Master the Art of Moody Wall Colors With These Pro Tips
Want to transform a room from white to WOW? Designer Kelly Sutton shows you how to introduce dark colors into your home.

White walls and ceilings are very popular, and it's easy to understand why. They're unassuming and go with any kind of accent. Still, there's something to be said for walls and ceilings that pack a little more punch. Rooms that feature darker, moodier colors — when done well — can make even the most color-averse person say, "Wow!"

Amy Bartlam

New Orleans designer Kelly Sutton loves to work with darker colors in the spaces she designs. "I think you can do it in almost any space," she says. "There's always a detail or some element that could be done more dramatically to take it to the next level."
Bringing dark colors into your home can be a little daunting. Here are Kelly's tips on how to do it like a pro and have your friends saying, "Wow!"
Bring in Balance

Amy Bartlam
If the walls, ceiling and furniture are all dark, the room is going to feel too heavy. Balance saturated shades with lightly colored furniture and accents, metallic finishes, mirrors and natural lighting. The walls will subtly fade into the background while the contrasting furnishings and accents will pop.
Pick the Powder Room

Kelly Sutton Design
The powder room is a great place to take some risks. "It''s not something people can see all of the time," Kelly says. "It's like that little jewel box you can have fun with."
Look Up

Amy Bartlam
"The ceiling is like a whole other wall to work with," Kelly says. "I like doing something dramatic and bold on a ceiling because I think it gives it a whole other layer, and it's one that's unexpected."
When mixed with other dark colors, a dark ceiling can make a space feel more intimate and cozy. When balanced with lighter colors, a dark ceiling will fade away and push your eye to focus on the contrasting walls or furniture.
Consider Wallpaper

Amy Bartlam
Wallpaper is experiencing a comeback thanks to fresh patterns and playful prints. With wallcoverings, you can introduce textures that reflect light around a room and add visual depth that give a dark color extra life.