Just like beige and other light browns, dark browns are back and used in interiors to create a space that is warm, sophisticated, and cozy. They are called the “new blacks”. These create a cocooning effect that would be right at home in spaces that you’d want to feel intimate and moody.
The 1970s were the heyday of brown interiors, from chocolate brown to caramel to tan shades. After the psychedelic colors of the 1960s, people wanted to have a “back to earth” vibe so dark browns became a staple.
The Resurgence of Dark Browns
Calling it a resurgence of browns, whether light or dark, is actually a misnomer because browns never left the building actually. In my view, the grays and whites have just hogged the limelight these past decades, which made it seem that browns were less visible.
In 2022, interior designers were bringing back browns. Click on the post to see many luscious brown color swatches. Today, the love for brown is deepening. Some say that it is because we need the color to give us comfort, balance, stability, and dependability. If changing the paint colors of your walls give us all these, then why not?
We’re surrounded by classical dark brown colors, some of which are usually found in a kitchen, like chocolate, coffee, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, molasses, and more. If you go outdoors, you will see the warm earth colors, like soil, tree bark, and seeds.
Designers are choosing taupe or greige to transition smoothly to brown from the grays of the past. Taupe is a mix of dark gray and brown. Greige is a blend of gray and beige. Both are sophisticated, versatile, neutral colors that are worth considering if you want to create a warm, cozy, and balanced ambience.
Cocooning
Here are ways to style dark brown that would make your living space feel soothing and cocooning instead of heavy.
1. Pair with contrasting colors
Pair dark brown with light neitrals like off-white, cream, or light neutrals to create a balanced, and inviting environment.
2. Integrate textures
Amp up the organic vibe by using materials like our local weaves, velvet, leather, boucle, stone, polished or rough wood depending on the interior style you have chosen. Having that contrast in textures add depth and tactile interest to a room.
3. Layer different browns
Choose a couple of different brown tones for a layered and sophisticated aesthetic.
4. Use lighter-toned furniture
Bring in furniture in a lighter tone that would gleam against a dark brown background to create contrast.
5. Add metallic elements
Bring in metallic elements, those that would amplify the warmth of dark brown like gold, brass, copper, or bronze. Use the Rule of Two when mixing metals, and that is repeat a metal finish at least twice to create an effect that looks purposeful rather than accidental. Also, think about using two different kinds of finishes in case you’re using two kinds of metals, like polished gold and brushed bronze.
A tip would be to use gold or brass, classic choices for a touch of luxury. Go for copper if you want that rustic effect. Use bronze, which seems to be the trend nowadays if you want your space to look updated.
6. Add rich accent colors
If you love color, choose jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, or ruby. Use these with a light touch.
The Undertones of Browns
Remember to choose the undertone of the dark brown you will be using so that it looks modern and sophisticated. Go for undertones that lean toward charcoal and dark gray, like a deep taupe or greige, and steer away from warm, yellow-orange browns.
If you want to see what other light brown tones and shades are available, visit The Color Library in the Mall of Asia if you are in Manila, or find a Mix and Match Color Station by finding the location nearest you in this link.
