i have been searching lately for dramatic rooms that are dark and stormy looking but that are brightened up with black and white art, colorful books and upholstery that pops against the dark backdrop.

this one above is from the most recent elle decor magazine and the walls are painted in farrow and ball’s ‘off black’.

i like the lavender combination with the blue and i love the collection of black and white art, mixing graphic pieces with softer, more romantic nudes and drawings.

this one is also from elle decor and was designed by richard mishaan.  the wall color is farrow and ball’s ‘drab’.

in some of the rooms, they paint the trim and casings the same color as the wall but in semi-gloss.

in others, they paint the trim and casings white.

photo by elle decor.  wall color is farrow and ball’s ‘railings’.

this one above is my favorite.  love the orange with the blue.

this room feels like it needs a bit of color to me, but i love the blue hue they selected for the walls and how they’ve continued it throughout the room in different textures.

white helps to lighten the room.

glass, silver, warm woods and gold seem to work well with this color scheme.