Brown has been one of the most coveted shades of the past few years. The warm, cozy color invites visions of nature and brings in a softer approach to dark tones, and is only growing more popular in 2026. However, decades before the color was a trend, Pierce Brosnan used brown to define his chic living room.
Archival photos of the actor’s Los Angeles home from 1983 show a monochromatic space full of beige, tan, and chocolate brown. It’s a masterclass in decorating with brown, showcasing a range of tones that complement one another and create stylish contrast.
(Image credit: Bob Riha Jr via Getty Images)
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You don’t need to invest in a new sofa or rug to follow Pierce’s example. I love injecting pockets of this color with accessories, such as the bowl and pillow I’ve found below.
This colorful rug is unlike anything you’ve ever seen with pops of color and unexpected pattern
Cobble Hill Boutique Sectional
This velvet sectional is the tan sofa of my dreams. The elegant shape and versatile design work in any tonal living room.
Wood Mid-Century Wall Unit
The shelving possibilities are endless with this gorgeous, acorn-finished wall unit. If you want to style your books with decorative objects, it’s a great piece for spread out displays with lots of open space.
Willa Antiqued Wood Wall Frame with Matte 5 x 7
This carved wood frame would look best with a mini drawing or print placed at its center. It’s an ornate, eclectic design that would look beautiful paired beside other picture frame styles.
One of Lulu and Georgia’s most popular pieces, the Selden Bowl is an elegant interplay of form and finish. Its deep reactive brown glaze adds richness and depth, making it a striking addition to the modern table. Equally at home as a sculptural catchall on an entryway console or living room coffee table, it embodies effortless sophistication and versatile luxury.
Velvet Brown Throw Pillow Cover
Elevated yet effortless, this luxury velvet pillow cover brings everyday elegance to your space. Crafted from washed organic cotton for a modern matte finish, its rich chocolate hue features subtle tonal variations. Flange tailoring adds a refined touch, making it a chic, year-round accent for sofas, chairs, or beds.
So, how are design-conscious people tapping into Pierce’s look this year? Interior stylist Victoria Foster explains why the interior design trend has grown so popular: ‘Monochromatic color schemes are a trend in themselves this year, but it works especially well with brown,’ she says.
Mixing light beige shades with darker, rich tones creates a really soft yet impactful, cozy feeling. To keep monochrome interesting, mix materials and textures when it comes to your soft furnishings – by opting for velvet, boucle, and rattan for things like your sofas, curtains, and rugs.’
She continues: ‘Because of the tonal range of brown as a color, there is a shade to match or complement any wood finish – as long as the undertone is the same, so it is easy to pair with wooden accessories and finishes.’
Pierce Brosnan made a range of brown shades look cool, and they still are a coveted design staple to this day. These monochromatic schemes provide an easy blueprint for creating spaces that feel timelessly warm and cohesive.
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