Colour Focus: Tonal Browns & Cherry Reds
Janeen Duffin
Brown and red are experiencing a resurgence in interiors this season
This season’s shades of brown and red are rich, luxurious and complementary.
With people still seeing their homes as a sanctuary, the use of warmer colours is predicted to be prominent in 2025. So, we will see a shift away from saturated reds and browns to more comforting colourways. Use each shade individually, or blend the two for a truly powerful whole room scheme. Seek comfort in shades of red and brown that are sophisticated and inviting. Discover how you can add comfort to your own home with these two trending colourways.
Mix Varying Shades of Brown
Create visual depth and interest by combining different brown tones.
Use brown to form the base layer of your scheme, thanks to its versatile nature. Desert and umber tones through to chocolate browns fill a space with warmth. These also appear more inviting than darker shades such as black. Layer these with light browns for a varied look. Use darker browns on large expanses of furniture to create a cocooning scheme. Pair with lighter hues in accessories such as scatter cushions, or vice versa. Use gentle tones at your window to help a room feel bright, too.
Use Cherry Red as an Accent Colour
Add elements of excitement to a scheme with hints of cherry red scattered throughout.
While it can feel overwhelming using such a rich colourway, if done correctly, the results can be beautiful. Lean into the unexpected red theory and introduce cherry red accents for hints of drama. Use items such as scatter cushions, throws, as well as lamps and other smaller accessories. Base your choices of red depending on other colourways in the room. Pair lighter, mellow browns with complementary vibrant reds, or vice versa.
Combine Brown with Red
Balance the richness and intensity of reds by combining with earthy browns.
Brown, with its earthy undertones, is said to be the new neutral. It encourages calm and relaxation in a space. Red's more vibrant nature creates a beautiful contrast. Mix more delicate browns such as taupe, sand and clay with richer oxblood or burgundy shades. For added drama, use moodier browns such as sienna and cinnamon with darker cherry reds.
Look to Pantone’s Mocha Mousse for Inspiration
Take notes from Pantone’s 2025 Colour of the Year, Mocha Mousse and its rich, inviting nature.
Mocha Mousse is the perfect shade to find inspiration from when forming a scheme. Described as a “warming brown hue imbued with richness”, its blend of sophistication and comfort is perfect for interiors. Be inspired to introduce similar brown colourways into your own space. Add in complementary accent shades such as red for added impact.