I'm ready for the pendulum to swing in interior design, how about you? Get your paints and pull out Grandma's dark wood furniture. Its time to pile up the books and light all the candles! I hope you enjoy this next episode in the Design Styles series and you now understand the design elements that go into Dark and Light Academia room decor. xoxo

@nancymarx3512

Жыл бұрын

This is gramma speaking and I'm glad I retained all my furniture and accessories from the 80s because this gives me a great base for this decorating style that I love.

@nasirb3914

Жыл бұрын

I've been into this for years. The white walls, white cabinets, white furniture seen in a lot of youtuber's homes are disgusting.

@vaderladyl

Жыл бұрын

It is nice to see a classic, timeless style that has been around since books were invented, have another round in the mainstream decor trends. Hope it doesn't turn into another overdone style copied by the people that are just in it for the novelty and not for real love for the style.

@chastityhunter8018

Жыл бұрын

I think there is a stigma around 2nd hand stores, as being for the poor, they're dirty, nasty etc.. I got real heavy into going to thrift/antique stores after places started opening back up in 2021/22. My favorite places to go!! I've had this personal decor style for +20yrs but didn't know there was a name for it or it was a 'thing' . I thought I was just weird! So glad to find out I'm not a freak 😅

@sielorstout1213

11 ай бұрын

@@nasirb3914That’s house I feel about farmhouse style..🫣🤢🤮🤮🤮🤮

I wish people would stop be concerned about what is coming or going with trends and just do what you love. It is your home and should reflect you and not the trends. I am glad this style has shown up so people who have loved this all along will go ahead and embrace it. It isn't new, has been around for centuries.

@cynthiafisher9907

Жыл бұрын

Some people enjoy changing it up now and then and some people enjoy trends. It’s ok if they like it, to each his own.

@lauragreen4899

Жыл бұрын

@@cynthiafisher9907 I agree with you on that. I am not saying trends are bad and should be avoided. I guess what I am trying to say is some people are timid to just decorate with what they truly love because it is "out of style".

@cynthiafisher9907

Жыл бұрын

@@lauragreen4899 Yes, I’m sure that’s true.

@rubyoro0

Жыл бұрын

You mean I can whip out the giant roll of tassel trim that I bought a decade ago, but stashed away because I thought I had fallen out of style?

@rubyoro0

Жыл бұрын

Btw, I was about to take down my chocolate brown drapes, but guess I’m back in style again. Lol

I FINALLY feel like there’s a style that speaks to me completely. Old typewriters, transferware teacups, old books, plaid skirts… yes to all of it.

@donnawojdacz6969

Жыл бұрын

Yes, yes, yes!!!

@eunicemclaughlin3884

Жыл бұрын

Hi. Maybe is a good idea you can become a KZreadr

@catherinecorn7182

Жыл бұрын

Same

@patdowning7952

Жыл бұрын

Absolutely!! Love it!

I’ve been a reseller of thrifted items for two decades and I’ve always kept the best treasures for myself. From estate sales and everywhere else, if I love it I know it will work. I’ve gradually replaced things I like with antique and vintage things I love. My home has no aesthetic name. Kind of cottage core, granny chic and academic all in one. People think I’m a designer. But I’m just a thrifter with an eye for unique treasures.

@Clean-N-ShineInDfw

Жыл бұрын

Love it. I'm getting into thrift shopping and I absolutely enjoy it 💕

@Kellycreator

Жыл бұрын

I’m the same! I always believe the best interiors are eclectic. Keeping things that look interesting or tell a story are the best home accessories. I’ve a garage full of my vintage sales left over. When I want a change, I go to my store! 😂

@hana-ov1ju

Жыл бұрын

howww do you guys get so lucky with these ‘thrift’ stores, all the charity shops near me have a bunch of clothes and books but nothing antique 🥲

@homebodyheaven6114

Жыл бұрын

@@hana-ov1ju Where do you live? I’m in the USA.

@hana-ov1ju

Жыл бұрын

@@homebodyheaven6114 ooh im in the uk

I think dark Academia is gorgeous. I makes me feel "comfortable" and "at home".....But in some rooms like kitchen and bath, I like the light version of this design.

