Brown Interior Color Design Ideas for a Living Room

Brown is a warm, nurturing color that is used to create a variety of color schemes for the living room. Shades of brown suggest an air of refinement and impart a cozy ambiance. Brown is the color of tree trunks, rich furniture and wood flooring. When brown is paired with additional colors, assorted color palettes begin to materialize. Living room color schemes are implemented through the furniture, fabrics, textures, paint and accessories that impact the interior design style of a room. Does this Spark an idea?

Neutral

Accent a neutral color scheme with brown to convey a calming atmosphere. Beige-toned living room walls trimmed with snowy-white baseboards and door frames look clean and fresh. White upholstered sofas and chairs topped with brown toss pillows and a furniture throw are ideal for the neutral color palette. Dark-wood end tables paired with an oversize leather ottoman contrast nicely against white upholstery. A cozy, white area rug and cascading brown draperies provide warmth and texture. Neutral-colored artwork and a vase of flowering, white hydrangeas complete the look.

Nature

Create a nature-inspired living room with greens and browns. Sage green is a restful color to the eye and pairs wonderfully with shades of warm browns. One or two accent walls painted in a sage green provide a striking contrast against dark wood, rattan and bamboo furniture. Upholstery fabrics in soothing nature patterns, such as leaves, twigs or plants enhance the serene ambiance. Adding natural elements: a sisal area rug, babbling fountain, potted plants, glass jars filled with pebbles and an arrangement of black-and-white nature photographs create aesthetic interest. Woven grass or wooden matchstick blinds provide warm texture.

Earthy

An earthy color palette is harmonious with the elements found in nature. Deep brown, terracotta, umber and brick tones provide depth and rich color to a living room. This earthy palette can create a feeling of solidity and permanence. Create an aged, textured look by applying a faux painting technique to the wall and ceiling areas. You can add a brown leather sofa, chairs and ottoman to the living room as well as accent tables crafted from glass and iron. Hanging patterned draperies in earth-tone colors over windows and displaying serene landscape paintings on the walls will add to the decor.

Modern

White living room walls are the ideal blank canvas for a purple and brown color scheme. An accent wall painted in deep purple creates a bold, modern look. Purple upholstered furniture mixed with dark brown tables -- accent, sofa, coffee -- spark a contemporary feel. White-and-brown patterned toss pillows add visual interest. A brown and purple striped area rug makes a dramatic statement. Brown Roman window shades and contemporary abstract wall art provide the finishing touches.