Brown is a natural, down-to-earth neutral colour. It is found in earth, wood, and stone. The colour brown and its lighter cousins in tan, taupe, beige, or cream make excellent backgrounds helping accompanying colours appear richer, brighter. Use brown to convey a feeling of warmth, honesty, and wholesomeness. Although found in nature year-round, brown is often considered a fall and winter colour. It is more casual than black. Shades of brown coupled with green are an especially earthy pair, often used to convey the concept of recycling or earth-friendly products. Very dark brown can replace black, adding a slightly warmer tone to some palettes. Brighten brown with a mellow yellow or rusty orange. Go smart but conservative with a mix of brown and deep purple, green, gray, or orange-red.