Sherwin-Williams' latest color palette is the dream combination of dark and moody shades – it's giving a chic blend of gothic yet cozy

At this time of year, we all want our homes to feel more cozy, and one of the best ways to do so is to refresh the wall colors. In place of light neutrals, dark and moody paint colors can totally transform our homes to feel full of warmth and drama.

The realm of dark and moody paints is vast, and Sherwin-Williams just inspired us with a dedicated palette named the Gothic Period. Spanning five paint colors, this palette is a go-to if you want to tap into this paint trend in time for the winter months.

To learn more about this palette and how to decorate with dark paints throughout your home, read on. We spoke with Emily Kantz, Color Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams to learn expert tips just in time for the cozy season.

'The Gothic Period color palette was inspired by an appreciation of the older architecture of the Gothic period,' explains Emily. 'The colors were rich and moody, the detailing was ornate and there seems to be a mysterious fascination with that type of architectural style as we get closer to Halloween.'

The darkest of the paint colors in the palette is Inkwell SW 6992, a black paint with a hint of blue. Roycroft Copper Red SW 2839 is a rich, brownish-red paint; Deepest Mauve SW 0005 is a dark yet muted purple; and Gallant Gold SW 6391 is a deep gold. At the lighter end of the color spectrum, the final color is Ivory Lace SW 7013, a cool and creamy white paint ideal for providing balance to all the rich shades.

'This color palette is beautiful, with its deep, rich tones, these colors can work within a variety of spaces,' says Emily. As recent color trends have taught us, dark paints are versatile to use throughout the home, essentially anywhere where you want to create a cozy and dramatic feel. Having said that, certain applications of each of these colors will make the most out of them, according to Emily, who shares below her favorite rooms to use each of them in.

Purple, predicted to be one of the biggest color trends of 2025, provides an exciting way to decorate with dark paints right now, and Deepest Mauve isn't too saturated so it maintains a liveable feel. 'For that unexpected moment, think about color-drenching a powder room in Deepest Mauve SW 0005,' suggests Emily. 'This dusty purple looks elegant paired with stone and metal finishes found in a bathroom.'

Alternatively, take inspiration from this dining room by Neptune which channels a dark purple hue across the cabinetry – a slightly more subtle way to incorporate this daring hue into neutral rooms.

'For a fresh twist, try a deep black such as Inkwell SW 6992 as a living room color with some bold pieces of artwork and modern furniture pieces, which can make the space feel very contemporary and dramatic,' adds Emily. 'Gallant Gold SW 6391 would add a great dose of golden warmth to a reading nook or a home office. Pair it with black matte finishes and darker wood tones.'

Decorating with red is the height of interior trends right now, and Emily suggests using the red paint colors within the palette to create a stylish entrance to the home: 'Roycroft Copper Red SW 2839 would add interest to an entryway or a hallway and add depth and color to otherwise overlooked spaces.'

Once you've settled on your favorite dark paint to add depth to your home this winter, turn to Ivory Lace to provide balance with its light tones. 'Ivory Lace SW 7013 is a creamy white that adds the right amount of warmth to walls or trim and would look great in just about any room in the house,' adds Emily.

Whether you go all out with color drenching for a cocooning feel or use them more sparingly as accent colors, these shades make a great choice for the winter months and beyond.