"Brown is quite idiosyncratic," says architectural color consultant, Amy Krane. "It's considered masculine and drab by some," not to mention the reticence many feel about creating a dark space. But rich browns are fantastic colors for dens and libraries, according to Krane, and using cream trim helps lighten up the effect. "The right brown can create a really cozy environment," she says. Pair it with greens like chartreuse, pale blue, and even red. - HouseBeautiful.com