Brown is the New Neutral
For those looking to embrace brown interiors, there are two key principles to consider.
Colour trends shift and evolve but some hues will always retain their charm. One classic colour that has been stealing the spotlight in a way that feels both fresh and timeless is brown. This deep, earthy shade is making a strong comeback as the new go-to neutral in interiors, adding warmth, sophistication, and versatility. While browns can range from light tans and sandy beiges to richer chocolate and espresso shades, they all share a grounding effect that can elevate a room’s ambiance, helping it feel both cosy and luxurious.
For those looking to embrace the brown, there are two key principles to consider. You can either choose brown as the foundation of your scheme with paint and substantial furnishings or incorporate it through accessories that make subtle but impactful statements.
1. Setting a Brown Base: Walls, Sofas, and Curtains
Starting with a brown base in your interiors is an elegant approach to infuse warmth and depth into a space. Painting walls a soft, taupe or clay brown, for instance, provides a rich backdrop without overwhelming other design elements. Brown shades on walls can give the room a cocoon-like feel, creating a sense of serenity and comfort.
Brown is also a fantastic choice for key furniture pieces, such as sofas and armchairs. A cocoa-colored sofa serves as the ideal anchor for a living room, offering a visually pleasing and versatile base that pairs well with countless other hues, from dusty pinks and sage greens to crisp whites and blacks. Curtains in brown tones also make a beautiful addition to any space, especially if you’re working with lighter-colored walls. Opt for a textured brown fabric, like linen or velvet, to add dimension and richness.
2. Enhancing with Brown Accessories
If a full commitment to brown walls or furniture feels a little bold, incorporating brown through accessories is an excellent way to achieve this look without overpowering your existing color scheme. Lighting is particularly effective here, as lighting elements not only serve as functional pieces but also as eye-catching accents.
When it comes to lighting, think of rich materials like bronze, walnut, or coloured glass that embrace the brown trend while adding a unique touch to your space. The Archie floor lamp or a Ronni with a walnut stem can introduce just the right amount of brown, blending seamlessly into both modern and classic design aesthetics. Brown lighting fixtures bring warmth to the room, emitting a softer glow that complements natural tones.
The Adler table lamp in warm wood or the Everly table lamp with smoke glass can also create a cosy ambiance, providing practical lighting while enhancing the overall color palette. For a more subtle touch, consider using brown-toned lamp shades. From deep terracotta to caramel, these shades add a sophisticated layer to your lighting setup, letting you experiment with varying levels of richness and intensity.
The resurgence of brown as a popular neutral in interiors is more than just a passing trend. Brown hues are inherently linked to nature, making them feel grounded and timeless. This connection to the earth’s elements gives brown a sense of permanence and stability, which is incredibly appealing in an age where trends come and go. Brown also plays well with natural materials, such as wood, stone, and metal, creating a harmonious, balanced look that doesn’t feel too staged or artificial.
Moreover, brown works with nearly any style, from mid-century modern to rustic farmhouse. It complements lighter, airy colors while offering a bold contrast to more vivid hues. This versatility makes brown one of the most flexible color options, ideal for both those looking to experiment with interiors and those who prefer a classic, enduring aesthetic.