A Bold New Look: Introducing Moody Colors Into Your Neutral Home

Ready to inject a little color and depth into your neutral space? Transform your rooms with these gorgeous moody paint colors.

A photo showing various shades of moody blue and gray paint swatches, patterned fabric samples, and a textured rug. The colors range from light to dark blues and grays. There is also a portion of a decorative blue object in the corner.

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So, let’s talk paint colors today, my friend!

Just between you and me — I can get a little nerdy about paint colors! All those little chips of color, and fan decks, and paint sample boards make me happy, so when I get to talk about my favorite colors I do a little happy dance.

I’m all about light and airy spaces — light walls, lots of natural light, and that whole happy clean and fresh vibe that reminds me of the coast.

But let’s be honest, all-neutral homes can start to feel a bit… well, neutral. And while I love a good dose of sunshine, sometimes a bright and airy room needs something to ground it, to give it a little depth and soul … and that’s where moody paint colors come in.

A spacious living room features a beige sofa adorned with blue and white patterned pillows. A wooden coffee table displays decorative items including candles, green moss balls, and blue-and-white ceramic jars. The room is brightly lit with sunlight from large windows. Moody paint color on the dining room ceiling enhances the room.

If you love the classic coastal Serena and Lilly vibe, but are craving a little depth and color then read on! But don’t worry, if you’re not ready for full-on color-drenched rooms, I’ve got you covered with tips for adding pops of these colors in just the right places!

So let’s take a look at some of my favorite moody blues and greens and sophisticated dark neutrals for a fresh, cozy, and updated look!

A cozy bedroom features a neatly made bed with a white and floral patterned quilt and matching pillows. Above the wooden headboard, three framed abstract art pieces add charm. A bedside table holds a beige lamp and a framed photo, set against light gray walls that contrast beautifully with moody paint colors elsewhere in the room. — Our guest bedroom is painted Sherwin-Williams Krypton (SW 6247)

What’s a Moody Paint Color?

No, it’s not a color that’s having a bad day! Quite the opposite, actually, because when you get them just right you’ll be jumping for joy!

Let’s open up that paint fan deck, head straight to the neutral section — the more muted, muddied tones.

A person is holding a large Sherwin-Williams paint color fan deck, displaying various shades of moody blues, greens, and grays. The fan is fanned out showing multiple color swatches. The person's fingernails are painted pink, and they are wearing a pink watch.

I’m talking the beiges and grays that bleed into the subtle shades with hints and undertones of blues and greens. Now drop down to the bottom two or three colors on those strips and that’s where you’ll find the moody colors.

They’re just a little bit murky and muddy, and the reality is — those are the absolute BEST colors to lean into when you want a rich moody color for your walls, or ceiling, or cabinetry or built-ins!

A hand holding a Sherwin-Williams paint color fan deck, displaying a wide array of moody paint colors arranged in a gradient from light to dark shades. The fan deck is spread out, revealing various hues including blues, greens, yellows, and reds.

Stay away from the bright zone in the color deck – you know the color strips that your kids head straight to when they’re given permission to pick a paint color for their rooms. There are a few exceptions in the blue and green families at the bottom of the strips that can feel a little moody, but for the most part, avoid these brighter colors when you want a moody shade.

My Favorite Moody Colors

Now that you know where the moody paint colors live in the fan deck, let’s talk about some of my favorites!

A flat lay image featuring a selection of blue-toned paint swatches, including moody paint colors, fabric samples with blue and white patterns, and a textured woven mat. The paint swatches display different shades from light to dark blue, arranged neatly alongside the fabrics.

Sophisticated and Calming Moody Blue Tones

If I could only pick one color to decorate with for the rest of my life, can you guess which one I would choose?

You guessed it — blue! I love to add touches of blue around our home, and these are some of my favorite moody blues to add depth and character to a space.

