Take A Page From Erin Napier's Book & Add Brown Into Your Interiors For 2026

Co-host of HGTV's "Home Town" Erin Napier loves nature and frequently looks for a way to include naturalistic colors into her interior designs. But rather than relying solely on the typical green earth tones, she has cleverly enlisted a neutral that is often overlooked: brown. Her dependence on different shades of brown is no secret, as she has heavily incorporated tones ranging from delicious chocolates and caramels to colors that match organic wood elements like copper and lighter taupes. Napier even swears by the paint shade "Brown Buzz" by Valspar to add cozy charm to homes. As she regularly transforms older homes, brown serves as a common denominator that was present in vintage designs and can be updated to fit among today's interior trends. 

And the HGTV star has shown off how versatile brown can be by applying the color in expected ways. For example, Napier paired brown tiles with a black kitchen countertop in 2025. Back in the inaugural season of "Home Town," she filled an entryway with brown home decor that included warm mahogany tones. Napier has also proven that shades of brown can be utilized in more than farmhouse projects. For more modern homes, brown or even metallic bronze backsplash tile serves as a great accent in kitchens, as it balances the space and illuminates a textural feeling with depth. The color's breadth stands out in white kitchens but feels appropriate among other palette choices as well.

If you've ever thought of brown as a predictable or unfavorable color, you should know that it's coming back in a major way in 2026. Brown can be used as a primary color on walls or through intermittent uses of decor and furniture. It can serve as an accent that could even cover the ceiling to create an intimate and unique space. 

Designer Emily Henderson explained on her blog that the secret to using brown in the home is selecting the appropriate shade. This also means pairing it with correct corresponding hues in a functional color palette. "You want to go for browns with red, almost mahogany undertones rather than yellow or orange," she said. "Even a brown with some green behind it can feel fresh and modern."

The easiest way that Erin Napier adds brown within projects is by embracing authentic wood elements that include organic brown hues as well as pleasing vivid textures. There's no denying that a wood-reminiscent brown would look perfect in a homey living room or a dignified study. For those that want to add a touch of brown rather than color-drenching, consider applying chic wainscoting to the mid-point of the wall and painting it brown to add dimension that draws the eye. A brown painted door could make a statement by adding sophistication and character to any space. Or, paint wall or floor trim with a smooth shade of brown for cozy visual interest.