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Brown & Green: A Classic Colour Combination

Take your cue from nature and bring warmth into your interiors with this colour combination

Becky Harris 6 February 2018

Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected." I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.

Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More

Comment10

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When you choose colour combinations that occur in nature, it’s hard to go wrong. Varying shades of brown and green will always work together, with greens from lime to leaf paired with a range of browns from twig to chocolate. I admit, I just made up “twig” brown, but I’m willing to bet some paint company has a shade with that name somewhere. Whether one is the main colour and the other the accent, or the pair are both accent colours, this is a colour combination that has stood the test of time.

Alexander Johnson Photography

Jewel toned ottomans, including one in emerald green, complement the deep chocolate walls. The fireplace embodies the main colour scheme of chocolate, off-white and emerald.

HartmanBaldwin Design/Build

Here is a good example of brown and green packing a punch as an accent colour duo. The wood ceiling and these accents are the perfect complement to the outdoor view; the transition from indoors to outdoor is practically seamless here.

Check out these unusual colour combinations for interior walls

Mark English Architects, AIA

When I look at this picture I wonder if those beautiful antique bottles on the balcony inspired the palette of this relaxing room.

The Brooklyn Studio

Taupe, celery and oatmeal combined results in a serene bedroom.

Here’s how brown can be the hero of your decor

Jagoda Architecture

This designer has a lot of fun with shades of green, anchored by a chocolate sofa. Another check in the pro column for chocolate: It's rather kid-friendly as there isn't much out there that will leave a noticeable stain!

Want to be surprised by the sex of your baby but need to get that nursery together before your due date? Or perhaps you have an aversion to pastels? Green and brown can be a vibrant, kid-friendly, gender-neutral combination.

Learn how to create a gender-neutral nursery

decordemon

There is a lot going on in this room, but the green rug anchors it without stealing attention from the oversized photograph. The bright green and dark brown pillows hold their own in this careful colour balancing act.

Melaragno Design Company, LLC

Green is a great accent colour for a range of wood. Here the tile and the stained glass details are ideal choices to bring out the beauty in these wood craftsman trim details.

These paint colours complement wood details

American Traditional Bathroom Powder Rooms

Here celery green and white harmonise with a light wood vanity console. I hereby name the colour of the vanity “Twig Brown.”

decordemon

Sticking with the strict and simple palette of chocolate brown, vibrant green and crisp white makes this small bathroom feel a lot larger, and packs a big visual punch.

HartmanBaldwin Design/Build

Celery green brings a range of brown shades and textures to life in this tropical space.

Tracery Interiors

A hint of moss is just the right accent in a rich chocolate-dominated room.

Contemporary Bedroom Modern Atlanta House Tour/Becky Harris

Likewise, just a hint of green on the throw pillows enlivens this modern bedscape.

Read more:
Decorating Guide: How to Work With Brown Colour

Tell us:
What is your favourite colour combination for interiors? Tell us about it in the Comments below.

Comment10

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Crooked6p

Please comment on a variety of reds/rusts that work with Craftsman browns

1 Like 26 October 2012 at 7:11am

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delftsine

Brown green

Like 21 July 2014 at 4:26am

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redecoratingtropicalcalm

@Christie I love your mantel - I redid my home last year in a sophisticated West Indies tropical with brown tones, palms, and citron green accents and I just love the combination of colors. I then started bringing in the feathers at my mantel last Christmas with golds and greens with a ton of assorted pines and foliage and it looked just gorgeous. Your mantel immediately gave me that feel it's just beautiful. I'll have to transfer some photos of it to my phone and share.

Like 7 September 2014 at 6:24am