Each week, Mansion Global takes on a theme with elite designers from around the world working in luxury properties. This week we discuss how to successfully and attractively incorporate brown into the home.
Brown can range from soft beige to rich amber to deep cocoa. The color may tend to be purple, gray, or green; It may be subtle, catchy, or intense. Regardless of the shade, brown can be comfortable, sophisticated, elegant and fit into any décor style. These days, designers are incorporating the classic color more and more, sometimes even replacing black with brown.
“Chocolate brown is more profound than black; it’s color versus shade,” said Cindy Reinfret, a designer based in Greenwich, Connecticut. “While black can help create contrast in a space, using chocolate brown can give you the same effect. But in a way richer and more layered.”
We asked a group of design professionals about the importance of brown in interior design and how to successfully use this classic color. This is what they recommend.
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Go to Contrast
“Brown comes back best, and we see shades of brown with other shades that can read eggplant or gray, which are great colors.
“I like to use very dark shades of brown, and often pair these shades with a white shade to give it a pop. My personal favorites are chocolate browns and more lilac browns. Pinks, purples, and some shades of orange and yellow work well with browns.” The orange shade of Hermes versus chocolate brown looks amazing. It’s all about the contrast and introducing a splash of color against it. Brown is a background but put a purple pillow on it, or a perfect shade of yellow, and it can really come alive.”
Christopher Peacock chose brown with olive green undertones for these kitchen cabinets.
Christopher Peacock
– Christopher Peacock, Founder and CEO of Christopher Peacock Cabinetry in Norwalk, Connecticut
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Vary the tone and texture
“Brown is a great way to make a space more dynamic as the intensity of the layering of color allows the entire design to pop. Brown is so versatile and can be used with a myriad of other colors. It’s a timeless classic.”
“Choosing the right brown can be tricky. You have to define your goal first and then go from there. For example, are they used as tubes to accent the pillow fabric, or are the walls painted chocolate brown to create an exciting space? Either way, if you plan To use a lot of shades of brown, be sure to vary the tone and texture of its use all the time.”
Cindy Renfrit believes layers of brown make a space more dynamic.
Caramel Brantley
Designer Cindy Renfret in Greenwich, Connecticut
Hang abstract art on brown walls
“Brown gives all the richness and depth without being harsh with black. It’s also easier to mix brown with colors other than black.”
“I prefer cooler browns with hints of green and gray. ‘Salon Drab’ by Farrow & Ball is my favorite shade. In some light, it can look almost olive. I also like a palette of cognac and tobacco for a masculine-themed room.”
‘When using brown on walls, I don’t like using white as a contrasting color – it’s too harsh. Instead, use olive green or French gray. Brown walls look great when you hang vibrant abstract art on them. Or add a rug from the wall. To the wall in beige or orange. ”
Designer Alexander Doherty in New York
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Use the pattern to bring brown to life
“Browns should be a bit complex, in my opinion, not like brown crayon in a crayon. They should lean in a direction that has depth and mystery. I prefer browns that don’t have red undertones but look a lot like mink.” Or seals – it’s like they’re about to become something else. Our favorite browns are:
Tanner Brown by Farrow & Ball,Reef Brown” by Benjamin MooreAnd and “Sealskin” Sherwin Williams.
‘To make brown feel fresh and lively, I rely on patterns, unexpected colors, and contrast. For example, for a space with light floors and a brown wall, add a touch of red or even lilac to add interest and excitement. Lavender and purple are really beautiful when paired with brown. We just designed a Florida home in taupe, light gray, and lavender.We used accents of white plaster, a touch of black, and lots of rattan and sisal.It felt fresh and comfortable, and it wasn’t obvious on the seashore.
Nina Campbell has the coolest wallpaper with a brown floor and gray, stone and white accents. It’s dramatic but somewhat less significant and really highlights the staying power of brown.”
Designer Liz Caan relies on the pattern when designing in brown, as she did with the damask wallpaper.
Eric Roth
Designed by Liz Kahn in Newton, Massachusetts
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