YES! My house is still in style! I'm a grandma who was born in England and live in Illinois now. My house is decorated on the main level with lots of English china, framed English prints, lace curtains and Union Jack pillows etc. My basement has thick, heavy, dark paneling and furniture and lots of bookshelves. I have old books that belonged to my mom and my English school books from the 50's and 60's. We have a corner brick fireplace too with a REAL fire! It's so cozy down there!

@tnmtnmorning1178

21 күн бұрын

Classic!

This was my late father’s “style” although not intentional. I have have his antique book collection that he would read from often. It takes up an entire wall and is very beautiful. He told me that it was common in his time to stamp your name in your books. So that’s why what he did and my heart skips a beat every time I open a book and see his name.

@vaderladyl

Жыл бұрын

Same as mine. He is an academic/scholar so this came as natural for him. For academics, this is business as usual.

@vickster4474

Жыл бұрын

You can still use nameplates, pretty easy to find. I wouldn't be surprised if someone somewhere wasn't selling name stamps too.

@Heyu7her3

Жыл бұрын

This is definitely "old man barister style" lol

I love the more library side of dark/light academia….huge bookshelves and fascinating scientific trinkets

I have never been one to follow trends but I can see the reason this choice of design has grown in popularity recently. I grew up in a home filled with antiques - a favorite pastime of my parents was to load us all into the car and go for weekend antiquing adventures. I was an old soul and did not find this boring in the least. I have had an antique printers tray in my home since I was a young child and would buy an antique print stamp of the age I was turning each year. My naturalist grandfather gave me shells, fossils, arrowheads, mounted butterflies and more treasures from nature. I have his nature journals on an old chest in front of the sofa and we consult them regularly. I slept in a bed that my grandfather rescued from a barn and fixed for my mother to sleep in. My dad collected old clocks and every hour was a symphony of chimes. My great-grandfather caned chairs and we ate supper on those chairs every night. I know not everyone is fortunate enough to have family-owned pieces and a background of a love of old things but it can be cultivated now. You can give your home this sense of belonging and history and make it your history. I don't think you get that from new items. When the world seems out of control (and it always has been in one way or another, really) it is comforting to have a home where there are things to study and explore rather than just things to look at. And they are real things that are really old not just made to look old. I think authenticity here is key. It's not just a look. I think this search for something real is behind the renewed interest in items that further knowledge and exploration as you see here. I hope more people will instill a love of history and old things in the next generation. My children love old things so it is possible even today in our fast-paced digital world.

❤ that you said’ “Light Academia is dark academia with light walls and bedding; everything else is the same.” Lightbulbs went off in my head as I haven’t been able to pinpoint what I’ve loved for 35+ yrs… MID Academia! A more colored but less busy version of those two styles. FINALLY I know. Thank you!

This is my home almost everything you mentioned is in my home. I am a maximalist with a mix of light and dark acedamia cozy cottage core. It's taken me many years of thrifting to get this look and I love it.

@pennyseled7132

Жыл бұрын

Me too !

@steveschumacher1108

Жыл бұрын

Our home also, We have an old country church we moved and made into our home..

@maryjomathews4749

Жыл бұрын

Same here.

@maryjomathews4749

Жыл бұрын

Feeling pretty blessed right now that I inherited my grandfather's library who inherited it from his aunt. So many books from the late 1800's and early 1900's and they are beautiful. She was a school teacher. I was also blessed with some of my grandfather's fountain pens and his typewriter. Pipes that belonged to my father. I think I could pull this off just shopping my home. I had to laugh about the magnifying glasses. I have several around my house but not for decor, I need them to read fine print 😂

My “cottage core” plus my husband’s “academic “career has resulted in the style. It had evolved naturally and looks and feels pretty cozy and comfortable in our 200 year old home. We have dark antiques, Secretary desks, Crystal decanters , loads of books which we read, book cases everywhere, globes, maps, shells, birds nests, antique chess sets, oil paintings, records and a turntable which we play, an antique Steinway , piano music, musical instruments etc… Our walls are painted in a light neutral beige throughout. We have antique Persian rugs which look better and better as they age. There is nothing new about this design quart from the name. I’m glad to see it featured here! I have often wished that you could help me with some of the quirky areas of our home. Because it’s in an historic district , and architectural board has to approve changes to the exterior. We cannot change the windows for example.

