Color Story: Designing with Brown
They say there is nothing new under the sun, and while watching the cyclical nature of interior design trends, it’s easy to see that is true. While we are firmly in the camp that any color can be the right color in the right space, it is still fun to take note of the color trends as they pass in and out of favor. Shades of gray, of course, have been dominating the landscape for the last decade or so, but if my Instagram feed is any indication, it’s headed “out.” In its place, that old stand-by, brown. We consider brown a pretty perfect neutral that is classic, authentic, and plays well with nearly every other shade. Our own palettes are made of earthy, saturated neutrals and lucky for us, brown fits right in.
Don’t miss: Our Saturated Neutral Color Palette
Design: Moore House Design, Photography: Erin Little
How to Use Brown
If you already have warm shades in your home, adding brown is a simple task, and the most obvious way is through natural wood tones. True brown wood furnishings are timeless, never really going out of style, and almost always work well when mixed with painted finishes, metal, or even lighter wood. In fact, it’s that mix that helps a room feel layered and interesting. Even if your space is filled with cooler shades (even gray!), it can benefit from the warmth of a natural brown wood tone. The trick here is to consider the species of the wood — walnut is a safe bet for a true brown, while pine or oak can read orange or yellow unless they are stained light in color.
When choosing a brown paint color, it’s important to notice the undertones. Many cooler browns have a pink or purple undertone, while warmer shades will have notes of green. Always, always sample colors on multiple walls and take note of how they change in different lighting before taking the plunge.
Design: Yond Interiors, Photography: Erin Little
Design: Yond Interiors, Photography: Erin Little
Furnishings
Brown upholstery calls to mind overstuffed and unshapely sofas (you know the ones!), but it need not be the case. In fact, a brown piece can have a grounding, earthy effect, especially when the color and texture of the fabric is carefully chosen. Velvet is a good option for it’s subtle sheen, and the nubby texture of linen is especially versatile. A dark color like brown will draw the eye, so choose a piece that has a striking sculptural shape.
Design: Yond Cottage, Photography: Amanda Birnie
Textiles
Pillows, throw blankets, and small rugs are among the easiest items to swap around when looking for a change — especially if you are looking to experiment with color a bit. Fortunately, brown gets along quite well with many other colors, making it simple to add to an established color palette. Consider adding a textural pillow, soft blanket, or a new hand towel into the mix.
Design: Yond Interiors, Photography: Erin Little
Wardrobe & Accessories
Softer than black and more universally flattering than gray, brown is a great neutral for our wardrobes as well as our homes. Depending on the material, it can feel a little more casual and approachable, which is why we think it is a must-have in any space. If you find your own home lacking in brown, try swapping out a small mirror for one with a wood frame, or source some handmade or vintage crockery, which come in many delightful shades of brown.
Design: Yond Interiors, Photography: Erin Little
For even more inspiration, follow us over on Instagram to get a look at daily life in the studio. If you would like to connect with us for your design project, we would love to hear from you. You can connect directly by filling out our contact form.
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