One of our favourite Instagram hashtags is #darkhomes – do have a look, it’s a collection of highly inspirational dark homes, that are either almost all-black inside, painted black on the outside, or have quirky and curious dark interiors. It’s definitely a growing trend, and although Dulux has just announced its Colour of the Year 2021 as Brave Ground (which it has to be said, is very neutral) we think it works extremely well with darker tones too. In this month’s Trend Watch, we take a closer look at how the dark and brooding aesthetic can be incorporated into your home…
Dark Backgrounds
There’s a beautiful practicality about dark grey or black tiles in a bathroom setting, here, paired with a dark basin (have a look at the A181 Raven 400 by Bette for a similar look). To keep up with this trend, not every wall has to be dark, and the drama of a white window surround and recesses emphasises the positivity of this look. These wonderful dark tiles are suitable for walls and floors, and are from our Cliff collection.
Dark Arts
We’re constantly watching and anticipating the latest trends in interior design and yes we regularly report on trend angles such as colours, pattern and textures. But another important angle for an designer or homeowner to remember is flexibility. We feel that there should be some element of flexibility within each room, don’t slavishly adhere to a single trend, build in some flexibility for switching things up in a couple of years when a new look takes your fancy. This is a good example – the cabinet is Arena in Steel by Crosswater, and we love the absolute on-trend look of the dark grey walls and patterned floor. But, skip forwards a couple of years and you can easily change the look by going for a bright or light wall colour to complement new trend ideas. Take a look at our Derby patterned floor tiles for a similar vibe.
Seriously Dark
Stick with the dark trend with some slab-fronted furniture, such as the Queens collection Concrete Steel Matt finish by Mereway. The monolithic effect of the stand-alone cabinetry has real drama in this scheme, without being overpowering and yet still embracing the dark trend. Our Baltimore Wood Effect Wall and Floor Tiles will achieve a similar look on the walls, alongside our Lounge Ivory Matt porcelain large format tiles, 600mm x 600mm on the cabinet and shower walls, and our Quartz Midnight Black porcelain floor tiles will add a suitably dark base to ground the whole scheme.
Three Favourites
From left, here are three of our very popular patterned tiles that will add drama to a dark scheme – there are a total of 19 patterned tiles in total, with each box containing a randomised selection of all the available surface designs (check them all out here). The Swing range is designed to replicate encaustic tiles, but are made from hardwearing porcelain, and feature a satin finish, so are totally suited to walls and floors in bathrooms (and anywhere else in the home!).
Classic Black
This kitchen absolutely hits the nail on the head for our #darkhomes trend, and whilst the cabinetry is all dark and dramatic, the overall effect is balanced by white painted windows and doors, plus a white floor and white work surfaces. As we’ve pointed out before, it’s all about balance and contrast. This wonderful kitchen is from the Alderley collection by Burbidge Kitchen Makers, it’s available in a great choice of colours, including Charcoal, Seal Grey and Prussian Blue, which all fit our dark theme, as well as lighter, more neutral shades. Try our Strauss White Porcelain wall and floor tiles for a similar effect.
Cambridge Indigo Blue and Smoked Steel Kitchen from the Cucine Colore Collection | Mereway
Naturally Dark
In true Trend Watch style, we are loving the combination of two dark options here – Cambridge Indigo Blue and Smoked Steel, in the Future design from the Cucine Colore collection by Mereway. Dark navy (the perimeter cabinets) and smoked steel works well, linked by hints of metallic finishes and that all-important black framed glazing. Go for porcelain tiles, such as our Kanna wood effect designs, for further interest and contrast.
Must-Have-Matt Black
Tim Spann, National Sales Manager UK, Keller Kitchens comments: “Our design team consistently delivers high quality and aesthetically striking options. This includes embracing new trends; one which is striding ahead is the matt black finish which adds instant sophistication to a kitchen. In classic Keller fashion, full flexibility and a huge array of choices are available, and this versatile approach makes it easy to strike the balance between trend and individuality. Keller Kitchens makes it possible to incorporate the matt black trend in the best way to suit your space.
“Paired with concrete-look surfaces, metal handles and metal look doors make perfect partners in a matt black theme. This combination instantly creates a striking industrial style finish. A sink and tap in gun metal is a sleek and modern touch that further adds to an industrial atmosphere.
“For a real showstopping kitchen scheme, our impressive array of lighting options can be utilised to add striking points of contrast amongst a dark colour palette. Pairing matt black cabinets with open frame shelving and strip lighting creates a bold focal point. The addition of a glass cabinet with hidden LED lighting, will also add a unique twist to the pared-back appeal of an industrial influenced space”.
Dark Contemporary
This interesting kitchen fulfils our ‘dark’ theme with the inclusion of wire-brushed and stained oak, oiled ash, as well as birch ply cabinetry. The darker tones are shown to full effect within the space, thanks to the addition of a large roof light. Brothers Hugh and Howard Miller, h.miller bros created this space – and needless to say, we look forward to seeing many more interesting projects from them. H.Miller Bros worked in partnership with Ford Rexhepi Architects to create this particular project.
Paint it Dark
We couldn’t continue giving you ideas and suggestions for dark homes without actually recommending a suitable paint (as well as tiles)! So here you are, if you want to add dark texture to your living spaces, try Suede Paint in Grey from Crown Paints, which has a textured, suede-type finish. Make sure you read the instructions first though – if you’re painting anything with a sheen finish it will need to be thoroughly rubbed down first!
As always, we would love to see your latest projects, especially those that fit into the #darkhomes trend! Hit us up on twitter @TileMountainUK, Facebook or tag us on Instagram with your pics!
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Linda has worked as a freelance interiors writer and blogger for many years; she has written for most of the major home and design magazines, including KBB Magazine, Grand Designs, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Period Homes and Good Homes. She made the break and moved from London back to her home town of Shrewsbury three years ago and has just finished renovating her house. She also works in an interior design studio, produces copy for brochures and website, tries to tame her garden, aims to finish all the home furnishing projects she has on the go … and loves walking.