Home design trends have been making a shift in 2025, with big emphasis being placed on bringing warmth and comfort to interior spaces. The sleek, minimalist look of cool neutrals, like gray and white, are now among the once-trendy paint colors that will make your home look dated. This might leave you wondering where blue fits into this changing trend, given its cool undertones and neutral reputation. The good news is, cool blues are making a comeback, with designers pairing these shades with warm brown tones in order to create that cozy, welcoming style that’s on trend.

Along with the trend toward warmer interiors, there’s also been a growing interest in incorporating earth tones into home design. While brown is an obvious choice for an organic palette, many often overlook how cool blues are also found in nature. Blue tones offer a more tranquil feeling to color palettes, while earthy browns can help to make the design feel grounded. With the right shades of these colors — and some thoughtful decorating — this combination can help give your interiors a natural yet stunning look.

There are endless shades of brown and blue that work well together, but understanding the kind of look you’re aiming for can help narrow down the options. If you want your design to have an airy, coastal look, then softer tones of blue paired with an earthy tan shade can create a design that feels as warm and inviting as a walk on the beach. For something a little bolder, sky blue and orange-brown shades like rust or clay can reflect southwestern desert landscapes. Browns with orange tints can contrast beautifully with cool blues, as blue and orange are complementary colors that often draw attention. Alternatively, you can also create a complementary palette by combining blue-green shades with golden browns to create the perfect balance of warmth and tranquility.

If you’re looking for a more striking color palette, using deep, chocolate browns with vivid blue accents can create just the right amount of drama. Similarly, moody aesthetics can benefit greatly from darker shades of brown as well — especially in tandem with a sophisticated blue-gray. That said, you don’t have to limit your color scheme to only two shades of brown and blue — while it’s good to have specific hues as a basis for your design, layering with different tones can add depth. The best way to find your perfect color palette is to experiment with the color wheel, using it as a helpful reference that can often inspire pairings and accents that align perfectly.

Depending on your space’s existing style, there are plenty of ways to incorporate a blue and brown color combination into your décor. These shades don’t have to be the foundation to your design — you can start small by using them as accents. For example, designers love to bring this pair into neutral color schemes to help keep the look subtle and stylish, whether it’s warm wood accents, blue cabinetry, or even artwork that features both shades. There’s no need to be afraid of patterns, either — patterned fabrics and wallpaper can represent this color pairing easily while adding some visual interest and cozy character. However, if your shade choices are already bold, designers recommend using patterns sparingly.

If you want the color pairing to be the star of your space, consider combining warm furniture with cool-toned walls (and vice versa). Brown looks naturally beautiful when conveyed through warm furniture, offering a range of tones and textures to incorporate, from soft brown leather to reclaimed wood. Antique furniture and décor can be a great place to experiment with various shades of brown while adding a cozy, lived-in look to your space. If you’re using blue for your walls, adding contrast with gold accents — like frames or small fixtures — can also help create balance. Use your cool blue designs as a base, adding layers of warmth through brown décor until your space feels welcoming and perfectly harmonized.