Why Brown Is the Color Taking Over Interiors in 2022 (2024)

Color psychology—or how different shades affect our emotional being—states that humans feel a sense of safety and security when surrounded by brown. Why? Its associations with the earth: the calming and resilient element that keeps us quite literally grounded.

So perhaps it's no surprise that after two whole years of pandemic uncertainty, brown is seeing a massive resurgence in home decor and interior design. The ultra-chic Fasano Fifth Avenue in New York enlisted Thierry Despont to swath their luxurious private club in caramel tones from Loro Piana. ("The palette of warm colors we chose not only plays up the cozy intimacy of the environment at Fasano Fifth Avenue, but also complements the already-celebrated Fasano hospitality concept, refined and warm at once," Andrea Natal, the general manager, tells Vogue.) Arje’s Bessie Afnaim Corral and Oliver Corral covered their Greenwich Village apartment in terracotta tones—and then launched a cult home brand earlier this year in the exact same aesthetic. Over in Los Angeles, Bode used extensive walnut cabinetry in their new Melrose Avenue shop. Meanwhile, multiple top interior designers—including Danielle Colding, Athena Calderone, Justina Blakeney, and Mark D. Sikes—named it as a color to embrace in Vogue’s annual home decor trend report.

“Everyone is wanting to feel close to and comforted by the earth, whether it’s an organic brown linen for a family room sofa or a rich chocolate silk velvet on bergères for a living room,” Sikes tells Vogue. Recently, Sikes decorated a living room in Chicago with chocolate brown lacquered walls and ivory details. (“Chicest room ever,” he notes.)

Another factor that contributes to brown’s appeal? The rise of warm minimalism. Too often, minimalism—or the interior art of simplicity in form and color—has been interpreted as all-white-everything: white couches, white walls, white accents. Beautiful, yes, but also stark. And as the pandemic made everyone sit at home staring at their walls, that monochromatic aesthetic was the last thing many of us wanted. Enter brown: a color that’s comforting yet can still fit within a neutral, pared down palette beloved by minimalism devotees. “I think people are looking for a new 'old' neutral,” says Colding. Fellow interior designer Jake Arnold, principal of Studio Jake Arnold, agrees: "My motto is always brown, never gray. Shades of brown bring about warmth, earthiness, and calm that feel timeless and grounding,” he says.

Why Brown Is the Color Taking Over Interiors in 2022 (2024)

FAQs

Why Brown Is the Color Taking Over Interiors in 2022? ›

Top interior designers say the color is seeing a major resurgence thanks to its calming and warm qualities.

Why is the color brown trending? ›

“The earthy yet refined nature of brown shades makes them the perfect backdrop to natural materials currently being incorporated in contemporary interiors, including wicker, rattan, warm woods, and stone finishes,” the brand's creative director, Ruth Mottershead, tells ELLE DECOR.

Are brown houses out of style? ›

Regardless of style, the color brown can elevate a home's curb appeal and increase the resale value. A brown color scheme makes an instant impression, especially when appropriately paired with certain accent colors that really make a home pop.

Is brown trendy 2022? ›

You don't have to look far to spot a brown item in 2022 fashion trends and runway styles. There's no doubt that brown is having a big moment in fashion right now, and for our Checkered and Chocolate issue, we knew we had to take a closer look at this hue!

Is brown furniture coming back 2022? ›

2022 is Bringing the Classic and Natural Look Back

Shades of brown bring about warmth, earthiness, and calm that feel timeless and grounding.”

Is brown out of style in 2024? ›

In fact, as part of Apartment Therapy's 2024 Home Design Survey, chocolate brown stood out as a popular color for the year according to designers, alongside burgundy, camel, and forest green.

Is brown back in style for home decor? ›

'These colors are not just popular; they are revolutionizing the way we think about interior spaces, bringing a sense of warmth and earthiness that has been long overlooked. ' 'Styling a room with shades of brown is a wonderful way to bring more depth and interest to a neutral palette.

