Modern gothic · Living room
The midnight drawing room
A room, a feeling.
Ink-blue velvet, old gold and a little architectural drama. A room that comes into its own after dark.
Start with a deep blue that holds its colour in daylight and turns almost black at night. Carry it from the walls into a generous velvet seat, then let warm metal and a pale rug break up the darkness.
The palette
A study in texture
VelvetAntiqued brassDark woodLinen
Gather the feeling
Bring a little of it home.
Considered starting points for the look. Follow a piece to Amazon, or save it for a room that’s still taking shape.
Styling inspiration with affiliate shopping links. Sample links open Amazon searches; check the retailer for the actual product, price, and availability. About our recommendations.
Make it your own
A few styling notes.
The balance is in the shapes: one strong architectural line, one curved piece of furniture and enough open space for each to breathe. You do not need cathedral windows to borrow the feeling. A tall mirror, a narrow bookcase or curtains hung close to the ceiling will draw the eye upwards.
Build the evening light in layers. A shaded table lamp gives you somewhere to read; low accent lighting picks out the room's texture. For the candlelit look around textiles, choose flameless candles.
Gather slowly. An ornate frame found second-hand and a cushion in a rich blue can bring the same mood to a small sitting room before you commit to paint or furniture.
Stay a little longer