@Clean-N-ShineInDfw

Жыл бұрын

I can imagine how beautiful your home is 🤎

@minorkey5286

4 ай бұрын

I'd love to see a home tour!♡

I am a Granny Chic kind of person, always have been. I'm now a great granny. My furniture is a combination of inherited pieces and oriental pieces in dark woods, mostly. There are some painted pieces here and there, mostly in the TV watching area. My bookcase in the living room and nearby desk aren't decorative, but used all the time for drawing, reading and writing letters. Also that's where I do needlepoint so there is a comfy chair and an embroidery stand. It would be dark academia, except I don't want such darkness. My walls are all white except one accent wall of blue with my paintings on it. I need light to do my work. Lots of light. And velvet is impractical with dogs. Love your channel!

This is one of the very best videos I have ever seen which describes the look, the furniture, the curiosities, the lighting, the mood ... which I love and have been collecting all my life! Your intelligence and your kind voice along with all the photographs you show ... gently guides the viewer into an enchanted world filled with endless possibilities. Thank you so very much! ⚘️

@SheHoldsDearly

9 ай бұрын

Glad you liked it!

I am so thrilled that Dark and Light Academia was the winner. 🥰. I have always loved what I called the “ library look”. I am leaning toward the light academia although I love the jewel toned wall colors. I am older with less energy so I know I can’t completeLy change everything but I loved all the examples you gave of how to get the look in smaller ways like chess sets, books, nature, etc. I am excited about what is to come on your channel . (Interesting that you mentioned “Lone Fox”….I like him too.) 🥰

So really we are reliving 1990!! LOL!! Even fashion-wise is what I was wearing in 1990. I worked for Laura Ashley back then and the whole cottage look and academia/equestrian look (especially Ralph Lauren) was all the rage! I still have my Victoria magazines from back then (too beautiful to throw away and were a gift from a dear friend) and a lot of what I'm seeing now jumps right out of those pages. Funny how it all comes back around. Maybe there's hope that cherished family antiques might be acceptable again with the younger generations!!!

I can't get enough of this new/old trend! I've always displayed my grandma's and great grandmother's old sewing machine, tables, and antique portraits, and it's so satisfying to be able to highlight these pieces that tell a story. They remind us of gentler times/loved ones we've known and cherished over the years. You've made me so happy with this Sarah, and I might just watch again, b/c this style has FEELING, and evokes emotion--love it so much! Please keep it up. We love you!

I’ve always loved this look. Kinda Old school Ralph Lauren.

@shannonimlay1068

Жыл бұрын

I was wondering if I was the only one who thought this 😉 Ralph Lauren did this style so beautifully. I can remember going into high-end stores just to fawn over the Ralph Lauren room displays. I've always loved this style. Since my home is more cottage sized than manor 😉 I have more of a light academia decor.

I’ve always liked dark and moody but I can appreciate any style. This one reminds me of when Peter Rabbit and Friends is coming on ( the old ones) with Beatrix Potter painting in the woods and she goes home to her rabbit and hearth and tea😍! I could watch those everyday. The architecture is astounding!

@ukaly1

Жыл бұрын

I have visited the house that Beatrix Potter lived in. I stood and looked out the window towards her vegetable garden and thought about the stories that she wrote in that house. It was so calming that I didn't want to leave!

I am so happy to see that the old-world aesthetic has come back again. I have been watching design shows a lot lately and started thinking I needed to go away from it and start finding ways to lighten it up a bit. I love the dark woods and warm colors and textures and don't really want to change it out. Thank you!

I absolutely love this style and I’m so happy you shared these tips and beautiful photos! So refreshing after so many modern white interiors.

I am a big fan. I have so many of these elements already and it is just a matter of pulling these forward in my home. Love the look!

