Dark Paint Colors HGTV Stars Love Using In Homes

When it comes to transforming a space, one of the most impactful decisions you can make is choosing the right paint color. While light and neutral tones have long been popular for their ability to brighten and enlarge a room, many HGTV stars are advocating for the bold allure of dark paint colors. "People are less afraid of dark rooms now," stated Erin Napier, the co-host of HGTV's "Home Town" (via Business Insider). "I think it's exciting to see more of a return to color on the wall–dark, saturated, moody color." Napier went on to explain. 

From deep blues to moody grays, these shades offer a sense of sophistication and drama that can elevate any home's aesthetic. It's even true that paint color can affect your home's resale value. Zillow discovered that homes with dark paint colors in specific rooms sold for higher prices than anticipated. This provides yet another reason to consider opting for these more intense shades loved by HGTV stars.

Known for her transformative design work on "Fixer Upper," Joanna Gaines has been championing for darker and moodier color palettes. In an interview with Better Homes and Gardens, Gaines expressed her love for these shades saying, "...the projects that we're doing, I am going darker and moodier because I just feel like those more storied and saturated colors–that's just what's speaking to me right now. I'm having fun with it." 

One paint color Gaines swears by is charcoal grey. Her affection for it is evident in the creation of the shade 'Conservatory' by her brand Magnolia, which is used in her "Fixer Upper: Castle" series. When incorporating charcoal into interior design, target spaces with a cozy atmosphere, such as libraries, dining rooms, offices, hallways, and bedrooms. Then, achieve a dramatic look by painting an entire room in the hue. Despite the common belief that dark colors make a room appear smaller, painting everything in the same shade can actually help negate this effect, making the room feel more expansive. Light hues and subtle patterns in furnishings and textiles can soften the intensity of the color while adding visual interest.

Incorporating green into interior design evokes a sense of vitality and tranquility. It brings the freshness of the outdoors into any space, creating a calming atmosphere. When it comes to paint colors, Jenny Marrs, host of HGTV's "Fixer to Fabulous," has a deep appreciation for the color green.  "As we all know, green is the color of nature, and I love bringing the outside in. I often incorporate plants, flowers, and cuttings from the tree to bring life inside the house, and green offers a similar energy. It's my go-to color that I use often," the designer shares with Homes & Gardens.

From serene entryways to vibrant living rooms, green can transform any area into a tranquil oasis. Entryways, in particular, serve as the perfect canvas for green hues, welcoming guests with a refreshing burst of color and setting the tone for the entire home. Consider using darker greens, like Marrs-approved shades 'Treron' by Farrow and Ball and 'Dark Olive' by Benjamin Moore, on accent walls that can serve as a striking backdrop for artwork and furniture, adding depth to spaces. Even in small spaces like bathrooms or powder rooms, darker green paint can create a sense of intimacy and luxury. 

In a recent Facebook post, HGTV's Property Brothers dispelled the myth that dark wall colors, such as deep blue, can make a room feel small or gloomy. "Don't be afraid of dark wall colors. Balancing the deep blue with light-colored furniture made the room inviting and bright," the Property Brothers said in the post. 

One approach to designing with deep blue is through accent walls, where a splash of color adds visual interest without overwhelming the space. When selecting a deep blue paint, the Property Brothers' suggest the shade 'Hague Blue' by Farrow and Ball. By carefully balancing this intense shade with light-colored furniture and textiles, you can achieve a harmonious environment. Then, take a cue from the design duo and use cheerful yellow and orange accessories to add bright pops of color to your space.

Grays have emerged as a versatile and timeless choice among HGTV stars for their ability to create a sophisticated yet understated aesthetic in homes. This classic color palette, ranging from light dove grays to deep charcoal tones, has captured the attention of HGTV designers like John Colaneri. "I'm into dark gray walls right now. Any color you put next to this charcoal gray, whether it's on a rug or a sofa, will stand out," Colaneri said (via HGTV). 

Whether used on walls, cabinetry, or accents, gray paint colors provide a neutral backdrop that allows other elements in the room to shine. Colaneri suggests 'Thunder Gray' by Sherwin-Williams for creating a bold statement in any room, as it exudes a sense of elegance. And, while it's a dramatic grey, its intense green undertones add plenty of charm and keep it from looking cold and sterile.

When it comes to selecting dark paint colors for your home, it's easy to fall into the trap of choosing between the familiar shades of gray or black. HGTV's Egypt Sherrod offers a refreshing choice with her recommendation of Cyberspace by Sherwin-Williams. Unlike traditional grays, which can feel dull, or blacks that can be overpowering, Cyberspace offers a hue that strikes the perfect balance between subtlety and vibrancy. "[The paint color] has a blue undertone [so] it's not gray, which is typical and boring, and it's not black so you don't feel shut in; it has some color," Egypt explained (via HGTV). 

Sherrod's paint trick helped her team win the competition in the season three finale of HGTV's "Rock the Block" and is a clever strategy for creating depth and interest in a space. Sherrod used Cyberspace not only on the walls and trim but also on the ceiling. By using the same color overhead, Sherrod was able to draw the eye upward and make the room feel larger. 

Looking for a dark green paint for your home? No one harnesses the power of color in transforming interior spaces quite like HGTV's Joanna Gaines. Her endorsement of 1905 Green, a deep and moody shade from her brand, Magnolia, makes it a no-brainer. "I love the way this moody, dark green comes to life on the walls, balancing depth and sophistication with familiarity and comfort," Gaines writes in the paint's description. 

Regardless of whether it's applied as accent walls or covering entire rooms, 1905 Green's rich, deep tone adds layers to a space while maintaining a cozy ambiance. It's a great choice for those who love the color green, as it infuses spaces with tranquility. Plus, when you pair it with other dark paint colors, it can create striking and sophisticated interiors. Consider complementary shades such as charcoal gray, navy blue, or deep plum to enhance the richness of 1905 Green while providing contrast.