Brown: Trending or here to stay?

We are seeing dark brown and earthy tones in fashion and design playing a big role this season. Is this just a trend or here to stay? Let’s talk about it! As a Modern Transitional Designer I definitely have a different opinion on trends and how they come and go. I tend to make design decisions that aren’t trending, but that will last over the years. 

What the trend evidence is saying

• Brown especially darker, richer browns is showing up a lot in 2025 interior and design trends. Designers are choosing chocolate‑tones and earthy hues this season more than ever.
• Pantone’s Color of the Year 2025 is Mocha Mousse, a warm brown, which signals that browns (not just light browns or tans) are getting a lot of love. We will be doing a post about all of the main colors of the year for 2026 soon! 
• In home design, dark wood and dark brown is making a comeback in kitchens, floors, cabinetry, etc. This is more of a traditional color, so in Modern Transitional Design, it is always in and here to stay as an accent or main focus. 
• Reports are saying there’s a shift away from cool grays and minimalism toward warmer, more natural neutrals and brown is a key player in that shift. Again, in Transitional design, grey, blue, beige, taupe, cream- these are always go-to colors. 

Why dark brown could last

Here are a few reasons I believe dark brown is more “here to stay.”

1. Timelessness & versatility
   Brown is an “earth tone” -it pairs well with many colors and materials (wood, leather, stone, metals). I love to mix materials. It can feel warm, grounding, and versatile.
2. Warmth over cold neutrals
   In design trends right now, there's a push against sterile, cold neutrals (like some grey’s or stark whites, but I will always choose these as main or accent colors, they are classic). Darker warm tones help bring more coziness and depth, which many people find more sustainable for long-term use.
3. Flexibility in application
   Dark brown doesn’t have to dominate. You can incorporate it as an accent (furniture, trim, cabinetry, accessories-which is what I suggest) or as the main color, either in a office or library, which keeps it contained to a smaller space and not overbearing. I do like the idea of color washing an area like this in a brown-teal, forest or sage green would also look great in these options. 
4. Evolution
   The exact hue, undertone, or finish of “dark brown” may shift- e.g. more chocolate, espresso, mocha, or even brown with subtle undertones (red, warm, cool) — but the overall category has strength and we are always loving this color category. 

How to possibly misuse this color

• Overuse or mismatch: If a dark brown is used without contrast, in low light, with heavy textures, or with dull accents, it can feel heavy, dated, or overly traditional.
• Trend swings: Fashion and interiors shift. While brown is strong now, tastes can move for example toward bolder colors, bright tones, or lighter neutrals in certain areas.
• Personal style matters: Just because something is trending broadly doesn’t guarantee it will work in your space or wardrobe I have ALWAYS said this. Just because other people like it, doesn’t mean you have to. I have been vocal about my distain for certain trends and that’s on being a Modern Transitional Designer. No apologies! Undertones, lighting, and scale all matter and I will continue to preach this!
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In conclusion, yes brown is a trending fashion color right now, but I remember the early 2000’s when brown boots and bags were all the rage, it will continue to come and go as a trend. In design though, it is a traditional color that can be modernized, so, its’ here to stay!