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In the world of interior design, earthy colors have long been celebrated for their ability to create spaces that feel warm, grounded, and inviting. Inspired by the hues found in nature, such as rich browns, warm beiges, and lush greens, earthy color palettes can transform your home into a tranquil retreat. So whether you’re looking at homes for sale in Fort Worth, TX, already renting a home in Dallas, TX, or looking for your first apartment in Denver, CO, this guide explores various earth-tone décor ideas to help you infuse natural beauty into your living spaces.
Disclaimer: For those living in rental properties or apartments, please ensure that any significant changes to your living space are approved by your landlord and do not violate your lease agreement. Always check with your property management before making alterations to avoid any potential issues.
Understanding Earthy Colors
Earthy colors are derived from natural elements such as soil, stones, trees, and plants. These hues include:
- Browns: From deep chocolate to light taupe, browns are versatile and can add depth and coziness.
- Greens: Olive, sage, and moss greens bring a refreshing and calming presence.
- Beiges and tans: Neutral and understated, these shades serve as perfect backdrops.
- Terracotta and rust: These warm, reddish-brown hues evoke the essence of sunbaked clay and add a vibrant touch.
- Grays: Soft grays mimic the look of stone and rock, providing a cool, balanced counterpoint to warmer tones.
“When working with color, the goal is always to find balance and harmony,” Kerry, personal color harmony expert with Indigo Tones, shares. “Earth tones tend to be muted and an overall harmonious look would be achieved in using them by avoiding pops of color and keeping the contrast low. It’s best to use soft or weathered textured fabrics mixed in the same color family and in a middle range between dark and light.”
Earthy color décor ideas around the home
Earthy décor ideas revolve around tones and textures that emulate the natural world, bringing a sense of the outdoors inside your home. “Look to the creatures or places that move you to inspire your design,” Lynne Niehaus recommends. “Ask yourself how it makes you feel.”
Using all five senses, analyze every color and detail then bring them into your space on a larger scale,” Niehaus shares. “Whether it’s the velvety smoothness of a petal of a favorite flower, the crisp contrast striping of a hawk’s tail, or the granular, purply-brown intrigue and sparkle of the wet sand as the water retreats to the sea; these sensory details replicate the harmony that nature provides.”
1. Embrace raw materials
“Introduce reclaimed wood furniture pieces to add character and history to your interiors,” Raihana Fardous with Interior Harbor recommends. “The imperfections and unique grains of reclaimed wood tell a story and connect your space to nature.” Complement these with chocolate-brown textiles and beige accents for a sophisticated and comforting look.
“Other raw materials like jute or sisal make for great rugs to ground the space, offering both texture and warmth. Pair these with woven baskets for storage, which add a touch of rustic charm and practicality,” Fardous continues.
2. Layer tones and textures.
“Earth tones don’t have to be boring and drab. The key to nailing a statement-making earth-tone look in your home design is introducing pops of color, texture, and nature,” Aisha Beau Johnson explains. “While camel, brown, or beige may be the base colors for furniture, you can capture the eye by including bold neutrals like terracotta, dusty pink, French blue, or Bordeaux to the other elements of the room. Knitted or waffle textured throws also add more warmth and contrast, while utilizing plants to bring in nature can add to the serenity of the space.” This layering effect adds visual interest and creates a harmonious, serene atmosphere.
Gracie Friedman seconds this sentiment, adding that earthy touches can create a standout space. “As a lover of neutrals in bright and airy spaces, I like layering and mixing in earthy decor to anchor the space. Adding natural wood elements, rustic vases, rich browns, greens, grays, and faux greenery such as olive tree branches or eucalyptus to space are simple ways to make a room feel earthy and organic. Keeping the “big stuff” (like furniture) more neutral allows you to easily swap different earthy elements like pillows, vases, and throw blankets.”
3. Add greenery
As Friedman mentioned above, incorporating green through accent pieces such as throw pillows, rugs, or artwork is a great way to work in earth-like tones and textures. Sage green armchairs, olive-hued vases, or potted plants can inject a sense of nature, making any room feel more alive and vibrant. Greenery not only adds color but also enhances the organic feel of the space.
If you don’t have much of a green thumb, lean into green shades. “If you, like me, can’t for the life of you maintain a houseplant for more than a few days, I suggest opting for earthy tones in your home to bring in some natural vibes,” shares Teresa Maria. “I’ve recently discovered kitchens with sage green used either on walls or the cupboards. Any shade of darker green is so pleasing to the eye and brings a sense of calm to any space.”
4. Introduce terracotta accents
Terracotta elements, such as tiles, pots, and décor items, bring warmth and a touch of rustic charm. Use them to add a Mediterranean flair to your home. Pair terracotta with wooden furniture and open shelving to display ceramics or decorative items, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
5. Feature natural stone or clay
A backsplash or an accent wall made from natural stone, like slate, limestone, or travertine, can become a focal point in your space. These materials add texture and depth, anchoring the room and creating a grounded, earthy feel.
Atulya K Bingham, author of Mud Ball, Dirt Witch and more, recommends utilizing clay. “Clay plastering interiors completely transforms the atmosphere of a dwelling, both literally and figuratively,” Bingham shares. “Using local mud to create gorgeous interior renders is my go-to method for bringing nature right into my home and onto my walls. The result is walls that are warmer to touch, softer to look at, completely non-toxic, and a talking point to boot.”
6. Use cozy textiles
Incorporate earthy colors through bedding and textiles. A duvet cover in a warm beige or soft taupe, paired with pillows and throws in complementary shades, creates a restful and inviting atmosphere. Choose natural fabrics like linen, cotton, and wool for added comfort and warmth.
7. Maintain an earth-inspired palette
Stepping away from a cool-toned palette is recommended by Jessica McBride with Plank & Tile. “When it comes to the widely popular “earthy” aesthetic, there are numerous ways in which one can embody the essence of the outdoors within their home,” McBride notes. “Stepping away from a cool-toned color palette, and instead, incorporating accents of greens, muted browns, and orange tones through plants, rugs, pillows, wallpaper, and art is a great place to start. Additionally, to further elevate this theme, we love the look of mixed textures like rugged leather, wood, and stone.”
“When choosing an earthy color palette for your interior space, draw inspiration from a favorite vacation destination or setting,” Rose Benedict with Rose Benedict Design suggests for those unsure where to start. “With this approach, your color choices will feel even more personal, and as a bonus, your vacation photos will blend in beautifully. For example, if you’re in love with the warmth of the desert, then an array of tans, clays, and terracotta accents would be perfect for you.”
8. Incorporate natural scents
Enhance the earthy atmosphere by adding natural scents through essential oils or diffusers with fragrances like eucalyptus, lavender, or cedarwood. These scents not only refresh your home but also create a calming and inviting environment.
Your earthy sanctuary awaits
By embracing earthy color décor, you can create a home that feels grounded, welcoming, and in harmony with the natural world. Whether you’re redecorating a single room or your entire home, these ideas will help you bring the beauty and serenity of nature indoors.
Source: rent.com