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Neutrals will truly never go out of style. No matter your design preferences, neutrals are bound to play an integral part of your home. And even though neutral shades are timeless, the trend pendulum has a tendency to swing. In 2024, it’s about embracing warmth. You may have even noticed a theme in this fall’s paint trends. There’s no doubt about it: brown is this year’s favorite neutral. Ahead, I chatted with designers and got the scoop on all things brown home decor. Read on to learn everything you need to know about this season’s coziest shade.
Why is brown trending?
Every designer agrees—brown home decor is trending because we’re collectively yearning for warmer, cozier spaces. “Brown is having a moment because of the gray backlash,” Amelia Strat and Anna Kroesser of Kroesser + Strat Design share. “For so long, no one wanted warm, yellowy tones. Everything was leaning white and gray.”
It’s true, gray was the go-to neutral for years. It was even coined “Millenial gray” on social media earlier this year. “Monochrome tones of gray and white felt crisp and clean at the time,” Alexis Pew of Kaminski + Pew says. “People are now yearning for softer, more inviting spaces that create a sense of calm.”
Brown is certainly not as stark and cool as gray, and the earth tone naturally emits a soothing energy that is perfect for interiors. Not to mention, everyone looks good in brown. “Brown is incredibly versatile and flattering, especially when it comes to complementing a wide range of skin tones,” Nicole Roe of R. Nickson Interiors states. “Because it’s a color rooted in nature, brown has a grounding effect that allows the eye to settle, creating 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 from paint, wallpaper, furniture, and decor. Here are a few tips for styling with brown from the pros.
Play with texture
Texture is always important in design. You want to have a few to keep everything balanced and interesting in your space. Roe loves that brown has the ability to shine across a variety of textures. “Imagine a rich brown velvet, a buttery caramel leather, or a mid-tone knobby fabric. All these textures add depth and warmth to a room, making it feel cozy yet refined,” she shares.
Layering brown tones is also perfect for this time of year. “As we are gearing up for fall, something about brown tones in textures such as suede, velvet, and leather is just so appealing,” Allison Handler of Allison Handler Design says. “I love brown. It is the perfect neutral in my opinion.”
Use all shades of brown
“One of the best things about brown is how well different shades flow together, from deep espresso to warm caramels and tans,” Roe says. “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 (though you could if you wanted!), but including different variations of brown can create a cozy vibe. Opt for lighter tones to keep your room airy and calm, and darker browns for drama and romance. “From deep espressos to rich caramels, brown hues exude a grounded, earthy feel that makes spaces feel cozy and inviting,” both Katie Browning and Heather Lucas of Lucas Browning Design share. “After years of cooler tones dominating design, we think there’s a collective craving for warmth and comfort, and brown really delivers.”
Pair brown with different colors
The versatility of brown means it pairs nicely with a variety of different color palettes. “When paired with feminine tones like pink and purple, it grounds the space, preventing it from feeling too delicate,” Roe states. “On the other hand, mixing brown with greens and other deep tones can create a space that feels strong and masculine.”
No matter your design style and color preferences, brown can be a great neutral to work with, and that includes pairing it with black. “One of our favorite combinations is brown mixed with black, which adds a touch of modernity and edge, making any room feel both timeless and contemporary,” Roe continues. “Brown truly is the perfect backdrop for both classic and modern design.”
Fall in love with wood
I’d be remiss to not include wood in this deep dive into brown home decor, and Summer Jensen of Hawk & Co. agrees. “I’m really excited to move into more brown woods,” Jensen says. “The warmth is familiar and grounding.”
Embracing warm and rich brown wood is great for those who don’t love yellow undertones, which according to Jensen, is many of her clients. “As much as I love bleached white oak, the palette becomes somewhat defined by the underlying color, yellow,” she says. “Most of my clients don’t like yellow; however, the hardness of oak really makes for one of the best interior products we can use.”
Substitute dark brown for black
Love black but want to switch it up? “Dark brown can be substituted in any situation where black is called for,” Jensen recommends. “I like brown for its depth and contrast without being stark black.”
Substituting dark brown for black will instantly elevate your space and add an unexpected luxurious touch. “It adds a sumptuousness with color names like deep caviar, fudge truffle, and mink—the associations to indulgence start from the time you pick up the sample,” Jensen says.
Don’t forget taupe and cream
Shades of brown include lighter shades like cream and taupe as well. Just like deep browns can create a luxurious feel, Strat and Kroesser know that softer shades of brown can, too. “Taupe has been a consistent favorite brown tone of ours in the last few years. It’s just such a sophisticated, grown-up feeling color,” they share.“ We recently wrapped a whole primary bedroom in velvet taupe wallpaper, and installed a custom bed wrapped in the most luscious textured fabric in a similar color. It all felt so chic together!”
Pair brown with natural materials
If you’re not sure where to start with texture, Browning and Lucas suggest turning toward materials found in nature. “Brown pairs beautifully with natural materials like wood, stone, and leather, which not only highlights its warmth but also adds a timeless, organic touch to any space,” they suggest. “Whether we’re styling with rich, moody tones or light, sandy neutrals, brown is versatile enough to work across design styles, from transitional spaces to modern.”