SPECTRUM | BROWN
THE REAL ESTATE JOURNAL
9
Brownie points Earthy. Natural. Grounded. These words may come to mind when thinking about the themes and tones that the color brown invokes. Because this color can be found almost anywhere outdoors, it can be easy to overlook. This gives it a subtle element when used in the home, and often serves a complimentary role to other colors. But with some design choices, brown can also be the main attraction. “It’s a comforting color, but one has to be careful to choose the
proper shade of brown. The wrong shade can make a room feel heavy, dull and basic,” said Alan Torrado, event and design consultant. Brown can give off a calm and relaxing tone. It isn’t loud and it does not overpower other elements of the room. That is why brown is a great color to paint bedroom walls or any space where one can relax and recharge, Torrado said. Different shades of brown can make it even more appealing. For lighter, airy rooms, a lighter shade of brown would work nicely. Darker shades are best used on furniture
pieces, such as the natural color of the wood on coffee tables and chairs. Brown moldings fixed on the top corner of walls or at the midsection can make a home feel more traditional. “A nice supple leather sofa would be a perfect piece of brown furniture to own,” Torrado said. “It makes a solid statement of comfort and stability. Pair that up with ivory-colored walls and you would have a contemporary and comforting vibe.” Brown is a neutral color, so it can work well with most colors.
But brighter colors often make a great pairing with brown. A brown bookcase and shelf would look more appealing with yellow accents throughout. Brown wooden floors enhances the blues and whites of curtains. Even a pink throw pillow can complement a brown sofa. To keep in line with the earthy aesthetic, something as simple as potted soil for indoor plants can also add a natural flavor to a home. A healthy balance of brown and a light color can bring a rustic theme to a space. p
The color brown can be seen almost anywhere, inside and outside the home, so it can blend well with most colors.
