Earth tones are natural, subdued colors like brown, tan, and beige that come from the earth and ground. Using earth tones in interior design can create a relaxed, grounded, and calming aesthetic. While earth tones are muted by nature, there are ways to make them pop in your home decor. Combining earth tones with brighter, bolder accent colors brings out their vibrancy and dimension.
Complementary Color Schemes
A simple way to make earth tones pop is by pairing them with complementary colors on the color wheel. Complementary colors are directly across from each other and create a high contrast, vibrant look.
Some examples of complementary color pairs that work well with earth tones include:
– Orange and blue
– Red and green
– Yellow and purple
For instance, pairing warm orange or terra cotta accents with earthy greens and browns brings a subtle vibrancy. The orange pops against the green background. Using blue decorative pillows or artwork on tan and brown furniture makes the cool tones stand out.
Complementary colors naturally enhance one another, so they are an easy shortcut for making earth tones come alive. The contrast makes each color look richer and more saturated.
Analogous Color Palettes
Analogous colors are next to each other on the color wheel, creating a harmonious, calming combination. While not as high contrast, analogical color schemes can also accent earth tones in a soothing way.
Some analogous pairings that work with earthy hues include:
– Green, yellow-green, yellow
– Blue, blue-green, green
– Red, red-orange, orange
For example, layering olive green, mustard yellow, and tan textiles creates a cohesive, earthy look. The yellow pops against the green background in a natural, understated way.
Using turquoise, teal, and brown together also brings out the subtle complexity of the earth tones. The analogous colors are close enough in hue that they seamlessly blend together.
Monochromatic Color Palettes
A monochromatic color scheme uses different shades, tones, and tints of one main color. This technique allows you to create depth and dimension using purely earth tones.
For example, use lighter creams alongside deeper umbers and chocolate browns. Accent with black and white for contrast. The darker earth tones will stand out against the soft neutrals.
Or combine the greenish-gray of sage with olives, emeralds, and chartreuse. Lighter mint greens can look vibrant against deep forest green. Use texture and pattern to add visual interest in the monochrome palette.
Metallic Accents
Metallic accents are an easy way to shine a spotlight on earth tones. The sheen and luminosity of metals provide the perfect pop of light.
For a glam look, pair rich golds and coppers with brown and beige furniture or rugs. Bronze and brass accents also glow against tan and sand colors.
Cool silver and chrome pops against greens and taupes. Try metallic throws, pillows, frames, vases or coffee tables to accent your earth tones with shine.
Bold and Bright Accents
Sometimes you need a bright, vibrant accent color to really make those earth tones stand out. Bold and saturated jewel tones provide an intense pop of color.
Try using fuchsia, emerald green, cobalt blue, or eggplant purple in small home decor doses. Cushions, artwork, flowers, candles, and tableware are easy ways to add in punches of color.
Because brighter colors are visually dominant, you only need a little bit to contrast with muted earth tones. The vivid accents will instantly become focal points.
Natural Materials and Textures
Incorporating natural materials is an easy way to accent earth tones in a harmonious way. Wood, jute, cotton, leather, and stone automatically complement earthy hues through their textures and grains.
Raw wood coffee tables, shelving, bowls, and placemats add beautiful contrast and warmth. Natural fiber baskets and rugs provide subtle visual interest that accents the colors.
Distressed leathers, nubby cotton throws, and handcrafted ceramics also blend seamlessly into earth tone palettes, creating depth, dimension, and texture.
Bold Patterns and Geometric Shapes
Sometimes adding a bold geometric pattern is all you need to energize those neutrals. The stark contrast between organic earth tones and graphic prints generates vibrancy.
Try tribal or Ikat prints in black and white or colorful versions. Hopscotch and honeycomb patterns also pop against earthy backgrounds.
Use geometric patterned rugs, wallpaper, upholstery, pillows, or artwork to create definition. The colors will appear deeper and richer next to the repeating lines, shapes, and angles.
| Earth Tone Color | Complementary Accent Colors |
|---|---|
| Greens | Red, pink, orange |
| Tans and browns | Blue, purple, green |
| Taupes and greys | Orange, yellow, chartreuse |
Paint Color Choices
A fresh coat of paint is an easy way to accentuate earth tones. Choose energetic paint colors that contrast with your existing earthy palette.
Some lively paint colors that make earth tones pop include:
– Sapphire blue
– Coral pink
– Chartreuse
– Lavender
– Grass green
– Burnt orange
Use accent walls or colored front doors to add punctuation marks of vibrant color. Painting ceilings, bookcases, furniture and cabinetry are also great ways to incorporate color pops.
If your home is primarily earth tones, focus the bright colors into the spaces you want to highlight and energize. For example, use coral pink in a dining room, emerald green in a bathroom, or sky blue in a bedroom.
Layering Decor Accents
Creative layering of home decor is an artful way to accent earth tones. Combine prints, textures, colors and materials to add visual energy in any room.
Start with an earth tone foundation of tan linen sofa and jute rug. Layer in colorful throw pillows or a multicolored blanket. Add in wood bowls and iron candleholders for texture and shine. Display vibrant artwork for little bursts of color.
The result is a dynamic, lived-in space with pops of color and texture that keep it visually interesting. Thoughtful layering allows you to incorporate accent colors naturally into your earth tone palette.
Conclusion
Earth tones are intrinsically grounded and soothing. But incorporating the right accent colors and textures can bring out their hidden vibrancy.
Using complementary hues from the color wheel is a foolproof way to make earth tones pop. But don’t be afraid to experiment with bright, bold colors too.
Accent walls, artwork, textiles, metals and accessories allow you to add vibrant pops easily. Keep accents minimal and strategic for the biggest visual impact.
With thoughtful color combinations and layering of textures, earth tones can become the subtle backdrop that lets your unique decor shine through.