In 2024, we're leaning toward richer, warmer shades of chocolate brown. From dyeing your hair with a fresh cinnamon brown rinse (a la Hailey Bieber), to the return of brown lipsticks and lip liners in makeup bags, to all of the espresso tones gracing the runways, we can't help but indulge in some chocolate goodness. This obsession even extends to home décor, with interior designers leaning toward the deep espresso hue.
Every few years, we see a trend that shifts between cool black and warm brown, with the latter currently coming back to the top, according to Bethany Struble, principal designer at Totum Home. “Our homes are shifting toward comfort and coziness, and chocolate brown embodies warmth and comfort,” she notes. This trend is absolutely This piece is reminiscent of the 1990s, but has now been brought back with a fresher, more contemporary twist.
Firstly, it's important to note that chocolate interiors for 2024 are centered around rich, saturated shades of brown. And while the key hues are deeper espresso tones, the trend actually encompasses a range of colors from caramel to carob. The neutral nature of chocolate brown interiors makes them one of the easiest hues to work with, even if you just want to try it out and match it with your current interior style.
To seamlessly experiment with the color, Struble suggests “incorporating chocolate brown into your home through fabrics like bed linens, curtains, and cushions.” If you're looking to make a bigger impact and are willing to invest, don't be afraid to pick up a brown sofa or ottoman. These can have a big impact on a space, and since brown is a timeless color, it's well worth the investment. “If you want to go all-in, paint your walls chocolate brown,” she adds, noting that brown paneling and kitchen cabinets are also great ways to get on board with this aesthetic trend.
How to decorate with chocolate brown
Chocolate brown is a bold neutral with a warm, rich hue, making it one of the easiest colors to pair with existing furniture, says Struble. “Personally, I love pairing chocolate brown with powder blue or fresh lime green,” she says. This trendy color is also a fun choice for fans of midcentury modern design, as it's fairly commonly paired with mustard and orange. “In rustic homes, we also see a lot of cream and linen shades that work well with chocolate brown,” adds Struble.
When decorating in chocolate brown, pay attention to your wooden furniture. If you have a lot of dark brown furniture, Struble recommends breaking it up with wall colors and different brown tones. “To break up the wood and brown, use a contrasting color or white or cream on the walls,” she explains. If you want to introduce new wooden items into your space while also adding rich espresso tones, Struble recommends choosing furniture with warm wood tones like walnut, mahogany, or oak. “Avoid cool or gray wood tones with this trend,” she says.
The best thing about this trendy aesthetic is that you can go for subtle touches like replacing your picture frames with dark brown wooden styles or adding a new accent mirror to your wall. You can also be more intentional with seasonal cushions and blankets and add a few accent lamps to your dwelling.
As Struble points out, bed linens in cinnamon or muted burgundy browns are also an easy way to try out this trend. If you want something more serious, try replacing your area rug with a chocolate-colored floor piece or investing in an accent chair. A large, focal piece of art can also help refresh your space with the chocolate brown trend.
Want to try this trend for yourself? Check out TZR's range of chocolate decorations below.
