BEAUTIFUL BROWNS
Brown. A colour that has had bad press over the years, often branded as ugly, is on the rise. Its new found beauty is in its depth of tone, having shaken off its heavy roots to become a key colour that works across a broad spectrum of design categories. It’s a colour that captured the 1970s, an era that we reference now for inspiration, particularly in interior design, it’s here that the trend around brown is really starting to take shape.
It beholds the power to changes the dynamics of a colour
Step into the RIBA 2021 award winning, 1970’s styled Standard Hotel in London or Soho House 180 The Strand for a lesson on how brown invites a sense of luxury within hospitality, the wooden panelling, the supple leather sofas and plush carpets, each adding a layer of indulgence. There is a sense of comfort in these retro looks, they are bold and full of sumptuous textures, stimulating the physical and visual senses.
Brown is a grounding colour, capable of anchoring small and large spaces, whilst being a strong statement in its own right. It works in harmony with an array of colours, its richness bringing them to life with an abundance of sophistication.
It beholds the power to changes the dynamics of a colour, baby pink for example can suddenly become elevated and refined when paired with brown. Red becomes less bold, the harshness softens and is calmed next to brown, while a sporty blue gets a full retro spin. Brown has the ability to adapt and change colour in a very special way.
Something which has been previously overlooked in brown, has now become its essential edge, browns ability to ground bright colours whilst creating sophisticated nuances is rare.
We have selected two key brown groups.
The former is rich with undertones of blues and reds, creating a sophisticated warmth, mahogany and teak emulate these tones and convey a real sense of luxury.
Whilst the latter holds a yellow/green tint, these undertones create a much more natural and organic feel, akin to a plush forest floor. Use these tones to capture the 70s for a truly retro spin.
It’s important to note multiple shades of browns can be layered together to create rich effects, almost in a way that takes it back to its original roots in nature itself. With this we can see that brown is ready to have its time again.
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