With many more than 50 shades, gray has had a strong hold on the design community as the timeless neutral colour for Instagram-worthy interiors and exteriors. Still, paints in hues from toffee to mahogany are proving to be a good fit with almost any design style, making way for new must-have shades of brown.

Here are three creative ways to decorate with different browns from Benjamin Moore colour and design expert Sharon Grech.

Use a warm palette
Brown is a warm neutral, instantly setting the tone and adding sophistication in your space. "Go bold with a colour like Caponata AF-650 or Hearthstone Brown 2109-20 on the walls in a cozy room like a library, den or dining room,” says Grech. “The rich, warm colour creates a cozy yet luxurious, timeless escape from the world."

Find versatility in rich shades
Deep. Elegant. Earthy. Sensual. Applying different earthy shades of brown adds visual interest and depth to any room. Try a creamy warm tone like Stardust 2108-40 to make a bold choice for rooms in need of natural light. It’s a beautiful, unique neutral that feels calming and peaceful.

Choose eye-catching comfort
Certain spaces call for out-of-the-box ideas, whether it’s because of architectural style, light exposure, or existing furniture. Turn to browns to experiment with colours while maintaining a neutral colour scheme. Bold and stylish, dark browns are an excellent choice for an elegant office or study, so your workspace is equal parts scholarly and stunning.