Like a brooding hero of an eighteenth - century novel, dark schemes can add depth and richness to the visual vocabulary of interior decoration when judiciously employed
While an inky blue or chocolate brown wall may scare off a tentative decorator, a dark palette is not something to shy away from if seeking a rich and inviting interior scheme. For rooms that are enjoyed after dusk, such as the bedroom, dining room and snug, a dark room scheme is rather atmospheric. In smaller areas, too, dark and moody hues create a feeling of intimacy yet also space. As designers of fabrics, furniture makers and paint experts reveal, a rich colour provides a sumptuous backdrop that allows brighter colours to really sing with drama - more than a pale backdrop ever could.

USING CONTRAST
Light and dark always provide contrast in a room, allowing one element to stand out from another - to dramatic effect. The colours and textures in the cushions stand out against the horsehair sofa, but the range of dark and light tones in the fabrics help to link with the background. The horsehair reflects light back, whilst the wall colour absorbs the daylight. The paintings, cushions and rug all balance what could become a very sombre room. Jo Eaton, creative projects co - ordinator Sanderson

RICH PICKINGS
This flat was purposefully designed using strong colours for a rich and opulent feel to appeal to Russian tastes. The dark dining room, through the doors, has lacquered walls to help reflect the light and Ive used reflective surfaces like the eglomise coffee table to brighten the space. Patterned fabrics in a bold colour can successfully compete with such strong coloured walls, so opt for furnishings that enhance the opulent ambience. Charlotte Crosland, fabrics by Neisha Crosland

BRIGHT HIGHLIGHTS
There is nothing better to show off bright colours than a dark scheme. Colours pop out in a far more dramatic way. The burnished metallic wallpaper is a great way to reflect some light back in so it does not become gloomy. It is also important to have plenty of textures to create a feeling of warmth and richness; here we have used a plush velvet sofa contrasting with some woven silk cushions which have a beautiful sheen to them. Clarrissa Hulse for Harlequin

A DARK EDGE
The use of a dark colour on woodwork not only makes the walls appear lighter in contrast, it also creates a strong contemporary look making everything above it feel lighter and therefore the overall feel of the room is lighter, too. To ensure a smooth finish and even, intense colour, all Farrow & Ball paint colours should be applied over the appropriate coloured undercoat. Sarah Cole, director, Farrow & Ball

COCOONING EFFECTS
Richly patterned walls, dark wood furniture and cosy, thick fabrics make for a cosseting bedroom. Here, bed linen in a muted palette of smudgy greens and deep purple creates an inviting winter scheme. Soft velvets and chunky knits mixed with smooth tweeds and splashes of vibrant paisley create an eclectic and inviting feel that softens the imposing feel of the dark polished wood. Consider lighting carefully; here a range of low - and mid - level lamps will create pools of soft illumination after nightfall. KatyGreen, The English Home. Bed linen from the Brookfield collection at Ralph Lauren.

TRADITION WITH A TWIST
The use of strong pigments in cabinetry can bring richness and warmth. Do, however consider the size of your room in the first instance. If the room is squat, only consider darker accent colours on items such as the cooker. If you have a room that is taller than it is wide then your scope to introduce darker hues broadens. Below - worktop units in a darker hue, complemented by lighter colours such as alabaster above the worktop level on the walls or wall - mounted cabinets, will be a comfortable colour scheme. Charlotte Hill Baldwin, John Lewis of Hungerford

FOCAL FLOORING
This Persian Rose rug by Megan Park shows how a rug can be a real statement piece around which a room is anchored, and how to decorate with darker tones. The rich, overscaled floral is enhanced by a decadent use of dark colours that contrast beautifully with the rather traditional floral motif. The rug is the focal point of the room and there is no need for pattern elsewhere, allowing for inky, dark walls. Always go for the largest size rug you can afford as it gives a wonderfully luxurious and flowing feel to the space. Suzanne Sharp, creative director and co - founder, The Rug Company