We asked five designers if dark colors are still trending, and they all said the same thing: dark and moody colors are not going away. Although deep navy blue, forest green, and even black interiors have saturated social media for about five years, these choices actually belong to “centuries of timeless design.”
Paint expert Lisa Hudson says that dark and moody colors are timeless, with rich, deep hues having “been a mainstay of sophisticated interiors for centuries,” producing feelings of intimacy and luxury. However, because dark colors have become so ubiquitous, we may have lost sight of their best applications. The designers consulted offer advice for breaking out of the trend cycle and applying dark paints in a more durable and refreshed way.
Choosing the Best Rooms for Dark Colors
The article notes that while classic libraries traditionally used dark colors, a modern home office painted dark could make you feel sleepy, especially when working from home. Gil Walsh recommends dramatic dining rooms, explaining that she loves how burgundy or aubergine shades come to life when paired with metallic accents from chandeliers and flatware. Dining rooms were the designers’ preferred choice for dark colors, as they create a cozy cocoon for entertaining. Other recommended spaces include powder rooms and bedrooms, where darker shades evoke a feeling of retreat.
Considering the Whole-Home Color Palette
Stephanie Martin points out that a dark color shouldn’t appear out of nowhere but should work as part of the home’s overall color scheme. She advises to “go beyond the concept of a single accent wall” or a “pop” of color. The recommendation is to integrate dark colors throughout the home via accessories, furniture, wood stains, or wallpaper, which prevents the home from looking like a patchwork of trends. Martin explains that when dark tones are layered and woven into a home’s palette, they produce warmth, intimacy, and appeal. This cohesion feels more peaceful for residents and more timeless for visitors.
Choosing a Space with the Right Lighting
Before painting a room in a dark shade, the article advises studying the natural light it receives. Hudson explains that a dark color’s appearance depends entirely on the amount and direction of natural and artificial light. She notes that a deep charcoal can look sophisticated and atmospheric in a room with a large south-facing window, but “in a north-facing room with limited light, it could look flat and cavernous.” This doesn’t rule out using dark colors in north-facing rooms, but it requires more effort to achieve a cozy look. The recommendation is to choose a color with warm undertones and accessorize with lush curtains and brass fixtures.
Intentionally Choosing the Paint Finish
Kristyn Harvey emphasizes that the paint finish significantly affects a room’s ambiance. She prefers natural finishes when working with dark colors, explaining that dark colors achieved with plaster or limewash finishes feel especially timeless, as opposed to glossy. Paints with natural variations and textures work well in various homes, particularly cottages and those with old-world elements like stone. For those whose style leans more glamorous or formal-traditional, glossy paint is suggested as an alternative.
Creating a Color Palette of Opposites
For those worried their dark room might look dated, the article suggests that updating accessories is an easier fix than repainting. Walsh recommends adding touches of red or coral to navy blue or dark green rooms to create contrast and brightness. The advice is to incorporate bold colors from other rooms or replace a rug with a more modern style.
The Future of Dark Colors
The designers are clear: dark colors are not going anywhere. They are simply evolving into warmer, more nuanced shades. Cool blacks are giving way to rich browns, deep greens, and midnight blues — colors that bring the same dramatic intensity but with added warmth. Whether in a dramatic dining room, an intimate bedroom, or a home office, dark colors remain a powerful tool in the designer’s palette, as long as they are used with intention and in harmony with the entire home.
