I love visiting my old hometown and trying out different hotels. However, I have to admit that dark, moody interiors aren’t usually my thing — until Hotel Haven Helsinki completely changed my mind. I hadn’t been to Haven for quite a few years, so I was curious to see whether it had changed and, more importantly, whether it still had the same character I remembered. When it first opened in 2009, it felt like the quaint boutique hotel by the harbour that had been missing from Helsinki’s hotel scene. It was luxurious without being pretentious, and always felt cosy, intimate and inviting. Perhaps it’s not the buzziest place in town (you come here more for privacy, relaxation or a romantic getaway), but the vibe was just as I remembered. I was really inspired by the dark decor, which is very much on trend at the moment. I thought I’d share a few things I think the hotel has got right. I should add that some parts of the hotel were fully refurbished over 10 years ago, which is quite a long time in hospitality interiors, and some of the common areas could probably do with a little refresh. That said, I really hope they keep the dark, moody interiors, as I think this is what sets Haven apart from other Nordic hotels.
The Perfect Contrast: Beige & Black
The Deluxe Room — dark tones softened beautifully with warm beige.
Now, I thought I’d start with our Deluxe Room, which thankfully wasn’t fully black. The moody interior scheme is still very much present, but it has been softened with beige, creating a wonderful contrast against the stark black. The room still leans into the dark, moody aesthetic through the black furniture and deeper tones, but the lighter elements prevent it from feeling too heavy. I think it was a smart choice not to make the bedrooms as dark as the lounge. Finland gets very little daylight during the winter months, so from both a practical and emotional point of view, I think it’s better to have a well-lit space. Not every room needs to match perfectly to create a sense of flow. Sometimes, simply switching up the colour palette from room to room can achieve the same effect, while still keeping the overall feel cohesive. If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury experience, book one of their Balmuir Suites, which have been more recently refurbished and feature beautiful Finnish Balmuir interior details. All of the rooms also come with premium Byredo Bal d’Afrique products which I think is a particularly lovely touch and adds another little layer of luxury to the stay.
The desk in our Deluxe Room which doubles as a vanity.
Another thing I love about dark interiors is how dramatic the contrast can feel. Keeping the ceiling off-white adds a sense of height and lightness, helping the room feel airy while still maintaining its moody character. The luxurious velvet furniture really leans into the cosy atmosphere, while the patterned cushions and armchair add warmth, personality and a romantic touch.
Make Small Spaces Even Cosier with Dark Colours
The cosy and intimate lounge bar.
People often think that smaller rooms need white walls to feel bigger but it’s often the opposite. Rather than trying to create something that isn’t possible, lean into the cosiness and make the space feel like a big warm hug with dark walls and furniture. Dark colours can be clever because they blur a room’s physical boundaries, making everything feel more cohesive and the space appear larger. Materials like dark velvet work particularly well because they absorb light and create a rich, cosy feel. Just bear in mind that velvet can be sensitive to sunlight, so it’s best kept out of direct sunlight where possible. The only thing I’m not particularly keen on in this space is the rug but we’ll let that one go!
Monochrome Photo Art + Panelled Walls
Black and white photo art against the panelled walls works beautifully!
Black-and-white photography is particularly effective against dark walls, especially when paired with white moulding and a metal frame. If you want to embrace a moody interior, photography can add an extra layer of sophistication and elegance without taking away from the atmosphere of the space. Hanging the artwork at eye level makes it even more effective, as it naturally draws the eye and creates a strong focal point. If you want to introduce brighter colours into a monochrome room, consider using a statement chair or sofa rather than bringing the colour onto the walls. Keeping the stronger colour lower in the room creates a more balanced visual composition and prevents it from competing with the architecture. It allows the furniture to become the focal point while keeping the overall feel of the room cohesive.
Dark Walls & Furniture: Blurring the Lines
The dark built-in bookcase and chairs blur the lines, making the space appear larger.
Like I said before, dark furniture in dark spaces can sometimes make individual pieces visually disappear into the room. This can actually be a clever design choice, as it creates the illusion of a larger, more open space. Rather than each piece of furniture competing for attention, everything blends together to create a more cohesive and calm feel. To keep the space from feeling too flat, you can introduce a few accent colours or details to create subtle focal points. For example, a built-in bookcase like the one in the picture above can add visual interest while still feeling integrated into the overall design. Small touches of colour, artwork, books, or decorative objects can then draw the eye around the room without overwhelming the space.
The Monochrome Courtyard
Who doesn’t love a monochrome courtyard?
The black-and-white theme extends to the exterior, where a cosy courtyard provides a calm and inviting place to sit and unwind. I’m glad they’ve added plenty of greenery here to balance the black, as it softens the space and brings a more natural feel to the monochrome palette. The canopy keeps in line with the hotel’s overall aesthetic, while the outdoor space itself has a more earthy feel. It’s the perfect spot for drinks on a warm Nordic summer day!
Wallpapered Ceilings
The wallpapered ceiling with a dramatic chandelier adds old-world charm.
And finally, I thought I’d include this beautifully wallpapered ceiling from the breakfast room. The space has a real old-world feel, with plenty of character and vintage pieces (if you’re interested in Finnish vintage, check out my other blogpost here). Wallpapered ceilings are hugely popular and can instantly transform a room, adding character and making what is often an overlooked surface feel much more intentional. The wallpaper here, paired with the dramatic coving and statement light fixture, adds instant grandeur. Although it’s paired with beige in this room, I think it would look equally wonderful with dark walls. In fact, matching the wallpaper to the floors can be a great way to wrap the room, making the space feel cosier and more immersive. Definitely one for those who love maximalist decorating!
I hope you enjoyed this interior-inspired hotel tour!
Disclaimer: I received a PR discount for my two-night stay, with no obligation to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
