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Nuanced wall color is disrupting the norm. Stepping away from warm off-whites, it crafts light-filled opulence in living spaces. A statement, not just a choice—it’s the brushstroke defining contemporary design.
(Image credit: Cuppett Kilpatrick)
Embark on a color evolution as white walls transform into the moody elegance of ‘Dark White.’ While warm off-whites once claimed the throne among neutrals, this newly crowned king captivates interior designers and architects with its cool undertone—a subtle marriage of the pure white’s radiance with a hint of grey. The result? A sophisticated finish that banishes stark sterility, offering an equilibrium for those yearning for a hue outside traditional norms. Dive into the insights of interior designers and color experts as they unveil the magic of ‘Dark White,’ sharing their thoughts on its crisp and clean allure, destined to elevate your interiors.
1. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LIGHT AND SHADOW WITH ‘DARK WHITE’
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
Step into an airy dining room adorned in Farrow & Ball’s Blackened white, revealing the duality of ‘Dark White.’ As sunlight bathes the space, white areas exude crisp brightness, while other zones evoke a softer, serene ambiance, allowing the edgier undertones to unfurl.
Joa Studholme, Color Curator at Farrow & Ball, emphasizes the importance of balanced color layers, steering away from the traditional bright white trim. Instead, she advocates for a white that complements your wall color or even a ‘darker’ white for the walls themselves. The cooler tones of Farrow & Ball’s Blackened, historically infused with pigment from oil lamp smoke, offer versatility for both modern and old-world aesthetics.
Studholme’s insight sparks a revelation—the allure of ‘Dark White’ lies in its capacity to seamlessly unite various hues within your interior, whether they lean towards the light or embrace the darkness. It emerges as one of the quintessential white paints to experiment with for this evolving trend.
2. USE ‘DARK WHITE’ TO DRESS YOUR DINING ROOM
(Image credit: Danielle Richter)
Journey into the realm of interior elegance with New York-based designer Danielle Richter, who unveils the enchanting potential of ‘Dark White’ in creating a captivating dining ambiance. In this space, the white canvas takes on an edgier persona, enhanced by the juxtaposition with dark flooring, burnished brass accents, and bold black details. Artwork becomes the focal point, injecting color and personality into the room, transforming it into a Parisian salon where each piece tells a story.
“I wanted to treat my dining room like a Parisian salon where the artwork was the star,” Danielle shares. The walls adorned with boiserie break up the expanse, creating a textured backdrop for the art. White Diamond by Benjamin Moore paints both walls and paneling, weaving a textural tapestry. As night falls, the wall color sets the stage for vintage lights and a custom dining table to glow like candles, infusing the room with a warm, inviting aura.
Richter’s approach to ‘Dark White’ beckons you to explore similar depths, playing into the nuanced tones of white by embracing darker accents for a harmonious dance of light and shadow.
3. PAIR ‘DARK WHITE’ WITH A MUTED PINK
(Image credit: Fran Parente, Design: Ryan Korban))
International interior designer Ryan Korban unveils a Fifth Avenue residence design where the delicate hues of muted pink harmonize with the sharp sophistication of ‘Dark White.’ In this exquisite synergy, the two tones dance in equilibrium, with white tempering the sweetness of pink while the latter infuses levity and color into the elegant space.
Korban, reflecting on the allure of ‘Dark White,’ shares, “I have always been drawn to that last shade of white just before grey. To me, it evokes such emotion.” The New York-based designer invites you to dial up this evocative base with tones and textures that either complement or contrast its coolness, amplifying the inherent appeal of this effortless shade.
4. MARRY ‘DARK WHITE’ WITH WARM WOOD
(Image credit: Cuppett Kilpatrick)
Enter the realm of charm with Austin-based studio Cuppett Kilpatrick, showcasing a delightful fusion of ‘Dark White’ with traditional warmth exuded by wooden paneling. Dark wall paneling establishes a grounded foundation, enveloping the interior, while refreshing doses of ‘Dark White’ infuse the room with light.
Tim Cuppet, founding partner of Cuppett Kilpatrick, explains, “‘Crisp, cool white was selected for paint and accessories to contrast the warm color saturation of the wood paneling.” The result is a harmonious blend where light grey upholstery, with a hint of green, draws inspiration from a swimming pool beyond.
For those seeking to harness existing architectural features or introduce the elegance of paneled walls into their homes, the use of darker tones of white becomes a balancing act, harmonizing classic and contemporary styles within the embrace of their interiors.
5. TAKE A MONOCHROMATIC APPROACH TO ‘DARK WHITE’
(Image credit: Fran Parente, Design: Ryan Korban)
Explore the sophisticated tapestry of black, grey, and white adorning the Upper East Side apartment crafted by contemporary interior designer Ryan Korban. In this curated selection of colors, a profound sense of depth emerges, creating an ambiance of understated elegance.
Reflecting on the strength of ‘Dark White’ within this scheme, Korban notes, “It balances that sense of drama without feeling dark.” The choice of colors seamlessly harmonizes, referencing the interplay of dark and light within the walls. For those aspiring to a pared-back and refined interior, this project is a prime example of excellence, where every detail collaborates in unison to evoke a timeless sense of balance and sophistication.
