What’s more trendy than an existing word that comes into the mainstream with a new relevance or targeted use? I’m sure you will giggle a bit thinking about some of the trendy words – original or re-constituted – that have come and gone. How do they get inserted in our popular culture? Who started it? How quickly did it catch-on and how? I will have fun with a variety of trending design words in coming blogs – enjoy expanding your design vocabulary with these if they are not already a part of your vernacular.
I’ve written about dark rooms and dark colors in the past…don’t be afraid of the dark! But to now discover that the use of the word “moody” has surfaced and playing a role in describing such spaces is novel. Trending now – “moody” rooms. Or at least describing dark spaces as “moody.”
We recently gave a face-lift to a tiny powder room. It was dark-ish before, but with a printed wallcovering from the 80s. It had stood the test of time and served the owners well, but it was time for new cabinets, countertop, hardware and fixtures.
We decided to run new floor tile from the entry through to this room. It was a large format dark porcelain. This dark chocolate leather-like look was a deep and “moody” selection to recede and add depth to the space.
Yes, it creates a decided “mood.” A mood of somber elegance. The quiet space is perfect for the duty it performs. As a powder room, it is visited quickly and by many. We selected a velvety dark wall paint Benjamin Moore HC 166 Kendall Charcoal rather than replacing the wall-covering with new.
For interest, instead of one large commanding piece, we gathered a collection of complimentary wall art from other rooms and even some clever thrifting (always an entertaining and satisfying treasure hunt) to create an interesting grouping to be enjoyed from the intimate vantage point.
The new lighting flanking the mirror rather than coming from a bar above is soft and in keeping with the colonial decor of the home located inside the beltway of our Nation’s Capital. New granite is dark and rich, white porcelain adds a crisp contrast and new cabinets coordinate with other renovated casework in the home.
When surfing the internet for design inspiration and subsequently speaking with design professionals, be clear. Picking up new ways of expressing design ideas is fun – but the simple truth is just that – simple. Keep it simple, explain your goals, go dark if you like, be a bit moody if it is the effect that you wish to achieve. Have fun and don’t be afraid of the dark!!
