Earth tones are colors that are pulled directly from nature and represent natural elements like sand, soil, woods, and rocks. They are muted, natural shades that provide an organic and soothing feel. Here are 4 key earth tone colors:
Beige
Beige is a pale brown color that resembles tones found in natural sands and soils. It is a warm, muted neutral that provides a soft, subtle backdrop. Beige is often used as a base color in interior design and works well with both warm and cool accent colors.
Beige represents earthy, wholesome qualities. It’s considered a safe, conservative color that promotes stability. In color psychology, beige evokes feelings of calmness, security, and tranquility.
Some examples of different shades of beige:
| Cream | Light beige with a creamy off-white tone |
| Khaki | Yellowish-brown beige |
| Taupe | Dark grey-brown beige |
Beige works well with blue, green, purple, pink, brown, and other earth tones. When decorating with beige, add texture and warmth with wood accents and natural fibers. Layer on ornate patterns and unique accessories to create visual interest.
Brown
Brown represents the earthy tones found in tree trunks, rich soil, and other organic elements from nature. It’s a stable, grounded color that evokes qualities of warmth, comfort, and durability.
The color brown has shades that range from light tans to dark browns. Some shades have red or yellow undertones, while others take on more grey. Here are some different types of brown:
| Coffee | Medium reddish-brown |
| Tan | Light yellowish-brown |
| Russet | Reddish autumnal brown |
| Umber | Dark yellowish-brown |
In design, brown works well with other earthy neutrals like beige, cream, and tan. It also complements rich accent colors like terra cotta, avocado green, and burnt orange. Different shades of brown can create a monochromatic scheme when used together.
Olive Green
Olive green is an earthy green tone that resembles the color of green olives. It has hints of grey and brown mixed in with a green base, muting the color. Olive green represents nature, growth, renewal, and the great outdoors.
Here are some of the most common shades of olive green:
| Forest Green | Deep green with grey undertones |
| Army Green | Grayish muted green |
| Artichoke | Yellow-toned grey green |
Olive green pairs nicely with neutral tones like beige, tan, and light brown. It also works well with other colors found in nature like sage green, burnt orange, and terra cotta. Use olive green in moderation to add an earthy, organic touch.
Terracotta
Terracotta is an earthy reddish-orange color resembling natural clay. Historically, terracotta clay was used to make roof shingles, pottery, decorative tiles, and other earthenware items. As a color, terracotta adds a rustic, sunbaked tone to designs.
Terracotta instantly brings warmth and adobe charm to any space. Here are some shades of this earthy color:
| Burnt Orange | Red-orange reminiscent of autumn leaves |
| Adobe | Warm peachy-tan color |
| Brick Red | Neutral reddish tone reminiscent of clay bricks |
Use terracotta alongside sandy neutrals like cream and beige. Terracotta also coordinates nicely with sage green, sky blue, and other natural colors. Add terracotta accents to bedrooms, living rooms, and outdoor spaces to create an earthy feel.
Benefits of Earth Tones
Now that we’ve looked at 4 key earth tone colors, let’s examine some of the benefits that these natural, muted shades provide:
- Calming – Earth tones are inherently soothing colors that lower stress.
- Natural – They connect us to the outdoors and ground us.
- Versatile – Earth tones work in any room with almost any style.
- Timeless – Earth tones don’t go out of style and have endured the test of time.
- Inviting – They give spaces a welcoming, cozy aura.
Earth tones promote relaxation in homes and other environments. They provide a neutral background that allows brighter accent colors to pop.
Using Earth Tones in Design
Here are some tips for effectively using earth tone colors in interior design:
- Select beige, tan, or light brown as a base wall color to open up a space.
- Paint ceiling beams, banisters, and trim in a rich wood tone.
- Choose terracotta, sage, or olive to add organic personality through accent pieces.
- Incorporate natural textures like wood, rattan, jute, and stone.
- Layer on ornate patterns and area rugs for visual interest.
- Mix and match shades of browns, taupes, and tans for a monochromatic look.
When using multiple earth tones, vary textures and depths to create contrast. Too much of one tone can make rooms feel flat.
Earth Tone Color Schemes
Earth tones are extremely versatile and work well together in both monochromatic and complementary schemes. Here are some examples of popular earth tone color combinations:
Beige and Sage Green
This soothing combo pairs warm beige with lively sage green. It’s perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms, and offices. The beige grounds the space, while sage green adds a refreshing pop.
Cream, Tan, and Terracotta
Mixing different shades of beige and brown with terracotta accents creates a cozy, sunbaked look. This works great in living rooms, dens, and outdoor patio spaces.
Olive Green, Brown, and Sand
Olives, browns, tans, and sand beiges mimic the colors found in nature. Use different shades of green, brown, and beige for a harmonious, organic look.
Monochromatic Brown
Shades of brown ranging from light tan to deep espresso make for a sophisticated, polished monochrome. Add wood tones and creamy ivory to complete the look.
Conclusion
Earth tones like beige, brown, olive green, and terracotta are timeless, versatile colors that connect us to nature. They provide a neutral backdrop that creates a soothing, welcoming atmosphere.
Incorporating earth tones into interior design brings out warmth and adds cozy allure. Beige, brown, and green act as organic neutrals that pair well with other shades found in the natural world. Terracotta and clay tones add rustic personality.
Use light earth tones on walls and save the richer, deeper shades for accents and decorative flourishes. Mixing organic textures also brings out the beauty of earth tones.
So embrace the grounding, wholesome nature of earth tones to give your home a relaxed, inviting vibe. Let these natural colors reconnect you to the great outdoors.
