Green and brown are two earthy colors that are often used together in interior design and fashion. The color combination evokes feelings of nature, growth, renewal and tranquility. However, some may wonder whether green and brown work well together or if the color pairing seems drab or dated. There are ways to stylishly combine green and brown so that the colors complement each other. With the right tones and textures, green and brown can create a sophisticated, natural and balanced color scheme.
The Meaning Behind Green and Brown
To understand if green and brown go well together, it helps to look at the symbolism and psychology behind each color.
Green is associated with nature, health, renewal and environment. It represents growth, harmony, freshness and fertility. Green offers a sense of balance and stability. It can also symbolize money and wealth.
Brown is associated with earthiness, reliability, simplicity and organicism. It represents durability, resilience, strength and dependability. Brown can also be seen as practical, down-to-earth and wholesome.
When combined, green and brown take on a natural, down-to-earth feel. The green represents life and renewal, while the brown represents stability and reliability. Together, they create a grounded, balanced and comforting color pairing.
Complementary Color Theory
Looking at color theory can help determine if green and brown pair well together. According to the traditional color wheel, green and brown are considered complementary colors.
Complementary colors sit opposite each other on the color wheel. This creates a high contrast between the colors, which allows them to stand out against each other. The high contrast also makes the colors vibrate and pop.
While high contrast can work, it’s important to choose the right tones of green and brown so the pairing isn’t overly vibrant. Soft, muted shades tend to work better than bright, saturated hues.
Earth Tones
Green and brown are both earth tones. Earth tones are natural, muted colors inspired by the earth and soil. They include shades of brown, green, tan, cream, gray and orange. Earth tones are relaxing, grounding and stable. They bring the outdoors inside in a subtle way.
Since green and brown are natural earth tones, they work seamlessly together. Combining green and brown creates a cohesive, organic color palette. To keep the earthy feeling, opt for soft, dusty, textured tones. Avoid bright, bold or neon shades.
Examples of Green and Brown Color Combos
There are a few go-to green and brown color combinations that work especially well together:
Olive Green and Camel Brown: This combo pairs an earthy, muted olive green with a warm neutral camel brown. The olive green reads as a soft sage, while the camel brown takes on a creamy beige tone. This soothing pairing works for paint colors, furniture upholstery, area rugs and accessories.
Forest Green and Chocolate Brown: For a richer take, chocolate brown can pair nicely with forest green. The darker forest green adds vibrancy while staying natural. Chocolate brown offers depth and richness. This dramatic combo works well in small doses through throw pillows, artwork or accent walls.
Seafoam Green and Taupe: On the lighter end, soft seafoam green with a dusty taupe brown creates a calming oasis. The seafoam green reads as a pale sage, while taupe offers a hazy mushroom tone. This spa-like pairing creates serenity in bedrooms, bathrooms and living spaces.
Avocado Green and Cinnamon Brown: For a retro 70s feel, avocado green and cinnamon brown is a fun, eclectic pairing. The avocado green has a yellow undertone, while the reddish cinnamon brown adds a little spice. This unique color combo adds playful personality.
Lime Green and Khaki Brown: For a brighter, cheerier vibe, lime green and khaki brown is an uplifting combination. The lively lime green perks things up, while the neutral khaki brown grounds the space. This fun pairing works well in kids’ rooms, offices and kitchens.
Tips for Combining Green and Brown
When used thoughtfully, green and brown can make for a sophisticated color combination. Here are some tips for styling green and brown together:
– Stick to muted, dusty and soft tones for a natural, earthy look. Avoid bright, bold or neon shades.
– Layer multiple textures like nubby wool, smooth velvet, rustic wood and cozy cotton to add depth and interest.
– Separate the green and brown with black or white to keep the palette from feeling too heavy.
– Garnish with hits of natural materials like jute, rattan, terra cotta and driftwood.
– Incorporate creams, taupes and grays to lighten and transition between the green and brown.
– Use brown as a neutral foundation and layer in pops of green through decorative pillows, artwork or accessories.
– Try sage green walls with chocolate brown trim or olive drapes over camel-colored sofas.
– Add in touches of brass, copper or bronze to really make the green and brown tones pop.
