The colour of darkness...

Recognising the contribution light and shadow make to creating the atmosphere of a room is as important as the colours themselves.

The intimacy of a darkened corner, illuminated only softly by a single table light, can compete with the most extravagantly decorated areas to create an atmosphere that is deeply rewarding to be in.

Contrast brings visual relief to a room and allows it to breathe – consider a photograph of a jungle where the shafts of sunlight pick out areas of intense colour against a background of subdued light – so much more arresting than if everything was lit to the same intensity.