to not have a clue how to put colours together to create naice decor

[ColourMe]

My lounge is black and several shades of brown. I'd like to add another brighter colour to make it look less black and brown drab and boring. Cushions, a rug maybe? Problem is I haven't got a clue how to choose colours to go with my existing decor.

AIBU to think some wise ones on here will choose me some colours?

[Joules68]

I'd add cream... Depends on light and existing set up for another colour to be mixed in. What's brown? Can it go?

[Piscivorus]

If you are just going to add some small touches I'd go for something bright, maybe red, lime green or aqua.
My lounge is a creamy-goldy colour carpet and walls, dark wood fireplace and furniture, black sofas so very neutral. We have accessorised it with dark red in the curtains, cushions and a throw.

[JapaneseMargaret]

I have a theory that you can make pretty much any two colours go together, if you repeat the theme in a relatively conservative way (i.e. not entire walls in the shade/s), and mix them with neutrals.

I have to ask ... why is your living room black with several shades of brown? Are you renting?

Black and brown aren't a great combo to begin with, but there's definitely ways to brighten it up.

Do you have anything on your walls? Art? Prints? Can you pick a colour out of those, and go for a couple of shades of that?

If not, you can create 'art' really cheaply by choosing a print you like, or a slab of wallpaper with an interesting pattern, and getting it board-mounted rather than framed. The bigger, the better. Or two quirky, matching-ish postcards, and then get them put into much bigger frames with mounts. And then pick out a colour or two from that.

Cushions, curtains, a rug (a couple of rugs!), objéts (vases, ornaments, (and not like your granny used to have), etc).

[MsJupiter]

What's black & what's brown? & what shades? It's hard to get a feel of it.

I have aubergine to go with coffee and chocolate shades in the bedroom, but red to go with more mid brown/wood stuff in living area. Maybe turquoise or teal might work for you?

I think if most of your stuff is neutral then keep an eye out for something you love and then get a few bits in the same kind of colour and it should bring things together.

[YouTheCat]

Teal definitely.

Or add hints of cream if it's all a bit dark.

[ColourMe]

Brown sofas. Wooden flooring. Some black furniture. Curtains black/brown pattern.

[MusicalEndorphins]

What is your favorite colour? Brown and black would go well with almost anything, so why not use a colour you love.
My friend's furniture and window coverings are dark brown and black, with a similar to this ottoman and pillows.
They painted the walls the grey-blue from the ottoman, and have a few subtle lavender accents. They have family pics hung up and the table linens are deep purple. Looks nice.
Do you like warm and deep, like burgundy and gold, or bright and sunny like turquoise and light lime and cream? Muted, blue greys, taupe, sage green, straw? What colours are in any ajoining rooms? You could paint the walls a colour, and have accents in that colour. Adding something that reflects light can brighten the room, such as glass table, lamps, mirrors, wall metal art, painting/prints, vase perhaps?
Use a rug or screen or painting painting 2 for inspiration.
Look for images of rooms you like and let it be your inspiration picture for colour.

[MamaPain]

What colour are the walls.

I think metallic/champagne coloured accessories would go really well with those colours. Maybe purple, but I think if you go too light or too bright it can end up look naff.

[wowfudge]

Musical has given you some fantastic advice. I may borrow it! I think that adding a strong, bright colour such as red or teal is a bit naff tbh. Something more subtle as Musical suggests is more sophisticated and restful. Plus as fashions change it won't date so much.

Have look at some interiors magazines and online for ideas. I would also add that changing the curtains would make a huge difference.

[Joysmum]

This is what a colour wheel is for!

You can look for the colours you already have and either choose from the colours on the opposite side for contrasting ones.

You could also choose from the colours next to yours (so slightly different tone) or lighter and darker in the same shade for complimentary additions.

Lastly, you can choose from groups of colours equal distant apart on the colour wheel for 3 or 4 different colours to mix think cutting a pizza into 3 or 4 equal slices

That really is all there is to it

[FrigginRexManningDay]

Berry colours can make black and brown look warmer and brighter. If you have brown curtains a stripe of raspberry on the bottom can transform them.

[MsJupiter]

Mine don't look naff (thanks wowfudge ) but I agree about not going over the top. Teal is a lovely subtle colour and raspberry is nice too. But I think it's less about choosing a colour and more about finding something you love.