Delving into Darkness: Dark Hues Take the Spotlight in 2024 2025 and Beyond

In this article, our ArteliLe Collective Team will give an insight into this year’s hottest design trend: 50 shades of Dark, based on a current report done by Emily McCarthy & Urangoo Samba from WGSN. Let’s dive into what makes these palettes so sophisticated and irresistible!

In the face of ongoing challenges, dark colours are stepping into the limelight in 2024 & 2025. Offering a blend of versatility, stability, and lasting appeal, they're becoming the go-to choice for consumers seeking comfort and self-expression. Insights from the 2026 STEPIC Innovation Fluid Ecologies reveal how the shift towards nocturnal living, fuelled by rising global temperatures, is driving this trend even further.

Embracing Versatility:

Dark colours aren't just for one season—they're perfect all year round, across various product categories. Brands can seize this versatility to craft a responsible colour strategy that aligns with both long-term trends and consumer preferences.

Key Color Trends:

1. Cosmic Darks

Based on WGSN's 2025 Color of the Year, Future Dusk, cosmic darks offer an otherworldly allure, making for mesmerising colour schemes. Inspired by the vastness of space and celestial wonders, cosmic darks bring an element of mystery and intrigue to design. Incorporate deep blues, purples, and blacks reminiscent of the night sky, accented with shimmering metallics or iridescent finishes. Use these colours in statement pieces like accent walls or upholstered furniture to create a sense of cosmic drama in interiors. Pair with soft, neutral tones to balance the richness and create a sophisticated contrast.

2. Supernatural Darks

Mixing AI brights with mythical darks creates an enchanting vibe, tapping into the growing interest in spirituality and creative expression. Blending the futuristic with the mystical, supernatural darks combine bold, high-energy hues with deep, enigmatic shades. Think electric blues, vibrant purples, and intense greens juxtaposed with velvety blacks or smoky greys. Use these colours to create an eerie atmosphere in interior spaces, such as moody lighting schemes or dramatic wall treatments. Experiment with textures like velvet or faux fur to enhance the otherworldly vibe, and incorporate metallic accents for added dimension and visual interest.

3. Restorative Darks

Dark hues with calming qualities provide a sense of tranquility and wellness, appealing to those seeking solace amidst uncertainty. Harnessing the calming power of nature, restorative darks evoke a sense of tranquility and well-being. Choose earthy tones like deep greens, browns, and charcoal grays, inspired by the soothing hues of forests and mountains. Use these colors in spaces dedicated to relaxation and rejuvenation, such as bedrooms or meditation areas. Opt for natural materials like wood and stone to enhance the organic feel, and introduce touches of greenery to bring the outdoors in. Soft, diffused lighting complements the serene ambiance, creating a cocoon-like retreat from the outside world.

4. Hedonistic Darks

Embracing the trend of nighttime living, hedonistic darks create spaces for indulgence and escapism, perfect for immersive experiences. Embracing the allure of nightlife and luxury, hedonistic darks exude opulence and indulgence. Incorporate rich, sumptuous colours like deep reds, velvety blacks, and jewel-toned purples, reminiscent of decadent interiors from the roaring twenties. Use these colours to create a sense of drama and sophistication in entertainment spaces, such as dining rooms or home bars. Experiment with luxurious textures like velvet, silk, or satin for added glamour, and accessorise with metallic accents for a touch of sparkle. Layering contrasting textures and incorporating statement lighting fixtures enhances the theatrical effect, elevating the space to new heights of elegance and allure.

5. Luxurious Darks

Returning to the sensual appeal of dark shades, luxurious hues exude sophistication, making them ideal for timeless investment pieces. Capturing the essence of timeless elegance and refinement, luxurious darks evoke a sense of understated luxury and sophistication. Choose deep, muted tones like navy blue, charcoal grry, and espresso brown, complemented by warm metallic accents like brass or gold. Use these colours to create a sense of intimacy and warmth in intimate spaces like living rooms or libraries. Opt for plush, comfortable furnishings upholstered in rich fabrics like velvet or leather, and layer with tactile textiles such as faux fur throws or silk pillows for added depth and texture. Incorporating vintage-inspired decor pieces and classic artwork enhances the sense of nostalgia and refinement, creating a space that feels both inviting and timeless.

6. Ancient Darks

Inspired by mineral pigments and natural resources, ancient darks celebrate the enduring beauty of the earth. Drawing inspiration from the earth's natural palette and the rich history of mineral pigments, ancient darks infuse spaces with a sense of timeless elegance and authenticity. Incorporate warm, earthy tones like terracotta, ochre, and deep greens, reminiscent of ancient landscapes and archaeological treasures. Use these colors to create a sense of warmth and connection to the past in interiors, such as living rooms or dining areas. Opt for natural materials like clay, stone, and wood to enhance the rustic feel, and introduce artisanal elements like handcrafted pottery or woven textiles for added texture and character. Layering with earthy accents and incorporating botanical motifs further reinforces the connection to nature, creating a space that feels grounded and harmonious.

7. Subversive Darks

In response to chaos culture, pairing disruptive reds with subversive darks makes a bold statement, challenging conventional fashion norms. Reflecting the spirit of rebellion and defiance, subversive darks challenge conventional norms and embrace bold, disruptive colours. Incorporate intense, vibrant shades like fiery reds, electric blues, and striking yellows, juxtaposed with deep, moody blacks or dark greys. Use these colours to create a sense of energy and defiance in interiors, such as eclectic living spaces or creative studios. Experiment with unexpected combinations and unconventional materials to push the boundaries of design, incorporating elements like graffiti-inspired artwork, industrial accents, and avant-garde furniture pieces. Embracing the raw and imperfect adds to the rebellious aesthetic, creating a space that feels edgy, dynamic, and authentically expressive.

8. Back to Black

Innovating with eco-friendly "colourful" blacks offers a sustainable yet stylish option for design enthusiasts. Embracing the simplicity and sophistication of timeless black, this trend celebrates the enduring appeal of this classic hue while innovating with eco-friendly alternatives. Incorporate rich, deep blacks in various shades and finishes, from matte to glossy, to create depth and dimension in interiors. Use black as a foundational element to anchor spaces and provide contrast, pairing it with lighter tones for balance and visual interest. Opt for sustainable materials and eco-conscious manufacturing processes to ensure that black remains both stylish and environmentally responsible. Incorporating touches of colour and texture adds warmth and personality to black-dominated spaces, creating a modern and elegant aesthetic that stands the test of time.

Amidst the complexities of the polycrisis and the quest for spirituality, dark hues emerge as symbols of stability and self-expression. Brands that embrace their versatility and allure will not only meet consumer demands but also pave the way for a more sustainable and innovative future in design.

Love this blog? Make sure you give ArteliLe Collective a follow for more.

Or check out our ArteliLe Collective Shop for handmade treasures, slow craft and unique gifting.

Etsy Shop

Colour Trends: Top 8 Dark Palettes of 2024 & 2025 and How To Use Them