Chocolate Brown Is the Fashion World’s Favorite Color Right Now—Here’s How to Bring It Home

This deep, rich hue is taking over the catwalk, and it works just as well in interior design.

As every fashion lover knows, you can never go wrong with black. But, when the winter turns the world around us gray, that cool color can start to feel a little lifeless. If you’re looking for all the same drama with a healthy dose of warmth, we have the hue for you—meet chocolate brown.

Dark brown has been dominating autumn and winter catwalks, and interior design lovers are taking note. The saturated color has depth that feels rich and inviting in a way that cooler dark neutrals like black, grey, and navy just don’t match. And with variations of the color ranging from caramel to espresso, there are plenty of ways to add this tasty tone to your home.

While brown interiors can get a bad rap, prompting images of shapeless, oversized sofas in muted 1980s-style rooms, its latest incarnation is much more lush and luxurious—and leaves behind everything dull and dated. To ensure that your chocolate-inspired decor looks more haute coco than bland brown, we spoke with an interior design expert who can get you started with this dramatic decorating trend.

Related: The Best Dark Paint Colors of 2023, According to Color Experts

Why Chocolate Brown Is So Popular Right Now

Brown is such a versatile, easy-to-use color, so it’s no surprise that designers and homeowners everywhere are turning to its tones. Maggie Winshall, principal designer at MW Interiors, says that much of chocolate brown’s popularity stems from a collective return to organic, natural decor.

“It can be used as the primary color, a base with pops of brighter colors, or an accent,” says Winshall. “Brown has many different shades with its grounded, earthy base and need to feel connected to nature; there is a sense of coziness and warmth to create an inviting space.”

Gone are the days of gray and white interiors that lack depth, or black tones that miss out on layers—Winshall says that brown provides a more layered, rich look that can easily be made from sustainable materials.

And chocolate brown, which includes tones reminiscent of milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and a caramel-like mix, provides the perfect blend of warm and cozy. These shades also align with maximalist styles that have skyrocketed in popularity throughout the year.

“Darker, moody colors give a sense of sophistication and drama,” says Winshall. “Additionally, color trends are cyclical. Darker trends may be a reaction to brighter colors in the past.”

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How to Use This Warm and Welcoming Color at Home

Some trends seem to suit certain design styles better than others, but chocolate brown seems to work with just about any aesthetic. Winshall says that from modern and mid-century to traditional and rustic, there’s a place for this tone in a wide range of design styles. So if you like the comfortable, chic look of chocolate brown, get ready to add it to each and every room of your home. Get creative with color pairings, as these shades can cause contrast or cohesion depending on your home’s style.

“In a modern interior, chocolate brown can used in contrast with a light color to create drama,” says Winshall. “In a traditional home, chocolate brown can be a classic choice in rich wood finishes and upholstery.”

Perhaps the best news about this color trend is that there’s no need to start from scratch—chocolate brown shades work with so many different color palettes, says Winshall. She suggests pairing chocolate brown with creams or beiges for an elegant look, or cool-toned or warm-toned whites plus gold or brass for a sophisticated aesthetic. The possibilities are truly endless.

“A pop of bright colors, such as jewel tones, is a beautiful pairing, while a soft pink can be an unexpected twist,” says Winshall. “A mustard yellow and burnt orange will create warmth and richness to a space.”

Related: 12 Flawless Pairings Featuring Colors that Go with Brown

The only design style that Winshall admits might not pair too well with chocolate brown is futuristic or ultra-modern.

“This style is typically more sleek, while chocolate brown is more warm and cozy,” she says.

You can use chocolate brown for more than just the backdrop, which is wonderful if you’re not looking to redo the walls. Introducing brown with furniture and other accessories gives you more flexibility, and less of an immediate commitment to the color. Opt for chocolate brown upholstery, area rugs, and light fixtures for statement pieces that won’t take over the entire space.

It’s normal to be unsure about the chocolate brown trend—it can be daunting to try something new in your space, especially if it involves deep, dramatic colors. But Winshall says that lighting and layering can help to make this aesthetic a bit more accessible.

“Start with a small accent if you are unsure, and consider how both natural and artificial light will affect your space,” says Winshall. “Consider layering with different shades to create dimension and experiment with patterns.”

Make sure to contrast your chocolate brown accessories with intentional lighting and complementary colors, and you’ll push yourself out of your color comfort zone before you know it!

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