Why chocolate is our new favourite neutral
Comfortingly cosy yet quietly sophisticated, brown is an underrated shade that’s finally having its moment in the spotlight. Taking over from grey as our go-to neutral, and with a nod towards 1970s nostalgia, it can make any room feel grounded and calm – and who doesn’t want that? From rich cocoas to subtle mochas, there’s guaranteed to be something here to tickle your tastebuds.
Dark impact
Create the ultimate cocooning feel at home by painting your walls in a rich chocolate shade. Balance the look with a mix of light and dark elements. Here, the pale wood dining table lifts the scheme, while the statement artwork and fireplace in inky hues add definition and drama.
Pictured: Walls in Ganache absolute matt emulsion, Little Greene. For a similar table, try Sklum. For a similar painting, try Contempee. For a similar cake stand, try John Lewis & Partners
Caramel centrepiece
Adding natural finishes is a great way to warm up a room and a leather sofa does the job brilliantly, bringing a luxurious feel that will stand the test of time. Stick to a neutral background palette and monochrome accessories for a chic, minimal scheme that will ensure the sofa remains the star of the show.
Pictured: Boutique Brando four-seater sofa, Furniture Village. For a similar floor lamp and side table, try Olivia's. For a similar rug, try Rugvista. For similar pendant shades, try Nordic Nest
Mocha stripes
Make a statement in the kitchen with a colourblock effect. Paint is less expensive and easier to apply than a tiled splashback; just be sure to use one with a wipeable finish. Positioning the paler shade at the top will make the ceiling feel higher.
Pictured: Upper wall in Light Bronze Green; stripe in Nether Red; splashback in Elysian Ground; all intelligent eggshell, Little Greene
Cocoa sprinkles
If you’re after a quick and easy update, bring in shades of cocoa with accessories, such as artwork and ornaments. These travel-inspired prints sit happily alongside unpolished earthenware, wooden trays and rattan bowls for a look that feels both rustic and relaxing.
Pictured: Air Balloons over Serengeti print; Peaceful Lion Family print; Resting Leopard print; Zebra Herd print; Earthy Pattern No 1 print; all Desenio
A rich mix
There is no denying it, opposites attract, so while chocolate can speak volumes on its own, it positively sings when combined with something a little... louder. Mimicking land and sea – one shade warm, the other cool – rich brown and cobalt blue is a perfectly balanced paring that will create a beautifully harmonious scheme.
Pictured: Semaphore Bahama porcelain tiles; walls in Muddy Maddie eggshell and bench in Azzurra eggshell; all Claybrook. For a similar side table, try Made in Design. For similar accessories, try Habitat
Just a hint
Tinted glassware is a trend that's set to stay, and placing a few pieces in a soft-brown hue on your coffee table or shelves is a simple way to add a gleam and bring a display to life. Here a collection of vases in varying shapes and heights forms a stylish arrangement that would look just as good without flowers.
Pictured: Vases (l-r): Bloomingville Costano; Bloomingville Barko; Bloomingville Rossetti; Bloomingville Amida; all Sweetpea & Willow. For a similar blue jug, try Made in Design
A taste of tradition
Contemporary and sophisticated, yes, but brown is also associated with classic, heritage decorating schemes. Lean into this with a statement wallpaper – the floral design pictured here oozes elegance and would be a timeless backdrop in any room.
Pictured: V&A Floral Fanfare wallpaper in Burnt Orange, 1838 Wallcoverings. For a similar armchair, try Loaf
Tempting layers
Maximise the cosy, inviting properties of brown in the bedroom by teaming it with a whole range of natural fabrics. Choose linen bedding, cotton throws, wool rugs and rattan furniture to ramp up those calming vibes for the ultimate laidback space you’ll never want to leave.
Pictured: Wall panel in Wenge, Benjamin Moore. For similar bedding, try Piglet in Bed. For a similar lamp, try Anglepoise. For a similar table, try Homary
The paints you need to know
Warm up your walls with these tasty shades (left to right)
Follow House Beautiful on TikTok and Instagram.
You Might Also Like
