dark + moody….and oh so good!
Well, I hope you kinda shifted your perspective on what is ‘too dark’. However, if you haven’t, I’d like to add that just a touch can go a long way. You do not have to go to deep end to simply enjoy a dark + moody aesthetic, but you can definitely see that the amazing use of these customized color palettes can successfully impact different effects while creating the desired emotions in your space.
One thing I constantly hear as a professional architectural designer from many residential clients besides the need of transformation + change of course is what they think and perceive as being too dark as it pertains to their home’s color palette. I hear ‘that’s too dark’ sooooo much, that I just had to speak on it, plus completely provide another design perspective on just how beautiful and fabulous a dark + moody aesthetic can actually be in your dwelling. Just how appealing and comfortable and livable a dark + moody aesthetic can precisely deliver, is exactly the reason I want to share some inspiration your way.
Yes, darkness is a mood. Issa vibe. But, did you know that with any and everything in life and beyond requires balance? Of course you knew! So with darker aesthetics, designers, including myself have to balance the space with lighting, contrast, movement to create an arrangement in a way that does not allow any one element to overpower another….and that is strategically accomplished through the design principles.
Let’s say bye bye to the all white kitchens. Yesssss! Even the most beautiful white kitchen needs some type of contrast to make it pop, make it sing, make it timeless. I mean let’s be completely honest, what exactly were we thinking, an all white kitchen is not even practical. But, I know that most love white kitchens, so what I propose is simply adding layers, contrast, and textures to give depth and set a mood. White upper cabinets will do the trick. It will help create a light and airy space, but ground that baby with darker base cabinets and if you have an island, try a dark + moody color to ground the island as well. Your cleaning routine will thank me later.
I mentioned textures + contrast before….when you are creating a dark + moody aesthetic, offset with mixing textures throughout the space as well as adding contrast with the furnishings to make the space pop.
This also applies to the exterior of your home. Dark + Moody strikes again! #Yessssss
The energy that exudes from these darker hue palettes is calming, sensual, relaxing, chill….and I am hear for all of it! Grown + Sexy.
Would you live here?
Ok, so when I create a custom color palette for my clients, I can specifically determine and curate where a dark + moody aesthetic can play well in your home. It may be in small batches, like furnishings or accessories, or on your trim and molding, or simply as an accent wall, but if you are open to creating drama using a darker hue, I will find the perfect solution for you. Oh snap! I rhymed.
Color saturation, shades, hues, and tones all play critical roles in selecting your perfect dreamy moody palette for your space. Based on natural or artificial lighting, architectural features, existing interior materials, I will most definitely assist you with selecting the perfect color balance that will deliver that mood or that vibe you are seeking to achieve. In design school, color theory was extremely important and still is. I use the science of color theory every single day, because particular hues and colors can create different types of feelings, emotions, moods, etc. so I’m strategic in where and what intensity I propose the color to be utilized. As your design professional, I can set the mood you are wanting to achieve in the space and there is a darker hue for almost every mood, hence, dark + moody aesthetics. See, we are definitely going full circle.
Well, I hope you kinda shifted your perspective on what is ‘too dark’. However, if you haven’t, I’d like to add that just a touch can go a long way. You do not have to go to deep end to simply enjoy a dark + moody aesthetic, but you can definitely see that the amazing use of these customized color palettes can successfully impact different effects while creating the desired emotions in your space.
Say hi Jaedon!
Issa Vibe. Issa Mood.
Until Next Time,
xoxo
Renae
Harmony with the Three Ls: Layers + Luxe + Lighting!
