Dark academia interior design is a unique blend of intellectual and nostalgic ambiance, inspired by classic literature, traditional academic institutions, and Gothic influence. This style creates a cozy yet mysterious atmosphere, perfect for those who appreciate moody decor and timeless elegance. The appeal lies in its unique blend of rich textures, vintage elements, and scholarly ambiance, inspired by classical literature, gothic architecture, and a love for learning.
Dark academia decor features high-brow college fashion, antiques, Gothic architecture, classical art, and secret nooks and crannies. Walls and ceilings are highly adorned with molding, paneling, layering, and texture. For a classic Dark Academia space, use vintage trinkets with an old-world aesthetic or items of historical significance. Dark panel libraries with tufted leather sofas, fireplaces, and built-ins are examples of this style.
The dark panel library with tufted leather sofa, fireplace, and built-ins showcases rich wood tones, books, dim lighting, and an old-world look. Dark-hued or black rooms lit by candles and decorated with vintage finds are also common. Solid core doors are typically a better choice than hollow core doors, as Dark Academia spaces are designed to be quiet and studious.
Light plays a crucial role in setting the mood in Dark Academia interior design, as it plays a crucial role in setting the mood in the space. By selecting dark and dramatic paint colors, one can create a cozy yet mysterious atmosphere that embodies the Dark Academia trend.
📹 How to Design DARK ACADEMIA Design Style | A Dark and Moody Style
Let’s set the mood . . . you’re a little intellectual, a little contemplative, and enjoy a touch of drama. Dark Academia is just that!
What color is a dark academia room?
Dark academia is a style that often incorporates deep, cool hues like olive greens, earthy browns, and navy blues, but can also be achieved with rich, warm colors like red, pink, and purple. This creates a sophisticated and mysterious atmosphere.
Green houseplants and leafy potted plants complement dark academia-styled interiors, creating a captivating contrast against deep-hued walls, brown leather furniture, and gilded antique frames. Integrating plants alongside vintage books and maps creates a captivating contrast.
Lighting plays a significant role in dark academia interiors, as the aesthetic is known for being dim and muted. Candles, small light fixtures, Edison light bulbs, antique sconces, mushroom lamps, and tall candelabra-style candles can all contribute to the drama of the decor. Clustering candles together can create a significant light source that adds charm and atmospheric smoke to the space. Overall, dark academia interiors are characterized by their dark and muted aesthetic.
How would you describe a dark academia room?
Dark academia is a style that celebrates learning, knowledge, and arts through a nostalgic lens. It can be incorporated into small apartment decor by incorporating elements such as classical imagery, gothic aesthetics, traditional collegiate fashion, and architecture. This style can be achieved by incorporating elements such as classical imagery, gothic aesthetics, and traditional collegiate fashion and architecture. To find inspiration for dark academia, it is essential to explore various visual references and find the perfect decor for your space.
What colors are dark in academia?
Dark Academia interior design is known for its dark and moody color scheme, featuring deep shades like charcoal gray, earthy browns, forest green, burgundy, and navy blue. These hues create a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of old libraries and study rooms. For example, a deep mahogany background with a dusty rose floor, echoed in ceiling and rich curtains, is complemented by a different shade of brown for sofas, pillows, and wall art.
Vintage and antique touches are also incorporated to evoke a sense of history and timelessness. Items like leather sofas, dark wood bookshelves, and antique writing desks are used, along with old-fashioned brass or copper decor and intricate frames for a touch of sophistication. These pieces not only add authenticity but also offer comfort and elegance.
What are the rules for dark academia?
Dark Academia Lifestyle involves wearing vintage clothes, elegant accessories, and monochrome colors, emphasizing sharp features with dark or light colors and jewel tones. It encourages staying ahead in school, making Ancient Roman or Greek food, having routines, hanging stuff up on walls, and reading. To maintain a dark academic lifestyle, shroud yourself in mystery and answer vaguely when others show interest. When speaking, use riddles or quotes, but only when spoken to.
Listening to jazz and classical music brings a spark of elegance to life, with jazz demonstrating the erratic artist spirit of revolutionaries and classical music posing the sophisticated spirit of a classicalist. By keeping an open mind and keeping people guessing, one can maintain a dark academic lifestyle. By embracing these elements, one can maintain a sense of mystery and remain socially active.
What are dark academia Colours?
Dark Academia interior design is known for its dark and moody color scheme, featuring deep shades like charcoal gray, earthy browns, forest green, burgundy, and navy blue. These hues create a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of old libraries and study rooms. For example, a deep mahogany background with a dusty rose floor, echoed in ceiling and rich curtains, is complemented by a different shade of brown for sofas, pillows, and wall art.
Vintage and antique touches are also incorporated to evoke a sense of history and timelessness. Items like leather sofas, dark wood bookshelves, and antique writing desks are used, along with old-fashioned brass or copper decor and intricate frames for a touch of sophistication. These pieces not only add authenticity but also offer comfort and elegance.
What are the neutral colors in dark academia?
Dark Academia interior design is known for its dark and moody color scheme, featuring deep shades like charcoal gray, earthy browns, forest green, burgundy, and navy blue. These hues create a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of old libraries and study rooms. For example, a deep mahogany background with a dusty rose floor, echoed in ceiling and rich curtains, is complemented by a different shade of brown for sofas, pillows, and wall art.