I'm so glad that this aesthetic has a name and has become more popular in the last few years, because I have always loved this style ever since I was a child and never knew how to search for it. I would look for "old world style," "grandpa style," or "Sherlock Holmes style," but those never fit as perfectly as dark academia. Thanks so much for this video, it was super helpful:)

I love this design style. Being a lover of books and dark colors I feel I’ve always been there.

The best post. You even look the part, very dark and moody, and your black glasses give you a academic look.

I live in a rent assisted apartment that must keep off white walls. I hang floor length curtains behind couch or bed to add color. Pulled pages from my favorite book " To Kill a Mockingbird" and glued them to thrifted flat sheet and hung in hallway with couple vintage mirrors and wall pockets on top. Added couple wooden cigar boxes to my gallery wall (great hiding places). Love playing in this style. So glad I started collecting early. I am old gal and jewel tones with black feeds my decorating itch. Thanks for sharing.❤

I’ve been doing gallery walls my whole life. I love art and love to arrange in beautiful ways. I’ve also always loved this new trend. My house feels very old and I love it

Loved the video! I love color and because my house gets lots of light, I really enjoy saturated colors. Color creates a coziness without it feeling dark. Being an academic and loving history, all these elements have been natural to me. Hard to believe, I’m finally in vogue! LOL

@robinbirdj743

Жыл бұрын

Right??😂

Hemingway's house in Key West captures these themes. 20 years ago when I moved in my home I painted the walls a bronze, dark wood furniture, black, gold bronze, bronze mermaid, dolphins. antiqued mirrors mirrors, botanical prints of tropical flowers. Books. Dark photos and pictures of natural Florida. I still love it, and now know what the theme is. Academia Florida!

I love this look. I have a little desk in my kitchen. I know kitchen space is key in a kitchen. However, I can store all my cooking books and have a lamp on it. It’s a brilliant space to meal plan and make todo lists and sort bills and letters. It’s a lovely old wood item in a dark wood. I’ve painted the walls and kitchen in the same colour. Added a carpet runner. It’s a cosy space and I’ve taken to having my breakfast at the little wooden desk in the morning. Love your videos hugs from England xx

Love this! I would like to refresh my home and this is right up my alley.

You look the part with your black shirt and glasses. So beautiful. Very informational. I think I will stick with my cottage style weather in style or out though.

@thecrummycrafter5625

Жыл бұрын

Same!!

These dark colours inspire me, I've always loved colour and especially adding browns and some black to my decor. DA easily compliments autumn and winter I think. I would like to see how it works during the summer months.

I’m not a designer at all but I do my best to make my home look nice. I don’t have a theme to my house, I just always called it eclectic. Now after watching this video, I now have a name for how I decorate my house, it’s Dark Academia. I didn’t even know that this is what I was doing. My daughter always comments, “Why do you bring in so much dark furniture, or why is everything so dark?” I just always thought it looked nice. I’ll be sure to let her know that I’m on trend and I wasn’t even trying. 😊

There is almost a "witchy" mood that can creep into dark "a", that repels me. I love the lighter side of this design. Almost a "Jane Austeny" flair.

I'm loving the Dark Academia aesthetic. Incorporating Farrow & Ball's Stiffkey Blue and Inchyra Blue into my north facing rooms and it is glorious. Great video, Sarah. Thank you!

I love this new style, I was always into shabby chic , but this look just feels so warm and natural

This has been my vibe since the 90’s! I commissioned a DA themed painting of my dog, Orion, as an Astronomer so you can absolutely have some fun with this design style.

I love to see the dark academia but i 'm not sure I could live with it. But, the light is equally beautiful and I could definitely live with that. I love it as well as the clothing.

@JShow78

Жыл бұрын

Yes, I was going to comment something similar but you said it so well

As much has I’m holding my breath, a friend said gallery walls are wall vomit…. I stood my ground! I loved my wall gallery!

All the academia! It's like were always ready for a snow day...or in summer time we are ready for tea & crocheting or embroidering with the girlfriends! We are mixing up the light & the dark here in our home depending on the natural light available. Our basement is pretty dark so planning on painting the "TV wall" super dark & the rest light grey. Love gallery walls & layered mirrors & taper candles...love the aesthetic desk "clutter" with books & a magnifying glass & older writing utensils. Great video. I'm inspired! (Aged brass lampshades! Yessssssss!)

