FT NEWS

Don’t most of our homes include a generous dose of brown within the interiors? This colour not only exudes warmth and richness but also easily blends with other shades and accents in the home. But very often, the same brown can become overpowering and make the space look dull or create a bit of a dark ambience. So if you have a living room which a bit too brown, these tips are for you.

1. Hang colourful paintings
This is a classic example where bright paintings give the living room all the colour it needs. Also it works as an accent feature that prevents the brown tones from looking too dull.

2. Introduce bright drapery
A burst of colour on the drapery and cushions can make the space look exuberant. Choose a colour that can add instant brightness and will team up nicely with the brown decor.

3. Accessorise
Create focal points with wall accessories or photographs in a contrasting colour. As in this example, black and white photographs are used to break the monotony of an all-brown wall.

4. Combine brown with beige
Those who love simplicity and sophistication will love the combination of beige and brown. Take a look at this living room; a balanced use of these two colours makes the space looks so chic. Beige is introduced in the sofa, the ceiling, the carpet and the cabinet to create a warm and cosy space that cuts the darkness of brown.

5. Add accent furniture
Bring in colour with accent pieces of furniture. In this space, the red sofa teams well with a printed sofa, mix-and-match cushions and a chesterfield centre table to become the centre of attention amidst the brown flooring, walls and ceiling.

6. Bring in the outdoors
Flood the interiors with lots of light and build an inside-outside relationship with windows and sliding doors if you can. In this image, natural light and the surrounding views blend with the wood colours and tone down the effect of the earthy colour.

7. Introduce a bright rug
Carpets are a great way to infuse colour and break the monotony of an all-brown space. It is the easiest way to introduce colours and bright shades.

8. Focus on the lighting
Add brightness with recessed lighting in false ceilings and see the space transform. They also bring in more depth to the space that can look to flat because of the colour.