Decorating with brown – 10 ways to use this warm versatile color
Brown is not typically the first color that comes to mind when decorating, and it has a history of being seen as out of style. But in recent years, brown’s popularity has risen as a grounded, earthy neutral that adds warmth to interiors.
The range of brown tones, from cappuccino and taupe to rich chestnut and dark chocolate, allows for a wide variety of fashion statements, from fitted and chic to soothing and comforting.
Brown may be associated with 1970s kitsch interiors, but color can be achingly stylish when used appropriately. Patrick O’Donnell, Farrow & Ball’s brand ambassador, notes that the company’s browns “range across various scales,” from earthy mid-neutrals to the darkest and richest aubergine-tinged darks.
Here, you’ll find a lot of advice from interior design and color professionals and a plethora of brown room ideas to get you started on your brown decorating project.
DECORATING WITH BROWN
Brown’s beauty and benefits as a decorating color are increasingly recognized, and experts say the color should not be undervalued. Brown, despite its ambiguous nature, has the potential to create beautiful interiors; it is an excellent choice for a living room since it is both warm and neutral.
Interior designer and founder of Edward Bulmer Natural Paints Edward Bulmer predicts a rise in the use of brown as a wall paint to complement the clever use of color in artwork and furnishings.
It’s bold and comforting but also sensitive to the nuances of other hues. I think the time has come for deep browns to have a renaissance, and I appreciate the sophistication of this color.
1. BRING WOW-FACTOR WITH AN ALL-BROWN SCHEME
It takes courage to paint an entire room in a dark shade of brown, but as this Neptune Suffolk kitchen demonstrates, it’s possible to pull off this look with the perfect amount of contrast from bright accents and various color textures.
Brown, an earthy and well-grounded color, goes nicely with many other hues. Neptune’s head of interior design, Simon Temprell, claims that the kitchen’s dark, sophisticated atmosphere was achieved by liberally applying the company’s signature deep, rich Walnut paint.
Painting the walls and cabinets the same color creates a charming antique atmosphere broken up by the crisp white marble counters and the round bistro table. The salvaged plank floor is a great way to add texture to the room and break up the flat matte surface.
2. USE BROWN AS A BACKDROP FOR DECORATING WITH ANTIQUES
A living room decorated in warm, mid-brown tones feels cozy and is a perfect canvas for decorating artwork and antiques.
Farrow & Ball’s London Clay was the color I chose for my living room. For the artwork and furnishings, it’s perfect. The magenta color gives it a delicate, earthy appearance, as described by Emma Burns, CEO of Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler.
Browns with a red undertone, like London Clay, one of our most reliable browns, are great options for a family or formal living room. Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball, says, “It’s excellent for light-starved interiors since the red through it delivers warm and comforting comfort in equal measure.
Use a white with a red undertone, such as Dimity or Joa’s White, on your ceiling and trim for a harmonious Bedfellow.
3. TRY A DEEP BROWN FOR A NORTH-FACING ROOM
Consider the color in the room and try out several brown paint samples to see how they look in various lighting conditions before making a final decision. Many people like using lighter colors in north-facing rooms, but Mike Fisher, the creative director and founder of Studio Indigo, says dark colors can be amazingly effective.
If you want your north-looking room to feel cozier, paint it a dark or intense color like brown, while rooms facing south should be painted in lighter colors. The saying goes, “Where there is darkness, color must be brought.”
4. USE CHOCOLATE BROWN FOR AN ENVELOPING FEEL
Brown is an excellent color for living a warm and welcoming atmosphere when utilized liberally across all surfaces in a room. If you have a large kitchen and want to make it feel more intimate and friendly, a dark brown paint color may be the room to go.
When utilized consistently across all parts, chocolate brown hues can surround a living, as noted by Ruth Mottershead, creative director of Little Greene.
5. PAIR BROWN WITH PATTERN AND TEXTURE
This living room, painted in Edward Bulmer’s London Brown, is a lovely example of how decorating with brown can provide a stunning backdrop for colorful furniture and intricately patterned materials.
Since it is a neutral color, brown may be used to complement a wide variety of design aesthetics. However, its deeper tones work exceptionally well with intricate, artistic designs. According to Edward Bulmer, our “London Brown” makes everything else look better.