I love this dark academia look, and you have done an excellent job explaining it so well!

I am in the process of remodeling my kitchen and I am using both dark and light variation of this look. I installed custom natural maple cabinets mixed with dark walnut cabinets and a dark brown handmaid crackle backsplash (with under cab lighting). I have a vaulted ceiling with skylights and not much of the walls show since it's mostly cabinets, but I painted it dark brown and it looks so warm and rich next to the wooden cabinets. I have a beautiful marble stone on my countertops, which ironically is called fantasy brown but it's light and has browns, blues, and green veins. I kept my old tile kitchen floor, which is a dark green that looks like stone. It all works and it's not dark.

@marilouo4321

Жыл бұрын

This sounds so intriguing. I wish we could see pictures of your kitchen. Maple cabinets sound beautiful

Pure eye candy for me😍. I love it all💗

LOVE IT!! It's also reminiscent of Victorian.

Absolutely agree about gallery wall not being a trend . It’s an old classic .

I love the European aesthetics of dark academia. Loved, classic, time-worn and embracing. That's what has always spoken to me. I prefer the light academia as a whole house of dark academia would be stifling to me. Another great video Sarah! Thank you! 💝

I love this style as well as vintage.

Loved this! Was wondering if you could hit a few thrift stores and antique stores- take us along- and just help show what to grab. I get so overwhelmed in these places and just spin in circles! 😅Would LOVE a focus on study/library as I have many books!! Thanks!!

@robinmiller8728

Жыл бұрын

Yes!!! I miss "How to style your thrifted finds" videos :)

I love that DA style....but can't quite get how to do a kitchen that way. Have to ponder that one! Looking forward to see how you implement these ideas. You're so talented I'm sure it will be beautiful.

Love EVERYTHING included here & the reference to Drew’s work at Lone Fox

Thank you!! I’ve been going the light direction and didn’t even know what it was called!😳😀 thank you so much for explaining this. Have a fabulous day, Laura ❤

I got so excited when I saw this video title. I have never heard of Dark Academia. However, when I built my house about five years ago I titled my design style English Literary Cottage meets southern farmhouse. With Restraint! Even though English cottage usually goes against restraint I like less cluttered. Right now I am looking in resale shops for old men's blazers in wool plaid and hounds tooth that I can use the fabric to make throw pillows for the sofa to bring in that touch of college professor feel. I am loving going treasure hunting for my house right now.

I have always loved this decorating style and plan to incorporate it into at least one room in my house - plus touches in others. But someday some young thing on HGTV will be remodeling a home and will make a lot of rude comments about “Who would do this?!” I hate it when they do that.

@vaderladyl

Жыл бұрын

Yes I tune out every time they start with the rude comments. So unprofessional.

@kathycallahan6810

10 ай бұрын

It's more about a way of life than style

I was calling my style "dark coffeehouse", but it could easily swing to Dark Academia. I painted a wall in our basement black and then installed honey colored shelving to house teapots, mugs, tea tins, and also my husband's small collection of whiskey and decanters. The rest of the room has accents of black, copper, dark blue, deep wood stains, and whatever else would get one in the mood for a coffee infused movie night. My desk sits in a far nook that I am itching to hang a wallpaper mural on. It's been a slow work in progress, but the whole room just feels super cozy.

@nasirb3914

Жыл бұрын

can you share on IG?

@heathers8826

Жыл бұрын

@@nasirb3914 Maybe someday when it is all done. We still have several more steps left to finish it.

I'm drooling. Finally, wallpaper I could live with. I love this Dark Academia forever. You can change the furniture and accents to change things. ❤❤❤❤❤

Thank you. I moved to the dark side several years ago and love the cozy feel of my rooms. I have also incorporated, Edison bulbs in my lamps and added black lamp shades, tables piled high with books that have spilled from my bookcases. I have added animal prints, tapestry pillows, lots of plants, crystal decanters, silver trays, mantel clocks and lost of mirrors. Wasn't aware until recently that it was actually a design style that is rapidly becoming popular. I think I may have been suspected of being a witch by those who don't know me well.

