Dark colour trends for a chic new home

We reveal our top colour picks for adventurous movers who dare to go dark.

“I’d like to get out of my comfort zone and try an edgy colour scheme now I’ve finally moved into my new home”

According to our recent global survey, 31% of movers are inspired by fashion and style trends when it comes to decorating their new home.

And for movers who are keen to try something a little different on the decorating front, dark and moody shades are having a serious fashion moment.

When it comes to your home, darker colours are an easy and affordable way to create a sophisticated feel to your scheme. A little goes a long way as well, particularly if you’re painting an accent wall.

Check out our pick of fashionable colours, and discover how ICI Dulux Inspire can help you get the look.

An amethyst wall will add instant passion to your scheme, and works really well in larger spaces, such as living rooms

Add passion with deep purple

1) Amethyst

Vibrant and alluring, this rich shade of purple is more versatile than you may think. An amethyst wall will add instant passion to your scheme, and works really well in larger spaces, such as living rooms. Team with complimentary colours like mossy greens, intense yellows, as well as certain shades of red and blue for a striking effect.

Which paints? 90BB 09/186, 88BB 11/331, 10GG 29/179, 35YY 61/431

Dark grey is a quick way to make any space feel instantly more luxurious. As a recessive colour, grey doesn’t draw the eye making it a perfect alternative to white or cream as a neutral backdrop.

Go grey for a sophisticated feel

2) Stormy grey

Dark grey is a quick way to make any space feel instantly more luxurious. As a recessive colour, grey doesn’t draw the eye making it a perfect alternative to white or cream as a neutral backdrop.

Which paints? 50BB 33/164, 90BB 09/186, 50YR 13/032

A deep, chocolatey shade of red will deliver plenty of drama to your new home

Heritage colours offer classic style

3) Deepest red

A deep, chocolatey shade of red will deliver plenty of drama to your new home, so it’s best to use in moderation. Pair with crisp white walls or woodwork elsewhere in your scheme for a romantic, elegant feel that’s perfect for the bedroom.

Which paints? 90BB 09/186, 50YR 13/032, 30RB 11/133

Containing hints of blue and green, teal is an enormously restful colour, and one that can be used liberally throughout your new home.

Try timeless teal

4) Timeless teal

Containing hints of blue and green, teal is an enormously restful colour, and one that can be used liberally throughout your new home. Balance the look with minty green for a calming effect, or keep it bold and pair with mustard yellow.

Which paints? 10BG 11/278, 10BB 17/269, 20YY 35/456, 55BG 74/117

Emerald is a dazzling shade that’s traditionally associated with wealth and luxury. Make an impact by teaming it with velvety blues and golds

Add energy with emerald green walls

5) Emerald green

Emerald is a dazzling shade that’s traditionally associated with wealth and luxury. It’s quite a show-stopper, so pair with neutrals for an elegant dining room scheme or, if you’re feeling daring, make it pop against velvety blues and golds.

Which paints? 26BG 09/247, 10BG 22/248, 10BB 13/362

Top tip

If you’re still unsure about decorating with darker shades, download our ICI Dulux Visualizer app to your Smartphone or tablet. View the wall you want to decorate on your screen, choose a shade from the ICI Dulux Inspire palette and tap for an instant impression of how your finished room could look.