Earth tones are the perfect way to create a warm, stylish interior space that is cozy, nature-inspired – and uniquely you!
First, let’s clear up what colors are earth tones and why you’d even want to incorporate them into your home. Generally speaking, earthy colors are just that – colors that remind you of nature and of our planet’s natural landscapes. Earthen tones are typically brown, green and grey and can also include warmer shades like terracotta, rust and mustard yellow.
However, I say that if you can find it in nature – you can consider it earthy. It’s truly more about the feeling the palette evokes – meaning it brings the feeling of nature into your home and helps you to feel calm and in touch with something deeper.
If you’re thinking, “but doesn’t an earth tone color palette only work with certain interior design styles?” I am happy to report that just isn’t the case. As you’ll see below, I’ve created five palettes with earthy colors that work in five completely different rooms. A grey-toned minimalist space, a warm boho space, a moody darker space, an eclectic modern space and a bright and airy coastal space.
Keep reading to learn more about how to incorporate earth tones into any interior design space, or skip ahead to your favourite style. And note that these colors don’t all need to be incorporated as paint. You can use them as inspiration for furniture tones, textiles and accessories too!
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Minimalist Earth Colors: Pure White, Subtle Grey, Earthy Brown and Mild Black
We’re going to start with a super muted earthy tone color palette. If you’re like – “boring!” – then scroll down for warmer and brighter tones. But if you love a simple, minimalistic space that can act as a subtle backdrop to your life, then you might want to consider sticking with browns, greys and off-whites. With an occasional pop of deep green by way of a plant-friend!
Warm Earth Tones: Soft White, Terracotta, Fresh Green, Medium Chocolate
Keeping with the “minimalist” vibe above, but warming things up a bit, consider adding in terracotta tones like subtle reds and oranges. This color palette goes well with interior styles like bohemian, global and rustic. As you can see in the image below, this palette also works really well with organic elements such as the wooden detailing on the ceiling and the river rock flooring.
Need help choosing eco-conscious furniture and decor for your home? That’s what I’m here for!
Moody Earthen Tones: Off White, Rust, Smoky Green and Pure Black
Need a little drama in your interior spaces? Earthy colors can do that for you too! Instead of the more subtle earthy tones, don’t be afraid to be more bold with colors like deep red-brown, dark green and black. (Black is indeed an earth tone! Ever heard of “black dirt?”) However, in order to balance out the drama and give the space a bit of lightness, try including a soft grey-blue or grey-green.
Eclectic Earthy Color Tones: Mushroom, Mustard Yellow, Medium Green and Deep Red
If you’re someone who likes a more eclectic space, then this may be the palette for you. Dark orange, red-brown, medium green and a little bit of mushroom all blend to create a unique space that those who like to keep it safe may steer away from. But not you! If you want a home that doesn’t look exactly like all the other pin-worthy, Instagrammable interior spaces out there then don’t be afraid to mix it up.
Coastal Earthy Tones Color Palette: Sand, Creamy Yellow, Sea Blue and Rich Brown
Isn’t it great to know that color palettes featuring earth tones don’t need to be drab and colorless? After all, nature is filled with vibrant shades like creamy yellow and oceanic turquoise. And speaking of the ocean… take your earthy tone color palette inspo from the great big sea by blending various shades of blue with bright hits of yellow. Then balance it out with grounding sand and dark brown shades.
So, what do you think? Did any of these color palettes featuring earth tones speak to you? If so – great! If not – maybe you’ll like my ready-made paint palettes. They’re pre-selected colors that blend perfectly with all types of interior styles!
Which of the above palettes are your favourite? I’d have to say mine is the moody earth tones one, even though my house is still mostly off-white… I’ll get there eventually!
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Posted on September 22, 2023
Need help choosing eco-conscious furniture and decor for your home? That’s what I’m here for!
Former architectural technologist. Current treehugger.
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