Earth colors are centuries old, adaptable, natural and easy on the eyes. Calming and grounding, these hues are able to infuse a sense of comfort and elegance into any space. Whether you’re decorating a room, selecting an outfit, or designing a brand identity, there are beautiful and harmonious earth shades that will make you feel comfortable, peaceful, and spontaneous, while in turn feeling creative.
I’ve put together this blog post to walk you through 10 earth tone ideas to inspire you, drawing on some practical advice, style tips and expert advice all helping you achieve the perfect eco friendly feel to your space!
What Are Earth Tones?
What are earth tones? Earth tones are hues that are commonly found in nature and generally muted, including but not limited to browns, beiges, greens, rusts and grays. These colors are taken from soil, stone, plants and sky, they are the colors you’d find in nature. They are slightly muted and on the verge of murky, perfect for establishing a mood in a room that feels both ground and approachable.
But earth tones extend beyond neutrals. There are rich terracottas and deep greens and even soft desert peach tones in this category, giving you a whole range of choices if working with nature-based color palettes is something that appeals to you.
Why Choose Earth Tones?
Classic Appeal: The palette of the Earth never becomes outdated and is good across fashion.
Versatile and Adaptable: These hues allow you to match easily to anything.
Soothing Effect: Soft and cosy colour hues contribute to a laid-back and peaceful atmosphere.
Nature Connected: Add an organic/natural feel to any kind of design or room.
Now, in 10 ideas to be inspired by a earthly tones when we need to decorate, whether it be for space or when bring colour into our lives.
Classic Neutral Palette
Taupe, beige, mushroom gray — there’s something so effortlessly chic in pairing these tones. These soft whites can create a great backdrop for a minimalist or contemporary interior. Mix in depth by layering textures of woven rugs, chunky knit throws and smooth ceramics.
Pro Tip: Light your space in varying ways (warm light vs. natural) to see how your tones will interact around the room. Neutral colors can change with the light.
Olive Green Accents
Olive green is serene yet has as enough boldness to turn some heads. Put it on cabinetry, doors or inflection walls for a cool yet lush vibe. Contrast with natural woods or tan leather for some balance.
Idea: If you don’t want to go all in, test out olive with decor elements like curtains, throw pillows or painted vases.
Deep Terracotta Walls
Terracotta is the perfect neutral for bringing the warmth of sun-drenched clay to your spaces. Painting a room with terracotta paint that is a rich and deep shade adds instantaneous warmth and personality, yet also still feels organic and organic.
Style It With: Pair with terracotta walls, cream-coloured furniture, woven accessories and brass for a rustic modern vibe.
Warm Mustard
Pale yellows, such as mustard, infuse your space with sunshine without overwhelming it. Accent pieces like a mustard-colored couch or patterned rugs will brighten a space and play off other earth tones.
Where It Works: Mustard looks amazing in bohemian or mid-century modern room designs.
Desert Peach
There is a reason desert peach is a trend (every)where. This delicate blush shade murmurs of grace and calm. Great for bedrooms or living rooms, peachy shades make great neutral backdrops to replace the boring beiges or off-whites.
Idea for Layering: Try combining peach with a gentle gray or a dusty rose hue for a more layered effect.
Cocoa Brown Complements
Chocolate or cocoa browns are intense, full of life and with so much depth. They can create such a warm and intimate vibe in any room. Apply these hues to furniture, such as sofas, headboards or wooden coffee tables.
Pro Tip: Add off-white or light beige throws to add an element of depth and contrast to the rich cocoa to keep the space feeling light and open.
Sage Green Bliss
Sage hues filter in the greenery indoors in a subtle and sophisticated way. Sage is also extremely popular in kitchens and bathrooms, it’s cool and refreshing and mixes well with a variety of colours.
Expert Advice: To play up the “green oasis” feel, style sage green with natural elements such as stone countertops or artisanal pottery.
Charcoal Gray Depth
If you’re dubious of a lighter earth tone, behold the magisterial power of charcoal gray. It contributes moody chic, and serves as a great match for lighter accents, such as nude’s soft-white or pale greens.
Style Tip: Introduce charcoal gray on walls to produce a feeling of elegance in a home office, dining room or formal living space.
Rust-Orange Vibes
Rust hues are an earthy take on orange, which means they play their cards vibrantly and warmly. They’re gorgeous for accent furniture, flooring, wall art. Rust also looks great set against other complementary greens or muted blues.
Where to Use It: A rust-colored accent chair or pillows can add an unexpected burst of color to a room.
Natural Hues and Textures
Sometimes the easiest way to include earth tones is with the colors of the earth. Think raw woods, unpolished stone, jute or sisal rugs, or linen fabrics. It’s not just the color but the textures and materials that will lend an organic feeling to your sunny space.
Pro Tip: Playing a variety of natural textures against one another is key for depth and to avoid the snooze effect of muted colors.
How to Add Earth Tones to Everyday Life
Earth tones work for the outside too! They also work wonders in fashion (like camel coats, olive trousers), graphic design and even branding. The trick is to find complementary colour ways that pair well and that you’re drawn to, for your own personal style or aesthetic.
Practical Ways to Begin
Paint Sampling Trick: Try a couple of hues out on your walls first.
Ease into It: Before committing to a full room for a few years, test the waters with earth tones by adding some through textiles or decor, to see: A) if you like it and B) if so, in what form.
Blend Tones and Textures: Utilize tones colors and textures to help create dimension.
Leverage Natural Light: Introduce earth tones in areas with the most natural light, so you can truly appreciate their natural beauty.
Whether you’re renovating a home or just hoping for some inspiration, earth tones are the perfect place to start. Begin your experiments today and turn your space into a soothing abode that whispers of nature.
FAQ
Q: What are earth tones?
A: Earth tones refer to a color palette inspired by natural elements such as soil, rocks, plants, and the sky. These colors include shades of brown, beige, green, gray, and even muted blues and oranges.
Q: How do I choose the right earth tones for my space?
A: Start by considering the mood you want to create in the room. Soft greens and browns can promote relaxation, while shades like terracotta or mustard yellow add warmth and energy. Experiment with samples and see how they look in different lighting throughout the day.
Q: Can earth tones work with bold or bright accents?
A: Absolutely! Earth tones make an excellent base for bolder shades. You can pair them with vibrant colors like teal, mustard, or coral to add personality and depth to your space.
Q: Are earth tones suitable for small spaces?
A: Yes, earth tones work well in small spaces as they create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Opt for lighter shades to make the room feel more open, or use darker tones strategically for a dramatic, snug effect.
Q: How do I incorporate earth tones without repainting?
A: You can introduce earth tones through decor elements such as pillows, rugs, curtains, and artwork. Adding natural materials like wood, rattan, or stone to your design can also enhance the earthy feel.
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