How to Bring More Moody Colors Into Your Home

Ditch basic all-white everything and embrace moody colors in your home for a change! If you’re wondering just how to make your space feel moodier in no time, we’ve rounded up some simple steps from designers. You’ll be surprised at what an impact a dramatic color or two can make in your home. 

Go All In

Don’t stop at just a few moody touches, comments Susan Yeley, the founder of Susan Yeley Homes. Rather, she says, “The trick to going moody is to go all the way.” This means choosing a color you love and weaving it in throughout a room. “Don't stop with an accent wall or jewel-toned sofa; paint all your walls and your ceiling and layer on drapery to boot,” Yeley says. Note that you can mix and match tones a bit if you’d like. “Keep your colors in the same quadrant of the color wheel, or use contrasting colors but with a similar dark value,” Yeley instructs. “The result will be an enveloping warmth that will wrap you up like a cocoon, safe and sound and very, very snug.” 

📸: @margaretroselarson

Select Moody Art

Adorn those walls so that they contribute to your room’s moodiness. “A great way to add more moody colors is through art,” says Louise Hane, the founder of Lousie Hane Interior Design. “I love finding vintage pieces of art that show some age and add more emotion to the room.” Keep in mind that estate sales and auctions are of course an excellent resource for vintage and antique pieces like moody portraits and landscapes. Check out your local vintage shops, too. Kyle Dutton, the founder of Kyle Dutton Homes, enjoys shopping these types of stores in search of art. “Some of my best finds have been framed antique oil paintings that give an instant ‘lived in’ feel to your home,” he says. “A recent find was a moody abstract painting consisting of deep blues, greens, and a few pops of tangerine and apricot.” 

📸: @margaretroselarson

Style Some Books

Take a cue from moody libraries and weave some books into your own space. “Vintage books make a great addition to bookshelves or to use for styling purposes,” says Jenn Cameron, the founder of Jenn Cameron Interiors. “I love the charm and uniqueness that these books can add to a client's space. These books often have dark blue and green beautiful covers—a very moody addition to one's space.” Not thrilled with how a book’s spine looks? “Even turning the books backwards and showing the beautiful paper details of the book is a great design trick,” Cameron says.

📸: Molly Culver

Incorporate Personal Touches

Jodi Peterman, the founder of Erin Elizabeth Designs, likes to include family heirlooms to add character and history to any room. “These items not only add personality but also enhance the moody aesthetic with their unique charm,” she says, "Of course, you can also shop auctions and secondhand stores to get a similar look."

Go Textural

Luxe, tectural materials will go a long way in bringing a moody vibe to any room, Peterman notes. “Incorporate materials like leather, velvet, and faux fur to elevate the space,” she suggests. “Imagine a dark leather Chesterfield sofa paired with velvet pillows and a faux fur throw—a combination that adds both luxury and comfort.” 

Get Your Lighting Right

The right lighting can make or break how a room feels. “Lighting is key to balancing moody colors,” Peterman says. “Use dimmable lights and warm bulbs to create a cozy glow. Incorporate antique lamps and metallic light fixtures to add a touch of elegance and contrast to the dark palette.”

The right lighting can make or break how a room feels. “Lighting is key to balancing moody colors,” Peterman says. 📸: @redeux_style

Written by:

Sarah Lyon

August 26, 2024     Updated 01:08 PM

Sarah Lyon is a Washington, DC, native living in New York City. As a freelancer, she frequently covers pieces pertaining to interior design, travel, and other lifestyle topics. Her pieces have appeared in outlets including Apartment Therapy, Architectural Digest, MyDomaine, the Washington Post, the New York Times, and more. When she isn't writing, Sarah works with designers to help them style spaces for photo shoots (and can't stop rearranging and redecorating her own apartment, either!). She has a penchant for shopping secondhand and loves giving preloved pieces new life. Sarah’s own spaces have appeared on Apartment Therapy, The Everygirl, Houzz, and Washingtonian.com. Her Dupont Circle apartment was featured in both the spring 2019 print edition of Small Space Decorating and the January 2019 print edition of Washingtonian Magazine.

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