Brown is making a comeback in 2023's interior design and is becoming a go-to neutral for decorating. Although not the brightest color, brown is never "blah" or boring. In fact, it is a calming backdrop that blends well with practically any tone or shade you wish to contrast it with.

 

This color was a remarkable design element in the 70s and the 2000s and is making a comeback owing to the influences from both periods.

We are seeing a shift toward warmer colors largely also because many would want to incorporate more comforting colors into their interior spaces because of the uncertainty brought by the pandemic.

We've been surrounded by palettes of gray in recent years, and so this marks a natural shift from that muted tone as well. Just like in the 70s, what drives brown's current appeal is environmental awareness and the desire to stay close to nature.

Hence, this brings a lot of sustainable materials into our homes. We tend to choose natural woods, rather than fabricated materials, and prefer earth-inspired interior colors and organic modern decor styles.

As part of this leading eco trend, natural textures are also becoming more popular, such as wood floors, jute rugs, and rattan wall decors.

Benjamin Reynaert, a decor and design expert, explains, "From new fabrics, paint colors, and products, brown is emerging as a new and differentiated go-to neutral.”

Brown comes in various shades, from dark and saturated to the lighter ones like tan and caramel.  Although it's a popular color for formal settings, brown can also bring drama to modern styles. As a quick and simple way to blend in the browns, Reynaert suggests using pieces like traditional gingham tablecloths and modern-retro mushroom table lamps.  But apparently, brown is not just an accent color. For instance, a brown wall can add warmth, serve as a neutral that lets decor (or architecture) stand out, and go well with trendy moody decor styles.

The pros from JarvisInteriors can give you expert advice on switching to brown design.

How to use brown as a neutral in your interiors:

1. Pair with modern palettes

Pair brown with modern jewel tones and earthy greens and blues instead of the intense yellows, reds, and terracottas of the earlier years. Brown is a great neutral base color for walls and can be a subtle complement to other colors when used as flooring or trim.

4. Set up contrast

Brown and white are always a perfect pair. But steer away from the antiquated look of the 2000s' brown walls and shockingly stark white trim. To make the transition between the two shades easier, you can use a variety of natural browns in wooden furniture, wall decor, or even trendy black accents.

2. Take cues from wood

Instead of painted trim, switch to wood trim that's stained in a brown tone. By keeping wood trim and accents as your home's neutral and then using rich wall colors through wallpapers or paint, you can create a moody, contemporary effect while showcasing the architecture of your home. Wood furniture with elegant wood frames like chairs, hutches, and sideboards can add brown neutral accents as well.

5. Mix finishes and textures

Don't go monotone with monochromes, as you would with other colors. When using several shades of brown as the primary color in your room, mix in a variety of finishes and textures to add depth. Accents of plisse cabinets, rattan, and wood paneling give the natural, neutral colors a modern take.

Another textural example are soft, woven fabrics. Using various matte and glossy paint finishes can also keep brown from appearing dull.

Brown undertones in metallics like copper, gold, and brass literally reflect the warmth of brown's neutral color.

3. Use leather in lounge rooms

There are numerous brown tones for leather furniture. The finish of leather and decorative elements like nail head trim and tufting enriches the texture of a space. Choose modern slim-lined furniture instead of the overstuffed furniture style of the 2000s.

Read related: 18 Living Room Ideas with Brown Couches That Aren't Boring at All

6. Make intimate spaces

Create cozy and calming spaces in your home by using deep brown walls. They make a lovely backdrop for a reading space or snug little nook. And when lit at night with candlelight, this shade glows and looks exceptionally beautiful.

Why decorating with brown never goes out of style?

1- Brown serves as a unifying and calming earth tone.

2- Brown enriches texture, layering, and color in a space as it works well in practically every material

3- Brown enhances earthiness. Because brown is so naturalistic, versatile, and timeless it can be used across a range of textures.

4- Brown comprises many hues that it can be considered an umbrella term for a range of shades –giving you limitless options.

5- Brown can accentuate any palette well that you won't have to worry about the right accent colors. It really depends on the look and feel you're going for.

6- Mixing shades of brown is not easy, but it can be done. Once achieved, it gives your space a fresh look.

7- Brown is a stunning accent color without making the space feel tight or outdated.

Read more here:  Why Designers Will Never Stop Decorating With Brown

Read Related: Why Brown Is the Color Taking Over Interiors

Colors that go perfectly with brown:

So, deciding which brown is best for your interiors is largely determined by how you want your space to feel. If you want it to feel moody and cozy, go darker. If you want an open feel, go lighter. Browns are rich, dramatic, and welcoming. Here are trendy color pairings for browns:

1) Choco brown + cream + red color combo: enhances brown's copper hue which brings out balance and pops of energy

2) Beige + brown color palette: enhances the richness of chocolate brown without feeling dull and flat

3) Gray + brown color scheme: keeps the color combination coherent and enhances warmth

4) Pink + brown color palette: lightens the look of the room

5) Brown + white color combo: a classic pair that increases drama and enhances a beautiful contrast when used judiciously

6) Brown + warm tones color scheme: captures the spirit of autumn that puts on a vibrant display

7) Blue + brown color palette: harmonizes the cool tones of blue and the warm tones of brown

8) Brown + pastel color combo: makes a space stunning but with a unified, sophisticated touch

9) Brown + green color scheme: contrasts nicely and energizes a space

10) Yellow + brown color palette: lends a room a modern, stylish look with pops of sunny yellows

11) Purple + brown color scheme: heightens the drama as these deeper colors enrich your space and conveys a sophisticated look

12) Layers of brown color palette: creates a cozy and enveloping space

Read more ideas on brown color pairings here, 10+ Designer-Approved Ways to Decorate with Brown and get more inspiration on how to infuse warmth in your room here: How to Use Warm Colors in Your Home Interiors.

Brown is a neutral that's versatile, timeless, and can warm up any room and will complement any design style. True enough, brown is the "new black" in the interior design world. Contact JarvisInteriors to get the help of our expert designers for your shift to brown interiors.

 

----------------------------

CONTENT Credits

Brown Is the New Black: Here's How to Pull Off the New Neutral

12 Flawless Pairings Featuring Colors that Go with Brown

PHOTO Credits
Hendricks Churchill design, How a Ramshackle Barn Was Reborn as a Chic Guesthouse