A fresh approach to browns

This is an ever-increasing factor that people seek in their homes as the world around us changes. Ultimately, we want our dwellings to provide security and sanctuary for ourselves and our loved ones.

The beauty of brown is that within its wide-ranging tones, there’s a colour that will suit everyone. Take the mid-toned earthy colour of Resene Rickshaw, chalky and soft, which pairs beautifully with the coastal blue of Resene Half Kumutoto.

Or opt for a more juicy, fruity stance, luscious and inviting, with a backdrop in the soothing putty of Resene Antidote teamed with the zesty orange of Resene Tango and earthy neutral of Resene Gingko.

Nature-inspired tones will always work beautifully with brown, evoking the beauty of the outdoors. Take the terracotta brown of Resene Moccasin, it resonates in a cheerful, invigorating way with the olive green of Resene Untamed and the cream of Resene Moonlight. Throw in the fresh, sky-blue of Resene Bluetooth and you have an upbeat harmonious palette.

If the red or pink undertones of brown are calling, coat your walls with the espresso of Resene Brown Pod paired with the orange red of Resene Lusty and touches of pale pink in Resene Sakura. Accents in the lilac pink of Resene Virtuoso, Resene Love Me Do or Resene Purple Rain will also team perfectly with walls in deep chocolate.

For visual effect, colour blocking your colours, varying the dramatic tones from dark to mid-range, will make an on-trend impression. So does splitting your wall horizontally, with your dark brown at the bottom and lighter brown on the top.

Interior designer Stacy Heyman of Studio Reno says every colour has its place and it’s important to create a general base palette, then decide what’s best on the walls to fit in with this. “Clay-toned nudes and browns are having their turn to shine,” she says “We’re seeing a lot more natural tones being incorporated into spaces, which in turn creates a calming, relaxed atmosphere.”

“I personally quite like Resene Akaroa paired with Resene Linen and Resene Just Right. I recently used this colour scheme in my master bedroom, influenced by the environment surrounding our home. Cushions are a great way to begin introducing colours you may be nervous to try, and I brought in the same tones of Resene Akaroa by way of a natural-coloured linen duvet.”

Interior designer Hamish Dodd says certain people might want brown but have a slightly conservative approach to colour. “Also, their décor may not suit something that screams ‘now’,” he says. “But they still want to bring in some fashion and on-trend colours that are in fashion. In this case, use Resene Double Pravda. Not many people use this colour in an interior as it's often used on an exterior. To me, it’s a deep beige version of brown. If you want to introduce it to a house with white skirting and furnishings such as oak and timber, you can achieve a traditional look. Bring it in and wrap it around the walls – it’ll work. Brown is so on-trend right now, and this is more of a traditional version that fits in with things today.”

Be careful of red-based browns, as the way these can look will depend on the light in the room, he says. “Bright light shows the true nature of the colour, meaning the red will come through. When paired beside white ceilings and white joinery and skirting, red-based browns will show up more.” I always look at colour swatches on an A4 white sheet of paper to see the true base colour.

If you want to bring in a white with your brown walls, pick one with a similar base to your wall colour, so they sit nicely together, Hamish says. “Greyed or warmer white such as Resene Thorndon Cream, with a green/beige tinge, often works well with brown paint colours. Resene Artisan is a nice mid-brown. I love Resene Swiss Caramel, too – it reminds me of natural timbers in a house. I can picture it in any room, and it can work with natural timber-finished floors and whites or greens. It has a slightly retro feel to it, which, to me, is fun. Maybe it’s one wall in a bedroom or guest bedroom, where you can have a bit of fun.”

Adopt a pared-back chocolate palette with the brown coffee tones of Resene Sambuca or the velvet of Resene Wood Bark. These dark hues speak volumes when coated on furniture or lighting shades against a warm white background, such as Resene Thorndon Cream or a gentle beige of Resene Bone or Resene Alpaca.

Heighten the comfort levels within this setting with tactile elements that talk to the senses. Bring in a comforting rug that feels heavenly underfoot, floor cushions that feel soft when you sink into them and seating that you won’t want to get up from.

For a kitchen, lounge or bedroom that evokes a moody, dramatic feel and a sense of enclosure, look to the deep walnut tones of Resene Monkey or Resene Space Shuttle. Pair with the mid-toned hue of Resene Kabul or Resene Domino and add accents in the blue of Resene Matisse or Resene Blue Moon for contrast.

For a touch of sunny cheer in this space, use mustard accents in your cushions or by painting organic shapes on your wall – do this with Resene Influential or Resene Cleopatra for a striking impact.

Lighting is important when decorating a room in dark brown too. It’ll provide a warm glow when you need it within a dark palette, especially if you’re lacking in natural light. So, allow for several table lamps scattered around your room – brass fixtures will help bounce the light around.

March 30, 2021

For more ideas and inspiration for decorating your home, check out more brown decorating project ideas from other home decorators and visit your Resene ColorShop.

Book a colour consult | Ask a Colour Expert | Ask a Paint Expert

Resene's decorating blog

Paint your home beautiful! Discover the latest decorating trends, tips and colour news.