Dark walls are an inexpensive way to bring sophistication, drama and warmth into an otherwise stale, stuffy room.

Painting the walls of an otherwise unspectacular space ebony, navy or charcoal adds depth and substance to a room that a lighter shade could not achieve. Therefore, you may want to consider transforming your comfortably traditional space into a dark, luxurious retreat.

The key to making this look work is to have enough light in the room to balance the dark. Strangely, this is not at all difficult. Working with a room that has at least a small amount of natural light can be helpful, while too much may ruin the effect.  Investing in quality lighting from multiple angles will allow for a very particular, almost contemplative ambiance. Strategically placed lamps create a soft glow that balances the masculine with the feminine. Floor lamps, pendants and halogen track lighting can highlight accessories or art hung on the walls. Which brings us to your art and accessories…

Dark walls do wonders for your prized and even not-so-prized possessions. Anything that is light in color, (which is alot…) will look downright elegant on your deep, dark canvas.  You can have so much fun with color against a dark palette because the groundedness of the backdrop balances perfectly the frivolity of exuberant color.  A world of color opens itself up to you in a new, reasonable way and accessorizing a room such as this becomes a sincere and easy pleasure as opposed to what can be a sometimes difficult Math equation.

Conspiring what to place against your dark walls can be liberating, and a real thrill if you are into the aesthetic rush.

If you decide to pursue the temptations of the darker side then consider also covering your ceiling or floor a light shade if this is not already the case.  Lighter, neutral colors and patterns moving through the dark space is another great way to balance and brighten the room. And let’s not forget texture.  Texture in design is always good but against the dark backdrop texture takes on a whole new level of excitement much like it’s colorful counterparts.

So consider wielding some sexy dark paint. Experiment with the reaction when you use white, yellow, fuchsia or cobalt.  See for yourself how almost all vibrant colors look terrific against espresso brown, dark navy or complex charcoal. It’s hard to go wrong here.  At HighStreet we painted our long, concrete hallway and the ceilings a vibrant, true yellow.  This gives our black offices a lift and glow that makes everything feel and look terrific and, I have to say, I do enjoy coming into my office each day to find that my work space is not some stale little box, but instead a sumptuous, infinite, warm and comforting environment that inspires me to settle in and conjure some serious creativity.

Leah Spurrier. Katherine Tyznik.  HighStreet

When you read the description on the back of the dvd for Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead (THINKfilm 2007) you see the words robbery and murder.…wait…don’t put it back on the shelf. This movie is worthy of your time. Directed by the legendary Sidney Lumet (12 Angry Men, Serpico, Network, Dog Day Afternoon) who presents the storyline in non-chronological order and from multiple viewpoints, the film is an excellent study of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s main character who cracks under pressure. (Hint… the pressure is from the words robbery and murder… also drugs and infidelity. This character has all the fun).  A scene involving Mr. Hoffman and Marisa Tomei in a car is a major turning point in the film and as Sidney Lumet describes…“is one of the most compellingly acted scenes he has ever filmed.”  Philip Seymour Hoffman proves once again, to be one of the best male actors of our generation in this film.

There is also a lot of Sidney Lumet in this movie. He is known for a methodical approach to directing, from pre-production through to the editing and sound. It is clear that this story is well-told not only by Hoffman’s genius, but by the partnership he shares with a brilliant director who uses cinematography to present points of view that clarify the backwards unfolding the viewer experiences watching this story. One scene in particular, where Hoffman sits, fused in a chair by a drug induced malaise at the apartment of his dealer reciting a monologue, is perhaps one of the most brilliant examples of what camera angling and movement can do for an actor and for a film.

The supporting characters are also well cast with Ethan Hawke, Ms. Tomei, and Albert Finney. The story does have some holes in it and there are some odd moments that will have you scratching your head, but take our advice, focus on Mr. Hoffman and his futile descent from a plan gone awry. If you do that and appreciate the non-linear presentation of the story then your fine cinema reputation will remain in tact.

Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead Trailer

Michael Spurrier. HighStreet. Cincinnati