Vintage and antique touches are also incorporated to evoke a sense of history and timelessness. Items like leather sofas, dark wood bookshelves, and antique writing desks are used, along with old-fashioned brass or copper decor and intricate frames for a touch of sophistication. These pieces not only add authenticity but also offer comfort and elegance.
What color is dark academia theme?
Dark Academia interior design is known for its dark and moody color scheme, featuring deep shades like charcoal gray, earthy browns, forest green, burgundy, and navy blue. These hues create a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of old libraries and study rooms. For example, a deep mahogany background with a dusty rose floor, echoed in ceiling and rich curtains, is complemented by a different shade of brown for sofas, pillows, and wall art.
Vintage and antique touches are also incorporated to evoke a sense of history and timelessness. Items like leather sofas, dark wood bookshelves, and antique writing desks are used, along with old-fashioned brass or copper decor and intricate frames for a touch of sophistication. These pieces not only add authenticity but also offer comfort and elegance.
What is dark academia style interior design?
Dark academia interior design is characterized by a dark, shadowy color scheme and vintage-like decor, often featuring moody fabrics like distressed leathers and dark velvets. This style is popular in academic settings, with dimly lit reading areas and books. Designer Barrett Oswald and Peter Spalding, COO of Daniel House Club, believe dark academia appeals to those who have a history of industrial interiors.
What does dark academia style mean?
The Dark Academia aesthetic is characterized by scholarly sophistication, earthy tones, structured outfits, and layers. It often features dimly lit libraries, cozy bookshops, and classical architecture. Harry Potter’s depiction of the Hogwarts school environment reflects elements of Dark Academia. Girls can wear Dark Academia style by choosing tailored, vintage-inspired pieces like pleated skirts, cable knit sweaters, and blouses, and accessorizing with leather bags, vintage jewelry, and classic footwear.
What is the difference between Gothic and dark academia?
Dark Academia is a literary genre that combines elements of Gothic Revival architecture and classical art, with a focus on the intellectual and scholarly. Its melancholy is rooted in nostalgia and the pursuit of knowledge, while Gothic’s darkness often stems from fear and exploration of human nature’s sinister aspects. Dark Academia’s aesthetic is more subdued and scholarly, blending elements of Gothic Revival architecture and classical art. Despite these differences, there is a significant intersection between Dark Academia and Gothic aesthetics, with both valuing classic literature from the Romantic and Victorian eras.
What are the best colors for dark academia walls?
Dark academia is a style that combines deep, rich, moody colors with classic and timeless elements. Popular options include navy blue, dark brown, deep forest green, burgundy, and black. Warm and earthy tones can soften the look. This style builds on maximalism, creating a cocoon-like shell around the rooms, allowing homeowners to unwind. Inspired by the knowledge and culture of the past, vintage and antique elements are used to convey this aesthetic.
Tom Dixon, managing director of Beautiful Walls, recommends visiting charity shops to find old leather bound books, antique writing desks, typewriters, and rugs to create a unique dark academia interior.
📹 HOW TO DECORATE DARK ACADEMIA STYLE – moody made easy! 🖤
In today’s video, we’re doing a deep dive into the Dark Academia decorating style, with lots of easy tips on how to get this cozy …
I have decorated my art studio in light, Dark Academia style. Here in PA I am finding perfect Eastlake antiques that are ebonized. I kept my walls white because of painting. Just painted black accent walls & black stucco fireplace. I collect old books & ledger books from 1800’s for art projects. I also incorporate 1800’s lithographs into some projects. Tons of handwritten letter from 19th Century beautifully written with ink in cursive. The world we live in now considers books, ledgers & handwritten letters obsolete. The human touch & energy found in these items is precious. I have found this style to be far more versatile when u start creating than is currently being shown on social media. Definitely redo your BR in Dark Academia. Think out of the box & hit some Antique stores. Dig deeper into this style, especially in your home & add to the conversation. I can’t air to see what u come up with. A little bit of antique French gilt furniture goes a long way also.
Since 3 years I have a very dark bedroom. It has very dark browns, grays and black. It is the only dark room in my appartement and once I step into this room, I can feel the serenety and calmnes comming from the dark colors. I have never slept so good in my entire life. I keep the decoration low with only a few pieces like an antique brass lamp and some velvet pillows or some original wooden boxes for jewelery on the dresser. Allthou I love my entire appartment, my bedroom is my favorite room and I just love the atmosphere.
I love the look of dark academia. My small house is very light and bright (cottage style), but I wanted to try out something dark and moody. I decided to have my small powder room painted (walls, ceiling, and trim) in a dark green. I think it looks and feels amazing! I bought some moody artwork and accent pieces and wow, I’m so happy I took the chance and tried it!
My home is 121 years old. For a long time, I didn’t know where to go with my natural, dark oak woodwork. A picture of a library inspired me to look into dark academia. They had used a very dark emerald green against the beautiful oak trim. I loved the color, so I jumped right in. The plan was to be DA, but I’m too weird to be bound by a serious design style. Enter maximalist design. I’ve married a dark academia color scheme with a maximalist quirk. Designers may not like my style, but I love my home!
