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Interior Design
Earth Tones: How To Create A Zen Home
Modified: December 6, 2023
Create a serene atmosphere in your homes with these exquisite earth tones! Versatile and stylish, these tones are guaranteed to help revitalize your space.
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Admit it, there are times when we grow exhausted from our prolonged stay indoors. Spending the majority of the day cooped up in the confines of your room just does not sound as appealing as it used to be. By now, you’ve might’ve had memorized all the tiny details in your house and gotten bored of your rigid furniture and decorations. Well, it’s time for a change of pace by bringing a natural, calming mood into your own space. Adding earth color tones to your home’s interiors can make all the difference in appearance.
What Are Earth Tones?
Before you buy anything to give your space a makeover, it is important to know the basics of earth tones first. This will save you time and the risk of turning this inspiration into a disastrous affair. Earth tones are colors that are laden and mixed with gray and serve as allusions to nature. They remind us of the vibrant skies and the majestic view of lush green forests. They wake up our senses with the yellow shades of fruits, the colors of autumn, and the brown and gray that emulate the very ground we walk on.
The use of an earth tone color palette is still trendy after all these years. It is one of the enduring color schemes not only in clothing but also in the quest for a calming ambiance at home. The use of earth tones also helps achieve a zen state of mind. This philosophy centers around the idea of tranquility, balance, and simplicity. As a result, the presence of earth colors becomes a way to experience a sense of inner peace.
Now that you are armed with this understanding, how can you exactly incorporate these tones to create a calm atmosphere in our homes? Read on and find out.
Earth Tones: How To Create A Zen Home
The most popular earth tones come in a diverse range of gray. These tones give a balanced mix of two contrasting elements: the light and the dark – creating a final product that is neither too dramatic nor too reserved. You can charm your home with the help of charcoal gray. This shade complements and can blend easily with other colors. It can serve as the center of attention when given a proper accentuation.
Sofa, couches, and recliners are some of the best mediums to incorporate this tone. These elements take up an ideal amount of space and are capable of creating an accommodating aura. Take, for instance, the presence of a charcoal gray sectional sofa. The sofa itself may add a minimalist appeal, while its earthy tone allows light to pass through the area it is in.
Light as we know is an essential element in attaining a pristine mood indoors. Placing this type of cushion sectional may also bring out a modern and classy style in any area of your house. Beds are also an exemplary idea to recreate this. Beddings, frames, and pillows that carry the gray earth tones may create a quiet and cozy ambiance.
Tip: Gray earth tones like charcoal gray and brown gray can go with deep contrasting colors such as red and blue. Try blending them with the help of minimalist vases and jars. Get more ideas about how gray can transform your interiors with this list.
Charcoal Gray Color Codes:
HEX: #36454f
RGB: (54, 69, 79)
CMYK: (32, 13, 0, 69)
Like gray, green is one of the most common earth tones out there. Tones like forest green, deep, olive green, and moss remind us of the vivid scenery outside. As a result, this makes their presence exude a fresh and relaxing mood. When done the right way, this is achievable with the help of decorations and furniture. One way to do this is through the help of a simple throw blanket. Keeping one at home is not only convenient and dependable but is stylish at the same time.
The simple design of a throw blanket can easily accentuate any element inside the home. Along with the texture and warmth that it offers, adding a touch of forest green may increase creativity and serenity.
Tip: It is also best to add a touch of green tones to your office or your creative space. This will help to nurture the flow of energy, productivity, and clarity of the mind.
Forest Green Color Codes:
HEX: #006E33
RGB: (0, 110, 51)
CMYK: (100, 0, 100, 31)
Who says that blue has to always remain synonymous with melancholy? Blue is striking, exuberant, and conveys liveliness as it is therapeutic. Its earthy tones remind us of the vivid, clear blue skies reflected on the deep sea and ocean in the middle of summer.
With its association with these elements, it is cooling and uplifting. It is also a great color to boost inspiration and creativity. At the same time, it is an excellent addition to foster an inviting mood in your living room. Whether you opt for deep blue, navy, antique blue, or mountain water, all these earth tones are sleek and can charm your space.
Dark blue earth tones tend to give a sense of depth and independence in artistic expression. They are open to interpretation. They are also applicable in creating statement designs. In contrast, light blue earthy tones are perfect for creating a softer atmosphere. Take antique blue for example. This earthy tone is ideal to recreate a sense of breathable yet elegant presence in any area of the home. Furniture with this tone is an excellent addition. As pictured above, this kind of furniture features a natural weatherworn aesthetic. This appeal is further enhanced by its multi-functional storage capacity.
Tip: Keep in mind that too much use of blue in general may cause a suffocating atmosphere as it tends to crowd the space. It may also restrict the availability of an open, light area. Still, experimenting with blue subdued earth tones like grey and beige may result in a welcoming environment.
(Dark) Antique Blue Color Codes:
HEX: #237b9f
RGB: (35, 123, 159)
CMYK: (78, 23, 0, 38)
Earth tones will never be complete without brown. This color, which is reminiscent of sand and dirt, enables your home to exude a sense of safety, comfort, and solitude. Brown is one of the usual go-to colors to ensure a sophisticated approach in interior design. It tends to fade into the background, making contrasting tones mix and match with it well.
Subsequently, dark brown earth tones can make a bold statement and may steal the show. Earthy tones like rustic brown, pine brown, terracotta, coffee, and chocolate brown give out an organic and broody vibe. Incorporating rustic brown into your space, for example, may give a classy appeal. Rustic interiors have been in the trend for quite some time and it shows no sign of stopping anytime soon. It is one of the timeless fixtures in homes due to its elegance.
