How to decorate with pink and brown, according to designers
Pink and brown interiors are everywhere right now, and although I took a little convincing that such a pale, feminine hue would work with a dark, rich shade, I am fully on board with this beautiful, balanced combination and can imagine it’s going to be sticking around way beyond 2025.
While many color combinations feature complementary hues, those that sit opposite one another on the color wheel, resulting in a high-contrast look, pink and brown feel unexpectedly soft and harmonious when used together, shares designer Lynn Kloythanomsup of Landed Interiors: ‘Brown and pink seem to work in harmony since they are adjacent on the color wheel. Pink is a tint of red, and brown is a shade of orange. Red and orange are next to each other on the color wheel, and are close in relationship.’
Here, I’ve rounded up my favorite rooms that reflect the on-trend (yet timeless) pink and brown color combination to inspire you to decorate with these two hues. From bathrooms to bedrooms, living spaces to dining rooms, these room color ideas offer inspiration for many spaces and design styles.
1. Ground a soft pink with dark brown accents
(Image credit: Courtesy of Landed Interiors)
The best pink paints make a stylish wall color choice, but you may want to choose those that are pale to ensure a timeless look. In this cozy living room, Sherwin-Williams’ Ivory Lace provides a touch of pink while working as a neutral. The ceiling beams were painted with Benjamin Moore’s Bittersweet Chocolate, and together the two paint colors offer a pared-back take on this color combination.
‘When it comes to rooms where pink and brown come together, we select pinks that are toned down or neutralized, and not necessarily bright or hot, so that they pair well with the many variations of brown,’ explains the interior designer Lynn Kloythanomsup of San Francisco Bay and NYC-based Landed Interiors.
2. Make a bubblegum pink paint sophisticated with brown furniture
(Image credit: Courtesy of Landed Interiors)
If you want to create more of a playful look, go for a bubblegum pink paint, such as Benjamin Moore’s Yours Truly, which was used on the walls in this traditional living room. While the decor in this room reflects tradition, the pop of pink provides an unexpected contrast that keeps the space from feeling too serious.
Although colorful, this pink room feels perfectly balanced alongside the various brown tones through the rug, furniture, and fireplace. Lynn explains that undertones are an important consideration when choosing pink tones for this color combination:
‘In our rooms, we’re also looking at the undertone of colors to pair them together. We like to work with colors that have a muddy undertone, so even when our rooms are colorful, they share a common muted undertone, or an earthiness.’
3. Choose copper tones and pale pinks for a subtle look
(Image credit: Soucie Horner, photography by Dustin Halleck)
While pink and brown can be a lively pairing, it can translate equally well to more refined tastes. ‘Both pink and brown are highly versatile colors,’ says interior designer Martin Horner of Soucie Horner. ‘Put them together, and you have a classic juxtaposition of light and feminine with dark and masculine.’
In this relaxing bedroom, coppery brown tones are introduced with the drapes, balanced with the palest pink tones through the soft furnishings. ‘The brown drapery fabric leans to the coppery side, so it has a glamorous, rather than heavy, feel. The pinks are as pale as can be, like soft English roses. At its core, this is a pink and brown room – but in a serene, sophisticated way, not a chocolate and bubblegum sort of way,’ Martin adds.
4. Go for a soft brown on the walls with pink accents
(Image credit: Kelli Lamb, photography by Amy Bartlam)
Since brown is a neutral color, it works well as a wall color in many rooms. While chocolate brown paints lend themselves to color-drenching in small rooms for a cozy feel, choose lighter shades of brown for social spaces.
Here, Portola Paints’ Antlers, a limewash paint, gives the walls an earthy and textural look. The pink tones repeated through various accents, including the rug, pillows, and drapes, add warmth and color to the room, yet the overall scheme feels calming and sophisticated.
‘Brown and pink make a beautifully balanced pairing, especially in spaces where you want a softer, more inviting atmosphere,’ says interior designer MK Smith of Smith Interior Design. ‘The contrast between the two hues adds just enough visual interest while still keeping the mood warm and welcoming.’
5. Bring in pops of pink with wallpaper
(Image credit: Nicole Lanteri Design, photography by Jared Kuzia)
Wallpaper ideas provide another way to bring the brown and pink color combination to life – a good choice if you want to create a maximalist look. Interior designer Nicole Lanteri, founder and principal designer at Nicole Lanteri Design, added drama to this dining room with a patterned wallpaper that features bold shades of pink, while brown was incorporated through the large walnut dining table.
