Choosing colours for your home is psychological and requires careful thinking of how you want that space to feel. Before starting to create a concept for a client, I always ask them what mood they want the space to evoke as this will contribute to the experiences people have in that room. A recent brief from a client was an ambient dining space they could hunker down in and escape from the world, drinking wine late into the night, playing soulful sounds and telling stories with friends by candlelight. To me this translates to a dark and moody room rather than a light and bright space. Using a dark colour can create a sophisticated and moody ambiance, but here are some tips to avoid making your space feel too dark or small.

Opt for dark, rich colours like deep blues, emerald greens, or dark greys to create a moody atmosphere. You can paint the walls in a dark colour or add dark accents through furniture, curtains, and accessories.
Test the paint colour: Before committing to a dark colour, it's important to test it out in the room first. Paint a sample area on the wall and observe how it looks at different times of the day to ensure you like the colour and how it interacts with the room's natural light.
Contrasting elements: Pair dark walls with furniture and accessories in different materials to create contrast and balance. This will help prevent the room from feeling too heavy or gloomy.
Use dim lighting: Soft, dim lighting can create a moody ambiance. Consider installing a dimmer switch to your dining room light fixture and use a combination of lighting sources to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Table lamps, floor lamps, and overhead lighting can all be used to create different moods and highlight different areas of the room.
Add texture: Incorporate different textures through your dining room decor. Use plush rugs, textured curtains and velvet dining chairs to add dimension and depth to your space.
Incorporate natural materials: Use natural materials like wood, stone, and metal to bring a sense of warmth and authenticity to your dining room.
Use art and decor to set the mood: Hang moody artwork, such as black and white photography, and add decorative elements like candles, vases, and sculptures to create a sense of drama and intrigue in the space.

Moody dining room inspiration

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Remember, creating a moody dining room is all about playing with contrast, texture, and lighting to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. By incorporating these tips, you can create a space that feels both inviting and captivating.