Beyond ironically suggesting a sense of ruggedness, dark brown is also minimalist and coincides with the idea of an organic, raw flow of energy. This wooden rustic brown mirror, for example, brings out a casual appeal that will work well when positioned in your dim-lit bathroom. This addition will help ease tension and maximize comfort. On the other hand, light brown earth tones soften and transcend simplicity. Incorporating this tone will ensure a friendly and vintage atmosphere.
Tip: Want to know more about the rustic aesthetic? This list will help you get all the ideas you need
Rustic Brown Color Codes: (Cologne Earth Brown)
HEX: #644535
RGB: (100, 69, 43)
CMYK: (0, 0.31, 0.47, 0.607)
The desire to take the color of your house up a notch can strike anytime. When it does happen, do not fret! You can always trust orange earthy tones to get the job done. Orange as a color is timeless. As a combination of red and yellow, it is stimulating and radiates an enthusiastic aura. Its earth-tone counterparts take us back to the warmth of summer.
Burnt orange, for instance, can lighten up a dark corner. It is ideal in any place inside our homes since it can create a friendly mood. Likewise, it can boost productivity and confidence. Kitchen items like cabinets and utensils usually come with this earthy tone. But simple additions in this color such as rugs and carpets can also help solidify a soothing vibe.
Burnt Orange Color Codes:
HEX: #cc5500
RGB: (204, 85, 0)
CMYK: (0, 0.58,1, 0.2)
Yellow earthy tones do not have to be mellow all the time. After all, they allude to natural elements which radiate vivacity and optimism. They remind us of the sun, of juicy lemons, the color of sunflowers, and the bees feasting on their nectar. Mustard yellow is a great example of this as it invigorates and boosts creativity. It is also a popular tone for meditation purposes and acts as an effective aid in introspection and decision-making.
Duvet and pillow sets make an exceptional and simple way to achieve this radiance. While mustard is a subdued tone, combining it with contrasting colors such as navy will make it the center of attention. Bedside lampshades and light dimmers can also add to the calm ambiance of your home. They come in handy and can produce an enchanting appearance in any space of your house. You can also choose yellow shades with low lights to create a mysterious atmosphere.
Tip: You can create a gentler environment with the help of earth-toned candles. Having some aromatic candles may further produce a calming vibe as well.
Mustard Yellow Color Codes:
HEX: #HE1D01
RGB: (225, 173, 1)
CMYK: (0,23, 100, 12)
There is nothing more relaxing than letting the warm rays of the sun pass through the windows of our homes. It gives a warm, bright, and gentle atmosphere. One way to maintain your privacy and enjoy the warmth of natural light is to incorporate a taupe earth tone curtain. Taupe can transform any indoor and outdoor environment. It may bear resemblance to various shades of gray, however, it retains the astounding ability to stand out on its own.
As an earth tone, taupe is produced through the combination of brown and gray. It emulates the color of dirt, clay, rocks, and limestone. As it is a neutral color, it tends to produce a cooling effect. Taupe curtains like this one set a casual yet classy backdraft. It provides a balanced contrast of light and dark as it filters sunlight. Indoors, the presence of taupe furniture may also radiate a nostalgic appeal. Likewise, taupe may be a captivating addition to your patio or even on a deck. Tweak your space with the aid of taupe lounge chairs, canopies, and umbrellas for the full effect.
Tip: Taupe may also tend to fade to the background, but it complements soft pastels. Try combining this earth tone with the shades of red, pink, green, and light blue to get a flattering result. This tone also works amazing as a wall and house theme.
Taupe Color Codes:
HEX: #483C32
RGB: (179, 139, 109)
CMYK: (0, 22, 39, 30)
Your home can always stay classy with suitable earth tones and designs. A great way to do this is to create an ochre theme and use it to highlight distinctive features in your home. Ochre is an intense earth tone composed of brown, yellow, gray, and clay. Looking at this tone takes you to earth’s natural landforms such as mountains and caves. It is also reminiscent of the ancient artifacts we learned in our history lessons.
Due to its intensity, ochre works elegantly for walls and ceilings. It is eye-catching which makes it ideal both indoors and outdoors. Choosing an ochre wall paint lets you contrast dark and plain interior design. You can also do this with the help of simple decors like draping an ocher tablecloth or placing light-colored structural vases, wall prints, and art pieces around your space.
Tip: Ochre works and matches well with soft pastels. Combining them may help you achieve a refined, contemporary look.
Ochre Color Codes:
HEX: #CC7722
RGB: (204, 119, 34)
CMYK: (0,42, 83, 20)
Recreate with Natural Decorations
All these earth tones help foster comfort inside your personal space. But while we are all about the appeal of earth’s natural elements, why not go ahead and incorporate the real thing? Not only is it impressive and sustainable, but it is also a great way to become creative and save up. You can try collecting bits and pieces of shells, stones, wooden barks, and twigs and design them in whichever way you prefer. You can use them as a support for your macrame ornaments, or as a natural chandelier. Not only that, but you can also turn them into a personalized dreamcatcher or as any repurposed items that you can conjure up.
Decluttering – The Secret to Perfectly Incorporating Earth Tones
Decluttering is the most effective way to achieve that earthy, relaxing feel at home. Any effort to apply the various earth tones that we have mentioned above may turn futile if your space is a mess. Remember that clutter-free space is important. It gives you peace of mind and lets you have more brilliant ideas to recreate your inspirations.
You can make a list of all the important things that you still need and dump those unwanted files. Next, sort out those storage boxes and cupboards and file them all out based on these categories. Now that we have unearthed – pun intended – some of the best ways to use these earth tones, it is now your turn to transform your home into a personal sanctuary. The possibilities are endless.
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