A dining room featuring a wooden table surrounded by six white chairs. A basket with green and white flowers serves as a centerpiece. The room, brightened by natural light from glass doors with white shutters, is beautifully contrasted by moody paint colors. A chandelier hangs overhead, and a patterned blue rug covers the floor.

Benjamin Moore Little Falls 1621

Last fall, we painted our dining room ceiling Little Falls, and I absolutely love it! It’s a gorgeous mid-tone blue — not too dark, and not too light.

A swatch of Benjamin Moore paint in the color "Little Falls" (1621). The swatch is a light, dusty blue color. Text underneath reads: "Little Falls" and "Benjamin Moore 1621. — See it here – **Laure U Design Collective** (Scroll down to the study in the Rice University Project.)

If you want to introduce a moody blue into your light and bright home gently, this is a great color to start with. A pop of color on your ceiling or on a built-in unit would be fabulous.

Want to see this color on walls? Click here to see how Laura U Design Collective saturates a study with this beautiful blue!

A paint swatch for Benjamin Moore's "Stillwater" (1650) is shown. The color is a medium-dark blue-gray with a muted tone. The swatch has the color name and number written below in a stylish font. — See it here – **Emily Henderson**

Benjamin Moore Stillwater 1650

Stillwater is a rich, deep blue. Emily Henderson painted her family room this color, and the result is stunning! Her color-wrapped room is absolutely beautiful, but if this color feels a little too intense for your living room walls, it would be lovely on a kitchen island or even on the walls in a small powder room.

A color swatch showing a medium-dark blue shade with the name "Britannia Blue" and the branding "Benjamin Moore 1623" written below the swatch. — See it here–Kylie M. Interiors

Benjamin Moore Britannia Blue 1623

This pretty blue strikes a nice balance between muted and vibrant. It’s lighter and brighter than a navy, but it adds gorgeous depth to a room. Look how pretty it is on the lower cabinets in the kitchen below at Kylie M. Interiors.

Lower Cabinets painted **Benjamin Moore Britannia Blue by Kylie M. Interiors at kylieminteriors**.ca

A sample color swatch of Sherwin-Williams paint in shade "Waterloo" (SW 9141) is displayed. The color is a deep, muted blue, presented within a white border featuring the handwritten text "Waterloo" and printed details "Sherwin-Williams SW 9141" at the bottom. — See it here – **Construction 2 Style**

Sherwin-Williams Waterloo (SW 9141)

Waterloo is a strong, confident blue that commands attention without overwhelming the space. It’s perfect for creating a focal point in a room. Check out these fabulous mudroom built-ins painted Waterloo.

A color swatch labeled "Brewster Gray" by Benjamin Moore, HC-162. The swatch displays a muted grayish-blue shade. "Brewster Gray" text is handwritten in an elegant script, with "Benjamin Moore HC-162" printed below in a classic font. — See it here – Bria Hammel Interiors (Scroll to the mudroom.)

Benjamin Moore Brewster Gray HC-162

Brewster Gray is a timeless, muted blue-gray that’s so sophisticated and pretty. It’s perfect when you want a subtle hint of moody color without going too bold. This beautiful home by Bria Hammel Interiors features Brewster Gray on mudroom built-ins and cabinetry.

If blue is your favorite color for your home, check out this post about all the blue paint colors of 2024 in this post!

Moody Green Paint Colors

There are so many versatile greens that work to create cozy, nature-inspired rooms that are timeless and elegant.

A cozy scene featuring moody paint colors in various shades of green swatches laid out on a white surface with a leafy pattern. A textured green blanket, a patterned green fabric, and an intricately designed green book are placed around the swatches.

We used a pretty deep green, Sherwin-Williams Green Onyx (SW 9128), in our basement bedroom makeover. I love this gorgeous earthy color.

