BROWN IS BACK

Move over beige – this season, it’s all about brown. Interior design columnist Sheena Noelle shares how to style the shade of the season for a home that feels both grounded and glamorous.

As we glide into August, our attention begins to turn to Autumn/Winter trends and the cosier seasons ahead.

This autumn, it is time for beige and light hues to move aside as brown is stealing the spotlight.

Rich, grounding, and undeniably sophisticated, brown is the comeback colour of the season, making it a striking return to the world of interior design.

From chocolate leathers to caramel velvets and earthy clay walls, this warm neutral is proving itself as the new essential for inviting, modern spaces.

As homeowners continue to crave comfort and stability in uncertain times, brown delivers an aesthetic that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.

It harks back to 1970s interiors, with their emphasis on organic materials and earth tones, but the new brown is less retro kitsch, more refined revival.

Brown’s versatility is one of its strongest assets.

It pairs beautifully with creams, dusty pinks, olive greens, terracotta, and even unexpected hits of black or gold.

Try it in these trending applications:

• Walls: Clay and mocha-toned paints offer a cocooning effect, ideal for bedrooms, studies, or snug living rooms.
• Furniture: Curved sofas in cognac leather or velvet create a focal point that’s both tactile and timeless.

Accessories:

Think wool throws, ceramic vases, and walnut picture frames to add warmth without overwhelming a space.

Textures:

Combine rough linen, soft suede, and polished wood to make brown feel anything but flat.

Unlike grey, which can skew cold, brown has an inherent emotional quality.

It evokes wood, warmth, earth, and stability – qualities that feel especially inviting as the days grow shorter and the air crisper.

For those hesitant to go full espresso, start small.

Even a chestnut-toned cushion or a walnut side table can shift the mood of a room.

Or try layering multiple shades – tan, taupe, cocoa – for a monochromatic look with depth and sophistication.

In the studio we are loving this return to more grounded, earthy hues.

With stunning new ranges of fabric, wallpaper and accessories arriving for the season ahead, if you need help or advice on how to incorporate these warmer shades into your own space, get in touch with our team to arrange your appointment.

Sheena Noelle Design
📍 Cleenagh, Buncrana, Co. Donegal, F93 VYF5
📞 083 378 1871
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