Considered the new luxurious neutral, a soft caramel, cinnamon brown hue is the sophisticated and down-to-earth new neutral replacing beige and cream in 2025.
Decorating with brown is rarely the go-to paint color of choice for the discerning decorator, however, interior design firm Pierce and Ward – who championed the 'ugly color trend' – say every home needs a dose of underappreciated muddy tones to dial down the pretty and perfect.
This is the design direction they took when curating American actress Dakota Johnson's Hollywood home. It is a better option than beige for inviting warmth and quiet luxury in your home.
The nuances of brown living room ideas are often underappreciated, but a glance at the many hues on offer reveals how complex and interesting the shade can be. There is an unexpected richness to light and dark browns that reveal itself in different ways.
Considered a dark neutral, earthy brown is grounding but also has a truly sophisticated elegance. Versatile, it can be striking on its own or allow other hues to stand proud. This season's decorating is inspired by the global traveler's expeditions, with a rich palette of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and ochre adding warmth and depth to interiors.
‘A brilliant foil for pretty much every color, the darker the tone the sharper the contrast and that’s when I like it best,' says Nicola Harding, interior designer, Nicola Harding & Co. 'Farrow & Ball’s Tanner’s Brown is fab. Teaming brown with blue has a particularly electric effect.’
However, if you want to replicate Dakota's serene scheme, team brown with red, warm pinks, and greens. This room is rich, warm, and deeply grounded in earthy tones, creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.
This golden-brown hue acts as a unifying base, echoing the natural wood tones found throughout the space, from the sculptural coffee table and mid-century piano to the woven cabinet detailing. These variations of warm brown add depth and subtle contrast without overwhelming the eye.
Layered into the scheme are terracotta and clay tones, particularly in the large planter and brick wall, which enhance the organic, nature-connected feel. The vintage-inspired rug introduces muted reds, soft blues, and aged neutrals, offering a touch of color variation that grounds the seating area.
Elsewhere, hints of olive and moss green – seen in the pillows and the large leafy indoor plant further enrich the palette. The extensive glass windows frame lush greenery outside, blurring the line between interior and exterior and reinforcing the earthy, natural palette that defines the room’s modern yet timeless elegance.
Quite simply, brown is the color replacing beige for 2025 – and perhaps even 2026. It is visually perfect.
Shop the look
The return of the seventies has been influencing interior trends for 2025. I've selected my favorite brown-toned buys to help you introduce this warming hue into your home in small doses.
The Sinclair Collection for Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines x Loloi blends timeless design with modern sustainability. Featuring antique-inspired motifs with rich detail and gentle distressing, Sinclair rugs bring a refined, storied look to high-traffic spaces like living rooms, entryways, and kids' rooms.
One of Lulu and Georgia's most popular pieces, the Selden Bowl is an elegant interplay of form and finish. Its deep reactive brown glaze adds richness and depth, making it a striking addition to the modern table. Equally at home as a sculptural catchall on an entryway console or living room coffee table, it embodies effortless sophistication and versatile luxury.
Elevated yet effortless, this luxury velvet pillow cover brings everyday elegance to your space. Crafted from washed organic cotton for a modern matte finish, its rich chocolate hue features subtle tonal variations. Flange tailoring adds a refined touch, making it a chic, year-round accent for sofas, chairs, or beds.
