Top 4 colour palettes for 'moody' rooms

We've been inspired by recent 'dark' interior trends that create an intriguing contrast to classic spring pastels. From Dark Academia to Dark Boho, these 'moody' colour schemes are dominating the 2025 designer scene.

Ready to try a new look for your interior? Here's how to experiment with our top four 'moody' palettes and create atmospheric spaces that guarantee a striking first impression.

1. Brown is back

It's easy to spot the ongoing '80s pop culture revival. From indie music and high fashion to mainstream media, like the hit streaming show Stranger Things, it’s no surprise that interior design is also stepping back 40 years. So, we’re here to tell you that brown is back.

Pantone’s Colour of the Year is Mocha Mousse, a rich and succulent brown with chocolatey hues. Setting the general trend for warmer, darker neutrals, adding browns to any home interior makes for a more sophisticated finish.

Let's not forget oxblood, an enchanting blend between brown and burgundy. One of the biggest paint colour trends for 2025, this shade makes a statement in spacious dining rooms and living spaces. It's easy to complement with wood-panelled walls and bold patterns, or even through dainty features on curved furniture. These choices echo the '80s style perfectly.

2. Rich purple

If you'd rather go bolder, choose a plum, burgundy or deep purple theme.

This is an intense choice that creates instant drama, intensifying the atmosphere with a romantic yet moody colour palette. With thoughtful placement, it can work equally well in smaller, low-light rooms or larger spaces, too. Here's how to make a sensational impact with purple:

·       Run purple across walls for a cosy cocooning effect. This can promote relaxation and lull you into deep, restful sleep.

·       Embrace the power of layered lighting. Incorporate mirrors or feature the purple beside a window, letting the light counterbalance the depth.

·       Experiment with two-tone paints and contrast with a lighter shade. This looks lovely in living rooms, especially around a feature fireplace.

·       Create dimension with fabric textures, using light wood furniture to lift the atmosphere.

3. Jewel tones

For high-ceilinged bedrooms or larger living spaces, jewel tones hit the sweet spot between soothing and stimulating.

Emerald

If you adore alluring dark jewel tones, emerald makes a sumptuous choice for elegant interiors. For a contemporary, playful dark green living room, why not juxtapose this shade with hot pink and mustard?

Sapphire

Or, for something more restrained and refined, opt for a sapphire-inspired room. You could add gorgeous, eye-catching style with deep blue walls, sumptuous velvet and chic glass furniture, perhaps with chrome details.

Ruby

Feeling brave? Take the trend for red to the next level with a ruby room. Incorporate dark wood and vintage furniture for an old-world feel or go for striking monochrome décor.

4. Deep green

From khaki and olive to forest and teal, there’s a host of deep green colours you could use to create your powerful palette. They're all popular paint colour trends in 2025, too.

Embrace a natural theme with our bespoke green fitted wardrobes, available in several decadent shades. For a sense of connection to the earth, add biophilic touches like floral patterns, plants and wooden floors. Natural homes feel instinctively comfortable.

If you'd like to juxtapose the nature theme, we recommend using gold or glass furniture in conjunction with black and white décor. Throwing unexpected patterns adds an original dimension.