Brown is the colour of the moment — here's how to use it in your home
Brown is poised to be the biggest paint colour of 2025. Ever since Mocha Mousse was announced as Pantone's Colour of the Year, brown has been enjoying a rare moment in the decorating spotlight.
Holding a little more spice than other neutral hues, brown exudes warmth and depth. Once cast aside as drab and dated along with other 1970s colour choices, the experts predict we'll use brown to paint our living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and more.
"Mocha Mousse captures the essence of modern interiors – understated yet impactful, luxurious yet approachable," says Laura Hammett, Founder of Laura Hammett Living. "It's a shade that invites serenity while making a statement."
Looking for brown interior ideas? From the kitchen to bedrooms, keep browsing for plenty of inspiration:
Paint a feature wall
Brown is an amazing backdrop for dining rooms. Paint a feature wall or dare to go bold with the double-drench painting technique. We love how this space, painted in 'Leather Saddle Brown' by Benjamin Moore, uses brown upholstery and wooden flooring to create a warm and enveloping space.
• Wall painted in 'Leather Saddle Brown' by Benjamin Moore
Use brown in a home office
"For a dramatic yet soothing effect, consider painting feature walls or using wallpaper in brown," says Tom Revill, creative director of Plank Hardware.
"Its versatility makes it ideal for pairing with contrasting trims or natural elements like wood or stone."
• Shop the full look at chauncey.co.uk
Brown bathroom ideas
In September, Graham & Brown also announced a soft brown as their Colour of the Year for 2025: Elderton (pictured).
"When 2025 trend predictions align, we just know this colour is sure to carry a lot of weight across interior spaces through the upcoming year," says James Greenwood, Graham & Brown's Colour and Interiors Expert.
"Both shades are grounded yet decedent that envelope you in a room like a comforting hug, leaning into cosy design."
• Walls painted in 'Elderton' by Graham & Brown
Wooden walls
Brown is very easy to work with; natural, unpainted wood is so often a part of our interiors anyway.
Take inspiration from this Scandi-inspired home from the Country Living archives, which features wooden slatted walls, complementary light shades, and a big brown leather sofa topped with cosy throws.
Embrace brown in the kitchen
Brown is an ideal choice for a kitchen. With its naturally warming energy, it works especially well if your kitchen doubles up as an informal dining space or the place where you tend to entertain guests.
Ideas for using brown in your kitchen include adding a brick splashback (pictured), hanging floating wooden shelves, or painting small sections of a wall to create a feature focus.
For tiresome cabinets, sand them down and add a lick of brown paint. "Breathe new life into your kitchen by painting your cabinets. This earthy brown shade adds warmth and elegance to your space, creating a modern yet inviting atmosphere," says Tom.
"Pair with warm aged or antique brass cabinet handles for a chic, finished look that reflects timeless sophistication."
• Shop the full look at George Home
Pair with contemporary colours
"Brown is a chameleon colour that can be sophisticated yet cosy depending on the mood of the space it is in. It will add drama to contemporary colours by creating a theatrical backdrop, allowing them to shine through," says Paula Taylor, Head Stylist and Trend Specialist at Graham & Brown.
"Our homes are spaces where we can be our most honest and creative selves, and this is the perfect hue to unleash the potential of any room."
• Walls painted in 'Elderton' and 'Hot Mocha' by Graham & Brown
Soft brown
Light, sugary browns are suitably calming shades. We love the look of this space created by Habitat, which pairs soft brown paint with a matching rug and chair.
"It is time to slow down, enjoy the pleasurable things in life, and take things more slowly," adds Paula.
"By taking time to unwind, we can become more aware of our surroundings. It is a warm, inviting shade that helps reconnect with friends and family over special memories."
• Shop the full look at Habitat
Dark and daring
Ranging from grounding to dark and daring, brown shades are not in short supply when it comes to finding your match.
"Pantone's Mocha Mousse is more than just a colour, it's a celebration of sensory warmth and authenticity – it's a deeply versatile shade that offers both comfort and sophistication," says Tom.
"Its ability to blend seamlessly with materials like wood or stone makes it a perfect choice for creating a warm, grounded home environment. Whether you're looking to refresh a single room or an entire space, this colour delivers a timeless yet modern appeal."
• Shop the full look at Homesense
Pair with green
Let brown take the lead and use green to add pops of vibrancy through houseplants or accessories. You don't want one colour to overpower the other.
"A brown interior colour scheme is surprisingly versatile and not as dramatic as it sounds, as there are so many tones that you can ease into," says Cathy Dean, Founder and CEO of Studio Dean.
"Opting for a neutral brown base allows you to have versatility in your home as you can easily bring in other colours and trends. Add in a green for an earthy, nature-inspired feeling."
• Shop the full look at Homesense
Add subtle touches
If you're not ready to pack a punch, add brown to your home with accessories. Less permanent than a lick of paint, you can still create a dramatic effect.
"Start with subtle touches, such as adding throws, cushions, or rugs to add warmth, without overwhelming your space," says Gareth Coxall, Creative Director at Terrys.
"If you're ready to make a bold statement, try an accent wall in this warm hue, or start with curtains for a more versatile way to introduce it into your home."
• Shop the full look at Sofology
Look to nature
An earthy colour scheme will bring the outside in by nodding to the natural landscape. Here, a wooden shelving unit frames the bed, offering ample storage and creating a cosy space that feels connected to nature.
• Shop the full look at Furniture Village
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