Brown to many deceptively seems boring: too predictable, conservative, uninteresting. In fact, thanks to the variety of tones and variations, it can easily be combined with other colors and looks different in each pair. In this article we’ll tell you what colors are best combined with brown in the interior and show photo examples of how different shades of brown can be used.
Shades of
The variations in shades of brown are incredibly numerous: light and dark, deep and dull, with yellow, green or red hues. It is a natural color, characteristic primarily of wood and soil. There are 10 popular options most often used for interior design in brown.
- Chocolate. Noble, elegant, deep. Can be with a warm milky or cool purple undertone.
- Praline. Named after the sweet chocolate-nut paste, a warm, deep hue.
- Coffee. Can be dark or light (coffee with milk). The second version produces a creamy, almost beige tone.
- Walnut. Warm, fairly light, with a golden hue.
- Cocoa. Soft, gentle shade from pastel palette. Closer to “coffee with milk” color, but cooler.
- Chestnut. Warm rich tone with orange undertones.
- Bistro. Derived from the name of bistro dye, which was derived from tree soot and used in painting. A dark gray-brown color of neutral temperature.
- Chamois. Light, diluted yellow-green, visually reminiscent of sandy.
- Sepia. Dark deep coloring with a reddish undertone.
- Terracotta. The absolute trend this year, a warm bright color with a touch of rust and burnt clay.
The best color combinations in the interior with brown
Chocolate is not one of the base colors – it comes from a mixture of red and green or red, blue and yellow. Because of this, it gets along equally well with warm saturated and refreshingly cool colors.
1. With white
A light achromat refreshes and visually enlarges a room, while also highlighting any shade of brown. Since the latter is most often found in the texture of wood, its alliance with white becomes a real masthead for modern styles: eco, boho, Scandinavian. And for classics, the tandem of snow-white or creamy finish with expensive parquet and solid dark wood furniture is indispensable.
This pair is often used in the bathroom and kitchen: white saves small rooms from a feeling of cramped space, and wood or its imitation adds coziness.
2. With black
A classic combo, which already by itself, without any additional techniques, makes any design luxurious. The effect is enhanced when this pair is applied to noble wood and stone surfaces (especially marble). Suitable for all rooms, but especially often used in the living room, bathroom, bedroom and kitchen. Will be a good option and for decorating spacious hallways.
3. With Gray
The combination of gray and brown in the interior in many people causes concern: what if two neutral shades will look dull and impersonal. In fact, this pairing works surprisingly well: variations of gray are usually used as a base, and chocolate, walnut or terracotta details are truly revealed against this background. Combining gray trim with leather or wood furniture works great.
4. With blue
A spectacular ensemble in which the depth of blue is advantageously emphasized by the dark background. The larger the area of blue elements in the furnishings of the room, the warmer the undertones of the second element is better to use. Coffee, cocoa, walnut, cinnamon will neutralize the coldness and depressiveness of the second color. This pair would be suitable for a study, bedroom or bathroom. To make the space lighter, you can choose a shade of coffee with milk, walnut or chamois, and replace the blue with blue, complementing this pair with white, beige or gray backgrounds.
5. With red
Unusual and quite saturated combo, which is perfect for the living room, bathroom or kitchen, where warm colors are welcome. Coral, scarlet, burgundy go well with chocolate, coffee and chestnut. These are related colors, so they suit each other in any combination. But since red is quite aggressive, it is better to use it accentuated, muting and softening the activity with a chocolate and coffee background.
6. With green
A mast-head for eco-style or any interior where you want to create a natural atmosphere of coziness and closeness to nature. This is the most natural combination: bark and tree leaves, soil and plants on it. In addition, both colors are associated with prosperity, stability and prosperity.
Depending on the nuances, the palette can be perceived differently. Warm wood tones combined with grassy greens are suitable for light eco-spaces in a modern style. And the duo of dark chocolate with rich emerald or pine tones will give the atmosphere of chic and elegance.
7. With yellow
The combination of brown in the interior with yellow can be both contrasting and neutral, if you choose their softened, muted variations. This pair will work well for the kitchen, living room and any room with windows to the north, as warm tones are associated with the sun and warmth, making the space cozier.
8. With orange
This combination is similar to the alliance with yellow and red – both warm and cozy, able to enliven and warm up any room. This pair looks good in the kitchen, living room and bedroom, although it will generally work for any room. In terms of saturation, the palette can turn out both light and neutral, and darker, deeper, with accent elements. A combination of wooden texture and rich amber looks very beautiful.
9. With pink
An unexpected, interesting and “delicious” combination of chocolate and strawberries (or another berry – depending on the shade of pink). Can be two equal parts of a pastel palette or used as a neutral background and a bright accent. The first technique is most often used in bedrooms and children’s rooms, the second can be used in any other room.
10. With beige
A universal pair that feels great not only in classic or Victorian interiors, but also in modern design. This combination of neutral tones is now experiencing a second birth, provided by the influence of the new trend for an all-natural palette and nude tones.
To make a room in such a range does not look too flat and monotonous, be sure to use a variety of textures and a few bright accents.
Role in the palette
In the overall color scheme, chocolate can play any role – it will depend on the subtone, intensity and temperature, as well as other elements used.
Base
Brown is perfectly suited to the role of the protagonist of the palette, especially its light nuances. In this case, it will be used primarily in the finish: wallpaper, paint, decorative panels on the walls, parquet or laminate. Another option is large cabinet furniture. In order not to create a crushing feeling, it’s better to use lighter and neutral shades. The second option is to dilute the interior with other “light” colors.
The second color
Most often the tone is used in this capacity – as the second main element of the palette. In this case, this can be a part of the finish, decorative architectural elements or partitions. And, of course, furniture. For example, looks very effective brown sofa in the interior of the living room, in the bedroom – a bed with a wooden or upholstered frame. In the kitchen it may be a set or a dining group, and in the bathroom – a storage system or a zone behind the washbasin.
Accent
This type of application is also possible. Active and saturated tone can be used accentuated in a monochrome or color palette, appearing in the decor, a single structural element or a single piece of furniture. It turns out an interesting reception, because in this case, the other neutral colors highlight the chocolate and coffee depth.