I love the dark academia style and I’m drawn to it every time I see it. I have had my north facing dining room always in this dramatic color scheme. I am currently redoing my once dining room and creating a Den/Library all in a dark green saturated color! Don’t you just love green! I can’t wait for this room to come to life. I’m using the steps from the course that I purchase a few years ago to pull this project together. I will post photos when it’s finished! Take care my friend! Happy Easter and Happy early Birthday Rebecca!!!
YAAAY FINALLY!!! I have always been drawn to a more masculine aesthetic, and it definitely shines through in my house design. It’s as if my house is sporting a perfectly tailored men’s suit, complete with a pair of Ferragamo’s. Many people raise an eyebrow when they find out I live in Florida and expect me to adhere to a typical Florida aesthetic. But who decided that rule anyway? That’s like telling me I cant wear white pants after September (lol) to heck with rules! My house marches to the beat of its own stylish drum, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Oh my God !!! I was hoping you would do Dark Academia as soon as possible. I didn’t want to wait for weeks to have a look at your version of this beautiful, timeless design. Thank you so much Rebecca. I have been perusal your articles since the first year you uploaded articles on YouTube. One day when I have enough saved up, I will call you and invite you to Canada to do my house. Between now and then, I will watch all your articles and design sessions faithfully. God bless you and thank you for sharing your knowledge with all of us.
I have such design with British Colonial chinoiserie design. You can always add more light through the windows or fixtures. Very traditional. My dining room/sitting room has Baker mahogany and burl wood shelves and cabinetry all along one wall. Dark burgundy velvet sitting, some print, and a bergere chair with a tapestry back and brown leather seat are some of the items.
I now live in Florida, (from New York) and am so sick to death of “coastal chic”! Boring! Everyone said that my things would not work in Florida. Not so. I love the dark academia look and love all the interesting antique and vintage accessories. I still use all my antique pieces, & leather bound books. Makes a room interesting. Never understood decorating with a basket on the coffee table filled with balls of twine. I also love different styles in different rooms. You are my kind of designer! Love your website! ❤️
I have been perusal your website for years… I’m starting to move into this style pinch by pinch… I see it as an evolution of style and it’s sort of envelops you in a warm, cozy, dark hug… I’m doing mine on a shoestring budget, but only a couple of areas of the house for now… I like to call my style eclectic on a budget .. of course, I’m being a bit facetious…
This was so helpful. The closest to my style. I have lots of mission style furniture, hardwood floors. My lower cabinets were custom made quarter sawn oak, but my top “cabinets” are just shelves in a nice green. lots of terra cotta pottery and plants. I have the wood and iron circle stairway to the loft office. Thanks for this article
I love dark academia. I have always been drawn to the Dutch oil paintings of botanicals, velvets, and deep color. Even when I was little, I loved The Haunted Mansion ride in Disney World. Halloween is a super fun time and my favorite holiday. I don’t think I could do my entire home in dark colors, but I think bedrooms and offices look great.
Best presentation YET ! You absolutely nailed this ! Wonderful, wonderful, Wonderful ! This is Wonderful. I am amazed that you are able to go from the soul-less modern or contemporary minimalism AND THEN THIS MASTERPIECE ! Wow, you surprised me with your versatility on this one. . . .more of this style please because those “old dark wood” pieces, often antiques are heirloom or inherited and the ultimate in “sustainable” housing where your incredible skills really shine. Just wow. Thank you and Wow you just really surprised me with this presentation. Please tackle the integration of the different periods – you could start with the much loved French Louis XIV; and then move to the Louis XV – and tackle the Deep Cathedral Italian Baroque. . . .and then transition into the Rococo. All those who are chalk painting invaluable family heirlooms because they can’t “see” the beauty NEED YOU Please Ms. Robeson ! but this one. . . . Wow!
I recently took the design style quiz and it shows I am 50% traditional and am at 25% dark academia. I am thinking of remodeling/redesigning my lower level walkout and have been considering dark academia for this large area. Now I am thinking of moving forward with it after perusal this. I have many large windows and sliding glass doors down there so natural light is not a problem. This gives me so many ideas. I may need Rebecca to help design it…..
At last! So much of my own home was reflected in what you talked about in this article. I’ve been attracted to this look my whole life and find it timeless and beautiful. Admittedly, I’ve never called it “Dark Academia.” I’ve always said “Edwardian Gentlemen’s Club.” But this is me. Anything that looks like Annabel’s Club in London or John Steed’s apartment in the old “Avengers” TV series is me. I’m finally fashionable! Lol! Am really loving this series!
My study/library is this style (which was done before this trend came about) and I have a staircase and hall that separates it from the other parts of my home which leans more towards traditional/French. It may be all wrong professionally speaking but I love it! I have always loved this look in studies and libraries, the paisley, leather, old books, maps etc (yummy fireside cozy!) I would not want it in my other living areas, as I adore the light airy rooms as well. I was going to ask you if you recommended it in just one room to see if I was wrong having it this way, then you answered. I think mine works because I implemented the study style into my hall bath and the hallway with complementary paint choices, slowly changing it over to the lighter areas, which the study colors are used in my accessories. As always, I thank you for yet another wonderful sharing of your knowledge!
