When most people think of minimalist interiors, the first thing that might come to mind is an all-white interior with natural tones, but darker colors, if used at all, are limited to accents and small statements. maybe. But it doesn't have to be that way. The rise of dark minimalism focuses on fusing the movement's pared-down approach with his palette of colors that more loudly appeal to our sensibilities.
The colors that captivate the minimalist imagination are deep, fig-like tones. Darker and moodier than violet or plum, this purple is rich in black and red, giving it a decadent yet minimalist look.
We spoke to interior designers and color experts to discuss the appeal of this exciting eggplant color trend. They discussed its ability to add richness to a room while still feeling contemporary and clean. Purple has always been considered the color of Kings and Queens, but this new trend shows its versatility from a more modern perspective.
1. Add drama to your designs with indigo
(Image credit: Allison Lind Interiors)
This media room showcases the practical and personal side of deep indigo purple, creating a cinematic atmosphere perfect for designer Alison Lind's clients to relax and watch their favorite movies. Painting the ceiling in a similar color changed the atmosphere of the room. More expansive and inviting.
“The sole purpose of this family room/media room is to relax and watch a show or movie, so it doesn't need a lot of extra decoration,” says Alison Lind of Alison Lind Interiors . “Even for clients who don't necessarily like minimalism in interior design, it can work well in certain spaces. However, there is a big difference between light white minimalism and dark-toned minimalism. I decided to keep it minimalist by painting it and trimming it in the same color as the walls, which are dark blue grass paper to bring warmth and texture to the space.”
When using this deep purple, take inspiration from Lind's scheme and add brown, gray, and violet accents that connect with your interior.
2. Decorated with deep ink purple
(Image credit: Heather Hilliard)
You can't help but fall in love with this enchanting dark color scheme created by Heather Hilliard. The inky hues of blue and purple remind us of the night sky. The ceiling and large windows serve to reflect light into this room, a design that truly embodies that dark minimalism.
“This client's bedroom is on the 57th floor of a building in New York City, and while the views are spectacular, the skies are often white or gray in the winter,” says San Francisco-based interior designer Heather Hilliard. He reveals. “I wanted the room to feel warm. The idea here was to envelop the room in rich deep blues, violets and eggplant. The wallpaper is paperback wool and the bespoke bed is a soft Claremont violet. The room is upholstered in black velvet and the rug is a custom ink-blue silk.When the blackout curtains are closed, the room has a cocoon-like feel.
“A room-sized area rug or wall-to-wall carpeting will make a room feel larger and make every inch of the floor softer to the touch,” adds Heather. The dark, minimalist palette is calming. I think minimalist interiors are successful when textures, colors, and materials are in harmony. ”
3. Combine black and purple
(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)
Farrow & Ball, color experts and purveyors of premium paints, are also noticing a growing interest in deep purples in decorating. “Dark colors can feel like a scary concept for many DIY decorating projects, but from poorly lit spaces (embrace your limitations!) to sophisticated minimalism (artwork looks beautiful on dark walls) , everyone!'' says Patrick O'Donnell, International Brand Ambassador for Farrow & Ball. “Choose nuanced dark colors, from dark cacao to eggplant black, such as Farrow & Ball's seductive Péan His Black.”
For those who want to give their minimalist interiors a more Scandinavian feel, deep chalky purple is a great partner with bleached and oiled wood. Red in purple goes well with these tones and makes the interior feel warm while maintaining simplicity.
Patrick O'Donnell is no stranger to the matte finish. “Pean Black makes an elegant and sexy living room paint color, especially in our ultra-matte dead-flat finish. It creates an almost nubuck-like quality and adds great depth to your walls.” he says.
4. Choose a moody yet romantic mauve
(Image credit: Paul Dyer, design: Marea Clark Interiors)
For those looking for a more minimalist approach to color, but don't feel comfortable going too deep, this room, designed by Marea Clark Interiors, features deep purplish-gray tones and soft mauve colors. It is combined. “Our goal was to give the home a dreamy, romantic feel with a touch of femininity,” says Marea Clark, an interior designer from San Francisco. “To reflect these ideas, we decided on a moody purple palette, making it slightly darker than the rest of the home to create a cozy hangout area.”
If your color pairs well with purple, adding lemon yellow accents to things like lampshades and pillows will add a lightness to the room and emphasize the coolness of the shade. The lesson here is that dark minimalism isn't just limited to ultra-modern interiors. Those seeking a more traditional aesthetic will find it equally beneficial.
deep indigo, benjamin moore
Price: $79.99 per gallon
Finish: Advanced interior paint
Price: $49 per 0.5 gallon
Finish: Interior standard
blackberry, glidden paint
Price: $59.97 per gallon
Finish: One coat interior paint