When you think of luxurious interior schemes, brown might not be the first color that springs to mind, but hear us out. This underrated shade can bring an unparalleled warmth and depth to a space, as we've recently seen in model, Jasmine Tookes' luxuriously rich dining room, which is filled with texture and earthy elements.
Decorating with brown is, contrary to what you might think, surprisingly versatile. Guillaume Coutheillas, Founder of design studio, frenchCALIFORNIA, says: 'We’re seeing brown replace black as the new neutral. It’s softer, more inviting, and incredibly chic... When done right, brown doesn’t darken a room – it grounds it.'
The experts have weighed in on how to use brown in a dining room setting, below, whilst I've selected some pieces to shop to help you get the look of Jasmine Tookes' deeply hued dining room, from some striking mink foley dining chairs (CB2) to a statement sputnik chandelier (Home Depot) like the model's own.
Buys Inspired by Jasmine Tookes' Chocolate Brown Dining Room
With its distinctive mid-century shape, this brown velvet armchair is a great dupe for the actual chairs in Jasmine Tookes' dining room, and the texture adds a sense of luxury that softens a brown scheme.
A beautiful pedestal table like this with its Carrara marble top and antiqued brass base, makes a dramatic statement in a dining room and a welcome contrast to a chocolate brown color scheme.
This monochrome planter has a global feel and picks out a similar pattern to Jasmine Tookes' tall vases, bringing a welcome contrast to punctuate the all-brown space. Fill with small leafy plants.
A large tree (whether real or a good artificial one) makes an unexpected talking point and brings a natural element which helps to ground a brown color scheme while lifting it with some fresh leafy green.
A modern chandelier like this brings an unexpected contrast to a brown scheme, while the milky white globe shades will add a subtle light that creates a soft glow, rather than a harsh light.
Hand-crafted ceramics bring in different textures, colors and natural materials for a more layered look in a brown room – a group of ceramics in hues from ivory to black will create a storied and collected feel.
When it comes to dining room color schemes, you can afford to be a little playful and expressive. Elisha Niebuhr, Founder and CEO of the Colorado-based Modern Interior Company explains: 'Dining rooms should feel a little sexy and dramatic. They’re inherently more formal spaces, so they’re the perfect opportunity to embrace moody, deeper tones. Brown – especially the new wave of cooler, dark chocolate shades – creates a rich, enveloping backdrop that feels intimate and elevated rather than dark or dated.'
In Jasmine Tookes' dining room, brown forms the backdrop for an earthy scheme, which embraces both modern and natural forms, punctuated by the softness of a sleek off-white marble dining table (find similar at Williams Sonoma), the rustic stone planters, and the statement olive tree. Guillaume Coutheillas, Founder of design studio, frenchCALIFORNIA says: 'In a dining room especially, brown works beautifully when balanced with sculptural forms and natural materials. Think rounded tables, curved chairs, hand-thrown ceramics, and soft lighting. These elements catch light differently and keep the room feeling alive and tactile.'
Take a look at our guide to the best brown paints before taking the plunge and painting the whole room, and do try some test swatches, checking how the shade looks in different lights at various times of day. 'Treat brown as a layered, tonal backdrop rather than a flat statement. Use a warm tobacco or chestnut on walls and then build in contrast.' says Lenny Kharitonov, CEO of Furniture Retailer, Emma Mason. 'Stone is a powerful partner. Calacatta marble with warm veining or creamy limestone adds luminosity against deeper walls.'
If you're feeling dubious about decorating with brown, and worry that it will look dated, Lenny has this advice: 'When brown is paired with thoughtful lighting and strong silhouettes, it reads as tailored and timeless rather than reminiscent of early 2000s interiors.'
Ultimately, Jasmine Tookes' stunning dining room is a warm, luxurious, and effortlessly elegant example of how to use brown. Lenny concludes: 'After years of cool neutrals dominating American homes, clients are gravitating towards warmth and intimacy, particularly in formal dining rooms where atmosphere is paramount. Brown feels grounded and confident. It photographs beautifully in candlelight and creates a cocooning effect that enhances evening entertaining.'
If you're feeling inspired to give your dining room a new look, now could be the perfect time, as the dining room is making a comeback for 2026, and we have plenty of ideas to help you find the look you love.
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