Color Trends: earthy tones for calm and relaxation in your home
During the past few years, there has been a rise in warm, soothing, and inviting colors inspired by nature. 2023 continues that trend. We are seeing an important shift where people are choosing to focus on their self-care, comfort, and well-being. It’s about slowing down, taking deep breaths, being still, and enjoying the present moment while connecting to your soul. We are all a part of Mother Earth, and she is a part of us, and we are naturally drawn to colors from nature, wanting to incorporate them into our homes. Here are 7 warm, rich, and earthy colors for calm and relaxation.
1. October Mist
“Green gives the calm we need in a world full of chaos.” Benjamin Moore’s October Mist is a beautiful soothing sage green that connects us to nature. This gently shaded color anchors and uplifts, encouraging creative expression. Add this soft green to your kitchen cabinets with handcrafted terracotta floor tiles for contrast and dimension or to bedding for a cozy and relaxing ambiance. This new neutral works beautifully with maple wood floors (common in Scandinavian furniture and homes) and will accentuate the beautiful architecture of any home.
2. Deep Reddish Brown
Brown is one of the main colors of Mother Earth. Farrow & Ball’s Deep Reddish Brown is a warm, striking, yet welcoming color with red undertones that is an eye-catching color to incorporate in living rooms or dining rooms. Splash this rich color on your walls, interior doors, or ceilings. The deep warm tone of this color will look effortlessly chic during the day but also create comfort and coziness at night for the family to gather together.
3. Stardew
When I think of blue, I see the limitless ocean and the expansive sky. Blues are soothing and relaxing, helping to calm your mind, breathe, and lower stress. Sherwin Williams Stardew is a blue-gray that exudes a calming energy reminding us to slow down, be still, and enjoy the present moment. This serene color is perfect in a bedroom or office space with soft whites, beige, and creams. Add elements from nature such as plants, marble surfaces, and wool accessories.
4. Ochre
Ochre reminds me of vast dry grass fields that stretch endlessly. Benjamin Moore’s Ochre is a rich and charismatic gold with earthy olive undertones. It’s a versatile color that’s warm and cozy in winter yet fresh and uplifting during summer. It works well with any color, but light greys really bring out the vibrancy, while darker greys offer a subdued and sophisticated finish. Pair with dark espresso wood floors and terracotta accessories for contrast.
5. Olive
Farrow & Ball’s Olive is a beautiful, muted color that encourages comfort, rest, and stillness. It is an earthy green best suited for smaller spaces without a lot of natural light such as a powder room where the richness of this color really comes alive. For a homey and calm vibe with a touch of classic sophistication, pair with white casings, wood furniture, and black accents.
Verf Behang Marco van den Berg
6. Grandfather Clock
Benjamin Moore’s Grandfather Clock is warm full-bodied chocolate brown that makes a statement. It is a robust color that gives off an earthy richness making a room feel inviting, comfortable yet elegant. Since brown is one of the primary colors found in nature, it naturally emits a regal and powerful energy. The best way to use brown is to mix textures and incorporate light and dark contrasts. For example, a velvet sofa with cane armchairs, a marble coffee table, a bouclé throw, and a wool rug. For contrast, pair with soft white trims and wainscoting.
7. Rockwood Terracotta
Rockwood Terracotta is a rich and warm earthy red-orange with a touch of brown, adding personality and infusing character to any space. Use this Sherwin William’s terracotta as wall paint, on sofa throw pillows, bedding, planters, and accessories. Spice up your floors, kitchen backsplash, or bathroom with terracotta tiles which come in all sizes, shapes, and shades. It pairs well with muted shades of white, cream, gray, pink, ochre, and teal to name a few. Terracotta also works nicely with woven homeware, such as woven rugs, baskets, and bowls.
All these colors are warm, soothing, and relaxing inspired by nature, which is perfect for creating your home sanctuary. This trend will continue where the focus for home industries will remain on self-care, mental health, and comfort. Choose a color that speaks to you. If you see a color and it feels good to you, trust it. If you aren’t sure how to incorporate the color into your home, contact a design expert who can help guide you. Don’t follow the trend, set your own. Remember, trends come and go. It’s more important to fill your home with colors and items you love that represent who you are rather than what’s trendy and popular right now. If you need a designer’s help and touch to transform your space, please schedule a 30-minute discovery call here.