For the best part of a decade, our homes have been dominated by the ‘Scandi’ influence. We have seen endless variations of brilliant white, soft greys, and safe, neutral oatmeal tones. While these spaces are undeniably airy and clean, the tide is turning. A new wave of interior design is crashing onto the shore, and it is bringing a sense of drama with it.
We are witnessing the return of colour. But this isn’t about bright pops of primary red or yellow. It is about deep, saturated hues that create atmosphere and emotion. It is the era of the moody, expressive aesthetic—a style that prioritises feeling over minimalism.
If you have found yourself yearning for a home that feels less like a clinic and more like a warm embrace, you are ready to explore this trend. Let’s take a look at what defines this look, how you can bring it into your own space, and why stepping over to the dark side might be the brightest idea you have had for your home.
What defines the ‘Deep and Moody’ aesthetic?
At its core, this trend is about rejecting the idea that a room must look as large and bright as possible to be beautiful. Instead, it leans into the idea of the home as a cocoon or a sanctuary.
This style draws inspiration from various sources: the opulence of the Victorian era, the relaxed vibe of a dimly lit speakeasy, and the natural, grounding tones of deep forests and twilight skies. It uses colour to blur the boundaries of a room, creating a sense of infinite depth rather than rigid boxiness.
The palette is rich and complex. Think forest greens that border on black, aubergine and burgundy, midnight navy, spiced terracotta, and chocolate browns. These are colours with weight and history. When applied correctly, they don’t just sit on the walls; they transform the mood of the room entirely, encouraging you to slow down, relax, and disconnect from the outside world.
How to achieve the look in your home
Transitioning from white walls to deep colour can feel daunting, but the results are often spectacular. Here is how to master the moody aesthetic without your home feeling like a cave.
1. Master the art of ‘Colour Drenching’
One of the most effective ways to use dark colours is a technique called colour drenching. This involves painting everything—the walls, the skirting boards, the architraves, the radiators, and sometimes even the ceiling—in the same shade.
By removing the visual breaks that white trim usually creates, you stop the eye from being drawn to the edges of the room. This makes walls appear taller and the space more cohesive. It wraps the room in colour, creating that essential cosy feeling.
2. Layer your lighting
Lighting is the secret weapon of dark interiors. If you paint a room navy blue and light it with a single, harsh overhead bulb, it will look flat and cold.
To bring deep colours to life, you need pools of warm light. Use table lamps with fabric shades, floor lamps to highlight corners, and wall sconces to wash light down the paintwork. The goal is to create shadows and highlights that show off the complexity of the colour.
3. Embrace texture and contrast
Dark colours absorb light, so you need materials that reflect it or add softness to prevent the room from feeling two-dimensional.
- Velvet and Wool: Use plush fabrics on sofas and cushions to add softness and warmth.
- Metals: Brass, gold, and copper accents pop beautifully against dark backgrounds, adding a touch of luxury.
- Wood: Dark woods enhance the library feel, while lighter woods can provide a necessary contrast.
4. Curate your art
Dark walls make the perfect backdrop for artwork. A gallery wall of prints in gold or wooden frames stands out vividly against a deep green or charcoal wall. The dark paint acts as a frame itself, drawing the eye directly to your favourite pieces.
The benefits of going dark
Why are so many people trading their ‘safe’ neutrals for something so bold? The benefits extend beyond just aesthetics.
Instant atmosphere
White rooms can sometimes feel sterile or unfinished. Deep colours immediately lend a room a sense of history and gravity. A dining room painted in a rich burgundy feels instantly ready for a candlelit dinner party. A living room in deep teal feels prepared for a movie marathon. The atmosphere is built-in.
The ‘Cocooning’ effect
There is a psychological comfort in darker spaces. Just as we feel exposed in an open field but safe in a den, dark rooms satisfy a primal need for shelter. This makes deep colours particularly excellent for bedrooms, snugs, and living areas where the main activity is resting.
Hiding the imperfections
On a practical level, darker paints and busy wallpapers are excellent at masking the wear and tear of family life. Scuff marks, fingerprints, and uneven plasterwork are far more visible on a pristine white wall than they are on a surface painted in a complex, deep matte shade.
Are there any disadvantages?
While we love this look, it is important to consider your specific space before opening the paint tin.
The perception of space
The age-old rule says that “light colours expand, dark colours contract.” While colour drenching can mitigate this, a small room painted black will generally feel more intimate and enclosed. If you are claustrophobic, this might not be the style for your smallest box room. However, if you embrace the smallness, it can become a jewel box of a room.
It requires commitment
Painting a room white is easy. Painting a room deep emerald green requires preparation, multiple coats, and a steady hand. Furthermore, if you decide to change it back to a pale colour in three years, you are looking at a lot of primer. This is a design choice for those who are ready to commit to a vision.
Lighting dependency
As mentioned, these rooms rely heavily on good artificial lighting. If you live in a space with very poor natural light and you don’t want to invest in lamps and rewiring, a dark wall might make the room feel gloomy rather than moody during the day.
Ready to take the plunge?
The return of colour is an invitation to be brave with your home. It is an opportunity to stop worrying about what is “safe” or what will appeal to a future buyer, and instead create a space that moves you emotionally.
You don’t have to paint your whole house black overnight. Start small. A downstairs toilet, a hallway, or a study are perfect places to experiment with a bolder palette. Pick up a tester pot, paint a large patch, and watch how it changes throughout the day. You might just find that once you go dark, you never want to go back to white again.
Further Reading: Affordable Decorating Ideas That Will Transform Your Home, Sustainable Chic: A Beginner’s Guide to Circular Design
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