The Dark Academia style has taken the world of interior design by storm, with its moody, nostalgic atmosphere and vintage furnishings evoking a sense of elite historic educational institutions. Born from the idealistic idea of 20th-century collegiate life, this maximalist scholarly aesthetic combines elements of art history, classic literature, and intellectual curiosity.
Designers like E. Barrett Oswald and Katie Thomas say that key elements of the Dark Academia style include vintage furnishings, rich fabrics, dark paint colors, prominent bookcases, and a diverse range of artworks. Artwork plays a crucial role in enhancing the aesthetic, with pieces spanning various themes, colors, subjects, eras, and mediums.
A well-curated gallery wall filled with works that evoke the Dark Academia atmosphere can be complemented by décor elements like velvet throws, patterned rugs, antique-style desk lamps, brass candlesticks, and vintage clocks. Installing wall paneling adds texture and creates a vintage vibe, while warm neutral paint tones like deep taupe, olive, or smoky gray complete the look.
Art experts recommend looking for works that feature eye-catching portraits, surrealist landscapes, and thought-provoking compositions with rich, dark, moody color schemes. Artists like Old Masters such as Rembrandt van Rijn and Albrecht Dürer, innovative graphic artists like M.C. Escher, and painters preoccupied with brooding themes like Francis Bacon or Vincent van Gogh can add to the Dark Academia aesthetic.
For those considering buying works at auction, choosing the right frame is crucial in enhancing the overall atmosphere and contributing to the Dark Academia-themed space. A darker wood or intricate, gilded frame with UV-protected museum glass will not only keep the artwork safe but also shine in the home.
Source: https://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/dark-academia-interior-design-calls-for-moody-landscapes-victorian-portraits-and-sepia-photos-c8c17737