Green and Brown Decor Ideas
Green and brown work great in all rooms of the home. Here are some ways to stylishly incorporate the color combo into your decor:
Living Room:
– Olive green walls with camel leather sofa
– Forest green curtains with chocolate brown accent chairs
– Seafoam and taupe geometric area rug
Bedroom:
– Avocado green duvet cover with cinnamon sheets
– Sage green pillows with mushroom brown shams
– Olive accent wall with khaki headboard
Bathroom:
– Seafoam towels with taupe bath mats
– Forest green shower curtain with chocolate panels
– Mint walls with brown basketweave tile
Dining Room:
– Olive green table runner with camel dining chairs
– Pine green buffet with dark wood dining table
– Khaki walls with chocolate picture frames
Kitchen:
– Avocado green appliances with taupe cabinetry
– Olive backsplash tiles with brown grout
– Seafoam bar stools with rustic wood counters
Home Office:
– Mint walls with chocolate bookshelves
– Olive desk with khaki filing cabinet
– Seafoam chair cushions with taupe arm chairs
Kids’ Room:
– Lime green toys bins with cinnamon bookshelves
– Olive bunk beds with khaki bedding
– Mint walls with chocolate polka dot decals
How Lighting Affects Green and Brown
The way a space is lit can impact how green and brown interact. Natural lighting often enhances and warms the earthy tones. In spaces with plenty of sunlight, opt for lighter soft greens like seafoam, sage and mint along with light taupes and creams.
Under synthetic lights, green and brown may take on a cooler, duller cast. To keep the palette from feeling flat indoors, take advantage of lamps, sconces and accent lighting. Layer on textures and metals to add dimension. Choose richer forest greens paired with chocolate browns.
Dim lighting mutes both colors, so they subtlycomplement each other without competing. Aged antique greens work with weathered woods. Add candles, string lights or a fireplace to cast a cozy glow.
How to Decorate with Green and Brown: Style Ideas
Here are some key green and brown decorating ideas in popular interior design styles:
Modern: A sleek modern space allows rich green and brown tones to feel bold. Try a dark forest green statement wall with midcentury chocolate furniture. Glossy lime green bar stools pop against bronze pendants and stainless steel.
Eclectic: Quirky combinations make green and brown feel spirited. Pair avocado appliances with polished wood countertops in a retro kitchen. Click on funky olive and taupe geometric rug for the living room. Display vibrant art against chocolate walls.
Rustic: Natural materials make green and brown organic. Use reclaimed wood furniture with olive cotton upholstery. Accent with iron fixtures, jute rugs and terra cotta vases. Try a pine green sofa paired with chocolate leather armchairs.
Traditional: Sophisticated mixes give green and brown an elegant feel. Contrast forest green velvet drapes with antique camel leather chairs. Blend olive and taupe damask wallpaper with dark mahogany furniture. Use mint walls with chocolate accents for a refined look.
Coastal: Soft relaxed pairings keep the beachy vibe. Combine seafoam towels and bedding with weathered wood furniture. Paint walls sage green and use khaki slipcovered sofas. Accent with driftwood, sand tones and white.
Bohemian: Vibrant tones with global textiles exude bohemian flair. Hang forest green tapestries and cinnamon embroidered pillows. Use Oriental rugs in olive and taupe on chocolate hardwood floors. Display colorful art, pottery and exotic accessories.
Scandinavian: Clean, light mixes create a Scandi feel. Try airy light green walls with neutral taupe furniture. Add warmth with wood accents and sheepskin throws. Keep decor minimal and functional in the space.
Industrial: Bold contrasts add drama. Expose chocolate beams against mint walls and concrete floors. Use an olive storage cabinet as a rustic kitchen island. Add retro seafoam bar stools. Use black and white to separate the rich tones.
Pros and Cons of Green and Brown
Here’s an overview of some of the advantages and disadvantages of pairing green and brown:
Pros:
– Earthy, natural color combination
– Provides a sense of stability and reliability
– Works well in home decor
– Makes indoor spaces feel more connected to outdoors
– Relaxing and soothing color palette
– Easier on the eyes than brighter color combos
Cons:
– Can feel bland or dull if wrong tones are combined
– Not as playful as brighter colors
– Can make spaces feel dark if poor lighting
– Can read as dated or frumpy if overused
– Needs texture, metals, black/white to add dimension
Do Green and Brown Go Together in Clothing?
Green and brown can also work nicely together in clothing and fashion. Here are some tips for wearing green and brown:
– Stick to soft muted green and brown tones like olive, sage, taupe, khaki and chestnut. Avoid bright, neon shades.
– Pair an olive green dress or top with brown leather boots or belt
– Mix different shades like chocolate brown pants with a mint green blouse
– Add a khaki jacket over a forest green shift dress
– Combine a rich teal scarf with a camel coat for cool weather
– Accessorize a neutral brown bag with emerald or lime green jewelry
– Contrast green jeans with brown booties or shoes
– Layer a sage green cardigan over a taupe tee and jeans
– Wear mossy green loafers with a chocolate jumper or sweater dress
– Finish off an olive coat with retro cinnamon gloves and scarf
Conclusion
Green and brown can definitely work well together if paired thoughtfully. The earthy color combo evokes nature and creates a grounded, peaceful atmosphere. Stick to soft, muted tones and add plenty of texture and dimension. Use brown as a neutral foundation and green as an accent. Consider the lighting and be sure to break up the palette with black, white or other colors so the scheme doesn’t feel too flat or muddy. With the right tones and balance, green and brown can be sophisticated, versatile and timeless.
