Almost a year ago, I decided to take my living room walls from a crisp white to a deep, moody blue (Benjamin Moore Midnight<\/a>, to be exact), and I haven\u2019t looked back. Moody paint colors can completely transform a space, bringing depth, drama, and dimension\u2014especially in small New York City apartments like mine. While dark walls aren\u2019t for everyone, they offer a bold alternative to the neutrals we see everywhere these days. Plus, if you\u2019re a renter<\/a> like me, paint is an affordable way to make your space feel more custom without worrying about your security deposit. It\u2019s the easiest way to feel like you\u2019ve moved into a brand-new home without going anywhere!<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve been thinking about painting your space<\/a> a darker color but are wavering a bit, that\u2019s understandable, too. Here, you\u2019ll find valuable tips from interior design pros regarding everything you need to think about when it comes to dark paint. But remember: it really is<\/em> just paint\u2014if you change your mind in six months, so be it!<\/p>\n Featured image from our interview with Kate Arends<\/a> by Suruchi Avasthi<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n If you\u2019re going dark in a room that\u2019s part of an open floor plan, this tip from designer Anna Baraness is a key one. \u201cIt\u2019s important to consider the starting and stopping points of the dark paint as it transitions into the adjacent spaces, especially if those adjacencies are painted a light color,\u201d the founder of Studio AK Interiors<\/a> explains. \u201cIdeally there is a cased opening, corner bead, or other architectural detail that creates a natural stopping point and logical transition to a different wall color,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n Dark paint colors are by no means one size fits all. \u201cBright spaces thrive with bold blues or greens for drama, while warm browns or plums bring cozy vibes to dimmer rooms,\u201d explains Elle Cole, the founder of Elle Cole Interiors<\/a>. Of course, anyone taking on a paint project should always pick up swatches of the shades they\u2019re considering and take note of how they appear at different times of day prior to committing to a color.<\/p>\n Sarah McCarty, the founder of Sarah McCarty Interiors<\/a>, likes the idea of color drenching<\/a> a room with a deep hue, painting the walls, ceiling, and trim all in one shade. \u201cChange the sheen to add some dimension,\u201d she says. \u201cThis not only creates a cohesive look, but a major vibe shift!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n On the other hand, maybe you\u2019re not ready to go all <\/em>in with a dark color. In this instance, you can always add wainscoting to create a two-toned look, notes Rebecca Ward. Doing so will \u201cbreak up the dark wall color,\u201d she says, though keep in mind that it\u2019s a tactic better left to those who own, not rent! \u201cThis approach works beautifully in dining rooms,\u201d adds the founder of Rebecca Ward Design<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n You\u2019ll want the furniture and accessories you choose for your space to nicely complement the dark paint color you select. \u201cPair dark walls with light furniture and rich textures to keep the space striking yet inviting,\u201d Cole offers.\u00a0<\/p>\n Metallics and prints also make for great accents. McCarty recommends going for metallic-colored statement art, throw pillows, or window treatments, adding in some warm-toned lighting, and bringing in a patterned rug to round out a room with dark walls.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"Dark](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/dark-moody-bookcase-865x1345.jpg\")
\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBe Mindful About Stopping Points<\/h2>\n
Look to Your Room\u2019s Size and Lighting<\/h2>\n
Color Drench<\/h2>\n
Add Wainscoting<\/h2>\n
![\"Lauren](\"https:\/\/camillestyles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/lauren-greenberg-dark-bedroom-865x1298.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nDecorate Like a Pro<\/h2>\n