I'm glad I stay true to myself, and never follow "trends." For about 30 years, I've decorated this way. I'm a maximalist, vintage, antique collector, bibliophile, so I don't ever have to change a thing.

Thank you for an outstanding video. Do you want to make a part 2? Looking forward to seeing how you blend it into your own beautiful home.

The ‘technical’ term for the ‘shelf’ is called a typesetters drawer. I was raised in a print shop in downtown Portland, Oregon. My siblings and I each got a drawer when the antique presses were sold. It’s one of my favorite pieces of decor I own. Three out of four of our children have called ‘dibs’ on it when the time comes. 😂

Ooo. Something lovely to talk about next may be witchcore aesthetic. Lots of dried herbs, similar to cottage, but a bit more dark.

Thank you - Just retired permanently now { 57 yrs old } and going to redo my office in a dark academia theme " bit more grown up - over Harry Potter" ( but under the same roof ( sort of ) ). And this video helped with some ideas.... 💖💖

Love this! Can't get enough of it.

LOVE it! So excited it’s here!

I have super dark charcoal gray walls that look black at a glance. Dark walls make artwork look classy, clocks look charming, and mirrors look aged and beautiful. I struggle with wanting to add white because it looks so good against the walls. The big long shelf in my living room has a lower portion with picture frame molding. The height structure is right, but after seeing these beautiful examples, I'm torn. Great inspiration!

Fabulous!

Love love LOVE!!!❤

Love this look!!

This is my style-I just love it as it's so elegant, warm and cozy.

LOVED THIS VID !

OH mercy me, I LOVE the idea ofturning a regular glass coffee table into a mercury glass table!! And it should be relatively easy, with the looking glass spray paints available. I just happen to have a small glass-&-wrought-iron oval coffee table that is going to get that treatment just as soon as it gets warm enough to spray paint!

Beautiful!

I’d love to see more about coastal grandma aesthetic. Apparently, I’m a landlocked, 30-something coastal grandma

Canterbury cottage also just did this design! Thanks for explaining it so well!

@thecrummycrafter5625

Жыл бұрын

I love her

@flowerpower3618

Жыл бұрын

Yes, it looked amazing

Stunning style.

Love love it. Beautiful examples.

Enjoyed. I love the dark colors...I have had them in my home for years.

I love this look!!

Good tips thanks for sharing 💕

That was great I got a lot of good ideas out of that. I think those tones of dark walls will really bring my bedroom together😊

Love it❤

Loved this video. Thanks for your information.❤️💕❤️

Yes!!!! Thank you thank you thank you for making this video! You're the best!!!!

Ive been onsessed with the idea of dark walls, a green couch and a wall of art forever. Had no clue there was a name fir it.

I absolutely love this decor still…it’s gorgeous!!🫶🖤🤎

Finally, classy is back! Loved this video!

its great !

Yes!!!!!SoLOVE .... my heart races to settle in this old world!!! ❤️

thorough explanation with visuals...greatly appreciated...had no idea what this design style was.

Dark academia I love it!!! ☺️🤓

New Subscriber! Love your vision as it couples my current journey. Thank you for all the beautiful images that swarm with rich textures. I will definitely enjoy revisiting you. 🌷❤️🌷

Love this

Your video kept showing up in my feed so I finally watched! Thank you so much for simplifying the whole Academia Aesthetic! I am so obsessed with it but I can’t really pull it off in my teensy little house. The ceilings are extremely low so I can’t hang my old church/Moroccan Lamp without someone hitting their head on it lol. My bedroom has the feel though and I love it! It’s so cozy and comfortable. The rest is mostly goth inspired with a lot of Baroque embellishments and furniture but the walls are going to be damask with a large scale pattern. Again thanks for posting this! I am a new sub!

I love your tutorials; a feast for the eyes.

Great, love it. I like a mix of dark, light, and 1940s. All your ideas are excellent.

I LOVED this style!!!!! I cannot wait to incorporate this into my home more!

adore

William Morris has always been InStyle.

I love this style! Am moving in this direction in my own home. Thanks for the great inspiration!

Thank you for sharing this new style. It’s something I can use for my kids rooms.