Moody Powder Rooms

I can't wait to get my hands on my outdated, ugly powder room and turn it into a moody space filled with drama and personality. I'm using this tile from www.tilebar.com as my inspiration for the makeover. https://www.tilebar.com/product/calypso-nero-8x16-honed-kadappa-black-limestone-with-brass-tile.html

I'm using this tile from Tilebar as my inspiration to create a dramatic powder room

Creating a Moody, Color-Saturated Powder Room with Black and Gold Elegance

Powder rooms are a unique design opportunity—the one place in the home where you can go all in on drama without overwhelming the everyday.  

Here’s how to design a powder room that feels sultry and luxurious using inky blacks, gilded accents, and a grounding, neutral floor.

1. Layer Your Blacks Thoughtfully

Start by selecting a deep black paint , wallpaper or wall tile as your dominant tone. Think charcoal, obsidian, or even a soft black-blue if you want a hint of coolness. For paint, I love Sherwin-Williams “Tricorn Black” (SW 6258). It's a a fan favorite for a reason. It’s one of the richest blacks out there and works beautifully in both modern and traditional settings.

From there, layer in different finishes. The variation in tone and finish is what brings depth and richness to an otherwise monochromatic palette.  Think matte walls with glossy black trim; or go with a black marble countertop with contrasting veining for texture. With tile I selected for the wall, I don't want my countertop to compete for attention. So I'll choose a black marble or quartz with some subtle variations.

2. Let Gold Fixtures Steal the Spotlight

In a dark room, gold fixtures gleam like jewelry. Opt for warm, brushed brass or polished gold faucets, sconces, and mirror frames. Their reflectivity brightens the space and instantly elevates it. Don’t go overboard with ornate gilded frames or sculptural elements.  Keep the lines clean and simple.  Less is more impactful.

3. Keep the Floor Soft and Neutral

To avoid the room becoming too visually heavy, anchor the space with a neutral floor. Pale oak, creamy porcelain tile, or soft gray stone work beautifully, offering contrast without clashing. The neutral base also makes the moody walls and gold accents pop that much more.

4. Don’t Forget to Look Up!

By painting the ceiling the same saturated color as the walls, you soften corners and create a seamless visual field that can actually make the room feel larger, not smaller.  

5. Finally, Add Luxe Details

Complete the atmosphere with textural layers: velvet hand towels, a moody-scented candle in an amber jar, or a tiny piece of moody art. Keep the lighting minimal and don’t forget to install a dimmer! You could even add a black ceiling for a true cocoon effect if your lighting is sufficient. 

A powder room like this doesn’t just serve a function—it tells a story. One of elegance, boldness, and unapologetic personality. Step inside, and even a quick handwash feels like an event.