Let Moody Noir Add Dark Drama to Your Home

by Carlisle Homes

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Dramatic, edgy and sophisticated – black never goes out of style. Pair it with twinkling crystals, sumptuous faux fur and touches of velvet, and you’re on the fast track to creating a space that’s both romantic and luxurious. 

Combining classic 1940s styling and feminine florals with sharp, industrial accents, ‘Moody Noir’ is old-world glam executed in a thoroughly modern way. Here’s how to recreate the look in your own home.  

Pick the right black 

The first step on your journey to the dark side is choosing the perfect black. Not all blacks are created equal; pure black can appear somewhat harsh and lifeless in a space – the most liveable ones are nuanced, such as brown-based black or charcoal, which will add a sense of depth to a room. 

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A Moody Noir colour scheme adds a contemporary edge to the kitchen in our Springwood home at Carlisle Homes' Woodlea Display Centre.

Colours can vary, so before you commit, look at samples in your home at different times of day and under both natural and artificial light. Also view them beside the other finishes and colours in a room to make sure they harmonise. 

 

Opt for a monochromatic palette 

“Create a simple and sophisticated base by opting for a monochromatic palette of blacks, greys and whites for the foundation elements in a room, such as flooring, cabinetry, walls and sofas,” says Danielle Taylor – Interior Design Manager at Carlisle Homes. 

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A contemporary black rug and sideboard are a sophisticated addition to our Springwood home in the Carlisle Homes Woodlea Display Centre.

 

Black can throw a lot of different colours, so before you commit, look at samples then look to get layering. You could, for example, introduce a black-tiled fireplace wall to a living room, then layer in tones of grey in your seating and soft flooring, and balance these out with crisp white walls. Or, consider black kitchen cabinetry, paired with sleek grey floor tiles and white benchtops. Alternatively, add a sense of luxury to a bedroom with a dramatic, black-panelled feature wall, charcoal carpet and white bedlinen.

 

Add flair with pops of colour

Add a feminine edge to the look by introducing touches of this season’s fashionable pastels and muted brights. “Consider incorporating pops of dusty rose, petrol blue or jewel tones in cushions, a fabulous statement swivel armchair or artwork,” says Danielle. “And remember – less is more. Just one or two carefully considered colour additions will lift your monochromatic scheme without detracting from it.”

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The addition of feminine pastel tones and faux fur throws is an effective way to soften a moody noir palette. Shown here in our Piermont home at Carlisle Homes' Highlands Display Centre.

Mix curvy and comfy with sleek lines 

Add softness and interest to your monochromatic scheme with a carefully edited mix of furniture styles. Seek out seating and accessories with plenty of curves; think sofas in classic shapes with deep, generous seats and curved arms, a plush ottoman and round mirrors. 

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Contemporary furniture and layered tones and textures through textiles provides a contemporary sense of luxury in our Piermont home at Carlisle Homes' Highlands Display Centre.

 

Contrast these curves with secondary pieces with a pared-back, industrial feel, such as slender consoles, bedside tables and coffee tables in dark timbers with black-steel frames. 

 

Don’t forget texture 

The moody noir look is all about opulence, so look to add sumptuous textures wherever you can. Think wool carpet your toes sink into, a textured, boucle sofa, a bed piled high with cushions and blankets in velvet, faux fur and cashmere, and richly textured grasscloth wallpaper on the walls. “Using layers of rich fabrics and jewel-toned accessories instantly creates a luxurious and romantic atmosphere,” says Danielle. 

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Combining luxurious finishes such as velvet and crystal with tactile woollen carpets and wallpaper will add romance to the bedroom. Seen here at our Piermont home at Carlisle Homes' Highlands Display Centre.

 

Incorporate luxe touches

Add a glam-luxe feel to your hallway with a twinkling crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling or turn your bedroom into a romantic retreat with a pair of beaded chandeliers either side of the bed. Accessorise your living and dining areas with candlesticks in brushed nickel, side tables with luxe marble tabletops, touches of smoked glass, and an abundance of fresh-cut flowers in shades of blush, burgundy and white. 

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The Carlisle Homes Springwood floorplan turns up the glam factor with a striking feature wall and contemporary chandeliers.

Opt for dramatic art

Complete the look with a heady mix of artwork on the walls; think oversized black-and-white paintings paired with romantic prints depicting vintage flowers – all in slender black frames for a sense of cohesion. Or create a feature wall with a graphic, black and white wallpaper in a study nook or behind the bed or textured black tiles on your kitchen splashback. 

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A bold abstract artwork adds a key focal point to the Moody Noir scheme in our Piermont home at Carlisle Homes' Highlands Display Centre

Did you find this Home Files blog helpful?

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See the moody noir look for yourself along with other hot new design trends with a private tour of one of Carlisle Homes’ display homes in Melbourne or click here to take a virtual tour. Or for more inspiration see our many other interior themes.

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