11 Moody Paint Colors Loved by Designers
From Studio McGee to Amber Interiors, these rich, moody shades are taking over stylish spaces—and here’s how to use them at home.
If your home is filled with warm neutrals but you're itching to add a little drama (the stylish kind), moody paint colors are the easiest way to go bold without going overboard. One coat of the right deep hue and suddenly your room looks like it hired a designer and developed a personality.
In this post, I’m sharing some of the most drool-worthy moody spaces by top interior designers like Studio McGee, Amber Interiors, West of Main, and more. These 11 shades aren’t just gorgeous—they’re the kind that make you stop mid-scroll and whisper, “What color is that?”
Image Credit: Blanc Marine Intérieurs (See the color)
1. Benjamin Moore- Barista
Starting off the list with a deep brown—a timeless shade that instantly adds a sense of luxury. This particular hue leans warm, with just a touch of burgundy that gives it depth and richness. It’s perfect for a cozy home office, and this stunning example comes from one of my favorite Canadian design studios, West of Main.
Take a peek at more of their beautiful work—you’ll see why I’m obsessed.
Image Credit: West of Main
2. Benjamin Moore- Midnight Oil
A gorgeous deep blue with just a touch of black, this shade brings instant drama and richness to any space. While it isn’t used in a fully moody room here, it completely transforms the cabinets and adds depth in the most understated way. Studio McGee shows exactly how to make a bold color feel timeless—this would be a stunning choice for a pantry or a kitchen makeover that needs a bit of edge.
Image Credit: Studio McGee
3. Sherwin Williams - Sable
One of my favorite spaces of all time—I've had this paint color saved for my future home office! It's a rich, chocolaty brown that looks even more stunning when the light hits it just right, giving the room so much warmth and depth. And if you’re eyeing those plaid curtains in the background (because same), I’ve linked a similar option you’ll love.
Image Credit: Studio McGee
4. Farrow & Ball- Hague Blue
A totally unexpected use of this shade—honestly, if I hadn’t seen it in this space by the genius Amber Interiors, I wouldn’t have believed how good it could look. This deep, moody blue works beautifully in a relaxed living room or conversational space, but I could also see it looking amazing on built-ins or cabinetry in a mudroom or laundry room. It’s bold, yet somehow effortless!
Image Credit: Amber Interiors
5. Farrow & Ball- Brocolli Brown
This shade has quietly taken the design world by storm—and for good reason. While the brand might not be as widely known, home decor lovers are obsessed with this deep, rich brown. Whether you’re thinking of color-drenching an entire room or just updating your cabinets, this one is absolutely worth considering. It’s dramatic, warm, and totally unforgettable.
Image Credit: @via110design/instagram
6. Benjamin Moore- Sage
This is one of those shades that proves just how much lighting can transform the way a paint color shows up in a room. Check out the shade below and you’ll see exactly what I mean. West of Main nailed it here—by factoring in the abundance of natural light, they managed to create a rich, olive-toned look that feels both earthy and elevated. It’s a great reminder to always consider lighting before locking in your perfect moody shade!
Image Credit: West of Main
7. Benjamin Moore- Charleston Brown
Possibly my favorite pick on this list, this swoon-worthy design comes from Blanc Marine Intérieurs—known for their warm, moody, and beautifully layered spaces. This orangey-brown paint color is a total dream in this small nook, and I can easily picture it transforming a powder room, especially paired with a sleek black countertop. It’s bold, unexpected, and so chic.
Image Credit: Blanc Marine Intérieurs
8. Benjamin Moore - Carolina Gull
Here’s another stunning space by Blanc Marine Intérieurs. In rooms like mudrooms—often dimly lit—you might not think a dark paint color would work. But this moody shade proves otherwise. It completely elevates the small space and adds so much depth and charm. It would look just as beautiful in a laundry room or even a cozy home office.
Image Credit: Blanc Marine Intérieurs
9. Sherwin Williams- Tin Lizzie
Here’s a moody paint color that’s a bit of a rule-breaker—it’s not super deep or dramatic, but it still brings that warm, cozy vibe. If you’re not into very dark tones but still want a hint of moodiness and character, this is a great in-between option that feels inviting without going full drama.
Image Credit: West of Main
10. Benjamin Moore- Flint
A gorgeous charcoal grey with just the right amount of drama, this moody shade is an absolute standout. Blanc Marine Intérieurs shows us exactly how to use it—with a powder room that feels rich, elegant, and totally unforgettable. This color would also be stunning in a color-drenched dining room, adding depth and sophistication without overpowering the space.
Image Credit: Blanc Marine Intérieurs
11. Portola Paints- Inspiration
Last but definitely not least, here’s a moody pantry moment that’s too good not to include. Another gorgeous design by Studio McGee, this deep green is rich, warm, and surprisingly refreshing. It’s the perfect cabinet color—whether in a pantry, a built-in for a home office, or even a cozy reading nook. This shade is effortlessly chic and full of character.
Image Credit: Studio McGee
There you have it—my personal roundup of 11 moody paint colors that are all designer-approved and absolutely stunning. If you’ve been on the hunt for that perfect dramatic hue, I hope this gave you a solid starting point for your next home project. I’ll be sharing more paint color ideas soon, broken down by room and style, so stay tuned!
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