HOW TO DECORATE WITH BROWN PAINT
Brown interiors are tipped for big things and after using brown paint in my bedroom, I’m a fan. It’s way more appealing than you might think at first, and really versatile too. Read on to discover what the hype is about.
The people at House & Garden wrote recently that brown is creeping into the zeitgeist. They’re seeing it used by all the best decorators and are even saying that brown is set to become the new grey in our interiors. That’s a bold prediction!
But, they could be on to something. Dulux has named Spiced Honey its 2019 colour of the year. They describe it as a warm amber tone, like salted caramel. I’m sure most people would say that it’s brown.
You can imagine why Dulux might be hesitant to peg the colour as brown in their marketing. There’s the chocolate association with brown but let’s just say that there are others too!
I remember a few raised eyebrows when I talked about my plans for brown paint in my bedroom. And I got why there would be, I really did.
But I’d had the benefit of being in a couple of gorgeous brown-walled rooms, and had done a bit of research, so knew the magic that brown could create.
THE BENEFITS OF PAINTING WALLS BROWN
So, what’s so good about painting rooms brown?
Brown is the colour of earth so by its very nature is grounding and comfortable - great for rooms where you want to relax and spend a lot of time.
Sounding a bit hippy-ish? You’re after chic and elegant? Still keep brown in mind. As the people at House & Garden point out, rooms painted brown are not just warm but also sophisticated.
Brown is easy going. It doesn’t fight for attention, making it the perfect base to let your accent colours shine.
And which colours could those accents be? Read on, because it’s about to get interesting! There are pics too - sorry, I know I’ve kept you waiting for the images.
WHICH COLOURS GO WITH BROWN?
The answer to that is loads. Yay!
In my loft conversion master bedroom, I chose to pair the brown walls with a lot of green, mainly coming from the carpet. Some people thought it a bit unusual, but green is a brilliant partner for brown. Think about the green and brown in trees.
I’ve prettied it up with accents of soft pink and I’m starting to bring in some soft blue.
Here are some pics. The paint, by the way, is Farrow & Ball London Clay and Pink Ground in the en-suite.
Decorating with brown paint - pink and green accents add a pretty feel
BELOW: The strip of sky you can see through the windows shows that soft/bright blue is another perfect pairing. That’s where I got the idea to bring in some blue!
Ah, that blue sky…and a perfect pairing for brown walls.
See the cushions on the bed? The flowers are a lovely teal colour and it seems to work with the brown. So, that got me wondering…
Teal with brown - cosy and grounding.
Oh, hi there! Don’t mind me just testing out the teal! Well, it is said you should look to your wardrobe for colour inspiration, and I am sold! I’m hoping to get a cosy chair for some reading in here and now I know what colour it should be.
But, you’ll be wanting to see some more colours, I expect. OK, let’s do this.
Not sure, I really had to do this …
Colour testing carnage! But it did get me this little gallery to show you.
See how good the orange looks? Seventies retro heaven - and chic too. The acid bright yellow? Lots of fun. The gold accents work beautifully, don’t you think? And the green? Well, I’m convinced any shade will go, from dark to minty.
What do the paint companies say about colour schemes for brown?
Well, Farrow & Ball have colour schemes for their brown paints that include whites, soft pink, rose pink, soft blue, pale green, minty green, bright green and red. Read that out loud and you’re out of breath! They also pair with darker browns and lighter browns too.
Here’s an image showing their deep chocolate brown, Salon Drab, with the bright avocado of Yeabridge Green. It feels vibrant, but not too vibrant. And look at those blue accents and the tan of the sofa.
Farrow & Ball’s Salon Drab with woodwork in Yeabridge Green
What do you think? I love it!
Over at The Little Greene Paint Company, they’re throwing in some spiced orange, bright yellow, burgundy and aubergine.
And coming back to Spiced Honey (aka brown), the Dulux colour of the year, here it is paired with a lot of white and wood accents. The combination feels light, airy and fresh.
Dulux Spiced Honey looking fresh with whites and pale wood accents
BELOW: A sample of the accents that work with Spiced Honey. I’m feeling spoilt for choice!
ALL the colours working with Dulux Spiced Honey
Clever old brown!
How else might you use brown paint in your decorating? Children’s rooms? Let’s have a think about it.
BROWN WALLS IN CHILDREN’S ROOMS
It’s definitely worth considering, I’d say, especially a dark shade in a nursery. Dark colours are said to help with sleep and if that doesn’t convince parents of babies then I don’t know what will. Also, think about how well those soft pinks and pale blues work with brown. Surely that’s a winner?
I know from experience how the soft baby pinks quickly give way to the more bright/garish variety. Well, have a look below to see what brown does to those. Would you have ever thought that a bright pink doughnut, toy hairdryer and barbie could look so chic?!
And look at the colours in this Dulux Spiced Honey image. Pink, orange, red, blue, yellow and green. Playroom partners if ever I saw them.
Accents that could work in a playroom - Dulux Spiced Honey
So, let’s see. Brown can be cosy and relaxing. It can be pretty. It can be fun. It goes with loads of colours.
That prediction about brown being the new grey? Maybe not so bold after all.
What do you think? Could you see yourself buying into brown?
Victoria x
P.S. Want more decor inspiration?
How about some easy tips for choosing your decorating colours?
Thinking you might be ready for dark colours in your pad? Here are the signs you should take the plunge.
Want to make those dark walls look their best? I’ve got some pointers.
Fancy some glamour and cool stuff in your pad? Here are the stores I check out first.
Did you notice I painted my ceiling brown too? See why it’s a trend.
