21 Earth Tone Decor Ideas To Warm Up Your Home

<p>The Spruce / Alyssa Vela</p>

The Spruce / Alyssa Vela

Inspired by the natural world, earth tones add a soothing warmth to any room, no matter your decor style. Painting your walls or even just bringing in rugs, throw pillows, or bedding in an earth tone can update your space without the cost of a total makeover or the risk of losing your security deposit.

Check out these stylish rooms in earthy tones of brown, green, terracotta, and more that will make your home feel more cozy and inviting. 

Soil Brown

<p><a href="https://www.fantasticfrank.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Fantastic Frank</a></p>

Chocolate brown paint reminiscent of the soil of the Earth envelops this bedroom office from Fantastic Frank in a warm and soothing hug that grounds the space, while white accents add vivid contrast.

Mustard

<p><a href="https://www.fantasticfrank.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Fantastic Frank</a></p>

Mustard, curry, turmeric, and other shades of darker golden yellows have become incredibly popular in recent years on everything from bedding to throw pillows, rugs. These colors blend in well in neutral interiors of any sort and can add warmth to a minimalist or small space, like the glowing, softly energizing wall paint in this bedroom from Fantastic Frank that is paired with soft shades of white to keep it feeling airy and fresh.

Warm Mud Brown

<p><a href="https://lobsterandswan.com/renovation-stories-a-forever-autumn-bedroom/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Lobster and Swan</a></p>

Warm Mud Brown paint from Atelier Ellis gives this serene bedroom from Lobster and Swan an earthy and relaxing feel that is complemented by live edge wood wall-mounted nightstands and rumpled linen bedding in shades of white and terracotta. This is the kind of earthy color that can read as anything from chocolate to dark beige pink depending on the light.

Burnt Orange

<p>Design by <a href="https://www.hubofthehousestudio.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Hub of the House Studio</a> / <a href="http://www.meghanbob.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="2" rel="nofollow">Meghan bob Photography</a></p>

This midcentury modern-inspired bathroom from Hub of the House Studio includes floor-to-ceiling burnt orange tiles that gives it a vintage feel that is complemented with terrazzo flooring leading to the walk-in shower. Brown tiles reinforce the earthy color palette.

Ochre

<p><a href="https://www.fantasticfrank.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Fantastic Frank</a></p>

Deeper and more daring than mustard, ochre tones inspired by the natural clay pigment give this bedroom from Fantastic Frank a deeply calming and simultaneously energizing feel.

Sand

<p><a href="https://brophyinteriors.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Brophy Interiors</a></p>

Brophy Interiors mixed sandy beige tones with soft white and gray accents to create a serene neutral earth toned atmosphere in this California living room.

Sage Green Paint + Warm Wood

<p>Design by <a href="https://www.leanneford.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Leanne Ford Interiors</a> / Photo by<a href="https://www.erinashkelly.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="2" rel="nofollow"> Erin Kelly</a></p>

Sage green paint on the walls and cabinetry mixed with vintage accents and a warm stained wood built-in cupboard give this kitchen from Leanne Ford Interiors an earthy, timeless, lived in feel.

Shades of Beige + Brown Accents

<p><a href="https://www.fantasticfrank.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Fantastic Frank</a></p>

This dreamy Ibiza getaway from Fantastic Frank has the feel of a sepia-toned photograph, with sandy textured stucco walls, warm wood accents, and a raft of throw pillows on the built-in sofa in shades of golden brown linen.

Deep Olive Green

<p>Design by <a href="https://cathiehonginteriors.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">Cathie Hong Interiors</a> / <a href="https://margaretaustinphoto.com" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="2" rel="nofollow">Margaret Austin Photo</a></p>

Earthy green paint gives this kitchen from Cathie Hong Interiors a grounded feel that brings the outdoors in and complements stainless steel appliances and cool stone on the backsplash, countertops, and kitchen island.

Soft Terracotta

<p><a href="http://www.devolkitchens.com" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">deVOL Kitchens</a></p>

Terracotta tones have been all the rage in recent years in home decor from accessories to textiles, furniture, and paint colors that use the soothing earth tone as inspiration but soften it for the home. This English kitchen from deVOL Kitchens is covered in a luminous shade of soft terracotta that complements brown wood ceiling beams and lends a warm glow to the timeless space.

Brown + Rust

<p>Design by <a href="https://www.leanneford.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Leanne Ford Interiors</a> / Photo by <a href="https://www.erinashkelly.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="2" rel="nofollow">Erin Kelly</a></p>

Leanne Ford Interiors added texture and warmth to the walls of this sunny cottage by layering PPG Pure Timeless White paint with a coffee wash. The earth tone feel is amped up with vintage dark wood and rust accents.

