Here's how designers are using Sherwin-Williams' Peppercorn – 5 ways to decorate with this trending dark gray paint

The first half of 2024 has seen endless popularity around dark paint colors, and for good reason. Designers and homeowners are turning to deep, moody hues to create cozy and sophisticated spaces, and Sherwin-Williams' Peppercorn is quickly becoming a firm favorite among them.

Since this paint color has been cropping up a lot lately, we're taking a closer look at this bold shade to give you some expert ideas for decorating with it in your home. Read on to learn all about this popular Sherwin-Williams dark gray paint.

What color is Sherwin-Williams' Peppercorn?

'Peppercorn SW 7674 is a versatile dark gray paint, evenly balanced between warm and cool,' explains Emily Kantz, Color Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams.

Interior designer Nadia Watts also recommends Peppercorn for its versatility, agreeing that it's a flattering balance between warm and cool tones, making it easy to pair with other paint ideas.

'The great thing about Sherwin-Williams' Peppercorn paint is it's extremely versatile,' says Nadia. 'It’s a nice balance between warm and cool so it pairs well with a wide range of colors. Peppercorn is bold yet timeless. It’s the perfect shade to create a focal point or swathe your entire space for a moody saturated vibe.'

Given this color's versatility, there are lots of ways to use it throughout the home, whether that's in the main living spaces or a cozy bedroom. 'This shade is a great option as an accent color to create a trendy yet elegant focal point in the home,' continues Emily.

'I recommend using it in spaces with lots of light to avoid making the room feel too dark or too small and let the shade really shine.'

5 ways to decorate with Peppercorn

Below, we've rounded up five of our favorite examples of Peppercorn used by designers inside real homes.

1. Use sparingly for a sophisticated living room

If you're looking to create a sophisticated and cozy living room, Peppercorn makes a great color choice. Interior design studio Blessed Little Bungalow used Peppercorn across the built-ins and fireplace of this living space, teamed with white walls and colorful furniture and decor.

The design studio's founder Amber Guyton explains that this paint color 'gave the space the moodiness and bold contrast the home needed, while not overpowering the elegant design.'

2. Create a cozy bedroom

Embracing bold bedroom ideas with a dark paint color can seem daunting, but it's one of the easiest ways to create a cozy look and feel.

Interior designer Susan Yeley, Creative Director at Indiana-based Susan Yeley Homes used Peppercorn on the walls of this bedroom, choosing it for its unique undertones.

'We tend to prefer colors that are more than meets the eye,' says Susan. 'They shift with the light, revealing different undertones depending on the context or time of day. Peppercorn is more nuanced than truer charcoal or navy – it almost leans eggplant and is offset perfectly by crisp white trim. The perfect foil for warm antique rugs, leathers, and natural wood tones; Peppercorn is a neutral backdrop that also lends its own interest to a space.'

3. Embrace a moody home office

It can be tempting to play it safe with color choices in home offices, but dark tones like Peppercorn add interest and ensure these productive spaces don't feel bland. That's especially true for small home offices; where dark paints can work hard to create a cozy and cohesive look.

In this home office designed by Betsy Wentz, Peppercorn was chosen for its moody yet warming quality. 'Peppercorn is a great selection for a home office,' says Betsy. 'It’s a moody, dark gray that gives a warm feel.'

4. Opt for dark kitchen cabinets

Dark kitchen cabinets are everywhere in 2024, and Peppercorn is a go-to choice if you want to embrace this trend while maintaining a neutral look. Maestri Studio designed this modern kitchen, opting for Peppercorn across the floor-to-ceiling kitchen cabinets.

Interior designer Eugenia Triandos of Hibou Design & Co. adds: 'Using this color on cabinets offers a sleek, modern look, that can pair well with black hardware and a lighter stone countertop.'

5. Channel Peppercorn across your home's exterior

Peppercorn isn't just for interior schemes, but it also makes an excellent home exterior color, and was officially one of Sherwin-Williams' top 15 colors for home exteriors in 2023.

'Peppercorn is a good option for exterior paint: it’s a bold neutral that works well with so many colors,' explains designer Nadia Watts: 'If you want a classic exterior color that will stand the test of time and trends, Peppercorn is a wonderful option.'

Whether you use Peppercorn as an accent color or across all four walls, you can be as adventurous as you like with this moody hue. Remember to test it out before committing since all paint colors look slightly different in different rooms and lighting conditions.