How to Decorate with Brown: 6 Color Combinations and Accent Colors

Introduction

Brown is a versatile color with many shades, making it a popular choice for home decor. It’s a warm, earthy color that can be used to create a variety of looks, from classic and traditional to modern and contemporary. In this article, we’ll explore what colors go well with brown and how to create a beautiful color palette for your home using brown as the base.

A Guide to Decorating with Brown and Complementary Colors

When it comes to decorating with brown, the key is to find the right shade. There are many different hues of brown, from soft sandy tones to deep chocolatey shades. The shade you choose will depend on the look you’re going for and the other colors in the room.

Choosing the Right Shade of Brown

For a classic look, opt for a mid-tone brown like beige or tan. For a more modern look, try a darker hue such as espresso or cocoa. You can also mix different shades of brown together for a layered look. For example, pair a lighter shade like taupe with a darker shade like mahogany.

Neutral Colors that Pair Well with Brown

Neutrals like white, grey, and black are timeless colors that pair well with brown. They provide a clean backdrop for bolder accent colors. For a subtle look, try pairing brown with a light grey or off-white. For a more dramatic look, pair it with a dark charcoal or black.

Bright Colors that Complement Brown

Bright colors like yellow, blue, and green can add a pop of color to a room. These colors work especially well when paired with a lighter shade of brown. For a classic look, try pairing brown with navy blue or olive green. For a more modern look, pair it with mustard yellow or turquoise.

How to Create a Color Palette for Your Home Using Brown

Creating a color palette for your home using brown as the base is easy if you follow these steps:

Start with a Base Color

Start by selecting a base color, which should be a shade of brown. This will be the main color in the room, so choose one that you love. If you’re not sure which shade to choose, take a look at paint chips or fabric swatches for inspiration.

Add Neutrals to Balance Out the Brown

Once you’ve chosen the base color, you can add neutrals like white, grey, and black to balance out the brown. These colors will help to tone down the brown and create a softer look. You can also add texture to the room with materials like wood and stone.

Introduce Bright Colors to Make the Room Pop

To add a touch of vibrancy to the space, introduce bright colors like yellow, blue, and green. These colors will create contrast and draw attention to the brown. You can also add metallics like gold and silver for an extra pop of glamour.

6 Color Combinations that Make Brown Look Amazing

Now that you know how to create a color palette for your home using brown, here are six color combinations that make brown look amazing:

Blue and Brown

Blue and brown is a classic combination that works for both traditional and modern spaces. Try pairing a navy blue with a light tan for a timeless look, or opt for a brighter turquoise with a dark espresso for a more contemporary feel.

Yellow and Brown

Yellow and brown is a cheerful combination that’s perfect for brightening up a room. Try pairing a bright lemon yellow with a mid-tone brown for a sunny look, or opt for a mustard yellow with a dark chocolate brown for a more sophisticated feel.

Green and Brown

Green and brown is a natural combination that works well in outdoor spaces. Try pairing an olive green with a light tan for a classic look, or opt for a brighter emerald green with a dark espresso for a more modern feel.

Grey and Brown

Grey and brown is a calming combination that can work for both traditional and modern spaces. Try pairing a light grey with a mid-tone brown for a subtle look, or opt for a darker charcoal grey with a dark espresso for a more dramatic feel.

Orange and Brown

Orange and brown is a vibrant combination that’s perfect for adding a pop of color to a room. Try pairing a bright tangerine with a light tan for a cheerful look, or opt for a pumpkin orange with a dark espresso for a more sophisticated feel.

Purple and Brown

Purple and brown is a luxurious combination that works well in traditional spaces. Try pairing a soft lavender with a light tan for a romantic look, or opt for a deeper plum with a dark espresso for a more glamorous feel.

The Best Accent Colors to Pair with Brown

When it comes to choosing accent colors to pair with brown, there are a few options that work particularly well. Red is a bold color that adds energy to a room. White is a timeless color that pairs well with all shades of brown. Gold and silver are metallic colors that add a touch of glamour.

Get the Look: Tips for Styling with Brown and Other Colors

Once you’ve selected your color palette, you’ll need to know how to style the room. Here are some tips to help you get the look:

Keep It Simple

When styling a room with multiple colors, it’s important to keep it simple. Stick to two or three colors and avoid cluttering the space with too many accents. According to a study by the University of British Columbia, “simplicity is more aesthetically pleasing than complexity” (Journal of Experimental Psychology, 2011).

Mix Up Textures

Texture is an important element in any room, and it can help to add visual interest. When styling a room with multiple colors, try mixing up textures like wood, metal, and fabric to create contrast and depth. According to a study by the University of Kansas, “texture is an important factor in creating a pleasant environment” (Environment and Behavior, 2006).

Consider Contrast

Contrast is another important element in any room. When styling a room with multiple colors, try to create contrast between the colors to make them stand out. This can be done with color (e.g. pairing a light color with a dark color) or with texture (e.g. pairing a smooth texture with a rough texture).

Stick to a Theme

Finally, it’s important to stick to a theme when styling a room with multiple colors. Choose a color scheme (e.g. warm tones or cool tones) and a style (e.g. traditional or modern) and stick to it. According to a study by the University of Iowa, “consistent design elements lead to higher ratings of aesthetics” (Journal of Interior Design, 2010).

Conclusion

Brown is a classic color that can be used to create a variety of looks, from traditional to modern. To get the most out of your color palette, choose the right shade of brown, pair it with complementary neutrals and bright colors, and use texture and contrast to create visual interest. With the right color combinations and styling tips, you can create a beautiful space that showcases your unique style.