A pastel pink sofa and modern white armchairs brighten up the dark brown living room, while the patterned curtains and jute flooring add texture.
6. PAIR BROWN WITH WARM COLORS
While decorating with brown, caution should be exercised when selecting accent colors, advises Simon Temprell of Neptune.
“Dark brown will function in any room, north or south facing, but be careful with your complementing colors as they will have to be adjusted based on the quality of light in the room. Whites with brown or yellow overtones are recommended over the stark white.
Chestnut, a rich terracotta color, gives off a comforting glow inside these cabinets and complements the tan leather of our St. James saddle door pulls.
7. WARM UP BROWN WITH TERRACOTTA SHADES
Justyna Korczynska, a senior designer at Crown, adds that brown “sits nicely” with other soft neutral tones like terracotta and beige. This hallway idea is a lovely illustration of that idea.
The velvety walls in a sophisticated mid-brown provide an inviting atmosphere. They also offer a lovely backdrop for the patterned Ikat, the luxurious terracotta, and the collection of magnificent dishes and artifacts from around the world.
8. BRING THE OUTSIDE IN WITH A NATURE-INSPIRED WALLPAPER
Wallpapers with a decorative motif work exceptionally well in formal dining rooms used for hosting.
Choose an earthy brown print inspired by nature for a laid-back yet attention-grabbing ensemble. Dado Atelier’s wallpaper for the dining room features a repeating bamboo design on a taupe background, providing a touch of the pattern without overwhelming the space.
9. INTRODUCE BROWN BY DECORATING WITH WOOD
Decorating the use of wood in your décor (whether on walls or in the form of furniture) is a great way to embrace the brown trend. Wooden furniture, whether it has a faded, rustic appearance or is highly lacquered and antique, adds excellent texture to any room.
Bath surrounded in luxurious reclaimed iroko wood warms up the otherwise chilly grey marble tiles and blue zellige bathroom wall tiles in this plan by Anthi Graspa.
10. USE BROWN TO CREATE A RESTFUL FEEL
Rooms can easily take on a chilly, clinical vibe, but using a color idea based on mid to light taupe-browns gives the space a calming, relaxing ambiance. Infuse the soothing tones of nature with Mouse’s Back by Farrow & Ball, which features green undertones.
“Earth browns like Mouse’s Back give simple decorating options, such as a restful bedroom plan wall color or a choice for woodwork. According to Patrick O’Donnell, “Mouse’s Back” provides a comforting warmth and may be paired with a wide range of complementing colors, including “subtle pinks,” “smoky greens,” and “beautiful regency blues.”
HOW DO YOU DECORATE WITH BROWN?
Experts recommend using brown as a living room paint color because of its warm tones and adaptability to a wide range of room schemes.
‘Beige and brown both work well in communal rooms such as the living room and the dining room,’ explains Justyna Korczynska, senior designer at Crown. ‘They are appealing colors that remind us of the outdoors and nature and inspire us to relax.
‘Deep dark browns are elegantly contrasted with textured elements like as subdued linens, tactile wools, and natural wood finishes, to create an intimate and inviting scheme,’ says Ruth Mottershead, creative director of Little Greene.
They “pair nicely” with natural tones and neutrals like “Clay” and “Lute” to make a tonal scheme, or they can be utilized in a color-drenched plan to create an impactful and intimate atmosphere.
WHAT COLOR GOES WELL WITH BROWN?
Brown’s polychromatic nature allows it to work well with many other colors, making it a very flexible choice for interior design.
Brown is a warm and welcoming color that pairs nicely with cool tones like white and blue. When used together, brown and white exude a natural earthiness and a powerful modern aesthetic. Natural wood and other materials like rattan and linens work splendidly in this space. According to Crown’s senior designer, Justyna Korczynska, “brown works beautifully with a navy blue if white is too mainstream for you.”
For example, Simon Temprell from Neptune says, “Dark chocolate brown will sit wonderfully with warm, subdued plaster-pink, such as our Old Rose.” Alternatively, he suggests balancing this warm shade by contrasting it with a more fantastic shade, such as Flax Blue or Cactus.