What color house is hardest to sell? ›

Colors to Avoid:
  • Yellow: Can be polarizing and may not appeal to a broad range of potential buyers.
  • Brown: While earthy, it may not have the universal appeal needed to attract a wide audience.
  • Red: A bold color that could potentially limit the home's marketability due to personal preferences.

What is the least popular color in houses? ›

America's least desired colors for home decoration: orange and pink. This is the result of a survey of more than 1,500 consumers by Modsy, an online interior design service. More than a third of survey respondents ranked these two colors as their least favorite, Apartment Therapy reports on the findings.

What color compliments brown? ›

Whether you're using brown to mellow out a room or to offset an amped-up color palette—it pairs especially well with bright yellows and greens, FYI—there's no better time than the present to start experimenting with this versatile hue.

What is the most fashionable color in 2022? ›

In 2022, colors like Kelly Green and Valentino PP Pink made it to the A-list along with comfy shades of Pantone's Very Peri. Every color says something. Seeing a flush of pink will make you feel a certain way.

Is brown a luxurious color? ›

Brown is a versatile choice that can give a warm and comfortable impression as well as being luxurious and elegant. With proper placement and use, this color can become a key element in interior design and decoration.

Is brown the new black? ›

Brown, in its myriad shades from chocolate to caramel, is surprisingly versatile. While it may have once been considered an afterthought, it's now one of fashion's most sophisticated statement colours. It typically has neutral undertones, which means it doesn't lean too heavily towards warm or cool tones.

Is brown the new gray? ›

'For those still keen to keep some neutrality in their colour scheme, brown is the perfect choice. Complimentary to most colours and timeless, brown adds a warmth to the home that grey and white lack.

Are dark brown sofas out of style? ›

Brown leather sofas are a classic and timeless choice for a living room, but their rich warm tones can often come across as too masculine if not styled right. Whether you're going for a modern farmhouse look or a mid-century modern vibe, here are some tips and ideas to help you decorate around your brown leather sofa.

What is the psychology of the color brown in interior design? ›

Brown. This restrained tone creates a melancholic and soft mood and promotes a feeling of warmth. This earth color symbolizes safety and family hearth, so it is ideal for cozy home interior designs.

What is the significance of the color brown? ›

In many Western cultures, the color brown has taken back its original meaning of earthy. It's used to depict sustainability, health, nurturing, and dependability. Multiple trusted, longstanding brands feature brown prominently in their logos and marketing, including UPS, M&Ms, and JP Morgan.

When did brown become popular? ›

In the late 20th century, brown became a common symbol in western culture for simple, inexpensive, natural and healthy. Bag lunches were carried in plain brown paper bags; packages were wrapped in plain brown paper. Brown bread and brown sugar were viewed as more natural and healthy than white bread and white sugar.

Why is brown hair trending? ›

"It is partly due to a desire for a fresh, bold look that stands against the traditional summer hair color palette,” he shares. “Celebrities and influencers often set the stage for beauty trends, and recently, many are embracing darker shades, inspiring many people to do the same.

Is brown the new grey? ›

Ditching the grey

Complimentary to most colours and timeless, brown adds a warmth to the home that grey and white lack. For those who have gone 'all in' on the grey trend, you may find that your interiors lack depth and character.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Mrs. Angelic Larkin

Last Updated:

Views: 6407

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (47 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Mrs. Angelic Larkin

Birthday: 1992-06-28

Address: Apt. 413 8275 Mueller Overpass, South Magnolia, IA 99527-6023

Phone: +6824704719725

Job: District Real-Estate Facilitator

Hobby: Letterboxing, Vacation, Poi, Homebrewing, Mountain biking, Slacklining, Cabaret

Introduction: My name is Mrs. Angelic Larkin, I am a cute, charming, funny, determined, inexpensive, joyous, cheerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.