Brown: Anything but Boring

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.