Glamorous spaces with dark walls

FREE IMAGES Painting a wall a dark color can be a risky design move, but like any risk, the outcome can be fabulous!

This black wall prettily sets off the furnishings in the room.

Break away from the white cabinet trend by using black.  It really makes this kitchen look chic.

If you don't have it in you to paint your walls a dark color - try going dark on the floor.

Do you have any dark hued walls or rooms in your home?

All images via Adore Magazine

Decorating for the later years

FREE IMAGES

As we grow older, there are many things we need to consider. From what we’ll do with our time, to how we’ll stay fit and healthy, the options at our disposal are endless and that can leave us a little unsure about what to do.

In particular, how we approach decorating our homes can be a tricky thing to manage. It may seem relatively unimportant in the grand scheme of things but the appearance of our home can have a profound impact on our attitudes, emotional health and general well being.

No one wants to spend their retirement staring at four unsightly walls and here we look at a few tips for decorating your home in your later years.

via houseandhome

Shelf for success

From books and ornaments to films and music, you’ll undoubtedly have a lot of need for storage in your home. Wall-mounted shelves should be at an accessible height and not contain anything too heavy. Anything you require regular access too should be stored at a comfortable height on freestanding bookshelves or display units. You can always arrange items by color for something artistic and playful.

via toddanderin

Spare a thought for cleaning and maintenance of these though. Depending on where you live, you may be able to get some help with this. For example, retirement property for sale from leading firms like McCarthy and Stone offer domestic cleaning services with some of their developments.

via shanty2chic

Get it framed

Whether you’re a proud grandparent who wants to show off pictures of their beautiful grand kids or someone looking to take a trip down memory lane through old photos, it’s important you get them framed.

There are many styles to choose from but popular favorites include collage frames which display multiple photos in a large frame or single frames arranged in a symmetrical or eclectic pattern. This set-up can also be applied to artwork as well as to personal photographs.

via lolalina

Go minimalist

Accessibility is an important buzzword as you age so make sure your decorating takes this into account. Keep walkways clear to prevent the risk of falls and embrace minimalist styles that promote clean layouts and minimal furniture. Combine natural woods with light, neutral colors for a stylish contrast.

via bhg

Keeping Rooms Bright with Dark Paint

FREE IMAGES In the past, I have always gravitated towards white interiors, but more and more I am being drawn to dark, luxe colors. I still need some light though, and there are a few tricks to using a dark color and still having the room feel bright and spacious.

via dustjacket

Using light colored fabrics and upholstery are a nice and soft contrast to the dark walls. They also reflect the light that's coming in from the windows which keeps the room from not having any depth.

via Pinterest via Interior Collective

Consider sheen and patina too.  Metallic gold bookcases reflect light.  Also consider the "visual weight" of your furnishings. The desk, while large - has minimal visual weight because it is clear.  A thick blocky wood desk would add a lot of visual weight to the room.

via Pinterest via La Dolce Vita

Here is another example of using light (in both weight and color) textiles, and reflective surfaces. Getting a semi-gloss or gloss paint will reflect light.

 

via Pinterest

I actually think that small spaces done in dark colors feel extremely rich.  The herringbone floors, moulding, and large window don't hurt either!