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Neutral colors truly never go out of style. Whatever your design preferences, neutral colors are sure to become an integral part of your home. While neutral tones are timeless, the trend pendulum has a tendency to swing back. In 2024, embrace the warmth. You may even have noticed a theme in this fall’s paint trends. There’s no doubt about it: brown is this year’s most popular neutral color. Ahead, I chatted with the designer and got the scoop on all things brown home decor. Read on to learn everything you need to know about this season’s coziest shades.
Why is brown so popular?
Every designer agrees—brown home decor is trending because of our collective desire for warmer, more cozy spaces. “Brown is having a moment due to gray backlash,” Amelia Strat and Anna Kroesser Kroesser + Strat Design Share. “For a long time, no one wanted warm yellow tones. Everything was leaning towards white and gray.
Indeed, gray has been the go-to neutral color for years. It was even dubbed “millennial gray” on social media earlier this year. “At the time, monochromatic tones of gray and white gave a crisp and clean feel,” says Alexis Pew of Kaminski + Pew. “People now crave softer, more inviting spaces that create a sense of calm.”
Brown is certainly not as cold as gray, and earth tones naturally exude a soothing energy that’s perfect for interiors. Not to mention, everyone looks good in brown. “Brown is very versatile and flattering, especially when paired with a variety of skin tones,” says Nicole Roe of R. Nickson Interiors. “Because brown is a color rooted in nature, it has a grounding effect that can Allows the eye to settle and creates a sense of calm and comfort in any space. ”
How do I incorporate brown into my home?
There are many ways to incorporate brown home decor into your space, including paint, wallpaper, furniture, and decor. Here are some brown styling tips from the pros.
Play with texture
Texture is always important in design. You want to have a few to keep everything in your space balanced and interesting. Roe loves brown’s ability to shine on a variety of textures. “Think rich brown velvet, buttery caramel leather, or mid-toned knotty fabric. All of these textures add depth and warmth to a room, making it feel cozy and sophisticated,” she shares.
Layered brown tones are also perfect for this time of year. “As we prepare for fall, brown tones in textures like suede, velvet and leather are very appealing,” says Allison Handler of Allison Handler Design. “I like brown. In my opinion, this is the perfect neutral.
Use all shades of brown
“One of the best things about brown is the blend of different shades, from deep coffee to warm caramels and tans,” says Roy. “These shades can be layered effortlessly to create a rich, cohesive palette that feels both sophisticated and inviting.”
There’s no need to create a monochromatic space (although you can if you want!), but including different variations of brown can create a cozy atmosphere. Choose light tones to keep your room airy and calm, or choose dark browns to create a sense of drama and romance. “From rich espresso to rich caramel, brown tones exude a grounded, earthy feel, making spaces feel cozy and inviting,” Katie Browning and Hee of Lucas Browning Design Ser Lucas shared. “After years of cool colors dominating design, we think there’s a universal desire for warmth and comfort, and brown really delivers on that.
Brown with different colors
The versatility of brown means it pairs well with a variety of different color palettes. “When paired with feminine tones like pink and purple, it can ground the space and prevent it from feeling too sophisticated,” says Roy. “On the other hand, mixing brown with green and other darker tones can create a space that feels powerful and masculine.”
Regardless of your design style and color preferences, brown can be a great neutral, including paired with black. “One of our favorite combinations is brown mixed with black, which adds a touch of modernity and edge, making any room feel timeless and modern,” Roy continues. “Brown is truly the perfect backdrop for both classic and modern designs.”
Fall in love with wood
I would be remiss if I didn’t include wood in my deep dive into brown home decor, and Summer Jensen of Hawk & Co. agrees. “I’m really excited to move into more brown woods,” Jensen said. “The warmth is familiar and grounding.”
Embracing warm and rich brown wood is great for those who don’t like yellow undertones, which Jensen says many of her clients have yellow undertones. “As much as I love bleached white oak, the palette is somewhat defined by the underlying color, yellow,” she says. “Most of my clients don’t like yellow; they like yellow.” However, the hardness of oak truly makes it one of the best interior products we can use.
Use dark brown instead of black
Love black but want to switch to black? “Any time black is needed, use dark brown instead,” advises Jensen. “I like brown for its depth and contrast, as opposed to pure black.”
Replacing black with dark brown will instantly elevate your space and add an unexpected sense of luxury. “It adds a sense of luxury with color names like Deep Caviar, Fudge Truffle and Mink—you’ll be reminded of a feeling of indulgence from the moment you pick up a sample,” says Jensen.
Don’t forget taupe and cream
Brown shades also include lighter shades like cream and taupe. Just as dark brown can create a luxurious feel, Strat and Kroesser know that softer browns can also create a luxurious feel. “Taupe has been our favorite brown shade for the past few years. It’s a sophisticated, mature color,” they share. “We recently wrapped the entire master bedroom in velvet taupe wallpaper and installed a custom bed wrapped in the sweetest textured fabric in a similar color. Everything feels so chic together!
Brown and natural materials
If you’re not sure where to start with texture, Browning and Lucas recommend turning to materials found in nature. “Brown pairs well with natural materials such as wood, stone and leather, not only highlighting their warmth but also adding a timeless, organic touch to any space,” they advise. “Whether we go with rich, moody tones or light, sandy neutrals, brown is versatile enough to suit a variety of design styles, from transitional to contemporary spaces.”