Due to my detailed nature as it relates strictly to design, layering with luxurious textures can be highly impactful in a space. I loooovvvveeeee to touch, see, smell, + taste luxury. Honestly, it all started when I was about 8 years old and my Barbie dolls had to have the right features in their home with their specific clothes + outfits being just right and of course hair + makeup…of course! But honestly, what my parents noticed then at that moment was that I absolutely + wholeheartedly loved luxury. My dolls had fur coats, leather skirts, pearls, lace, silk, satin…you name it, Barbie had it. I did not want “the” Barbie dream house, I wanted to construct my own house that I thought was worthy of my Barbie dolls. So I begin with layering her actual dream house to ensure that life for Barbie was simple + chic. And let’s be honest, Barbie’s life was hella fab! I just enhanced it using design principles I had no idea of then. Fast forward to now, I have mastered the art of layering luxury. It is simple yet complex, and that to me is absolute thrill of it all! Just remember, if you ever have challenges with accessorizing and layering, always think of balance + harmony and if that does not work, your girl is a phone call away!
I live + breathe by true design principles + subjective layering with almost every single thing I do! Yes, more than likely you may too! And you may do it without actually thinking about it intentionally, well I know this is 100% accurate for me which ultimately stays true to my forever mantra: Live..Love..Design!
LAYERING is the one single component that can make or break the space. Too little feels stark + cold, too much feels cluttered + obsessive. That right balance, that right pop, that right contrast of textures + finishes will channel the most curated eye to attention to detail. It’s phenomenal, it’s eye-catching, it is design! And if you did not notice from the caption, it’s imperatively important!
“More smiling, less worrying. More compassion, less judgement. More love, less hate.”
“Whatever you do, be intentional + impactful. That’s layering on its own, if you ask me.”
I am a self-proclaimed maximalist! Yesss! For sure! And one primary step of being a great maximalist is balance. To have restraint when designing is an extremely delicate talent but oh so needed when layering a space, especially with lighting and luxurious textures + finishes. I tend to believe that added levels of textures, contrast, color, proportion, scale, and lighting will amplify your space in an extremely positive way but will also allow you to explore beautifully + organically using all your senses.
LAYERS: USING TEXTURES, COLORS, SHAPES, SIZES, + CONTRAST TO CREATE A HARMONIOUSLY COHESIVE SPACE.
Who doesn’t love luxury?
I mean helllllooooo. Luxury is what drives the senses in every way. So I love to use it to my advantage by making sure all of your senses: touch, smell, sight, hearing, and taste are embodied in all of my projects. I use a lot of various smell factors like candles + incense and fresh plants + flowers in a space to balance the space and layer the totality of your flow. I love luxury and ya know, luxury loves your girl. Please believe. By successfully utilizing the simplicity + complexity of layering, spaces always seem majestic and flow oh so beautifully.
Try your hand at layering by using contrast + textures while adding lots of lighting! Ok, we will definitely touch on that, because that single-handedly can positively impact the entire look and feel of a space with general lighting, ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. My husband used to joke that he knew I was home alone when he came around the corner and saw the house “glowing” up the hill. Ok, I will admit, I am extremely afraid of the dark, but only because I like to see what is exactly in those shadows. I primarily use various lighting methods to enhance spaces but also for function and security. And you should too! A true great design aesthetic should never eliminate the power of lighting and what it can do for you. That’s real talk.
Due to my detailed nature as it relates strictly to design, layering with luxurious textures can be highly impactful in a space. I loooovvvveeeee to touch, see, smell, + taste luxury. Honestly, it all started when I was about 8 years old and my Barbie dolls had to have the right features in their home with their specific clothes + outfits being just right and of course hair + makeup…of course! But honestly, what my parents noticed then at that moment was that I absolutely + wholeheartedly loved luxury. My dolls had fur coats, leather skirts, pearls, lace, silk, satin…you name it, Barbie had it. I did not want “the” Barbie dream house, I wanted to construct my own house that I thought was worthy of my Barbie dolls. So I begin with layering her actual dream house to ensure that life for Barbie was simple + chic. And let’s be honest, Barbie’s life was hella fab! I just enhanced it using design principles I had no idea of then. Fast forward to now, I have mastered the art of layering luxury. It is simple yet complex, and that to me is absolute thrill of it all! Just remember, if you ever have challenges with accessorizing and layering, always think of balance + harmony and if that does not work, your girl is a phone call away!
As always, thank you for rocking with Sola for all these years, stay safe + chat soon!
Until next time…
xoxo
Renae