographer/ Marc Mauldin

Here are some expert tips from Chad James to share across your Social Media platforms, and you can read more about decorating dark rooms here.

As always,

LIVE A LIFE WELL CURATED!