Decorating for Chocolate Lovers
Using Delicious Shades of Brown
Cinnamon, Mushroom, Mocha, Java, Chocolate, Nutmeg. With such delicious names, is it any wonder Browns are so popular! If you find brown an appealing color, you are not alone. Color psychologists tell us that browns are cozy and, yes, "down-to-earth" -- practical, solid, realistic.
Those who favor browns are said to be conscientious, dependable, and responsible. If you are a "brownie" you aspire to harmony and value honesty, quality, and comfort. You also have a strong need to feel secure and belonging is very important to you.
As with other colors, there are many different shades and tints of brown, each with its own personality. Earthtones are cozy overall, but there are many nuances to Brown.
Basic brown conveys contentment and comfort. Taupe is considered conservative and a very sophisticated color. A taupe room will appear rich and glowing.
Other colors considered members of the extended brown family (and not already used in this article) include sienna, fawn, ecru, cocoa, khaki, mahogany, oak, walnut, umber, coffee, auburn, russet, sand, hazel, tortoiseshell, copper, toast, terra cotta, brick, bark, tan, beige, cream, and ginger.
Cooking with Chocolate Kitchen Items
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Brown is versatile, easy to use, and creates a sense of well-being, protection, and calm. As the cooler weather sets in, try warming up your décor with hot chocolate or mocha - the perfect complement to apple pies and leftover turkey!
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HOT Chocolates - A variety of "flavors" for every mood
Shades of brown make a room feel comfortable, warm, and inviting. It is a neutral but is more casual and less formal than black. Brown makes a great backdrop for other colors, making them appear deeper, brighter, and richer but without the harsher contrast than black. In fact, most of us already have brown in every room of the house in wood of one type or another.
Popular Brown Patterns
In addition to the usual patterns such as stripes, plaids, and florals, earth tones are frequently added to decorating palettes by using leathers (real and faux) and animal skin patterns.
Vary the textures and finishes for added interest. For example, try mixing a shiny chintz print with a matte velvet or chenille zebra or tiger skin fabric.
Brown Color Coordinates
Brown is anything but boring, especially when combined with soft pastels or melon shades (think honeydew and cantaloupe) and grays, as well as with red, orange, and chartreuse.
Decorating News: Brown Combos
Echoing the current environmental concerns, brown - the color of earth, is once again making decorating news.
Mix it with aqua or pink for a dramatic retro fifties or Asian color scheme, add green and bright red or orange for a tropical theme, or use the lighter shades with the palest blues and grays to recreate the subtle formality of a Georgian living room.
Use brown with pumpkin and spice red for a Victorian parlor, with white and red for an urban loft, or try taupe and black for a sophisticated backdrop to accent with your favorite bright color.
Chocolate in Bed? - But of course!
A Selection of Brown "Inspiration Fabrics"
Delicious Decorative Accents in Chocolate
Put the Sweet in Home Sweet Home!
From Bathroom to Boardroom, Brown Accessories can set just the right tone.
Shown here: Casafina Brown Oval Windsor Tray with an Art Nouveau design, Tangier Brown Pillow with personality (comes in a set of 2), Brown Bargello Cachepot with Gold Paw Feet, and Verona Brown Lotion Pump and Boutique Tissue.
All from Belle and June
Light Chocolate
From an accent lamp to chandeliers, rich brown fixtures cast a warm glow. Shown aove, left to right: George Kovacs Table Lamp in Chocolate Chrome/Brass finish with Brown Fabric Shade, Meyda Tiffany Oakland 3 Light Chandelier in Craftsman Brown finish, Murray Feiss British Colony Table Lamp in Brown Sugar finish, Hunter Classic Original 52" Ceiling Fan Chestnut Brown (shown without light kit), and Tech Lighting Essex Wall fixture with Brown Shell shade. Click Here for Additional Information or to Place Your Order.
© 2009 Chazz