An interior design trend that’s taking TikTok by storm is Dark Academia. Lean into this fashion for moody interiors that bring the past and the present together. Get the look with Gabby’s must-have guide to this layered look.
1. Set your stage with walls and ceilings painted in black redolent of nineteenth century cities, dark browns that mimic the shelves of ancient libraries or purples that echo the tones of burgundy wine. Reimagine the walls of a country house library or a centuries old school where cozy and Gothic meet. Use old master European paintings as inspiration for classical colorways.
2. Key to this look is an undercurrent of literature. Think poetry and the great classic novels, a sense of mystery, romance and unknowing. The Dark Academia look is maximalist, eclectic and moody. This is the perfect moment to display your collection of books and magazines, old and new.
3. Bring your collections and hobbies to the front. This academic look is perfectly suited to displaying your treasures. Maybe it provides an opportunity to start a new collection of ceramics or found items? Put your shells, antique plates, vintage glassware, thrifted artwork, leather bound books and antique porcelain on display.
Think poetry and the great classic novels, a sense of mystery, romance and unknowing. The Dark Academia look is maximalist, eclectic and moody.
4. Make your indoor pillows pop. Switch up this collegiate aesthetic with distinctly grown up fabrics. Add jewel tones like sapphire, burgundy, magenta and deep orange in rich velvets. Think about trims and tassels and how they coordinate with your other decor . The right choice of pillow can elevate an entire look.
5. Lighting is key in setting a mood. This trend needs lamps, chandeliers and floor lamps that give a sense of mystery and warmth. You’re looking for interesting shadows and unique forms.
- Consider the Norton chandelier. Strung with mango wood beads in a rich black finish, the Norton Chandelier is a glamorous creation dripping with a refined elegance that was at its height during the heyday of Hollywood glamour. The profile is moody given the black beads form such a dense shade, making it a stunning accent even when the lights are switched off.
- The Roderick Chandelier has an architectural simplicity, born out of a mesmerizing brass form. This chandelier is a symphony of straight lines, but has an antique touch in the candle bulbs.
6. Mixing antiques will elevate the look. Gabby sources and curates vintage antique furniture, decor, books and textiles from the South of France twice a year (INTERNAL LINK). A well placed nineteenth century German carved mirror adds a richness of depth to this sitting room.
7. Choose window treatments that diffuse natural light or cast interesting patterns on your seating or storage pieces. Think outside the box with rattan blinds or plantation shutters in unusual colors that complement your interior paint choices, and which will highlight your furniture.
8. Add drama to your look with dried flowers and foliage, animal models, offbeat sculpture or bring architectural antiques indoors.. This is an opportunity to let your internal interior designer go and experiment with brave decor accents like pampas grass (in natural or even pink).
