Dark academia living room

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Bookish Bedroom

This the bedroom we either dreamed of having... or dreamed our tortured teenage crush would have (Jess Mariano from Gilmore Girls anyone?) growing up. But designer Stephen Shubel's literary-inspired room is equally appropriate for the adult-set with a vintage mirror and moody black ceiling.

Introducing 'Dark Academia’ – the mysterious interiors trend

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(Image credit: Railings by Farrow & Ball)

Brace yourself: 2021's most unexpected interior craze has arrived, in the shape of Cluttercore's moody maximalist sister, Dark Academia. This popular trend is rooted in showcasing dark-toned walls and a myriad of diverse quirky treasures, think Hogwarts but with a lot more style. Despite its slightly spooky ambiance, we can see why this trend is ever-so-popular.  

Just like Cluttercore, and Cottagecore, Dark Academia stems from social media platform TikTok. However, it is provoking excitement far beyond the digital world – influencing this season's biggest interior design trends – from earthy palettes and restored antiques to the desire for natural-toned furnishings. 

Dark Academia encapsulates everything that has shaped our homes over recent times. 

(Image credit: Downpipe by Farrow & Ball)

Why is Dark Academia trending?  

Dark Academia might have its roots in the latest trending social media aesthetic, but the founder of interior design company KTM Design , Katie Thomas, suggests the allure of Dark Academia is unlikely to waver. 

'There are many ways you can incorporate elements of the Dark Academia trend into your home without risking dating your interiors in the future. The trend lends itself well to a timeless design, as it can include more classic features which never go out of style,' Katie explains.  

(Image credit: Off-Black by Farrow & Ball / Octopus Publishing)

These 'timeless' features are inevitably appealing to designers and homeowners alike, who can decorate in the knowledge that the style will remain somewhat ageless – what more could we ask from a trend?

While we can see the appeal behind Dark Academia, we're turning to the experts who share their interior design tips – so you can get behind the trend without sacrificing your home's style. 

1. Venture to the dark side – with paint 

(Image credit: Gilles Trillard / Sacha Walckhoff Apartment)

If any space epitomizes the Dark Academia trend, it is that of Sacha Walckhoff . The French designer curated a shrine to the style through his eclectic apartment, perhaps most prominently through its dark-hued scheme. 

'I like to mix styles and eras in order to create conversations between 19th-century ethnological wax heads and works of contemporary art. I have designed the hallway with this in mind; painted in a beautiful Farrow and Ball Anthracite to make the room seem dark,' Sacha shares.

He also used the paint to create a juxtaposition with his bookcase – creating a contrast of colorful accessories – from 'very old pieces to works by contemporary artists – making it a sort of modern cabinet d'amateur.' 

2. Maintain a dark scheme with antique portraits  

(Image credit: Stephan Karlisch / Michelle Nussbaumer)

Designer Michelle Nussbaumer has similarly shared how to emphasize your moody scheme by using antique portraits –and pairing them with a twist. 

'I like to use antique portraits and especially nineteenth-century portraits of gentlemen. These types of nineteenth-century portraits help create a moody aesthetic. You can look for these at auctions. Putting several of these portraits together can produce a library, clubby feel. To emphasize this feeling, I like to use patterned wallpaper on the ceiling,' Michelle explains.  

3. Source authentic antiques  

(Image credit: Michelle Nussbaumer)

Dark Academia is not possible without the shelves laden with antiques – whether that is an ornate photo frame, elaborate candle holder, or a flower vase. Despite their vibrant history, Creative Director at Albion Nord , Camilla Clarke, suggests antiques are fitting for a modern home that wants to indulge in its daring aesthetic. 

'So many people think of antiques as old, dusty, and something that they would find in their grandparents' houses, but an antique can add so much to even the most contemporary space,' she shares. 

'Give an antique a new lease of life and upholster it in a fresh linen fabric or bold velvet. There is nothing more satisfying knowing that you chose that piece and it is unique to your home.' 

4. Interrupt the moody palette with earthy hues

(Image credit: Tanner's Brown by Farrow & Ball)

While this trend is primarily associated with monochromatic tones, it similarly celebrates natural colors – including greens and blues – which are already trending this year. 'Earthy, muted tones will help to create a calm space, and we'd recommend avoiding dull greys and swap them out for earthy greens or dusty blues,' Camilla suggests. 

She adds that these colors 'can be used in both classic and contemporary interiors' and exhibit a 'lovely sense of history,' perfectly curating this timeless trend. 

(Image credit: Off-Black by Farrow & Ball / Octopus Publishing)

In the same way that earthy tones contribute to Dark Academia, natural furnishings are equally influential in this trend. But of all the natural wonders, which should you invest in first? Camilla has the answer.

