A renovator's go-to guide - by Lottie Dalziel
When it comes to decor and decorating the colour brown often gets a bad wrap, labelled boring, dated and plain. Pick the right pairing and colour scheme and you’re onto a winner. Here’s our list of colours that go well with brown.
Firstly, let’s go back to school the colour brown is associated with the earth, hominess and reliability. It is commonly used as a background or base colour but it can be also used to subtly frame a room or the use of a golden wood can provide a continual theme within a home. The complementary colours associated with browns are usually blues, if it is a warmer brown go for a green-blue and a cool brown is a lighter blue. Blues compliment brown and let it shine without overpowering the room.
1. Timber and dusty pink
Light timber is a popular trend, but we don’t commonly see it paired with anything but white. This deep pastel pink adds inviting warmth to this bedroom.
2. Powder blue and brown
One of the most obvious pairings is powder blue and brown. Choose a cool brown and a cool blue to create a relaxing feel.
3. Chocolate and greys
Chocolate and grey make another great pairing. The rich dark wood and taupe curtains paired with grey accents make a luxury statement in this bathroom.
4. Brown with brown
When it comes to styling don’t be afraid if all of the shades of browns don’t match, it could actually look better. Take this lounge room, for example, there are at least five different shades of brown but each shade adds personality and texture.
5. Browns and greens
Brown curtains and rich antique furniture creates a room within a room. The earth tones brown and green pair well together.
6. Earthy oranges and timber
The use of shades of oranges in these cushions compliments the timber accents in this bedroom.
7. Shades of brown
Brown has the potential to be plain and boring so why not play it against itself. The use of different types of woods in this living room adds cohesiveness without being dull.
8. Brown and hues of blues
It’s easy to see how perfectly blues and browns complement one another. The addition of both colours to this lounge completely transforms the space.
9. Copper on copper
Russet brown and copper add a warm, cosy feel to a space. The use of copper accents can often be overpowering but the use of brown decor lets both colour palettes shine.
10. Brown and white
The simplest choice would be brown and crisp white. It doesn’t matter the shade of brown white provides the perfect base.
11. Brown and cream
The pairing of cream and brown-greys in this loft-style bedroom is exquisite. They complement one another with a sophisticated yet cosy result.
12. Browns and blacks
Using dark wood and matte black in this kitchen adds an air of sophistication. Not only is it practical but it won’t date over time.
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Colours that go with yellow
Lottie Dalziel, is a 4AM riser and coffee-addict who loves reading up on the latest trends in sustainability or discovering ways to upcycle almost anything! You can find her by the beach, cooking up a storm or adding to her abundant (some would say out of control) plant collection.
