Welcome, do you all remember back in 2001 when I shared my kitchen, dining room and pantry mood boards? Well I sure do! I remember searching the web, saving ideas and pictures and dreaming up a beautiful, cozy, intimate, timeless and traditional dining room. I decided to paint my dining room a deep, dark, sexy green color. Many thought it too dark, but to me it was perfect. Today I’ve realized my style in certain spaces lends more towards “dark academia”. This year for my fall dining room decor, I stayed to to my love of thrifted items but embraced the dark academia trend. She sure turned out stunning!
Thrift, DIY and decorate my dark academia fall dining room right along with me on Wild Roots Youtube Channel:
Embracing Timelessness: The Allure of Dark Academia Design
I’ve always claimed my design style to be Timeless & Traditional. I’m drawn toward cozy, intimate spaces, warm inviting deeply saturated colors; worn, well loved furniture pieces and knickknacks with a history.
You can quote me on this one:
I am no minimalist!
– me
I love the pieces in my home to have a story to them. You will find nicknacks, figurines, curiosities and hand made unique pieces are all welcome here.
It actually makes me sad when I find items like pottery, intricate needlework or crochet and hand made woodworkings. Someone put their time, love and their creativity into these kinds of pieces. I’m happy to give them a new home. Is this something you resonate with? Well then, Dark Academia may be for you.
Where did the furniture or piece of decor come from? Who made it? Who loved it? . . . What is it’s story.
This style lends perfectly to antique and thrift shopping – even to DIY. Lately I have embraced the Dark Academia design style. NOT because it is something new that I’m doing but because I’ve realized, it describes the dark, moody, intimate, curious aspect of my design style.
In a world increasingly dominated by fleeting trends and fast fashion, the Dark Academia design style stands out as a breath of fresh air, inviting us to embrace the beauty of tradition, intellectualism, and a touch of mystery.
Drawing inspiration from classical literature, art, and the aesthetics of old universities, this design philosophy creates spaces that are not only visually striking but also steeped in meaning.
. . . Enter my Thrifted, even DIY-ed Dark Academia Fall Dining Room
My dining room is not fast fashion. I don’t get inspiration from the latest trends. . . rather when I crave a little decor inspiration “fix”, I usually hit the local thrifts stores to see what inspires me.
I look for items like linens, crochet, needlepoint, baskets, containers, pottery and old dishes, hand made arts and crafts, wooden, glass or metal figurines. . . OLD BOOKS – you get the picture right? If you have these kinds of items, you can certainly “sprinkle” in newer pieces to flesh out the complete look BUT you don’t HAVE to spend a lot of money.
The whole point is that this look is has a charming, eclectic and COLLECTED look.
In the picture of my dining room above, you will see
Thrifted napkins with printed floral design. DIY napkin rings made from simple wooden craft rings. Newly purchased candles. Inexpensive plates and water glasses purchased from a department store. Natural elements like real apples & pumpkins. Thrifted cut glass crystal wine glasses. Mismatched, collected flatware. Handmade pottery bowls, salt/pepper shakers and coffee mugs (Family Heirlooms). Old family photos on the walls.
A whole corner cabinet full of mementos, trinkets and little collections that means something to our family and reminds us of someone or a time gone bye. Some of these things like arrowheads, glassware are just simply beautiful, artistic creations that remind us of the beauty that exists at the hands of our fellow man.
YOUR dining room will not look like MY dining room and that is what this style is all about. It is unique, collected over time, CURATED slowly and with great love, thought, sentiment, interest and creativity.
How to get the look: Aesthetic Foundations of Dark Academia
Dark Academia is more than just a design style or even a look; it’s a cultural movement rooted in a love for learning, art, and the exploration of the human experience. It is a FEEL. It is nostalgia and emits a sense of cozy, intimate, curl up and read a book feelings. . . OR . . . grab a coffee or wine and sit around the table and visit.
The color palette typically features deep, rich tones like forest green, burgundy, navy, and black, which evoke a sense of warmth and intimacy. These hues, combined with layered textures such as velvet, wool, and aged leather, and dried or faux floral stems create a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of an old library or a quiet study.
Key Elements of Dark Academia Design
1. Antique Furniture: Vintage pieces are essential. Look for ornate wooden desks, armoires, and bookshelves that tell a story. These items often serve as focal points in a room, adding character and depth.
2. Books, Books, Books: A love for literature is at the heart of Dark Academia. Incorporate towering bookshelves filled with classic novels, poetry, and philosophical texts. Not only do they provide intellectual stimulation, but they also serve as stunning decor.
3. Art and Memorabilia: Incorporate classical art pieces, framed portraits, and vintage prints. Items like globes, maps, and vintage clocks enhance the scholarly vibe and invite curiosity.
4. Rich Fabrics: Utilize materials that add warmth and comfort. Heavy drapes, embroidered cushions, and textured throws create a layered look, inviting you to sink into the space and linger a little longer.
5. Mood Lighting: Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the ambiance. Think wrought iron chandeliers, candle sconces, and soft table lamps that cast a warm glow, enhancing the room’s cozy and introspective atmosphere.
6. Natural Elements: Integrate elements from nature. Potted plants, dried flowers, or even an old wooden desk with an ink pot can create a connection to the natural world, grounding the more intellectual aspects of the design.
Consider your layout; spaces should feel inviting and encourage contemplation. Arrange seating in a way that fosters conversation or quiet reflection, perhaps around a central table adorned with a stack of books and a warm beverage.
The Timeless Appeal of a Dark Academia Fall Dining Room
Dark Academia transcends fleeting trends, tapping into a longing for depth, history, and a slower pace of life. It reminds us to appreciate the art of learning and the beauty of our surroundings. In a time when distractions are abundant, this design philosophy encourages us to create spaces that foster introspection and connection with both ourselves and the world of ideas.
Hey there my friends!
Embracing Dark Academia is not just about decorating a space; it’s about cultivating an atmosphere that inspires curiosity, creativity, and a love for the arts. So, gather your favorite books, indulge in rich textures, and allow your surroundings to reflect the timeless elegance of this enchanting design style. Let me know if this design style speaks to you as well and how you might incorporate some of these elements into your own home. I’d love for you to share a photo it and tag me on Instagram!
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