Darker paints create cozy, more welcoming rooms

Part 2

«HERE in the Pacific Northwest, about two-thirds of our days are moody,» says Peter Spalding of the interior furnishings marketplace Daniel House Club in Portland, Oregon. Aside from coffee, «you'd think brightly colored interiors would be sure-fire medicine too,» he says, «but actually some of the coziest interiors I've done here have been in moody greens, blues and grays.» Though not a fan of cool grays, he says that «warm French gray is another thing entirely. It's sort of creamy, with green undertones, and creates a cocoon that no one wants to leave,» Spalding says. Besides dove gray, he favors deep russet and dark forest hues. «They can glow in the sun, or create a cozy envelope when it's gray outside.»

Jennifer Verruto of Blythe Interiors in San Diego likes how these hues make a space feel settled and warm. «It's time to embrace the moody vibes! They have an energy. A room wrapped in a dark, dramatic color can actually provide an uplifting, invigorating feeling,» she says. She advises counterbalancing any potential heaviness. Position mirrors to bounce light around. Bring in lighter furniture, rugs and décor. Use warm woods and nature-inspired motifs for a comforting, organic vibe. Some of her favorite paints: Sherwin-Williams' Iron Ore, Gale Force and Pewter Green. Deep blue could remind you of an oceanside vacation. Mossy greens might evoke a favorite woodland hike. Mineral hues like citrine, garnet, iron and copper also have that earthy connection. Brad Ramsey, owner of a Nashville interior design firm, loves to create a «jewel box» space. «By taking a moody hue and color-drenching the walls, drapery, even the ceiling, you get this cocoon-like feel,» he says. A study, dining room or den in a larger home can, when made darker, work well as an intimate social space, or a retreat for some quiet «me» time, he says. Some of the imaginative names for these paint colors are as much fun as the hues themselves. Dock Blue, Basalt, Goblin, Adventurer and Jewel Beetle are all to be found at British paint maker Little Greene, which has branched into the North American market now. Backdrop's founder Natalie Ebel wants to evoke a place or a feeling with the paint