Cool white, bold red, warm cream: These are all shades favoured by interior design gurus when it comes to decking out a home.
Shades of grey and pops of navy blue look striking, too.
But what about brown? It's an earthy tone that is often waylaid when homeowners are poring over interior design ideas. Don't be too quick to dismiss brown though – it's a shade that looks stunning in a range of spaces, and you can pair it with other colours, too. It adds a gorgeous warmth to any space, which is always a plus if you want to create a sense of intimacy or homely warmth.
Here are three ways to embrace brown in your home's design. Whether you take on these ideas in your living room, main bedroom or study is up to you!
Brown and white
If you're concerned about brown looking too intense in a space, why not balance it out with white or cream?
Walls painted with Resene Irish Coffee – a brown that's infused with ochre tones look great. This soft shade will look stunning as a feature wall, with ceilings and the remaining walls painted Resene Doeskin – a gentle shade that will bring out the best of your brown hue, namely its warmth.
When pairing brown with white or cream, be sure to match up colour temperatures appropriately. For instance, if you pick a brown with yellow, orange or ochre undertones, your cream or white shade should also have warm undertones. A cooler brown will look good with whites with blue tones.
Opt for a lighter brown – something close to a rich tan shade – for the bedroom. Pair it with plush carpet, ceiling to floor drapes and a cream headboard for a classy and comfortable space.
Brown and blue
There's something super chic about brown and blue when it comes to home decorating ideas.
This contemporary marriage of colour looks incredibly striking in living rooms, but also works well in kitchens and home offices.
It's particularly effective when you use rich, azure-like blues. Think shades like Resene Captain Cook or Resene Yarra. Of course, it's probably a bit bold to go slapping brown and blue all over your walls.
Instead, think about keeping your walls a neutral shade, and play up the brown and blue theme with carefully-selected furniture, rugs, artwork and lampshades. There's no need to go for a look that's too coordinated – instead, pick a few items that will embrace this shades, while playing up features of your home like timber flooring or beautiful shutters.
The brown and blue theme looks great in a home office too, for a warm vibe that's potentially conducive to productive work!
Brown and orange
A splash of tangerine can make a powerful statement. When you pair it with brown, the contrast between zingy orange and warm brown is quite spectacular.
Be sure to add fresh white accents to tie these colours together. For instance, pair brown walls with orange accessories, white floorboards and a white ceiling.
A lamp with a marbled orange base, tangerine cushions and artwork with citrus hues will bring your living room to life. You could add cream furniture if you have brown walls, or mix it up and keep your walls a buttery, neutral shade and invest in a plush, brown suede sofa. Investing in quality furniture that lasts a mile is a smart move – make sure your selections will last throughout the years in terms of design trends, rather than becoming dated.
Brown can be used in smaller spaces, like bathrooms, too. Just be sure there's plenty of natural light to balance the effect. Add some polished fittings, fluffy towels and hang robes to the back of the bathroom door for a real at-home-spa feel!
In the kitchen, pair a stainless steel countertop with a cream kitchen backsplash and cool brown cabinetry for a modern look.
Get inspired ! 
