So You're Tempted to Try Earthy Neutrals?
Rich natural tones of tan and terracotta are this season's trending neutrals, say the experts – here's how to use them
Step aside grey – earthy tones of terracotta, rust and tan are the new neutrals du jour, according to three colour and design experts. Here’s everything you need to know, from how and where to use them in your home, to which colours and metallics these earthy tones work best alongside.
What sort of look and feel do they create?
“Warm neutrals like these, whether you use them in paint, flooring or fabric, will add warmth and liveability to a room,” says interior designer Danielle Trippett, principal at Danielle Trippett Interior Design.
They’re also extremely versatile, she adds. “They work well with any decorating style and can be used to complement every material – as long as you keep the look balanced.”
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“Warm neutrals like these, whether you use them in paint, flooring or fabric, will add warmth and liveability to a room,” says interior designer Danielle Trippett, principal at Danielle Trippett Interior Design.
They’re also extremely versatile, she adds. “They work well with any decorating style and can be used to complement every material – as long as you keep the look balanced.”
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Where do they work best?
“Earthy tones often feel quite relaxed, making them a great choice for family rooms, living rooms and kitchens,” says Lucena-Orr. “They can also look amazing on the exterior of a home as they scheme beautifully with natural timber, stone and brick.”
Rich earthy neutrals can be a great choice for rugs, sofas, armchair upholstery or small accessories such as scatter cushions. But it’s generally best to go paler if you want to use earthy neutrals across large expanses, such as walls, says Lucena-Orr: “You can use earthy neutrals as the main colour in a room, but opt for light or mid-tones.”
“Earthy tones often feel quite relaxed, making them a great choice for family rooms, living rooms and kitchens,” says Lucena-Orr. “They can also look amazing on the exterior of a home as they scheme beautifully with natural timber, stone and brick.”
Rich earthy neutrals can be a great choice for rugs, sofas, armchair upholstery or small accessories such as scatter cushions. But it’s generally best to go paler if you want to use earthy neutrals across large expanses, such as walls, says Lucena-Orr: “You can use earthy neutrals as the main colour in a room, but opt for light or mid-tones.”
What colours should I pair earthy neutrals with?
Stephenson says:
Stephenson says:
- Combine rust with bottle green and navy for a deep, dramatic look.
- For a more rustic look, mix caramel and terracotta with soft green.
- Try pairing a soft pink with a soft green for a light, fresh look.
And which metallics?
“Gold, copper and bronze accents will add warmth and sophistication to an earthy, neutral scheme,” says Trippett.
“Metallics with a matt finish work best with this look,” adds Stephenson.
“Gold, copper and bronze accents will add warmth and sophistication to an earthy, neutral scheme,” says Trippett.
“Metallics with a matt finish work best with this look,” adds Stephenson.
Do rustic neutrals like white?
“Yes,” says Lucena-Orr. “Most neutrals, including earth-based ones, pair beautifully with white. The most important thing is that they have the same undertone – pair a warm neutral such as terracotta or tan with a warm white.”
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“Yes,” says Lucena-Orr. “Most neutrals, including earth-based ones, pair beautifully with white. The most important thing is that they have the same undertone – pair a warm neutral such as terracotta or tan with a warm white.”
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How should I style rooms with a warm-neutral colour scheme?
Trippett says:
Trippett says:
- Layer embroidered fabrics or other interesting pieces, such as antique carpets, for a cosy and visually engaging feel.
- Add in furniture and accessories in natural materials, such as stone, timber and marble.
- For upholstery and scatter cushions, think a natural fabric such as linen.
- Consider grasscloth wallpaper on the walls for textural interest.
Image by Wattyl
Stephenson says:
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Stephenson says:
- For a rustic, Insta-worthy look, think exposed brickwork, matt ceramics, oversize lighting and matt ceramics.
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Any tips for success?
Trippett says:
Trippett says:
- If your room is on the plain side, look to add interest rather than playing it safe; choose a deeper neutral colour for the walls than you normally would.
- Use red or rusty tones to add instant warmth to a scheme. These hues can work as either wall colours, sofa fabric colours or even accent colours such as in scatter cushions.
Tell us
Are you tempted to try these colours in your own home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, save the story, and join the conversation.
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Looking for a bit of help pulling together your colour scheme? Find a local interior designer or decorator here and chat through your options
Are you tempted to try these colours in your own home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, save the story, and join the conversation.
More
Looking for a bit of help pulling together your colour scheme? Find a local interior designer or decorator here and chat through your options
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“Earth-based neutrals are comfortable, welcoming and make us feel connected to nature,” says Andrea Lucena-Orr, Dulux colour planning and communications manager. They’re also easy to decorate with as they go with lots of other colours, she says.
“Tertiary colours such as terracotta, rust and caramel are not what I’d call everyday neutrals – they have a little more dynamism to them,” says Sarah Stephenson, colour specialist and brand and communications manager at Wattyl. “They make a welcome and inviting change to the cool blues and greys we’ve had for so long, bringing energy and stimulation in natural tones.”