😍 I had no Idea that this Style was even a thing & I absolutely love it. If I was a busy, away from home alot person, this is exactly what I’d like to come home to. Thanks so much for all these Awesome new Style articles you are giving us ♥I Love Your website p.s. I’ve taken the Style Quiz you provided but I’m finding I like more & more different styles with each new article you post.
Smart IS sexy, according to my hubs! I so enjoy having a dark, moody library and family room with a lighter brighter main living room. With a large-ish house, it’s overwhelming to have it all the same… it’s nice having different settings to go to depending on one’s mood. And you’re from Tulsa?? My home town! I was smitten by Charles Faudree’s shop in Utica Square years ago and the great antique stores that were on 15th/Cherry Street. I’m enjoying your tips as I complete the decor in our library!
i LOVE the detail you added in your article, TYVM! in the office space i want to convert from mod to DA style, one wall is exposed brick. any ideas on how to handle that? should it get painted the same as the other walls and ceiling, or would you let it stay exposed? i feel the lighter orange and tan colors of the brick wouldnt go well with any of the colors you suggest…well maybe with the gentlemen’s grey, but not sure the others.
Hello my dear . I love this too and the fact that you made this article covering the details of all aspects is spot on. Go for it in the room you intend to incorporate it into . I agree it should transition to the next room as the flow is important but I would think twice if I want to wake up to a dark room. Colours affect one’s mood. Speaking from experience I had a dark red bedroom once. Most of the time it gave me a headache and lethargy. My husband too felt it had to go . I would experiment it and find out your self . Compare it to your own experience of a bright bed room and s lol dark one. Is it going be an experiment then when you discover you are willing to change it back? You never know till you try it. But I would move away fm an academia style bedroom. Malathy
Hi Rebecca. I have a fully paneled (ceiling too) walnut library room that I want to transform to dark academia. I always loved that cozy warm look. But not a houseful of it. Can one room be totally different from the other rooms in the house? The rest of the house will eventually be a modern/contemporary blend. ❤ Just added: What if you like multiple styles? Would it be bad to have different rooms in different styles? How do you blend different styles without creating a hodgepodge?
Rebecca, You are a natural teacher. Having you break down these styles by color, furniture, accessories, art, etc. has been so enlightening to me. I’m finding that there are actually things in each style so far that I love. I’m going to have hubby sit with me. We’ll each take the design quiz first, watch each article and then take the quiz again after we are educated. The design sessions to follow!. I love design although I am not at all educated. My husband sees design more as an unnecessary expense. He did love back 10-12 years ago when I went farm house as we had downsized from a 6000 sq foot custom home and into a 1949 cottage as I was diagnosed with a rare rapidly progressive for of Multiple Sclerosis. I was ready for a more manageable home as we are empty nesters and both our kids live out of state. I liked the cozy of farmhouse but soon craved a more upgraded look. I have purged it over the past several years and am leaning into a more classic but cozy style. We live in Nor Cal and the last major storm sent a large, old tree through our roof and ceiling in our living/dining room. I see it as a great opportunity for us to find our style while structure is being replaced.
I love this. If I could only do one color and design throughout my house, I’d do light colors and very basic BUT I do different styles throughout my house. I have a dark and moody art deco styled den and a mid century modern inspired room. It goes with all my different personalities and interests. 😂
I love that you’re doing this series! You’re so amazing! Special story: I’m taking Rebecca’s advice and reupholstering my couch. The upholstery place sent a designer to my house so I could pick out fabric… omg you’ll never guess it… somehow (lol) we got to talking about our love of design and I said “I’m an amateur designer”… the conversation evolved and we both squeezed in excitement when we discovered we are both huge fans of Rebecca Robeson… omg instant bond! We talked and talked and talked about your Christmas articles and everything you’ve taught us. You are just magic RR! #foreverfanclub forming in Rochester MN! 🫶
I like dark academia! I would not like all the rooms in the house like that but one of them, for sure! Love it! Yes make your bedroom like that! Smart and sexy! Perrrrrrfection! It hits with my traditional, victorian mood! I am so eclectic! lol Do your room in a dark academia with a touch of glamour, oh I would love that! I can’t wait to see what you come up to 😍🤩🕯️💜
Dark Academia has always been my favorite style. I am so glad you have finally brought a new article of it. I am so sick of seeing all the white farmhouse. I love color and deep wood colors. The love of beautiful leathered furniture. These are never out of style they just like floating off to easy less expensive looks,IMO.This style always looks to me to be old money.
I am loving this series!!! Thank you 🙂 I decorated my parents’ library in Dark Academia without knowing it was called that way, there are bookshelves all around the room in dark mahogany and a green Chesterfield leather sofa. It was always my dads’ favorite place to read, use his computer, watch TV, he just loved that room!!!!
