Archie G. Carrasco, Chairman and CEO of AGC Power Holdings Corp. (AGC PHC), has been named to The BoF 500 Class of 2026 under the Media category, joining The Business of Fashion’s global community of individuals shaping the fashion industry. Carrasco is among 100 new members from 33 countries and 48 nationalities selected for the […]
<!–[CDATA[White has always been the obvious color choice when painting walls in small spaces. Other choices include pastels and other neutral colors on the lighter side of the spectrum. Deep and dark hues take the back seat, especially when the minimalist movement was introduced to the rest of the world. Since then, “airy,” “bright,” and “spacious-looking” sensibilities have been the standard in small spaces. However, as much as we love a bright and dreamy condo, a dark-schemed space is really a show-stopper with its elegantly modern and sophisticated look. 
Working with bold and rich hues can be tricky at times, and are typically envisioned to have the exact opposite effects that bright colors have on small spaces. While these dramatic hues are seen to be gloomy, encasing, and heavy, the right use can bring about spaces that are daring, dramatic, and dynamic. Believe it or not, dark colors create an intimate and cozy vibe, and an illusion of an endless and expansive space as these colors blur the corners of the room. Still not convinced? Here are ways you can pull off dark colors in your condo, no matter how small it is.
1 | Start Small
In every new thing you try out, it’s always advisable to take baby steps. Instead of painting all your walls and ceiling in dark hues all at once, try it out in a small portion in your condo first. Take your compact kitchen for instance. Paint a neutral but deeper and darker matte shade on the area and tie it in with furniture or décor pieces in a contrasting shade or a backsplash with a glossy finish. Go for deep earth tones or a warmer shade of terra cotta for the walls, a high-gloss stainless backsplash, and complete it with black bar stools. Doing so creates a visual separation between living areas and depth for a spatial illusion.
2 | Add Reflective Surfaces
Given that dark colors absorb instead of reflect light, adding reflective surfaces into the space allows light to still spread throughout the room. Break the monotony of walls with floor-to-ceiling slats of mirror or go for ultra modern vibe with stainless steel accent furniture. Not only do these shiny surfaces reflect light; these also create depth and drama, and a touch of luxury.
3 | Put In Patterns
A solid block of dark color can be boring, so don’t be afraid to play with patterns. Instead of sticking to a plain matte paint color, mix in an interesting print courtesy of wallpaper for a dynamic twist. If you’re not up for wallpapers in your condo, you can throw in patterns through throw pillows or rugs. Make sure, however, that whatever pattern you incorporate into the design still ties in with the color scheme or at least with the look you’re going for. We are loving classic prints such as quatrefoil and fleur de lis against navy or dark gray.
4 | Blend Big And Bulky Pieces
So as not to make your small space look even tinier and cramped, incorporate big furniture pieces into the mix. This visual play creates more tension compared to the same composition arranged in a space done in a lighter palette.
5 | Contrast Colors
To avoid looking like a cave, contrast your chosen dark color with a lighter tone. White, pastels, and other neutral colors like beige, off-white, and light gray are great for contrast as they reflect more light and add a clean and fresh look. Natural colors from wood and plants are also good color contrasts as they bring out the richness of the color they are in contrast with.
Read More Condo Tips
Wallpaper with a Twist: Ram Bucoy on New Trends and Bold Choices
Maximalist Design for Small Spaces: How to Go Bold Without Being Overwhelming
Culture in design does not always announce itself through a recognizable motif, material, or symbol. It can also be embedded in the relationships designers build, the knowledge they listen to, the materials they choose, and the decisions they make in response to communities and their environments. This distinction emerged throughout the 2026 International Design Conference […]
The DBP Building as a Landmark of the International Style At the corner of Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue and Makati Avenue stands a landmark of the Makati Central Business District. It is one of the last still standing that were built in the first wave of construction in district fifty years ago. The Development Bank […]
“Buildings only become architectureArchitectureThe art and science of designing and constructing buildings, structures, and spaces that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. It encompasses the planning, design, materials, and techniques used to createGo to Architecture Glossary when they are shared,” said William Ti Jr., founder of the Anthology Festival and WTA Architecture and Design Studio, […]
A Filipino Interpretation of Modernist Architecture Unlike the rest of Makati today, the northern end of Paseo de Roxas in Makati is anchored by a low complex rather than a tall skyscraper. This is the elegant Asian Institute of Management, designed by architect Gabriel Formoso and completed in 1971. In my opinion, the building is […]
“Thailand has claimed urban creativity and livability. Singapore has institutional design leadership. Indonesia is emerging as a design hub. Vietnam is moving into design innovation. And the Philippines? Its position is not weak. It is simply unclaimed.” For IDr. Cecil Ravelas, National President of the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID), the challenge is not […]
Read the issues.
Collect the volumes.
Recommended Video
Tap to Unmute
Unmute
0:00
0:00