How to lighten a dark colour scheme for spring

Last year, you were brave. After weeks of deliberating, you took the plunge and went over to the dark side… and now your walls are ‘ink blue’, ‘charcoal grey’ or ‘mossy green’. And while you still love the look, you’re thinking you’d like to lighten things up for spring. But where do you start?

While dark walls are comforting and cosy, you might want to brighten up your rooms once the weather starts improving. This is an easy fix – all you need to do is add a little glamour. Introduce a statement brass lamp or a super-soft rug in a striking shade like duck egg or violet. Try to balance dark and light, using your walls as a backdrop to brighter pieces.

Look for eye-catching glass vases, which will reflect the light; swap dark lampshades for paler ones and mix up your cushions, bringing in a few flashier materials such as sequin or silk.

If the flooring in the room is dark, then, teamed with your dark walls, it’ll absorb the available natural light. Great for a cosy, inviting space, but not if you want a lighter feel for spring. For a quick seasonal change that you can ‘roll up’ come winter, try a large rug in a pale or pastel colourway. Look for one with flecks of shimmer for added interest or a patterned one to inject a change of pace. If your floor area is large, then try butting up rugs of a similar thickness to cover more space.

If your scheme is tonal, an accent shade can make it feel fresh all over again. If you’re looking for a shade that works well with dark walls, then try millennial pink, ochre, terracotta or burnt orange. Be confident – an unexpected flash of colour can really lift a dark scheme.

Introduce a hero print – the bolder the better. Choose your design carefully: something with plenty of white or a light colour is key to lifting the look. Use it on a throw, a cushion or even a statement chair (don’t be afraid to combine prints – maximalism works all year round).

If, during the colder months, your windows are covered with sumptuous velvet curtains, then why not swap for lighter voile or sheer ones? You could hang these from a lightweight curtain pole or tension wire, fitted behind your existing one, or hang from the same pole. Open up shutters, lift blinds and tie back curtains – all simple tricks that will help make the most of available daylight.

A large mirror will instantly update the look of your dark wall, especially if you place it to reflect natural light from a window or an open door leading to a neighbouring room. Similarly, try grouping smaller mirrors together. Consider a glass-topped table to reflect more light and lead your eye further into the room. Or alternatively, dress dark pieces of furniture with paler-coloured throws – layers can still work during the warmer months.