'One of our favorite materials to use is pippy oak. It's a beautiful and natural living product with texture and movement in the grain – helping to bring warmth and character to a piece of furniture,' she shares. This tone works particularly well against 'harder materials such as metal or stone' and, of course, the rich hues of your black paint. 

Has social media just reshaped our traditional living room ideas? Our rooms look set to be majestically moody.

Megan is the News and Trends Editor at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes. As the News Editor, she often focuses on emerging microtrends, sleep and wellbeing stories, and celebrity-focused pieces. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants. 

Paintings and posters above the sofa in the Art Deco living room, photo

Interior

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Paintings and posters are an excellent way to decorate the interior of the living room. In the Art Deco style, harmoniously selected canvases can emphasize the elegance of the style, its luxury and elegance, and add fresh notes. Gorgeous interior design ideas in the photo inspire you to create a comfortable and cozy atmosphere in the living room at home.

The traditional purpose of the living room has long outlived itself. Nowadays, the living room is a place of solitude for family members immersed in an attractive way of relaxing after a hard day - reading a book, watching TV, chatting on the Internet, etc.

That is why it is so important to pay due attention to the interior of a living room in a house or apartment. The variety of styles, finishing methods, a large selection of furniture and decor for decorating the room provide designers with ample opportunities to implement their most daring ideas.

However, despite the desire for everything new and modern, the Art Deco style still wins hearts and is actively used in the interior of a modern house or apartment. The Art Deco living room is a cozy and comfortable corner with its indescribable atmosphere, conducive to a pleasant pastime.

If we turn to history, the Art Deco style originated in France in the 20-30s of the 20th century, and later conquered other countries. The style has manifested itself not only in the style of interior design, but also in many other areas - architecture, painting, industry, fashion, etc.

In the interior, Art Deco style is an unsurpassed luxury. It manifests itself in the finishing materials of the room - only natural and of the best quality, often rare. Stylish furniture is also made of the best materials - rarest woods, excellent leather, expensive fabrics, metals, with elements of natural stones, ceramics and glass.

The art deco living room is full of gloss and lacquered surfaces. Often, the ceiling or one of the walls is decorated with mirrors, which perfectly reflect the light from crystal chandeliers or numerous wall and floor lamps.

The key features of Art Deco is the use of symmetry, strict geometric shapes, floral ornaments and patterns, various ethnic patterns. The interior uses color combinations of light and bold colors. The main colors used, of course, are black and white, and besides them golden, brown, emerald, sand, bronze, beige, gray, peach.

The Art Deco living room has a lot of decorations. Flower vases, fruit vases, statues and figurines, candlesticks, mirrors. But a special role is occupied, of course, by pictures. They are a great way to emphasize the style of the interior, its individuality, luxury and sophistication.

Beautifully framed with gilding and carved patterns, these paintings are the perfect addition to an Art Deco living room. They are able to add the desired atmosphere of lightness and comfort, chic and luxury.

Will look great in the living room interior:

• Art reproductions . Undoubtedly, the best decoration of the interior of the living room in the Art Deco style will be paintings by world artists. However, not everyone can afford such a luxury. But high-quality reproductions are in no way inferior in their beauty to the original paintings. The art deco living room will look great with the creations of Gustav Klimt, the work of the cubists and the fauvists.
• Retro collages. Vintage collages on a background reminiscent of a sheet of newspaper that has yellowed over time, perfectly fit the Art Deco style and its color palette.
• Photographs. Black and white posters with photos of famous actors of the 20th century, musicians, especially jazz, stylish people, as well as modern family photos can also be appropriate in the interior of the living room.
• Paintings by contemporary artists. Reproductions of contemporary paintings can also be part of an Art Deco interior. From the plots it is best to choose still lifes with flowers, landscapes, paintings with floral abstraction.
• Modular paintings.

Many designers place pictures in the living room on the wall above the sofa. This has its advantages. As a rule, the wall above the sofa is empty, and to create harmony, it can be decorated with just the same paintings that look more than appropriate there.

Above the sofa in the Art Deco living room, you can place one large canvas, framed, or several small paintings at once. It is best to adhere to symmetry and hang the paintings strictly in the center, in the case of using one, or at the same distance from each other and from the edges of the sofa, if the wall is decorated with several paintings.

Frames of various colors, textures and widths, mats, slips are perfect for decorating pictures. A perfectly designed picture or poster is another step towards the perfect living room interior.

5 historical fashion trends that anticipated the aesthetics of the dark academy — Realnoe Vremya

Society

00:00, 09/18/2021

The fashion for intelligence was not invented by tiktokers. At least five such waves have already risen in society over the past 300 years.