A cozy bedroom with a white bed featuring patterned bedding, green pillows, and a textured green throw blanket. A bedside table holds a small lamp and potted plant. Behind the bed is a window with blinds and curtains, framed by soft green walls accented with moody paint colors. — Our basement bedroom is painted Sherwin-Williams Green Onyx (SW 9128)

Here are more of my favorite moody green paint colors that will refresh and elevate your neutral spaces.

Set it here – Thrifty Decor Chick

Benjamin Moore Vintage Vogue 462

Vintage Vogue is a rich, deep green that feels both classic and contemporary.

A bookcase painted in moody dark green, with closed cabinets at the bottom and open shelves on top, adorned with decorative items like plants, books, framed pictures, and vases. Brass hardware and three light fixtures add a touch of elegance. Text on image: thriftydecorchick.com. — DIY Built-ins painted Benjamin Moore Vintage Vogue — **Photo by Thrifty Decor Chick**

These DIY built-in bookcases by Thrifty Decor Chick are painted Vintage Vogue and are so gorgeous! Check out his fabulous DIY!

A color swatch displays a muted green shade named "Carolina Gull" by Benjamin Moore, identified with the code 2138-40. The sample is presented in a white-bordered square with the name and code written below in black text. — See it here – **House of Jade**

Benjamin Moore Carolina Gull 2138-40

Carolina Gull is a versatile, muted green with subtle gray undertones. I love this gorgeous shade of green! Look how pretty it in on these kitchen cabinets at House of Jade!

A paint swatch featuring the color "Forest Floor" by Benjamin Moore, labeled with the number 1498. The swatch displays a deep, muted green shade bordered by a white frame with the color name and number at the bottom. — See it here – **Jillian Harris**

Benjamin Moore Forest Floor 1498

Forest Floor is a rich, lush green that brings the beauty of the outdoors inside. These kitchen cabinets painted Forest Floor at Jillian Harris are some of my favorites!

A sample paint swatch displaying a medium-dark gray color named "Thunderous" by Sherwin-Williams, with the code SW 6201. The text is placed below the swatch within a white border. — See it here – **Chris Loves Julia**

Sherwin-Williams Thunderous

The deep hue of Thunderous is perfect for accent walls or cabinetry, adding a dramatic touch to your home. This green is a much more neutral shade with a strong gray undertone. See how Chris Love Julia transformed their kitchen cabinets with this pretty color in their kitchen.

A paint swatch labeled "Pewter Green" by Sherwin-Williams, with the code SW 6208. The swatch displays a solid, dark green color square in the center, framed by a white border with the paint name in stylized text below. — See it here – **Southern Living Idea House** (on the kitchen cabinets)

Sherwin-Williams Pewter Green

I fell in love with SW Pewter Green when I saw it in this Nashville Southern Living Idea House. These kitchen cabinets are so pretty in this timeless, earthy green with gray undertones!

A collection of moody paint colors in green and neutral tones displayed on a floral-patterned surface, surrounded by textured green fabric, a green book with an ornate cover, and green and white patterned ribbons.

A chart titled "Favorite Moody Green Paint Colors" showcases five alluring swatches: Benjamin Moore Forest Floor (BM 1498), Benjamin Moore Carolina Gull (BM 2138-40), Sherwin-Williams Pewter Green (SW 6208), Sherwin-Williams Thunderous (SW 6201), and Benjamin Moore Vintage Vogue (BM 462).

Dark Neutral Moody Paint Colors: Warm Black and Charcoal Paint Colors

Warm moody blacks and charcoals are perfect for adding a cozy yet dramatic look in a room.

A color swatch featuring a dark grayish-brown shade with the label "Urbane Bronze" from Sherwin-Williams, number 7048, in black cursive text at the bottom. This evocative hue stands out among moody paint colors, adding depth and sophistication to any space. — See it here –

Sherwin-Williams Urbane Bronze (SW 7048)

I love this soft dark neutral in our home. Our interior front door is painted this color. Urbane Bronze is a warm, moody dark gray-brown that exudes elegance and depth. This shade is perfect for adding a touch of drama to your space without feeling too harsh.

