This “Moody and Dramatic” Paint Color Is Designer-Approved (Even if Some People Hate It!)

He may be known for his warm, light, and bright spaces layered with textures, artifacts, and personal touches, but Nate Berkus also wants to make a case for crossing over to the dark side. In a recent Instagram post, the designer shared some of his favorite spaces, and people in the comment section are divided on some of them.

Berkus’ post shows rooms that use black walls to make a statement. “Moody and dramatic black walls add so much sophistication,” Berkus writes in the caption of his recent post. He then asks followers, “Would you use dark colors in your home?”

Berkus shared snapshots from various design projects, ranging from Los Angeles to Chicago to Montauk, demonstrating that black walls can be used in a diverse range of ways — regardless of where the house is located and the natural light. 

In the Beverly Hills slide, the way the black paint is applied in a limewash style creates texture and actually brings light into the space, allowing it to reflect off of the semi-gloss eggshell finish. The high-gloss finish in the Chicago project achieves the same effect, but in a completely different way. It’s a lacquer finish that instantly draws your eyes to the walls and makes the details in the doors and trim pop.

But classic matte and satin black walls work just as well to add drama. The Hollywood bedroom has a den-like, cozy feel to it, whereas the Montauk sunroom and Seattle dining space both feel light and airy but grounded, thanks to the matte black walls. 

In the comment section, people were quick to leave their strong opinions on Berkus’ love for dark paint colors. 

“I just did [it] in our bathroom. Loving it,” one person commented. Another said, “I have and will continue to do so … I LOVE IT.” Someone else agreed, writing, “I have a blackish den/study and it feels very comforting and cocoon-like. You have to experience it to know.”

However, others aren’t too keen on the idea of crossing over to the dark side. “No, [I] don’t want to live in a dungeon, yuck!” one person said, with another commenter adding, “Absolutely not. Would make me crazy. Love soft, soothing, comfortable colors.”

“Not in my house, nope too dark for me,” another commenter added.

Of course, you don’t have to go with black if you’re looking for a moody wall color: A dark gray, green, or navy blue could be just as effective without being too harsh. Even opting for a dark-toned wallpaper, like Berkus and husband Jeremiah Brent did in their bedroom, could be the perfect dramatic touch.

Have you painted the walls in your home black? It may be the secret ingredient you’ve been looking for to make your space so much more sophisticated.