The Dark Academy is one of the zoomer subcultures. It is based on European culture and - here's a surprise - the desire for knowledge. "Academists" read the classics, dress in the English university style and promote their otherness in every possible way. In their TikTok accounts, there are no dance challenges, but flickering candles, tweed trousers, leather briefcases, books in massive bindings and outfits, as if copied from the Dead Poets Society movie. Writing for The Conversation, Serena Dyer, Lecturer in Design History and Material Culture at De Montfort University in Leicester, UK, lists five fashion trends from past centuries that have shaped this curious subculture.

Being smart is beautiful

Writing with a quill dipped in ink, sitting in the flickering candles in the study with a bound book, wearing vintage tweed in combination with knitted jumpers and brogues - all this is at the height of fashion this fall.

Known as the dark academy, this trend has taken the hallowed halls of ancient universities to the digital worlds of TikTok and Instagram. There are now more than 1 million posts on Instagram under the tag #darkacademia, and magazines call aesthetics the main trend of autumn 2021. The TikTok generation is almost verbatim adopting the tweed comfort of the academic tradition.

This romanticized lifestyle, based on idealized university experiences in Europe and North America, emphasizes knowledge, culture and literature. In fashion, this is expressed in a combination of historicism and the Victorian era, vintage rustic and not necessarily expensive clothes.

But this isn't the first time that a particular piece of clothing has come into fashion with the intent of appearing smart, showing intelligence through clothing has been a trend for centuries. Consider the five most fashionable intelligent trends that history has given us.

The Blue Stockings Society was founded in the 1750s in England by one Elizabeth Montagu, known as the "Queen of the Blue", along with other women of the then elite. Not surprisingly, women had few opportunities to discuss classical literature, politics, and philosophy in the gleaming ballrooms and drawing rooms of 18th-century England. Frustrated by the intellectual hunger, these fashionable ladies gathered to discuss topics of concern to them.

Blue stockings were part of the casual, informal attire the group wore at their meetings. In contrast to the shimmering sheen of high-fashion white or black silk stockings, the simplicity of blue worsted wool stockings was perceived as informal and intimate, as well as a symbol of the rejection of the fashionable expectations of high society.

One writer from this circle, Frances Burney, recalled that a potential visitor who did not have fashionable clothes suitable for a formal evening reception was told: “Do not despair about clothes! Put on your blue stockings!"

Dress like statues

In the 18th century, the intellectual elite of Europe rediscovered the classical worlds of Ancient Greece and Rome.

Women have eschewed hoop skirts in favor of lightweight neoclassical gowns that are more like draped statues than elaborate and intricately tailored outfits.

Neoclassicism has become fashionable in all arts from architecture to literature. Events such as the excavation of Pompeii ignited enthusiasm and romanticized the imagination of Europeans about their classical past. Inspired by antique statues found of women dressed in elegant draperies, fashionable ladies ditch their shoes and hoops to mimic these classic semi-nude statues.

This rather impractical drapery has evolved in European fashion into the respectable high-waisted white muslin dresses familiar to modern audiences from Jane Austen productions. In vogue was a reminder of a tall, column-like statue.

Fluttering shirt sleeves, tousled strands of hair... The fashionable aesthetic of Romantic poets such as Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley and John Keats can still be seen today in the "dark academy" subculture. Romanticism championed ideals, defended them against convention, and embodied his melancholic, intelligent, and brooding archetype of the Byronian heroine.

The historically Gothic-inspired aesthetic of Romanticism extended to fashion, which adopted elements such as medieval cuts (a technique in which the top layer of fabric is cut to reveal another layer of color underneath) and Tudor-style frills. These fantasy styles, reimagining sentimental stories, arose out of a desire to subvert neoclassicism in favor of a glorious renaissance story.

At the end of the 19th century there was a series of intellectual revolutions in clothing that overturned the limitations and formality of Victorian haute couture. In the 1850s, women's rights activist Amelia Bloomer started a trend among reformist women to wear large, baggy trousers.

They quickly fell out of fashion, but Victorian intellectuals continued to invent new fashions that reflected their academic principles.

The Pre-Raphaelites brought with them a new aesthetic - the so-called artistic costume (in German - Künstlerkleid), which appealed to the romantic Middle Ages and rejected the structured drapery of Victorian fashion. In line with the aesthetics and ethics of the Arts and Crafts movement created by the artists, loose dresses and gothic accessories came into fashion. The idea was to look like you stepped out of a Pre-Raphaelite portrait, like an Arthurian lady.

By the way, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs also loved the strict lines of turtlenecks. He used the simplicity of clothing to resist fashion and represent the intense mental process. And now, his "standard set" of clothing embodies a combination of innovation and creative genius.

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