The reason all my rooms are different is the light coming in. Brighter rooms can hold a deeper color. Less well lit like a brighter color. The foyer hall and entry are all the same but each room is a different color. Reminiscent of British or Georgian colors some rooms more whimsical like the red library or the purple bedroom. These two rooms are very popular
i’m obsessed with this style series. it’s basically my “if pinterest boards could talk/educate” dream come true. am i the only one who wanted to jump through the screen and reorganize the (gorgeous, built-in) bookshelf directly behind rebecca? could my design session membership be exacerbating my neurotic perfectionism tendencies? you know what, ignore that last question…. 🙂
Twenty five years ago it was called traditional English. In NYC I work long days and the vast majority of my time in my pre-war apartment is in the evenings, to come home to a very bright white on white modern apartment would just seem odd. On weekends during the day the sun streaming in looks great too.
This is probably my favorite look, yet that you’ve focused on! Do your bedroom and office dark but with some glam thrown in. Make it The Robeson Rule. 😉 I always tend to gravitate back to this after all the other styles and trends have come and gone. I’m a gothic chick at heart and love all things moody & “castle-oriented” with sumptuous textures, prints and curated pieces that I’ve collected through the years! But I’m also a glam girl and love the sparkle & shine of mirrors & metallics.
I see a lot of builders doing just the study and media rooms dark like that – but the rest of the home is light and bright. Maybe just do the bookshelf/built ins in your bedroom area dark but keep the bedroom light. What do you do with window treatments as you have nice shutters – & if you go dark…it would change the consistency of exterior view…which is a no no – right?
In my house every room has a different colour theme and a different style, but the ones connecting like the hallway which connects to every other room in the house except for the kitchen is in a more neutral colour, right now I have the hallway walls yellow (the colour you will find in old houses) and with white window and door frames and I forgot the name of the style of my wooden furniture there but they are a remake of an older style (darker wood) and both are of a set and thus have the same shape of the legs and the same handles
I love dark academia, I have painted my office in very dark blue, but only did one wall. Then I purchased a house where I have my library and my office next to each other. I will definitely go for the dark blue again but this time all walls and ‘maybe’ ceilings as well – Love it!! Thank you for this article, love your taste and articles.
Instant depression for me. It reminds me of creepy shows like Dark Shadows and Sir Graves Ghastly, lol. Though I do find the one room with the flower’s on the wall interesting. This sort of reminds me of my grandfather’s house also. The paneled walls, books, old stuff. I’m amazed so many people like it.
If I will have the money I would like create a Victorian dark academia green house with big plants some big pieces of amethyst in bookshelves with books of course. Vintage chandeliers. Velvets cushion a warm wood floor with a dark gypsy carpet . Huge vintage mirror… finally dark witchy boho academia kind of something 😂🤣 I love to much things…
i am so glad i found your article …..i really cant understand this obsession for white, white walls, white furniture, white curtains, white everything …….they all told us ohhhh look how bright your room is, that is modern and clean, this is a big bullshit,lets look back in history at 19th century elegant design, we will see brown, yellow, black, cappucino,cozy and rafined collours
I love when different rooms In the house are different. It’s fun to look at (and decorate)than to just have the same thing all over. It puts you in different moods too. Personally I wouldn’t want DA in my bedroom. I have a bohemian (the more vibrant kind) vibe in my bedroom and DA in an extra room in my house, which houses my desk, keyboard 🎹 and books.
Woah, Rebecca! Such a “dark” turn for you and your design style! LOOOVE those gigantic wall photos of flowers – wow!!! I love all things velvet and cozy, which is especially great when I now live in the upper Midwest – BRRR! And though I don’t subscribe to horoscopes, as a Taurus, I am drawn to all things comfy, cozy, squishy and PLUSH! Hm…maybe I should swap my current Scandi for Dark Academia???
I just love your presence, Rebecca! And your insights. Thank you for being YOU. PS: your article editor MUST give more time to each frame!!! I cannot take in everything when he only gives us a second or two to take in all the aesthetic information! It’s frustrating and dizzying. PLEASE ask him to change his ways and consider your audience. I am not ADHD!!! I need to peruse. 💖
Love this style, but in New Zealand we call the pieces Antique instead of Vintage, a Hundred Years old or more …love the built in bookshelves!!! Swoon I love Steampunk and would call myself a MAXA-MA-LISM-A-GO-GO Gal hahahhaa hard to pull off when we live in a small cottage in the woods of New Zealand but dreams are free and I love to look at People’s homes x
First things first – you are THE absolute best! I can’t wait until Thursday for your articles…..Please keep them coming! Now to Dark academia… I love it (and adore this series) but noticed in the article that all the rooms seemed huge, with high ceilings and ginormous windows. I live in S. FL in a typcial cinder block ranch… As much as I love the style, just can’t see it in my home. :((((
Hi Rebecca, I had the flu last week. I was bored and rewatched all the Christmas articles you’ve made over the years. It was really a journey through time, lots of funny things, special funny hairstyles and the most beautiful Christmas styles. Nice that you always come back about placing the balls and ornaments deep into the tree. That makes it truly magical. The article where you give a tour of the Christmas lights in Tulsa 2021 has such beautiful music. It makes me emotional. Do you know the title of that song or where I can find it? 🎅🎄☃️ ❤ from Holland 
I will always prefer an open, airy, style. But I wish there was a way I could have a light bright bedroom that could be converted into a dark academia (DA) room when it’s time to go to sleep, and then convert the room back to light and bright the next morning. A versatile bedroom that goes from bright during the day, and dark cozy at night. Also, Ralph Lauren has been doing his own DA since the 1980s, but it wasn’t called DA and never really caught on until the “Harry Potter” movies came out.
