Nature profoundly influences interior design, and according to colour psychology, earthy tones in interior design are vital for bringing the charm of the outdoors into your home. Nature-inspired hues promote relaxation and foster a deep connection with the natural world. Whether modernising a space or maintaining a classic style, earth tones provide soothing, nature-inspired hues that add warmth and tranquillity.

What are earthy tones?

Inspired by outdoor landscapes, earthy tones in interior design range from rich browns and greens to sandy neutrals and warm or cool blues. These colours, evoke the hues of the natural world and seamlessly blend to infuse a balanced and serene quality into any interior.

Use these tips to achieve a warm, inviting atmosphere by using earth-toned palettes and design elements that seamlessly integrate warmth, texture, and natural influences.

1. Introduce Wooden Furniture

Invest in wooden furniture with natural finishes like oak, walnut, cedar, or maple, as these rich, warm tones provide a grounding effect and enhance the earthy ambience of a room. Choose pieces with flowing, organic shapes and wood that showcase knots and natural grain variations to deepen your connection with nature through biophilic design.

Foot Oak Side Table

The Foot side table, part of the "Foot collection," is crafted by hand in Northern Portugal using oak with prominent natural grain and meticulous joinery.  It rests on four asymmetrical legs and the table's organic form and natural wood details accentuate its biophilic design.

2. Earthy Tones for Soft Furnishings

Choose textured earth-toned rugs in warm neutrals to add depth and comfort to any décor style. Complement this with curtains in soft, muted shades and other soft furnishings in earth tones to soften light and enhance the room's warmth. Finish the look with throw blankets in rich, warm tones to create a naturally balanced and inviting space.

Chromite Wool and Silk

The Chromite rug features a symmetrical design inspired by abstract expressionism. Hand-knotted in wool and silk by Sahrai Milano's artisans, it juxtaposes earthy gold, rust, and sanguine hues against creamy swirls. This blend of contemporary style and traditional craftsmanship creates a bold statement that connects with natural, earthy tones.

3. Go for Neutral Wall Paints

Paint walls in muted taupe, soft sage, off-white, peach, or warm grey to create a serene backdrop that adds warmth to your space and beautifully complements earthy neutrals. These subtle hues provide a calming foundation that enhances the natural tones of any décor, making the space feel inviting and harmonious.

4. Decorate with Craft

Accent pieces like vases, wall art, and sculptures crafted from clay or stone capture the essence of the earth, enriching the overall earthy theme. Stone adds rustic charm to your decor, while terracotta or ceramic pots with indoor plants and flowers enhance and deepen the natural connection.

The Kapok Tan Vessel

The Kapok Noir vase by Tania Whalen showcases a tactile matte texture and an unglazed finish, embodying an earthy vibe. Handcrafted in Brooklyn, this tall, sculptural piece features a glazed interior and a ruffled opening, perfect for floral displays or creating a striking ensemble with other vessels.

5. Install Earthy Light Fixtures

Opt for nature-inspired fixtures such as rattan pendants, wooden lamps, or designs that mimic the appearance of branches to infuse your space with soft, warm lighting. These elements add a touch of organic charm and create a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

Mae Engelgeer Farols Flame Red Pendant

The Farols pendant by Ames Living, designed with Mae Engelgee, captures Colombia's vibrant essence with its unique shapes and vivid, earthy colours. This piece is handcrafted in Colombia and features intricately woven frames with soft lighting that makes it a striking centrepiece for a table or stairwell.

6. Add Textures

Infuse personality into your space with natural materials by selecting earthy-toned linen, cotton, or wool upholstery for rich texture and comfort. Complement with wood and stone to diversify textures and create a cosy, nature-inspired atmosphere that integrates organic imperfections with modern design elements.

Dash Green and Pink Blanket

Granite and Smoke’s luxury throws, woven in Scotland from premium cashmere and lambswool, feature bold geometric patterns in warm, earthy hues and rich textures. The Dash blanket, with its double-sided design inspired by London’s brutalist architecture and 20th-century modernist art, is crafted in a historic Scottish mill using traditional jacquard looms. 

7. Celebrate Contrast

Enhance dull earthy colours with warm shades and tone-on-tone contrasts, such as high-contrast brown and off-white. Incorporate complementary colours for earth tones like amber and teal, terracotta and soft blue, or olive green and rust to create a more vivid and layered appearance.

Vector Sandstone Stone Carving

Vector, by British stone carver Zoë Wilson, is a tactile spherical sculpture crafted from red sandstone from Dumfriesshire, Scotland. While its precision might seem machine-made, close inspection reveals the artist's hand in the chisel marks.

Here is how you incorporate earth tones into different areas of the home:

Earth Tones in your Living room

Update your living room with earth tones to promote positivity and create a harmonious link between indoor and outdoor spaces, especially with large windows that bring in natural light and amplify the feeling of space. Incorporate soft furnishings in earth tones to create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. It is highly recommended to select colours that coordinate with natural furnishings, as this adds warmth and creates a welcoming space

Dining Room

Use earthy-toned tableware and placemats, and consider a wooden dining table or chairs. Add natural elements like potted plants to enhance the connection to nature and create an intriguing tablescape.

Kitchen

Incorporate earth tones into your kitchen with cabinets, countertops, and backsplashes in taupe, beige, brown, or green hues, and add wooden shelves or natural stone elements for added texture.

Bedroom

Earth tones create a serene bedroom perfect for restful sleep and relaxation after a long day. Use natural materials for beds and cupboards alongside soft furnishings in earth tones to add texture while enhancing the earthy aesthetic.

Bathroom

Install earthy-toned tiles and a natural stone basin in the bathroom, and integrate wood elements for a unified look. Use taupe and beige colours to achieve a relaxing, spa-like vibe, accentuated by natural scents.

Earth tones in interior design evoke a connection with nature, blending timeless elegance with tranquillity to elevate the overall ambience and calm the senses. Visit curio.space to discover exclusive pieces that infuse your home with these refined colours.