How to create a moody atmosphere at home
3d render created by Suite Minded
What is a moody interior?
A moody interior refers to an interior design style that creates a dark and dramatic atmosphere. It is characterized by the use of deep colours, rich textures, and dim lighting to bring a sense of mystery, intimacy, and sophistication to a space. A moody interior can be described as an evocative, layered, and visually captivating space looking to evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and coziness.
While many people associate a moody interior with black or goth, there are other ways you can add drama, depth, and character to a space. The main colours that come to mind are:
Blacks: Ideal for creating a contemporary and sophisticated interior especially associated with mid-tone wood, brass, and leather
Browns: Perfect for a very cosy, Scandinavian-like interior
Blues: Adding a deep navy blue to your home can give a very modern coastal vibe, great to add a vibrant touch of personality and drama
Greens: A deep forest green can create a relaxing and calming feel, as well as help reconnect yourself with nature by bringing an earthy touch.
Let’s go more into detail about which colours are best associated with a moody interior.
Our favourite colours for a moody interior
To achieve a moody ambiance, you’ll need colours that evoke a sense of drama, depth, and comfort. Here are some colour options that work well:
Charcoal Gray: This deep, rich grey colour adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to a space. It creates a dramatic backdrop, ideal for a moody interior. Some of my favourite deep charcoal colours to consider are Iron Ore, Urbane Bronze, or Peppercorn by Sherwin Williams, or Kendall Charcoal and Chelsea Gray by Benjamin Moore.
Navy Blue: Deep navy blue is a classic colour choice for a moody interior. It brings out a sense of sophistication and depth while providing a serene and calming atmosphere. Some of our top navy blue paint choices are Hale Navy and Deep Royal by Benjamin Moore, In The Navy or Naval by Sherwin Williams, and Hague Blue by Farrow and Ball.
Deep Purple: Shades of deep purple, such as eggplant or plum, add a luxurious and opulent feel to a space. They create a sense of drama and can be used as accents or as the primary colour for a bold statement. Some deep purple shades to consider are Dark Purple by Benjamin Moore, Kimono Violet by Sherwin Williams, and Brinjal by Farrow and Ball.
Black: Black is the first colour associated with a moody aesthetic. While it's a powerful colour, it is best used in moderation to avoid making the space feel too heavy and dark. Consider incorporating black in small doses through furniture, accessories, or as an accent wall. Our favourites are Onyx by Benjamin Moore, Caviar and Tricorn Black by Sherwin Williams.
Jewel Tones: Colours like emerald green, ruby red, and amethyst are referred to as jewel tones. These deep and vibrant colours add richness and intensity to a moody interior. They can be used as accent colours through artwork, furniture, or textiles to bring personality and life to a space.
Dark Earth Tones: Colours like deep brown, dark moss green, and burnt terracotta can create a sense of cosiness and warmth in a moody interior. These earthy tones add depth and a touch of nature to the space, ideal to relax and unwind. Some great paint colours to consider here are Chateau Brown and Rookwood Terra Cotta by Sherwin Williams, Barista and Dark Pewter by Benjamin Moore, as well as Evergreen Field by Behr.
When working with these colours, it's highly important to consider the lighting conditions in the room. If the space lacks natural light, you may need to be mindful of using extremely dark colours, as they can make the room feel too dim and smaller. You can balance the darkness by incorporating lighter tones as accents or on your trims to create some contrast, or by strategically placing artificial lighting and mirrors to enhance the atmosphere and the moody ambiance.
Remember, the key is to create a harmonious colour scheme that combines these moody colours with complementary hues and textures to achieve the desired ambiance.
Always use paint samples before applying paint to your walls to make sure dark colours are a good choice and work well in your space.
Other key elements of a moody interior
To create a moody interior, you'll want to focus on creating a dark ambiance with rich textures and fabrics, dramatic lighting, and carefully chosen colour palettes. Here are some other key elements to consider when wanting to create a moody interior:
Lighting: Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood. Aim for soft, dim lighting to create a cozy and warm atmosphere. Consider warm-toned bulbs to create pools of light and shadows, as well as candles or string lights for a romantic touch.
Textures and Fabrics: Layering textures adds depth and interest to a moody interior. Use warm and soft fabrics like velvet or faux fur for upholstery, curtains, or throw pillows.
Natural elements: Incorporate raw materials like distressed wood, aged leather or stone to add character, drama and a touch of sophistication.
Statement Pieces: Invest in statement furniture pieces that have bold shapes, intricate details, or unique patterns. These pieces can become focal points in the room and contribute to the overall moody aesthetic. Consider antique or vintage furniture for added character.
Art and Accessories: Select art pieces with dark or abstract themes to enhance the moody ambiance. Black and white photography, oil paintings, or moody landscapes can add depth and drama to the space. Decorate with accessories like vintage mirrors or decorative candle holders to create an intriguing atmosphere and bring a touch of melancholy.
Wall Treatments: To add texture and drama, consider options like wallpaper with rich patterns or textured finishes. You can also use dark paint colours or create an accent wall with a different texture, such as exposed brick or reclaimed wood.
Plants: Incorporate indoor plants with deep green foliage. Plants add life and freshness to any interior and can create a great contrast against the dark backdrop, enhancing the overall moody atmosphere.
Remember, a moody interior is all about creating an evocative and mysterious atmosphere with a sense of drama. They are best suited to spaces that call for relaxation and contemplation such as bedrooms, libraries, or reading nooks. To avoid making a space feel too heavy and oppressive, it is essential to create balance by carefully selecting the right colours, textures, and lighting for your interior. Experiment with all these elements to find the right balance and bring your vision to life.
Need help redecorating your interior? Contact us about our e-design home decor services or check out our whole colour palettes.
Thank you for reading.
Happy decorating xx
Manon