Dark Academia is not my design style but it is very beautiful! Understanding your rationale for choosing each element that defines this style was very interesting. This article series is educational, fun and inspiring. I’m going through all your YouTube articles, even the older ones, and I’m learning so much. So glad you still have them up for people like me who are fairly new to the Rebecca Robeson world! I’m especially loving the Design Sessions; those are the best! Thank you again, Rebecca! See you next week!
Hi Rebecca Love this article First of all smart is sexy!!!! Second I have a question?? I really love this look and have many antique pieces (including a 18th century four poster bed that belonged to the man who fought the last fatal duel in Canada) And wing back chairs from a beautiful Edwardian inn. But I lie in a modern newly built Apartment high-rise. We are not allowed to paint the walls so I am stuck with white white walls My flooring is very dark and I have a beautiful caramel and ivory marble back splash. What are ways to bring more of the dark academia look in to the space?
My favorite black: Limousine Leather in eggshell finish. So beautiful, especially in my sun-filled living room (windows facing south and west) in the summer. It’s a delightful refreshing wall (filled with art prints, a gel fuel fireplace and flanked by two arched bookcases filled with books and what-nots) when the sunshine is otherwise flooding into the room until 8:30 p.m. during high summer. P.S. Smart is always sexy when you use your intellect the right way, but sexy isn’t always smart 🙂
Personally, I am steering VERY CLEAR of this aesthetic and the dark moody room trend that’s been building over the past couple years…if only because I am by nature quite a “gothic” soul, and as natural as this style would be for me, I had everything so dark and so ornate and rich for soooooo long, and I just got to a point, not that long ago, where I just got tired of my space making me depressed…..so I find myself in a bit of a complete redefining of self and lifestyle mode…..out with the dark and the heavily and beautifully ornate and embellished and very “traditional”, and in with the new, and sleek and modern and light and bright, but still rich and sophisticated ed and sensual, and even a bit “glam”(in the sense that I’m a fashion designer and love beautiful clothes/fashion as inspo)
Such a beautifully done article, I love the trend. I do remember a number of years ago that you wanted to paint your bedroom a dark, moody color and it seems to me that your husband wasn’t thrilled). I may be wrong with that point. What I know is that you were way ahead of the current trend. Good Call. Maybe it is time to revisit that thought. I might add that even if I did take your quiz, my design style is NEVER mentioned and I love it and will always do some kind of version of it. The British Colonial style, to me is so luxurious and inviting. What I do see, is that so much decor does not include palms. Parlor palms go back into the “dark ages”. They can transform a room and when I designed my penthouse in Honolulu, the palms were my first thing that I purchased!
No Rebecca, don’t paint your rooms dark! I am convinced you will regret it. In the most recent Homeworthy house tour, we were shown a beautiful home with several dark, moody rooms. What to my eyes made it all work, is that the dark rooms were connected by a light filled, two story entry hall, painted white. (The kitchen and bathroom were also white and light.) The dark rooms had large windows, and plenty of daylight. That’s why she could pull it off.
So, I guess I’m going against the grain of most comments here on dark academia. It’s very very heavy, depressing although rich, it could swallow you up! To each his own. I don’t care for English shows either, like Downton Abbey, which to me this style would fit right in. Neither do I like the all white and grey, sparkley look.
I just took your design quiz. According to the answer I prefer contemporary and I agree. I could definitely not live with all that dark furnishings etc. I felt my mood completely change when perusal the last article and all the dark colours made me feel oppressed. I live in Spain and I feel I am just drawn to light, bright, surroundings. Have been a subscriber for a few years now and always look forward to perusal your articles.
I completely get what you are saying Rebecca. If you did only your bedroom suite, it might feel like going immediately from winter (darker) to summer in other parts of your house that are much lighter in color. I do love the Dark Academia look though, and think it could be very sexy and sultry in your home. Your home already has the more traditional style on the outside anyway. It could be very interesting! Mrs. Chi @rebeccarobeson1
Love this style, wasn’t sure I would. I was thinking Gothic in my head, but you have changed my mind. Just beautiful, hope you decide to pursue this style in one of your rooms, can’t wait to see the result. I know it will be stunning as always. Like many of the other comments below, I’m so tired of the cookie cutter white, beige home. They all look the same, boring!
I get there is elegance and luxury in all the styles, and I appreciate the Academia dark design style with the rich colors, lux fabrics, and soothing light. The detail of having very large windows helps to frame this style. But this style is not for everyone, not mine, too dark for my psych. ❤ ( This comment is counterbalanced others 😀)
I have the Traditional style, just as I expected it to be. An ideal house would be a perfectly preserved Victorian house, opulent, with a grand staircase, massive moldings, gorgeous encased fireplaces, and tall ceilings with the old technology (service bells, hidden buttons for service, hidden doors, etc) untouched. Of course, it should be up to date with wifi and plumbing and radiator heating. That would be a house made to be decorated for Cristmas (red and gold, classic green garlands, bows and multicolored lights). 🙂
This is exactly how my partner would love our (future) house to be decorated. He is modeling it out the way his own father furnished his home, and I have to say it is absolutely stylish, elegant and refined, with a gorgeous wooden built-in, wonderful antique furniture, a cream leather sofa, a beautiful rug…However I very much prefer a modern and light style so we’re stuck! If we are lucky to have an extra room I will have him have his own studio with wood paneling and all the leather and velvet he wants…otherwise I’ll try and find pieces that lean into the style such as the couch you showed. Thank you for these articles!