Olive Green + Dark Wood

<p><a href="https://lobsterandswan.com/renovation-stories-a-forever-autumn-bedroom/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Lobster and Swan</a></p>

This kitchen from Lobster and Swan got an earthy makeover with olive green paint on the cabinetry and dark brown stained wood on the floors and reclaimed oven hood and open shelving to display wood cutting boards and earthenware.

Shades of Brown

<p><a href="https://tylerkaru.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Tyler Karu Design + Interiors</a> / Photo by Erin Little</p>

Tyler Karu Design + Interiors / Photo by Erin Little

Tyler Karu Design + Interiors dressed this Spanish Colonial living room in warm shades of brown from the dark chocolate moldings to the rich brown grasscloth wallpaper to the glazed caramel tile on the fireplace surround. Soft white trim and gray furnishings add relief.

Shades of Terracotta + Brick

<p><a href="http://www.devolkitchens.com" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">deVOL Kitchens</a></p>

This warm and inviting space from deVOL Kitchens mixed terracotta floor tiles with a gorgeously well worn patina with aged brick and soft terracotta wall paint to create a timeless and earthy feel for the ages.

Light Browns + Mixed Woods

<p>Design by <a href="https://arthomegarden.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">AHG Interiors</a> / Photo by <a href="https://www.nickglimenakis.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="2" rel="nofollow">Nick Glimenakis</a></p>

Soft, washed out earth tones of beige and pale brown and light woods mix with creamy shiplap walls and rich wood ceiling beams to give this renovated farmhouse living room from AHG Interiors a soothing and luminous feel.

Rust Accents + Woven Textures

<p><a href="https://www.beccainteriors.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Becca Interiors</a></p>

Becca Interiors added warmth to this modern traditional bedroom with rust accents on the velvet throw pillows and drapes that add extra warmth to the natural palette of earth tones and woven accents.

Mixed Woods + Warm Peach Tones

<p><a href="https://lobsterandswan.com/renovation-stories-a-forever-autumn-bedroom/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Lobster and Swan</a></p>

Lobster and Swan created an earthy bohemian feel in this U.K. living room by draping the furniture in earthy tones of brown, coral, and off-white. Dark hardwood flooring and organic wood accents reinforce the natural, calming feel of the room.

Burnt Orange + Rust + Brown

<p>Design by <a href="https://arthomegarden.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">AHG Interiors</a> / Photo by <a href="https://www.nickglimenakis.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="2" rel="nofollow">Nick Glimenakis</a></p>

AHG Interiors added warmth and a slightly throwback feel to this light and bright modern bedroom with a 1970s inspired color palette of earth tones—from the rust velvet tufted headboard and chunky knit throw blanket to the burnt orange bedding, brown accents, and copper table lamp.

Light Browns + Woven Accents

<p><a href="https://www.beccainteriors.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Becca Interiors</a></p>

Becca Interiors used pale earth tones in shades of light brown and beige to give this light and airy bedroom a warm and natural feel that complements the wood ceiling beams and woven pendant light.

Wood + Leather

<p><a href="https://tylerkaru.com/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Tyler Karu Design + Interiors</a> / Photo by Erin Little</p>

Tyler Karu Design + Interiors / Photo by Erin Little

Tyler Karu Design + Interiors mixed rich wood tones with a brown leather Eames lounger and a fabric window shade to filter the light in this relaxing earth tone sitting room.

Dusty Browns

<p><a href="https://lobsterandswan.com/renovation-stories-a-forever-autumn-bedroom/" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1">Lobster and Swan</a></p>

This winter dining room from Lobster and Swan mixes warm, faded earth tones of brown, pink, cream, and peach with dark reclaimed flooring, bentwood chairs, and a table set for company with an epic linen tablecloth that is rumpled just so.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are considered earth tones?

Earth tones are defined as colors that are inspired by the natural world, primarily those that resemble the literal soil of the earth. But in addition to warm browns, earth tone colors include nature-inspired shades such as terracotta, earthy greens, mustard yellows, and neutral sandy beiges, to name a few. While many people think of earth tones as muted shades, earth colors range in intensity from subtle to intense, inspired by the varied and expansive palette of the natural world.

How many earth tone colors are there?

Earth tones can be inspired by any aspect of the natural world, so there is no set number of colors that fall into this category. For every brown there is a nuance of brown from beige to cocoa to dark chocolate; terracotta can range from the bright orange of Mediterranean rooftop tile to sun-bleached pink of a faded garden pot; and earthy greens can include anything from sage to moss or olive tones.

Read Next:Beautiful Beach-Inspired Color Palettes