Interior Design: Nicholas Konzal, Nicholas Carl Design | Photography: Amy Lamb, Native House Photography | Produced by Alexandra Wood
Nicholas Konzal of Nicholas Carl Design is a master of creating sophisticated and luxurious one-of-a-kind interiors. His Milwaukee-based, award-winning design firm created a show-stopping space at the 2022 Wisconsin Breast Cancer Showhouse. This moody space proves that brown is anything but boring — it can be captivating.
“I was inspired by the view in this room, but also the function. I designed this space as a secondary hangout to the main living room and first floor. A chance to invite guests for an after-party drink, and to enjoy the fireplace.,” he explains. “I chose the color blue to play as an accent to the brown walls. I needed a powerful color to draw your eye into the space and make you engaged. The navy blue of the sofa was the perfect color to accomplish this.”
Shop the Look
- Sophia bedside carafe and tumbler, $250, aerin.com
- Channels blue and cream throw pillow, $180, ariannabell.com
- Truro side table, $998, serenaandlily.com
- Capri sofa, $1,995-$6,895, williams-sonoma.com
Pattern Play
Use wallcoverings, trim and fabric to mix and match shades of brown.
- Luxor wallcovering in coco/parchment, lisafinetextiles.com
- Manila hemp wallcovering in truffle brown, phillipjeffries.com
- Ikat Stripe fabric in chestnut brown, mrsalice.com
- Capri lipcord in java, schumacher.com
Hues Cues
- ANNER’S BROWN, Farrow & Ball (No. 255): This rich brown color is warm with a lot of depth. Perfect on millwork or in a powder room to create a moody vibe.
- TARPLEY BROWN, Benjamin Moore (CW-170): A sophisticated tone that’s ideal for a den or home office where it can be used on walls, trim and ceiling for a luxe feel.
- BEACHCOMBER, Benjamin Moore (993): A color that’s perfect for those who don’t want to go all-in on brown. Lighter than other colors, it’s a pretty brown hue with undertones of taupe.