Dark rich browns are exquisitely handsome in most spaces around the home including studies, libraries, hallways, accent walls, bedrooms, and even exterior finishes. The color brown is associated with richness, encompassment, sturdiness, reliability, and safety. Here are 12 of my favorite dark, rich browns done by some extraordinary designers.
Benjamin Moore’s Chocolate Candy Brown is one of my favorites. This color is part of Benjamin Moore’s Color Preview. “A collection of bold, saturated colors.” Andrew Howard’s design and use of Chocolate Candy Brown in the above office is striking. Every inch is painted in the hue, including the trim, shelving, and doors. The space hugs you in warmth and richness. He keeps the room mostly monochromatic using leathers, dark woods, and brown in the fabric and rugs. He ties the earthiness of the brown with the natural elements in the storage basket and the purposeful tray on the coffee table. The paint appears to be a satin finish, which I prefer when using such a dark color with a lower reflective value. Satin, high-gloss, lacquered, or waxed are good options to provide just a touch of reflectiveness in the darker space.
BM Chocolate Candy Brown is the choice color for the AHL Showhouse. The walls are done in satin and the trim is beautiful in high gloss. The clusters of white in the art, accessories, and furniture pop perfectly off this yummy brown. The brown and white rug and pillows tie this tasteful space together wonderfully.
I love this deep, dark Farrow and Ball chocolate done with a high-gloss finish. As I stated before, light reflection is low in browns so the gloss gives it an inviting glow. The orange-peach sofa is a choice pick. Orange and peach are wonderful complementary colors to browns. The bright whites and browns on the pillows and chairs provide anchors. to the space. The octagon patterned rug pulls it all together with the white, peaches, and browns. Every inch of this room is spectacular.
Bedrooms can be quite stunning in the right hue of brown. This Gary McBournie bedroom is stunning in Benjamin Moore’s Barista. The walls are done flawlessly in a satin finish. The natural light gives the beautiful hue a nice glow. The white gourd lamps pop against the wall as well as the light, bright artwork. The orange pieces around the room are in perfect color harmony with the brown. The white ceilings and white bedding anchor the center of the room for a perfect balance.
Every design by Alexa Hampton is divine including this gorgeous reading room encompassed by Benjamin Moore’s Middlebury Brown. Hampton describes her favorite brown as “something about this gray-brown makes everything orderly”. This space is enchanting, with an Old European feel. Every piece is selected carefully, and every item adds character and charm to the room. The antique wood furniture blends so beautifully with this divine brown wall color. I love the zebra rug that adds a touch of whimsy to this striking space.
I love this description of Mahogany by Farrow and Ball. “Mahogany is an invitingly rich brown which takes its name from the dark redwood used by master cabinet makers like Thomas Chippendale. Packed with warm tones that give a unique depth of color, the almost burnt brown pigments create a welcoming retreat that envelopes the room in earthy darkness.” I love this cavernous hallway done in Mahogany. It has an old European look combined with the natural stone floors and imperfect walls. The tall white trim pops perfectly off both.
Etruscan Red is in Farrow and Ball’s Archive collection. It was a brilliantly chosen color for this charming bedroom. It is self-described by Farrow and Ball as “an earthy color that became a feature in neoclassical decoration following the original 18th-century excavation at Pompeii.” It is a magnificent backdrop to the French pieces and custom white bedding with Greek-key trim. It is a choice color for a cozy bedroom.
Farrow and Ball describe Tanner’s Brown as “A strong dark brown named after the craftsmen who tan the hides and skins used to create leather. Tanner’s Brown will read as almost black in lower lighting and is extremely useful to create a slightly softer look when used on the interior of fireplaces. It does, however, become browner in color within well-lit homes and exteriors due to its warm red undertones.” I love this lavish space by Craig Hansen. It is rich and sophisticated, and the deep brown encompasses the space. The brown around the windows and doors is lacquered. The creamy white trim and ceilings are great contrasts to the brown as well as the white sofa. The animal skin and fur throws and pillows add to the warmth, whimsy, and coziness of the space.
Benjamin Moore’s Van Buren Brown is part of Benjamin Moore’s rich, historic collection. The Glen Glisser space is gorgeous in varying shades of tans and browns against the handsome Van Buren walls. The color is a perfect backdrop for the display of charcoal drawings. I love the whimsical pops of colors among this dashing, handsome interior space.
The color Mink by Benjamin Moore is a beautiful, deep brown color. CWB Architects added a waxed finish top for added depth. What a wonderful and cozy nook with the backdrop color of Mink by Benjamin Moore.
Benjamin Moore’s Bittersweet chocolate is stunning in this foyer done by Ned Marshall. The pink settee is a wonderful pop off the deep brown. The gorgeous antique brackets and vases are enhanced by the richness of the brown walls. The art adds a bit of color to the walls and the sunflower mirror is exquisite against the striking, chocolate color.
Fine Paints of Europe’s Dutch Chocolate is perfect for this small space done by Mike Glifford. I love the mirror reflecting the high-gloss brown, magnifying the small space. All the natural light and reflection in the bathroom make the bathroom seem grand and glamorous!
Benjamin Moore’s Deep Cavier is a rich, deep, dark brown on this handsome home. It is the perfect trim color against the white paint and the copper trim. Perfectly saturated and dark without having to go totally black. It is a splendid hue on this stunning home.
I hope you enjoyed these beautiful examples of dark, rich browns. Please share some of your favorites in the comments. We would love to see how brown worked in your homes.