Autumn's hottest new trend will have you seeing dark colours in a whole new light. Senior design editor Margot Austin takes a cue from dwindling daylight and sonorous shadows, transforming these alluring, deeply saturated shades into striking palettes for the home.



Plum and pewter Majestic, mysterious and utterly enchanting, plum's opulence shifts into overdrive when paired with the warm patina of gold. The sobering effects of pewter's weathered greys prove the perfect counterpoint.

 

Margot says "Flat-finish paint lends deep colours an inviting, velvety depth, while glossy walls bounce light around -- a good choice for rooms used at nighttime."

 

Oxblood and ink As the sophisticated, supersaturated sister of cranberry, oxblood brings new relevance to red, while pensive, inky indigos see blue taking a decidedly austere turn.

 

Margot says "Saturated colours work best in enclosed rooms, rather than open-concept spaces. Forgo yesterday's accent wall treatment and instead opt for four walls -- plus furnishings -- in full colour."

 

Cocoa and bronze Got a weakness for chocolate? In rich, textured weaves and embossed faux croc, tones of brown have never been tastier. Satisfy your craving by mixing this dark and decadent hue with a dash of sinfully swish bronze.

 

Margot says "Fashion meets home in daring faux crocodile. This wallcovering in a bedroom by designer Timothy Mather is as timeless and chic as an Hermes Birkin bag."