A Confirmation of Brown as the Neutral Trend for 2022

Color predictions are revealed each year, giving the impression that we’ve gazed into a crystal ball. But predicting what will likely emerge and trend the following year is actually based on research in socioeconomic and demographic shifts, luxury and travel trends, pop culture highlights, science and technology insights, and so much more.

We’ve been tracking the movement toward warmth in color and the trend of browns for some years. And, with the recent announcement of our 2022 Color of the Year, Art and Craft (DET682), we now confirm that the
popularity of brown is on the rise for spring and summer. 2022 is the color’s year to shine and, whether displayed in fashion or interiors, the surge of interest in the color is apparent. Here are several ways we’re seeing this trend come to life:

In Fashion News

This versatile hue is fit for a variety of styles and has recently been shown on the street style outfits of many celebrities, including Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and Ariana Grande, to name just a few.

Kim Kardashian West leaves the WSJ. Magazine 2021 Innovator Awards at MOMA on November 01, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images)

Ben Affleck (L) and Jennifer Lopez are seen in Midtown on October 10, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)

As a minimalist favorite, brown is upstaging black in fashion shows for 2022. For example, the Chloé Autumn–Winter 2021 collection featured a range of brown tones in celebration of this hue. Meanwhile, guests in attendance were also seen throughout the runway shows over the past seasons wearing shades of brown.

A model, fashion detail, walks the runway during the Chloe show as part of the Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2020/2021 on February 27, 2020 in Paris, France. (Photo by Peter White/Getty Images)

A guest wears brown outside Chanel, during Paris Fashion Week - Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2022, on January 25, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)

Design-Minded

And for those who favor the trending maximalist mindset, brown adds depth and vibrancy to a color palette. Feeling fresh, as it’s been in the background for so many years, the color has a sense of familiarity and
comfort that people are seeking today.

As a broader statement on warmth and browns blanketing design, photography and art are peppered with inspirational images showing brown aesthetics, as well as cottagecore and light and dark academia, all in warm overtones. Shown here is a cottagecore example infusing browns with other nature-inspired hues.

Photo Credit: Camille Brodard via Unsplash

Shades of brown are everywhere. Take a closer view of your local library, college or coffee shop to see how integral this color is to design and architecture. Here, we see how a café integrates brown tones into the building.

Photo Credit: Camille Brodard via UNSPLASH

Window-Shopping

In merchandising, a range of brown tones underscores the importance of warmth to the season in interiors and fashion. Here, monochromatic statements of brown influence the outfits.

Amber Lewis for Anthropologie AMPHORA VASE

MAEVE KICK FLARE PANTS by Anthropologie

More Inspiration

Are you feeling inspired to try out Art and Craft (DET682)—or even a range of brown tones? Here are 4
mood boards featuring brown:

Photos: Top Left - Clarisse Meyer via Unsplash; Top Right - Clay Banks via Unsplash; bottom left - serAfima lazarenko via UNSPLASH; Bottom Middle - Moon via Unsplash; Bottom Right - Zhenyu Luo via Unsplash

Photos: Top left - Camille Brodard via Unsplash; Bottom Middle - Stephanie Harvey via Unsplash

Photos: Top Left - Rita Chou via Unsplash; Top Right - Ashley Winkler via Unsplash; Bottom Left - Jasmin Sessler via Unsplash; Bottom Middle - Camille Brodard via Unsplash; Bottom Right - Richie Roberts via Unsplash

Photos: Top left - Annie Spratt via Unsplash

Want to learn more about the trending brown aesthetic? See how to incorporate brown tones into your desert oasis or Bohemian retreat, or how to use any shade of brown to your design advantage.