This bathroom didn’t have any natural light, so rather than fighting the darkness, the design fully committed to it!
“Light and bright” is a common description I’m given when I ask homeowners how they want their space to feel. Light and bright is great, but I’m here to share that dark and moody can also be just as alluring!
Ideally, we’d have great natural light for every space, but sometimes, that’s not the reality.
This blog is going to give you an insider look to a designers mind as I give you the full behind-the-design details surrounding some of my favorite personal projects as well as some awesome inspiration photos I snagged while exploring the most recent (2025) Kitchen and Bath Industry Show!
This primary bedroom from my Mid-Mod Glow Up gallery had great natural light so we played with the contrast of creating a soothing, color-drenched backdrop & sunlight!
Personally, I like contrast and balance of color in design and I look to create that in spaces that are tailored to the homeowners’ requests. Another way to play with darker tones and colors is when you have natural light to add to the mix!
The primary bedroom pictured above had a huge sliding glass door that let the sunlight flood the bedroom, which was great! These homeowners wanted a tranquil, calming feeling in their bedroom that would help their bodies wind down at the end of the day, so the approach was to balance the dark, color-drenched background (the walls, ceiling, casing and doors) with pops of softness, coziness, natural tones and textures - which is achieved by the leather chair and ottoman, herringbone white oak flooring, blush rug and layered bedding.
If you’re interested in adding some richness, depth and (dare I say it…) darkness to your space, here are a few tips or ideas to consider:
If you’re really feeling that deep dark color… Go all in!
This display kitchen from KBIS 2025 features dark painted cabinetry, a dark green slab countertop and backsplash, and dark walls - with brass accents!
You can go dark on dark on dark!
For this color theory play with dynamic, dark vibes to be successful and not fall flat, I recommend playing with scale and texture. If you’re wondering how, here’s a little inspiration from my Moody Makeover gallery.
In the bathroom pictured above, we decided to lean into the parameters we had - no skylight and no window in the bathroom meant that it was naturally dark and this homeowner wasn’t afraid to make a statement out it!
We started with color drenching the space - the walls, ceiling, casing, baseboard and doors were all painted the same deep, dark blue. Then we played with contrast and texture by introducing the angular pebble tile floor, the live edge wood vanity top, the concrete sink and the brass tub, bath accessories and fixtures! I know this bath isn’t for everyone, but I love the bold choices and the intrigue the darkness created!
The shower tile is a 1”x1” mosaic and when the lights hit it, it shimmers. This may be a lot of grout, but because we chose dark tile, the grout was also dark. We played with the large format porcelain black bath floor tile and inlayed brass strips that coordinate with the plumbing fixtures and bath accessories. Like the primary bath in the featured blog image (you probably guessed these are in the same house!) this bath also has a floating, live edge wood vanity top and shelf and concrete sink. The mix of scale and texture keep this dark and moody bath from feeling sterile.
2. You can still have a light & bright space, with dark features!
The black cabinetry, countertop and custom steel shelving are balanced by the light LVP (luxury vinyl plank) flooring, glossy subway tile, and light wall color in this Moody Makeover.
The black cabinetry in this Larger Than Life kitchen sets the tone for this kitchen, but the white quartz countertops, light LVP flooring and white subway tile with dark gray grout keep this kitchen feeling bright!
This Black Beauty kitchen has custom black painted cabinets that are the backdrop for the stunning granite countertops; the kitchen still feels light and bright with the soft gray zellige backsplash tile and soft gray porcelian floor tile. The brass hardware and plumbing fixtures add a warm pop!
This kitchen is all about contrast - white walls and cabinetry are the backdrop for the black perimeter countertops, black mini-brick backsplash, black plumbing fixtures and barn door. The contrast continues with black cabinet hardware and counter stools!
Black can be incorporated in design to create high contrast without making a space feel overwhelmingly dark. Obviously, when balanced with white, you’ll get the highest contrast in your design.
If you want to soften the impact of the contrast, you can layer in stools, towels, furniture and accents with woven textures, wood and mixed metals. If you want to play up the contrast, then you can continue bringing in additional black and white accessories.
3. Dark doesn’t have to be black!
The NKBA kitchen display at High Point, Fall 2025 featured dark green Fabuwood Cabinetry and BlueStar Appliances.
The kitchen display (above) from High Point Market (designed by Kerrie Kelly) demonstrates how the use of a dark color infuses personality into a space while still feeling warm and welcoming! The dark green cabinetry and appliances create a beautiful balance with lighter slab countertop, hardwood floors, and matte black plumbing fixtures. I love the pop of the copper appliance pulls - what about you?
This Bold in Blue kitchen features dark blue cabinetry topped with a white quartz slab with gray veins and engineered hardwood floors below.
The dark blue cabinetry sets the tone for this kitchen - and the remaining finishes keep it feeling light! The quartz countertop has bold gray veining and the engineered hardwood floors add warmth. Accents of black and stainless steel complement the overall design.
As you can see, there are plenty of ways to incorporate rich, bold or dark colors into your design or aesthetic without them being overwhelming and without creating a dark cave (unless that’s what you’re going for!). The right balance of complementary or contrasting tones, textures, and accents can create a unique space that’s all your own - so you don’t be afraid of the dark!
Ready to design your dream home with a professional? Contact me today.