Close your eyes and picture yourself sitting in the middle of a sand dune, a field of ripe wheat or on a mountain top. Feel relaxed? Now imagine that you can experience this serenity without even leaving home. This is the beauty of decorating with earthy colours.
We can gain many of the wellbeing benefits of spending time in nature by bringing its soft colours and textures into our homes. By using gentle organic colours and layers of textured materials we can create an informal and comforting space to unwind and let go of the stresses of life.
These grounded schemes are inspired by the colours of minerals, rocks and soil such as from the palest sand and stone shades to deeper terracotta and rust. Earthy colours are warm tones so, whether you prefer light and airy or dark and dramatic, the key to getting this look in your home is ensuring that all the elements you include have a base of yellow or red.
When it comes to textures, opt for rustic materials such as reclaimed timber and exposed brickwork or stone. Then accessorise with humble fabrics such as raw linen, wool and cotton. Adding layers with furniture, cushions and throws is sure to encourage you to cosy up in a comfortable corner for a few minutes. Take the opportunity to meditate, escape into a good novel or listen to your favourite chill out tracks.
A monochromatic design will keep things simple and restful. Choose just a few similar pale shades with a mix and match of interesting textures, taking care that no single element is visually more prominent than any other.
In this comfortable sitting room, shades of cream and sand have been blended with rustic style wood flooring and shelving. The result is an elegant space that looks like it’s been casually thrown together and is super relaxing, somewhere everyone will want to linger.
Pale Limed Oak, available in a gluedown or rigid core option
If your taste is for bolder colours and patterns, pairing natural earthy shades with moss green or dusky blues will create a scheme with plenty of warmth and personality. A few highlights in antiqued gold or bronze, for example in mirrors, picture frames or light fittings, will add a sophisticated flourish and a touch of luxury.
Flooring is one of the largest surfaces in a room so getting this right will bring your scheme to life. The natural textures of wood or stone design flooring offer warm sandy shades that will bring depth and character to your room. You might want to create a barely there style that creates a sense of space with a full-sized plank or tile in a straight lay or diagonal pattern. Alternatively, you could introduce extra textural interest with a smaller plank in a herringbone pattern.
Why not explore the natural beauty of earthy colours in your own home with our Floorstyle room visualiser?
Simply choose from a selection of room images or upload a photo of your space and experiment with different wood or stone designs and laying patterns.