Brown may seem like a dull color for decorating, but it can be livened up in so many ways.  When you think brown just think of the expansive spectrum of colors within the family.  Sand and cream shades, copper, beige, chocolate brown and even gold tones all stem from the world of brown.  If your decor is based on brown and you want to brighten things up a bit, this article offers plenty of easy tips.

Contrast with light colors

Nothing is more beautiful than chocolate brown leather furniture, but it can make a room look dark if you aren’t careful.  To offset the deep shade of brown, use accents that include white or ecru.  White window treatments brighten up the room.

Consider painting the walls ecru to make the room look more open and spacious.  Soft white throw pillows and casually placed accent rugs on wood floors add contrast and interest.

Ever considered pink and brown?

Mauve shades are beautiful and rich when combined with brown, especially in a bathroom.  If you have chocolate brown towels and a matching bath rug, throw in some interest with a mauve and white shower curtain.

If your bathroom is large, consider a dark wood vanity topped with pink or mauve and white accents.  A white glass vase filled with pink flowers adds a punch of color.  Overall, use brown tones as the base adding small touches of mauve, white and pink for the best effect.

Animal prints with leather

Back in the living room, leather prints such as leopard look fabulous with chocolate brown furnishings if you like an exotic appearance.  Throw pillows, blankets, rugs and even pictures can bring the look together.

With this decorating theme, brass or gold picture frames, candle holders and other accents add an occasional bright touch.

Love a warm, relaxed look?

If a comfortable, inviting look is what you’re after, decorate using other warm colors found in nature.  A brown sofa and love seat look beautiful with burnt orange, golden yellow, green and rusty red shades.

A large sand colored area rug is beautiful with brown furnishings when edged in bold stripes of burnt orange, red, country blue and green.  Use these colors throughout your decor in throw pillows, candles, wall art and more.

Brown and blue is another beautiful combination, and one that is perfect for those who prefer a modern look.  Light blue geometric or abstract patterns splashed on throw pillows and other accents liven up the look, adding a contemporary appeal.

As you can see, there are dozens of ways to liven up a home that is based on brown shades.  Don’t throw out your furniture – just add a few accents, paint the walls and you have an entirely new look!

Use your imagination and create a look that is uniquely yours.  Nearly any colors work with brown, so have fun decorating your home with color.

Today, modern decor is refreshing and attractive.  Two decades ago, most people would never dream of decorating a living room in shades of brown and teal; now, it’s one of the most appealing looks you can have if you love a clean, modern decor.  In this article, you will find many useful tips for incorporating these two colors for a look that is vibrant and beautiful.

Starting point:  Walls

In order to prevent your living room from looking closed in or small, you want to use a light, neutral shade for the walls.  Consider light sand, a pale, soft aqua or a muted caramel color.  To add further interest and appeal, paint baseboards and trim in a contrasting shade such as bold aqua or dark chocolate brown.

If you’re feeling particularly creative, consider texturing the walls through various techniques such as stamping, ragging or rag-rolling to add a wallpaper-like finish that is original and eye-catching.

Choosing the furniture

To achieve balance in this style of decorating, it’s best to choose furnishings that are scaled to a larger size.  Tables, entertainment centers, chairs and sofas should all be the same deep brown shade if possible.  Leather furnishings work especially well in this decor, and add rich texture.

Accessories are where the fun begins

Once walls are completed and furnishings are chosen, it’s time to start adding colorful accents.  Choose 3 shades of teal; a pale shade, a medium shade, and one that is dark and bold.  The medium shade will be the dominant teal color for the room, while the others help balance things out.

When shopping for accents, let anything teal catch your eye and consider if it will work with your decorating theme.  Throw pillows, picture frames, vases, window treatments, candles, tapestries – all of these things will add color and visual appeal to the room.

Vary patterns for further appeal

Long gone are the days when everything had to match.  In past years, if you chose a floral pattern for your living room, you would not dare use stripes or abstract patterns.  Today, it is very common for savvy decorators to mix stripes, plaids, swirls and all types of patterns together, and the look is creative and attention grabbing.  Consider a plaid throw, along with striped pillows and abstract paintings for the walls to create a room that is full of life.  Mixing patterns adds depth and originality, making each room striking in its own unique way.

For those who love modern, contemporary rooms, this look is ultra-chic and absolutely beautiful.  Incorporate hues of dark, chocolate brown and shades of teal for a rich look with bright splashes of color that bring the room alive!  Decorate with accessories that are unique and capture the attention of the eye.  Once you see the finished results, you will want to show your living room off to everyone you know!