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The Colour Supplement
Home » Inspiration » Embracing the Dark Side

Embracing the Dark Side

Dark colours have broken free from their historical confines, no longer relegated to niche styles or reserved solely for accent walls. Designers are harnessing the potential of deep, saturated tones to create environments that exude nuance and elegance. The use of darker hues transcends mere colour choice; it is a bold statement, a testament to sophistication that transforms spaces into havens of refined allure and captivating intrigue.

The recent resurgence of interest in daring, darker shades challenges the longstanding notion that lighter tones are the sole purveyors of spaciousness. If you’re considering embracing deeper tones this winter, explore the art of achieving a harmonious balance, crafting spaces that are both cosy, luxurious, and inviting.

Greens

Deep and strong greens such as ‘Fine Green’ and ‘Brunswick Green Deep’ will both bring sophistication and welcome into any room, and will not overpower your artwork and decor.

'Fine Green' Dining Room

'Fine Green' Dining Room, designed by Birdie Fortescue and photography by Boz Gagovski
  • Fine Green

  • Navy Blue

  • Pompadour

  • Wainscoat

'Brunswick Green Deep' Sitting Room

'Brunswick Green Deep' Sitting-Room, designed by @thebighouseonthehill and photography by Freya Hewellyn
  • Brunswick Green Deep

  • Vert de Mer

  • Indigo

  • Red Ochre

Blues

Dark blue, with its rich and deep tones, introduces a sense of drama and sophistication that lighter hues often struggle to achieve. It is a colour that transcends trends, creating a timeless appeal that resonates with both traditional and contemporary design sensibilities. Our deep hues ‘Saxony’ and ‘Tingry’ have the power to transform the mood of a space. Embrace their cosy warmth in bedrooms, where it can create an intimate and restful atmosphere. Alternatively, employ it in living areas to add depth and sophistication.

'Saxony' Bedroom and Sitting Room

'Saxony' Bedroom, designed by Max Rollit and photography by Ed Rollit
'Saxony' Sitting Room, designed by Birdie Fortescue and photography by Boz Gagovski
  • Saxony

  • Indigo

  • Fine Green

  • Mummy

'Tingry' and 'London Brown' Pantry

'Tingry' and 'London Brown' Pantry, designed by Berdoulat and photography by Paul Whitbread
  • Tingry

  • London Brown

  • Fawn

  • Lead Colour

Purples

Deep purple, with its opulent and regal undertones, brings a level of richness and depth that few colours can match. It radiates a sense of luxury and sophistication, making it an ideal choice for those looking to make a statement that goes beyond conventional colour palettes.

‘Tyrian is a colour that relied on advances in paint chemistry only 150 years though, to take it being from the preserve of the wealthy to being within reach for a wider populous as it is made from expensive pigments. Ours is nuanced with earth pigment as well as the blue and red it ultimately relies on to make it ‘sharey not scary’ – a colour that can work in a modern apartment just as well as the great country house.” Edward Bulmer, founder

'Tyrian' Hallway and Gallery

'Tyrian' Hallway, at Brunswick House
'Tyrian' walls at the Dickinson Gallery
  • Tyrian

  • Nicaragua

  • Flaxen Grey

  • Wainscoat

Browns

Brown paint stands as a timeless and versatile option to infuse living spaces with warmth and elegance. Its neutral foundation allows for endless possibilities in design, making it a reliable choice for both classic and contemporary interiors. Our ‘London Brown’ introduces a warm and inviting ambiance to any room. Its versatility allows it to seamlessly blend with various design styles, making it a go-to choice for those seeking a classic and enduring colour palette.

'London Brown' Drawing Room and Bathroom

'London Brown' Drawing Room, designed by Edward Bulmer and Lorfords Antiques
'London Brown' Bathroom, designed by Stephanie Savvides-Howell
  • London Brown

  • Malahide

  • Light Olive Green

  • Cuisse de Nymphe Emue

Our founder Edward Bulmer has created colours which convey unrivalled depth and light, whilst protecting the planets’ finite resources by using plant-based, natural earth and mineral ingredients. Using our beautiful natural paints means your walls will not give off any harmful toxins and you can go to sleep the same day as painting with its odourless finish. To find out what eco-friendly traditions Edward and the family follow at home read more here.

Whether you choose to embrace the timeless allure of darker hues or prefer the familiarity of lighter tones for more room inspiration head over to our gallery, blog and social media pages. If you would like more help on choosing and using colours, take a look at our colour consultancy – whether time poor or spending too much on sample pots, we can do all the hard work for you.

Related Articles

Court of Noke: Edward Bulmer’s historic Herefordshire home

Step inside Court of Noke, Edward and Emma Bulmer’s Herefordshire home, and discover how more than 30 years of restoration, colour and considered decoration have shaped the house we see today.

Behind the Chatsworth Collection: 24 exquisite new paint colours

Learn the story behind The Chatsworth Collection, a range of 24 new paint colours inspired by the interiors, heritage, and landscapes of one of this country’s most significant country houses.

Small paint projects that make a big impact

A little colour can transform a room. Discover four simple ways to refresh your interiors by painting windows, doors, woodwork and ceilings.

Best paint colours for north-facing rooms

Discover how to decorate north-facing rooms with confidence, from warm neutrals that balance cooler light to deeper colours that embrace it.

Colour drenching: how to transform a room with colour

Discover how to transform a room with colour drenching, from painting walls, ceilings and woodwork in one shade to choosing the perfect colour for your space.

How to paint exterior doors, windows and metalwork

Refresh your home’s exterior with our guide to painting doors, window frames and metalwork, including preparation, priming and choosing the right finish.

The Colour Supplement

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How much paint do I need?

We have created this calculator to help you estimate the amount of paint you will need for your project. Please note that this is only an estimate, based on normal surfaces with two coats of paint.

Please check our practical painting advice - if you are painting onto a very absorbent surface, you may need more paint, and for best results, you may need to prime your surfaces.

If you end up with any leftover paint, get inspired with ways to use any excess paint - it's even compostable!

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Our natural matt emulsion is perfect for interior walls and ceilings.

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This estimate is based on two coats of paint and the dimensions of your room, minus the space taken by average doors and windows.

For this area, we suggest would be adequate.

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Our water based eggshell or gloss is ideal for woodwork or metalwork.

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This estimate is based on two coats of paint and the skirting and the doors/windows you told us about. 1 litre should cover 2-3 doors or 20m of skirting.

For this area, we suggest would be adequate.

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