‘Given the room’s quirks – multiple entrances, off-center elements, and bold striped walls – we leaned into its uniqueness with a surrealist wallpaper and bold trim. Brown and pink layered in depth, contrast, and personality, making the space feel cohesive, moody, and welcoming,’ Nicole comments.
6. Elevate a brown wooden vanity with pink Quartzite counters
(Image credit: En Masse Architecture & Design, photography by Aime Mazzenga)
In a powder room, brown and pink is a go-to color combination for adding warmth and creating a welcoming feel. For a timeless look, incorporate these two hues in muted tones through solid materials, as demonstrated here.
‘In this powder room, a warm brown oak vanity and leather pendant anchor the space, while the striking Cosmopolitan Quartzite countertop catches focus,’ explains designer Lucas Goldbach, partner and design director at En Masse Architecture & Design. ‘The pink stone is warm but bold, while the brown and brass details ground the palette. Cool tones in the wallpaper and window trim add just enough contrast to let the pink and brown shine, creating a layered and enveloping experience.’
7. Introduce a third color for a bolder look
(Image credit: Kobel + Co, Nate Sheets Photography)
For a colorful and uplifting look, why not add a third color to your pink and brown scheme? Decorating with yellow, especially mustard tones, makes a wonderful addition to these two hues, adding more warmth and vibrancy, while feeling perfectly balanced.
‘Instantly chic, a brown and pink combination is a classic way to layer a neutral with an element of playful color. In this space, the client’s antique French bed was a must-use. To keep the space from feeling dark or dated by this oversized dark brown element, we used pink, peach, and mustard tones, immediately giving the room an elevated yet playful vibe,’ say interior designers Mallory Robins and Elizabeth Bennett of Kobel + Co.
8. Pair wood tones with dark pinks
(Image credit: Jessica Nicastro Design, Sam Frost Photography)
If you enjoy decorating with bold tones, a vibrant shade of pink pairs wonderfully with warm wood tones, adding depth and richness to a room. In this living room designed by Los Angeles-based interior designer Jessica Nicastro, the bold pink tones of the artwork and flowers inject vibrancy into the room, which otherwise feels fairly neutral.
‘Brown and pink are both complementary colors in the sense that when they are on their own, they are a pop in a room, but when put together, they harmonize without competing or clashing,’ explains Jessica.
When decorating with bold tones like this, you don’t need to use much; even a subtle addition through artwork or soft furnishings can transform the space.
9. Use pink in place of neutrals in a bathroom
(Image credit: STUDIO KEETA, photography by Austin Leis)
Bathroom color ideas often stick to a palette of neutral tones such as whites and creams, but soft pink makes a much warmer and more welcoming alternative. Paired with wood tones, a soft pink color scheme gives this functional room a much cozier feel, and you shouldn’t be afraid to use this soft hue all over, as seen in this bathroom designed by Kristina Khersonsky of Los Angeles design firm STUDIO KEETA.
‘The combination of pink and brown offers warmth while striking a visually appealing contrast,’ says Kristina. ‘Brown brings a natural, relaxed sense, while pink brings a freshness and lightness. The unlikely pairing is grounding and visually interesting.’
Shop the pink and brown decor edit
Whether you’re inspired to paint your walls pink or are looking for a more subtle way to bring this color combination to life, we’ve rounded up our favorite brown and pink decor picks for you to shop.
H&M Home
Embroidered Cushion Cover
Incorporate both brown and pink with this embroidered cushion cover – a great way to elevate a neutral sofa.
Regina Andrew
Joelle Mini Table Lamp
Decorating with pink doesn’t need to be bold; a subtle addition such as this lamp can be equally effective.
H&M Home
Checked Cotton-Blend Throw
Add richness to your scheme with this chocolate brown checked throw.
If you want to go bolder, paint your walls a fun shade of pink such as Lick’s Pink 13.
Lulu & Georgia
Carys Contrast Linen Pillow
In a bedroom, this dark brown linen pillow allows depth to be added to pale pink walls.
Ruggable
Rayne Pink & Orange Flatwoven Rug
Channel pink underfoot with this colorful rug from Ruggable, available in various sizes.
Pink and brown work effortlessly together, adding coziness and warmth to a room while maintaining a timeless quality. Whether you choose playful shades of bright pink or keep things more neutral with pale tones, this is a color combination that translates to many decorating styles.
If you’re looking for more color inspiration for your home, take a look at the unexpected color combinations that work surprisingly well.
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