The Block: Try Sarah and Jason's dark and moody wallpaper trend

Using dark colours in a small space is always a risky decision. But The Block’s Victorian contestants, Sarah, 45, and Jason, 46, pulled it off to great effect this week with their guest bedroom, using a stunning Waratah-embossed silver and black pattern on one wall. It costs $175 per roll, which means it's a cost-effective way to add a big impact feature. 

And judge Neale Whitaker couldn’t get enough.

"I loved it," says the Editor at Large of Vogue Living Australia. "I am not scared of dark colours in bedrooms and in small rooms — I don’t have that problem. I think probably because I am English.

"The English have a great love of colour and wallpaper, so it doesn’t bother me."

His opinion does go against the general consensus, which says that light colours should be used to give the illusion of opening up a space.

"I know that the received wisdom is that you always have to open up a room using light colours, but I don’t necessarily agree with that - certainly in a guest bedroom," he explains. "It’s a little like a powder room, in that it’s a space where you can be a little more experimental.

"I think it is nice, sometimes, to create a little bit of a jewel box."

Sarah admits she was relieved to get such great feedback from all three judges - especially as she had agonised over her choice, and second-guessed herself when her first print wasn’t available in time.

"The big ‘wow factor’ for us this week is the colour theme in our room," she explains. "I know everyone is playing it safe, and they have gone for light, white. But I was all for bold.

"I’m really happy I took a risk and it paid off."

Thinking of embracing your dark side? Check out these fab hues for inspiration.

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