We’re sort of surrounding ourselves with comfort, and one of the ways we’re doing it is through color – to make our homes feel sort of nurturing and tender. But here are some tips from design and color experts on how to use dark colors without becoming overwhelmed. Instead of coming into clean, white houses, we’re going into homes that sort of give us a hug.

START SMALL: If you’re nervous about playing with a deep, dark hue, limit the color to the inside of cabinets, backs of bookshelves or a painted floor. Dark, bold windows often bring the outside in. A dark color in the hall makes the rooms off the hall feel really big and light.

TEST IT OUT: When you’re ready to tackle a whole room, “start with a color family that is already dominant in the home and select two to three shades that you feel makes a statement. Observe how the room’s lighting affects the colors three times a day.

Embrace the Darkness: A deep, rich color goes an especially long way in a room without a lot of natural light, as dim rooms look particularly dull in lighter colors. It makes the small space feel finished and gives definition to the ever-rotating collection of artwork.

Conventional wisdom states that small spaces — especially those facing north — should be lightened to increase the sense of space. However, painting trim a lighter color in an area painted with darker hues can actually increase the illusion of space because it creates a greater impression of height or width in the space.

Preparation is the Key: Before painting, ensure surfaces are sound, clean, dry and free from dirt, grease and any other contamination. Always sand down surfaces to achieve a smooth base. And if you change your mind later, dark colors are just as easy to paint over as light ones, assuming you prep properly. Start by priming over the bold hue, then apply two coats of the desired color. But be sure to allow the primer coat to dry completely before applying the first coat of color.

Finally Be Brave: Experiment with colors, have fun with it, allow yourself to live with it for a while. It is, after all, just one or two cans of paint. And when, and if, you tire of it, move on to another color and treat yourself to another creative exercise.