Embracing Dark Interiors: Here's how I did it
- Alastair Johnson
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
By Alastair Johnson, Creative Director at Freebird Interiors
Do you love the look of dark interiors but always end up playing it safe with neutrals? That was me too—until I finally decided to take the plunge and go dark in our family living room here in Sheffield. In this post, I’ll walk you through what I did, what I learned, and how you can feel confident doing it too. I’ve also included some before-and-after shots from my own home, so you can see the transformation for yourself.
My Living Room Makeover
Our living room was a typical busy family space—well-used but not exactly a priority. Between running a business and family, it had been neglected for a while and was looking a bit plain and uninspiring. One of the first things I tackled was an awkward cupboard that stuck out in all the wrong ways. I removed it and reclaimed the space.
The areas on either side of the fireplace weren’t being utilised, so I added alcove shelving. Not only did this create extra storage, but it also helped anchor the room and give it more focus.
Confidence Is Key
If I could give one piece of advice, it’s this: don’t half-commit to a dark interior. I know how tempting it is to keep things neutral and just add some dark cushions or a navy chair. But that approach usually falls flat. The look you’re admiring in interiors magazines? It’s bold. It’s immersive. You have to go all in.
Embracing dark tones brought the scale of the room down and gave it a cosy, rich, cocoon-like atmosphere. It’s a fantastic approach for larger rooms that feel like they’re missing a bit of character.
Start with Materials
Before I picked up a paintbrush, I collected loads of images of spaces I liked and paid close attention to the materials and colours used. I created a mood board with different textures and samples—some digital on Pinterest, others physical, like paint swatches, fabric, wallpaper, and wood finishes.
If you’re thinking of going bespoke with furniture too, then consider the materials for your shelving, cabinetry, and even down to the handles and hardware. All these elements work together to build a unified space.
Choosing Colours
The scariest bit? Going dark on the walls and the ceilings. But I did it—and I’m so glad I did. I chose a great deep matte blue called 2am by Coat Paints for both the walls and ceilings. I also added wallpaper by Graham & Brown to the main wall, and painted the skirting boards and radiators in the same shade—a technique known as “drenching.”
Let There Be (Good) Light
One of the most important lessons I learned was just how essential lighting is in a dark-themed room. I used LED strip lights from Sensio Lighting in a few key places to add a subtle glow and highlight features. Being someone who wears glasses, I also made sure to avoid harsh light sources that might reflect badly—especially when watching TV.
Design Details That Made a Difference
To divide the space and carve out a corner for our piano, I installed a black metal framing system from SEED. It added a nice architectural element and helped break up the space.
In the alcove shelving, I fitted black grooved walnut back panels for warmth and texture. And to stop the entry wall from feeling too flat, I added reeded wall panels painted in the same dark colour—just enough texture to keep it interesting.
I also used a high-quality walnut veneer for the countertops and the window sill—specifically, Nogal Valentina walnut effect boards—which added a touch of luxury and cohesion across the room.
This 'Airgo' black metal framing system is available from @seedgammiste.
Reeded wall panels painted to match the walls
Why I Love the Dark Look
If you go about it thoughtfully, a dark interior can feel incredibly sophisticated, warm, and calming. It’s not just a style—it’s an atmosphere. Whether your taste is more modern or leans traditional, this look can work beautifully. Plus, dark tones make a brilliant backdrop for your favourite pieces and allow them to really shine.
Final Thoughts
My biggest takeaway? Be bold. Be confident. If you’ve fallen in love with dark interiors, don’t hold back. Find inspiration that speaks to you, plan your space carefully, and then go for it.
At Freebird Interiors, we’ve designed and built custom furniture in all finishes and shades—including plenty in darker palettes. If you’re thinking about doing something similar, we’d be happy to help with ideas and guidance.
Book your design visit today to get started.