DISCOVER WHICH COLOURS STYLE BEAUTIFULLY WITH A BROWN SOFA

DEC 03, 2021

Rather than being a fleeting trend, the splendid natural beauty of brown is proving irresistible to those seeking warmer hued interiors. Rich and earthy, brown is enjoying a welcome resurgence as outdoor spaces inspire the indoors.

Earthy tones like brown create a wholesome feeling, ultimately they are very grounding. Brown is a colour that is deeply connected to nature and for some, evokes the Seventies when Earth Day and environmental awakening occurred. More and more homeowners are shifting from white, cream, and ivory sofas and upholstered furniture towards deeper neutrals such as chestnut, cinnabar and cappuccino.

Understated and elegant, brown has come into its own – but how to ensure the warmth doesn’t overwhelm? Discover how to make the most of your home and its furnishings with brown’s warmth and natural charm with our expert tips.

1. HOW TO LAYER WITH BROWN IN A SPACE?

Homeowners are shifting their minimalistic interiors towards more rustic and eclectic styles, with textures and wood adding much-needed warmth.

Brown furniture covered in textured, cosy fabrics adds a welcome layer of super soft and aesthetically pleasing comfort. Its palette creates a firm foundation for traditional or modern furnishings and works well with artisanal crafts and natural materials.

“Earthy and natural, brown is an incredibly liveable colour that’s easy to layer whilst also being incredibly practical and stylish,” shares Elena Mellowes, Head of Product Development at Maker&Son.

When it comes to dark neutrals, browns such as our Bronzite 100% Linen is proving a welcome shift to the dominance of navy and grey over the last decade. But its grounding qualities create an understated elegance that’s hard to achieve with any other hue.

Expert Tip: As a muted neutral, it is essential to lift a brown palette with neutrals and fresher tones to avoid it looking too dark or sombre. Pair with whites, creams and khakis to create a warm and relaxing space.

2. WHICH CONTRASTING COLOURS WORK BEST WITH BROWN?

The new cosy movement includes warmer colours led by brown, highly tactical natural textures contrasted with antiques and vintage taking centre stage. It’s also connected with a new generation of design enthusiasts attracted to textural, rough-hewn materials.

Brown pairs beautifully with brighter contrasting tones such as orange, yellow and cobalt blues. “These brighter tones offer a complementary palette to a rich neutral base which works to lift and add interest and excitement,” shares Elena.

Expert Tip: A neutral palette with shades of soft browns mixed with gentle blues and greens creates a warm feeling that connects back to nature. These tones work well with mid-century and antique furniture and style beautifully with ceramics, metallic lamps and indoor plants.

3. FROM RUSTIC OR URBAN, WHAT INTERIOR SETTING DOES BROWN SUIT BEST?

“Brown lends itself to multiple settings depending on its application,” shares Elena. “For me, the more rustic use of browns in both timber and fabric, in combination with an earthy neutral palette, is a real winner – it feels very sophisticated with a real sense of timeless longevity.”

Expert Tip: Beyond upholstery and soft furnishings, explore adding more open-grained timber such as oak that adds richness and charm to a rustic space, whilst sleeker, more linear walnut pieces feel more slick and urban, or even mid-century.

4. HOW BEST TO STYLE BROWN IN A LIVING ROOM?

Positive associations with the colour brown evoke a quiet sanctuary of cosy feelings that are relaxing and comfortable. However, its elegance and soothing sophistication also suggest richness and escapism, as it did in the 1920s and ’70s.

“Within a living space, chocolate browns and russets are a great option for larger sofas, especially in velvet, as the richer tones work to minimise the scale,” says Elena. “Paired with some interesting accessories, soft lighting and textured natural rugs, this works to create a stylish living space.”

Expert Tip: Classic shades such as sky blue and cobalt look brilliant with brown, but on the warmer side, it infuses a sense of calmness when balanced by natural and soft hues such a pink clay, sage and chalk.

5. HOW BEST TO STYLE ANTIQUES AND MODERN PIECES WITH BROWN AS THE ANCHOR?

Antiques add personality and interest to any space, carrying their own story with all of their whimsical charms. Elena advises to “reflect a previous era and use these pieces mindfully alongside a fresher neutral palette and lots of foliage and plants to avoid the space feeling aged or even slightly too traditional.”

Expert Tip: Modern pieces should be blended with hints of brass, bolder contrast colours and exciting pieces of art if you’re after mid-century appeal.

6. FAVOURITE HOME ACCESSORIES TO PAIR WITH A BROWN SOFA?

A brown base often needs lifting with brighter colours, and as a result, home accessories such as throws, cushions and rugs work best against this rich base palette.

Elena suggests styling a brown sofa by “layering cushions in various sizes throw with exciting texture and natural wool or jute rugs all work to add interest and more warmth to a rich brown base.”