Brown’s decadent look in décor hard to resist

If there was only one color that connoted traditional comfort and a feeling of nostalgia, it would have to be brown. It has always been part of interior décor; it began as the key element for buildings and furniture where wood was plentiful. Shades of brown relate directly to the Earth; think of dark soil brown and tree bark, red brown clay and pink or yellow brown sand. We also associate the color with quality and wealth. Fabulous furs, supple leathers and dark stained woods were and still are mainstays in homes of high standing.

Today, in the fashion as well as the décor world, brown is the new black. It shares many of the same qualities, grounding a room no matter what the prevalent colors and patterns, and accenting important details. But brown is not so harsh. Easy to live with and available in so many variations, brown is an irresistible force.

The colors we choose to pair with brown can stamp a generation. The '70s heralded orange shag rugs alongside milk-chocolate brown, while baby blue and brown have been a favorite combination for the past few years. Modern rooms are now showing pale citrus green and raspberry as accents.

Whatever your choice, the overall ambiance will feel restful and welcoming with brown as the base. The family room shown here captures the warm spirit in all its glory. Fresh green walls are important as a naturally light and cheerful color. Paint color directly onto the wall, or apply paintable embossed wallpaper for added dimension and interest. A modern leather sofa and dual-purpose ottoman gleam softly, along with the stained wood fireplace and room trim. A row of accent cushions shows off the whimsical patterns of the day, but the overall design style of this setting is rooted in the past. It's tradition with a twist.

I am often asked about how to reface a fireplace. The most common complaint and challenge is covering unattractive brick or fake stone. It's not difficult to achieve the look of a handsome wood-paneled mantel. You can buy fireplace fronts and mantels, or if you are handy with a jigsaw, the best solution is to style a new surround with plywood or fiberboard.

You can design and cut it to fit over your existing stone completely, or leave 4 inches or 5 inches of the stone showing if it suits. (Always make sure to use fire-retardant cement board for any panels that sit close to the firebox opening.) All the materials you need to fashion a new surround and mantel are at your neighborhood lumberyard. Be creative with flat blocks of wood, trim strips and decorative molding. Look up different designs and applications on the Internet.

Take care to apply a professional-looking finish. This final step is worth the time. Sand all surfaces and edges smooth. If it's paint-grade lumber, paint on a coat of sealer/primer, let dry and sand again. Then brush on two coats of paint, sanding between coats, and as the final step, apply varnish in a satin or semigloss sheen.

If you have used real wood, then follow the same steps, but you don't need to prime. Brush the stain directly onto the wood. Two thin coats is better than one. Build up the color until you are satisfied. Then varnish for sheen and protection.

Dark browns are decadent and delicious. Who can fight the temptation of chocolate and coffee? Who wants to?

Debbie Travis is a columnist for King Features Syndicate. E-mail questions to her at house2home@debbietravis.com.