Oh my goodness, I love it all! Don’t know if the restaurant The Velvet Turtle had a location in San Diego, but there was one in Thousand Oaks, and I loved the richness of the decor in that restaurant, and because of that I painted and wallpapered our formal dining room in very dark paint colors and dark wallpaper, it was lovely. And I’ve already mentioned that I painted a heavily textured wall black and then had book shelves built in front of it. I think those were my two favorite rooms I’ve ever pulled together.
O M Goodness! I would love to see you do your whole house in Dark Academia! It’s my favorite style that has come up in the last few years. It’s so moody and sexy and sophisticated! Just this last November I did my Dining Room in it. A deep dark green with a gallery wall with gold frames. I just love it! Most of my rooms are open concept and you touched on something I have been wondering about. Where do you stop! I don’t know how to go from my dining room to my living room and whether I should continue with the same wall color. It just has columns separating the two rooms. I did paint my fireplace area in my living room a little lighter version of the dark green in the dining room but not much lighter. Anyway I digress. I can’t go into my whole house but I would love love love to see how you do it! I would learn a ton!
You want to look sexy and bright and beautiful! I think the dark academia is very cool in the context of a bar room, game room, or study. But your bedroom and home office are so inviting as-is. I had a beautiful charcoal gray wall color in my bathroom and it showed every chip and splatter and looked tired quickly.
This session on Dark Academia was enchanting, even though dark colours tend to make me feel down. Recently been rolling over in my mind to do my bedroom in very dark aubergine with dark mauve drapes. Love the cosy feeling it would give there but dont dare to try that in the rest of our home. Also I did the quiz about 3 times and everytime I’ve gotten something different. First mostly Minimalist, then mostly Contemporary and then Glam! And I also like Dark Academia. Totally confused!
I agree that a home needs to have congruency and flow, however, I don’t think if someone loves one style that they “have to have” the ENTIRE home in that style. All depends on what you want. For me, I enjoy different emotions so I use the different style rooms to change my mood/emotions. I love elegance, but when I go to the outdoor pool I literally want to be transported to Key West (to each his own) 🙂
I’ve been decorating a mix of Dark Academia, Gothic, Rustic and Industrial for years! My rooms are entirely either black, dark green or dark purple – totally colour drenched the same colour. My home can take it being South facing which is sun facing in the UK. Velvet and faux fur along with gold/brass accessories make the dark colours look incredibly sumptuous. I love the outdoors, nature, wildlife, gardening. When I come home I don’t want (or need!) more “light and airy”, I want a cosy cocoon.
Please don’t change your rooms. They are beautiful, if anything just add a little bright accent colour. I think the Academia style is very beautiful however much I like what you are showing. But I would get depressed and as I like to craft I could not handle the darkness. It is good in castles, old style homes that are large. I just think about the dusting.
It is just one Academia, and that style is as old as the castles in Medieval Times. You either decorate with light or with dark, but it is just one. No, not all has to be black, that is a misconception, and just because something is dark, it is not Academia, you need academic items to be called Academia. It is like saying everything black is Goth. And no, that wood doesn’t look dated and you should know that if you really consider yourself a real designer.
Although I am drawn to deep saturated color, I don’t think I would like to live in a home with this much dark color around me. I would however, enjoy visiting hotels like that one you shoulda us. It really is a very interesting style. Thanks for explaining this style to us. I never knew that is what it was called.
I have FOREVER preferred the dark, sophisticated look and can’t even imagine how gorgeous your home would look in this style. My vote would be a resounding YES. The rich, dark woods are so gorgeous, warm and inviting. I’ve alway found white and light colors to be attractive, but somewhat cold and uninviting. Dark woods and textures have always screamed sophistication and mood to me.
Did this style start with a book? There another Youtuber that says it started with a book and the designers are getting it wrong, not so much about dark walls. I dont remember the name of the book. Dark Secrets or something like that. Have you heard anything about that perspective? They describe the style in the book and it is not like what the designers have run with. Its more vintage/European inspired. 9:55
Rebecca, you are very adventurous go for it. Start with your retreat and continue down the bedroom to see how it goes, if you like it you can continue with the flow. You can go bold because your house is big. The only problem I see is that you have to turn your books or add pergamines to them to achieve a Victorian library. 😂 Just remember if you go dark academia your Christmas tree will have to be vintage.
I love this style. I did paint my den in Nightclub by Behr 2 years ago and my lower kitchen cabinets. I also did Creek Bed by Behr on one wall in my bedroom & the trim. I used matte finish and satin. This was before I heard of this style. Which is pretty close to what I like anyway. I do have some rooms that are in white or a lighter neutral gray.I literally just decided where to paint & at times had to tape off to create definition to another color.
