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Hues You Can Use

HUES YOU CAN USE: CHAR BROWN

I'm Erika Ward

Beyond the Blueprint is a curated journal where legacy, lifestyle, and intentional design converge.

Here, I share stories from the heart of my home and the homes I create—faith-filled reflections, family rhythms, wellness practices, and design inspiration rooted in grace and purpose.


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Seduced by chocolate, I’m tempted to cover my dining room walls in Benjamin Moore’s Char Brown. I originally earmarked the above image as inspiration for my client’s dining room which we actually painted BM’s Durango (equally delicious). The stark white ceiling, doors, and dining chairs seamlessly balance light and dark. The introduction of yellow/gold curtains in both images continue to warm the walls while simultaneously breaking up the sea of brown.

Seduced by chocolate, I’m tempted to cover my dining room walls in Benjamin Moore’s Char Brown. I originally earmarked the above image as inspiration for my client’s dining room which we actually painted BM’s Durango (equally delicious). The stark white ceiling, doors, and dining chairs seamlessly balance light and dark. The introduction of yellow/gold curtains in both images continue to warm the walls while simultaneously breaking up the sea of brown.

Coined the “Godiva Room,” the above family room belongs to actress Ali Wentworth and news anchor George Stephanopoulos. At first glance the space reads quite formal, but the rich, velvety sofas provide an unspoken invitation to kick back and relax. So cozy, yet sophisticated…

How far will your obsession with chocolate lead you?

images: 1 | 2

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  1. Rene says:

    Yes, yes, yes! I love this color – and what a yummy choice for a dining room.

    -Rene

  2. Janell @ Isabella and Max says:

    I've painted a few rooms chocolate brown, just love the look! These paint colors are beautiful options!
    Janell

  3. Maureen @ Modecor says:

    These chocolate brown rooms are "delicious", warm and inviting…where has brown been hiding all these years….if I hadn't just painted….

  4. Mr. Goodwill Hunting says:

    Both rooms are amazing! I could eat quite a few meals in room number one.

    Mr. Goodwill Hunting
    http://mrgoodwillhunting.blogspot.com

  5. Niki McNeill says:

    My bedroom used to be chocolate and I absolutely loved it! It was a small room, which most people think you can't paint dark… but it was sooo cozy! I called it my "love nest" 😉

    @nikimcneill

  6. L.Duncan@Home23DuncanBoys says:

    I love brown rooms! My bedroom is chocolate brown and I'm finishing up my living and dining room in a brownish taupe! Does brown ever go out of style?!?! I love this feature! Reminds me of the BLB I fell in love with;-)

  7. Jade @ Flip Flops + Pearls Design says:

    Such a beautiful color! I am putting it in my paint file!

  8. luxe + lillies says:

    ooo looovveee the color! its so rich but not over the top! i adore those velvet sofas too!

  9. Kim@Chattafabulous says:

    Wow, these are stunning, Erika! Chocolate is so rich and yummy to live with/in!

  10. Nuha Sofiyan says:

    oh my goodness I think I'm in love!! I'd be afraid that chocolate brown walls would be too dark, but these actually look just the opposite! xoxo

  11. Quintel of Urban Paint says:

    BM char brown is awesome!

  12. Kerry says:

    I did the kitchen and dining room in a similar BM Brown. Normally I question my judgement when I first paint a way, but not in this case — it is GORGEOUS!

    ** The living room photo was my first “pin” on pinterest!

DESIGN OBSESSED, ATLANTA GO-TO GIRL, STYLE CHAMELEON, BEACH LOVER. 

HI,
I'M ERIKA.

Beyond the Blueprint is a curated journal where legacy, lifestyle, and intentional design converge.

Here, I share stories from the heart of my home and the homes I create—faith-filled reflections, family rhythms, wellness practices, and design inspiration rooted in grace and purpose.

From motherhood and marriage to the sidelines of Friday night lights, each entry offers a glimpse into the layered life I live—and the brands, spaces, and values that support it.

Whether you're here to be inspired, encouraged, or aligned, welcome. This is life beyond the blueprint

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