See it here – The Creativity Exchange

Sherwin-Williams Peppercorn

Peppercorn is a deep, rich charcoal that adds instant sophistication to any room. See beautiful examples of this color at The Creativity Exchange.

A cozy interior features a white wall with three blue decorative plates and two framed mirrors, one with a green wreath. The adjacent hallway showcases moody paint colors, including a dark blue front door with a small rug in front of it, set against warm wooden flooring. — Kitchen door painted Benjamin Moore Hale Navy HC-154

Simple Ways to Incorporate Moody Paint Colors Into Your Neutral Home

Have you seen all the gorgeous color-drenched rooms that are trending now where the walls, trim, built-ins, and even ceiling are that are completely wrapped in one deep moody color? They are beautiful and dramatic and definitely moody. You can see pretty examples here and here.

If you’re like me, and drenching an entire room in deep color feels a bit overwhelming to you, there are more gentle and subtle ways to introduce these stunning moody shades into your mostly neutral light-filled home.

Blue Paint color --Dining room with Benjamin Moore White Dove wall and ceiling painted BM Little Falls

Here are a few stylish ideas to get you started if you’re ready to add a little color depth to your home.

Paint the backs of built-in bookshelves.
- Add a pop of moody color to the backs of your built-in bookshelves for a subtle touch that creates depth and interest without overwhelming the room.
Create an accent wall.
- Make a statement by painting one wall in a moody color, such as behind the bed, sofa, or in the dining area, to add drama and contrast to a neutral space.
Paint the ceiling.
- For a unique and cozy feel, consider painting the ceiling in a moody color.
Paint cabinets and built-ins.
- Transform your kitchen or bathroom with moody-colored cabinets, or update built-ins in a home office or living room for a luxurious and sophisticated look.
Paint your interior doors.
- Update your home with chic, moody-colored interior doors to add elegance and character throughout your space. If you don’t want to paint all of your interior doors, just pick one focal door such as the front door in your foyer.
Paint trim and moldings.
- Highlight architectural details by painting the trim and moldings in a moody color. This idea works beautifully in both contemporary and more traditional homes.
Refresh old furniture with paint.
- Give new life to old furniture by painting it in a moody color, creating trendy and budget-friendly decor updates for dressers, side tables, or headboards.
Paint accent nooks.
- Create cozy, inviting spaces by painting small nooks or alcoves in moody colors, perfect for reading corners, breakfast nooks, or small entryways.

These simple ideas help you incorporate moody paint colors into your home without committing to a full room transformation. They allow you to enjoy the beauty of these rich hues in a more understated manner.

A bathroom with a large rectangular mirror reflecting a double sink vanity with blue cabinets painted in moody colors. The countertop features decorative items, including potted orchids, blue and white ceramic jars, and a tray with soaps and a rolled towel. The walls have light patterned wallpaper. — The cabinets in our primary bathroom are painted Sherwin-Williams Blustery Sky (SW 9240).

See how we updated our primary bathroom cabinets with the moody blue Blustery Sky by Sherwin-Williams.

So, are you starting to feel a little moody — in a good way? As you can see, there are so many lovely ways to add color depth to your rooms without full committing to moody color-filled rooms.

These beautiful rich moody blues, greens, and soft blacks, when carefully introduced in your home might just add the wow factor your rooms are waiting for!

Have you added a little moody color to your home? I’d love to know in the comments!

Happy Painting!

A cozy living room adorned with white and blue accents, featuring a white sofa and large windows. Below are paint swatches in various shades of blue and green, fabric samples, and text that reads, "Add Moody Paint Colors to Neutral Rooms." The bottom text reads, "Perfecting Places.

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A Bold New Look: Introducing Moody Colors Into Your Neutral Home

What’s a Moody Paint Color?

My Favorite Moody Colors