Hi, you read my mind on this style, living in Ohio with mostly cold winters and gloomy days I love colors around to bring some warmth in the house. To me white and farmhouse kind decor suits in warm areas where cool and light colors bring some colder vibes. I love home decor and design and I learn a lot from your articles. Thanks!
If one is a person who is not a”fad” follower then a design style does not go out of style. You can even have a smart home with any design style. If one does follow fads that’s fine too because most people decorate their home to match them. That’s what makes a house a home. I don’t follow fads but still love to watch different decorating styles and home tours. Thank you for inspiring us to decorate our homes and experiment with different styles.
I like the dark look but after a while i think it would put me in a dark mood, The look with the light walls and bring the color in with the decore is nice. But the dark on dark i think is pretty but wood not want the look in my home! just to dark for me. I like the light and airy look with rich fabrics and colors brought in. I also light white on white looks.
I painted my bedroom what I thought was black on the swatch and it turned a deep deep black plum. I enjoy that color but am having a hard time finding artwork for my room. I have to paint my dresser because it’s a muted pink and my nightstands are a nice dark wood, they don’t work together (I purchased the dresser in that color, it’s used) and I’m not sure what color to paint it.
So enjoying the articles, Thank you Rebecca. Wish I had seen this 50 years ago. But this Dark Academia style reminds me of New England, or ski country. Love all of your suggestions and educating all of us. As for your bedroom, office area go for it. you did look at home in the article and those bookcases would be so cozy. I loved when you painted the walls that deep green for Christmas. Can’t wait to see how you change your house after all these articles. Thank you so much and see you next week.
Girl, you don’t have to worry! Rebecca, you are both very smart and very sexy. You can have the best of both worlds. And by the way, you do have the best of both worlds. I admire you so much because you have it all. I also think mysterious and moody is so fun too. I had to subscribe to your website because I wanna watch every one of your episodes. Thank you so much for such amazing wisdom. I finally found the perfect designer in you. I love all of your styles so much. They speak to me and I really love the dark academia. Hugs to you! Sincerely, Freya
I love the way this looks. That being said, many people do not have solid wood (paintable) windows. All that dark painted trim just won’t look the same with white vinyl windows. Also having lived in many an older home I hate to think how your windows will stick after 4 coats of dark paint or the grief you will go through to strip all that woodwork while attempting to bring it back to its formal glory.
Thank you so much Rebecca! These articles have been incredible! Thank you also to everyone who helped out and allowed you access. I love this style! I noticed that I have a few items in my home that would fit this style very well. It looks so comfortable and inviting. I think that you should keep your room as it is… It is so gorgeous. You look both sexy and smart in it already! I seem to have a mixed bag of styles that I love, and your articles are helping me in making some tweeks in my home to make it more beautiful.
Great article Rebecca!! I have been exploring this look for the last couple of years since we began a new build in Southeasten NC. We moved from the historic Chester County,Pa (West Chester near Valley Forge)where versions of ‘Dark Academia” was always a thing but I wanted our new home to be more light and coastal but with some color and warmth….definitely a big NO for a white kitchen!!! We are loving what we’ve done so far but the the ridiculous inflation now we have slowed our decorating roll. I decided I did not want an “office” so I am using the small (12×12) front room as what I am calling my ‘Southern sitting room’ but I want a ‘dark academia’ flavor too. I put the furniture from our Chester County formal living room in that space and it all fit the look I am going for…I even have a brown suede Theodore Alexander chair (the most unbelievable score I EVER made from Homegoods) in there and an antique secretary but I almost died when you said “your grandfathers pocket watch!!!!! My husbands GF was a NY train conductor and we have his pocket watch hanging on the antique secretary there. I am LONG winded clearly but I really just loved this article>>A LOT!!! Please consider doing your office and bedroom in this style, YOU would make it soooooooooo fabulous and with the history of your home it would make a real story!!! Im sure I can’t afford you but if you ever want to come visit the Wilmington, NC area and help me with some finishing touches you have a room, some red wine and according to my Italian hubby I am the best chef he knows.
Hi! I live in Colorado and I was in Vail in that hotel in October. I am in the process of creating a sitting room that will be dark and moody. Your article helped me finalize some ideas and helped me realize I have decor for this style in my decor storage room already. Yippee! Thank- you for your help.
Rebecca you have said how do you want to feel in the room. But of course it has to be ones style. Maybe you are drawn to dark macadamia because you need a bit more cozy. I love the white office. But could you find a room you can transform to a dark academia nod. Personally, I don’t think I could live with my whole house in this style even though it is one of my three. But I would do a small bedroom in this style to serve as a reading or study. And I would love how it looks and feels because it’s me.
Can we make some space for ‘Mid Tone Academia’? 🙂 Some of us may not be into any of the extremes of very dark or very white, but are drawn to the quintessential ‘English Library’ style, in a medium saturated palette. To me, an English country ‘Library Snug’ is all about coziness, warmth and relaxed elegance. It’s wing back chairs, tapestries, Morris wallpaper, and a fireplace.