Two Earthy Colour Schemes for the Home

Back to Nature

Inspired by my visit to the Scottish coast last month, I’ve developed two earthy interior schemes based on the colours and textures I saw in the landscape. In particular, I was impressed by the beautiful variety of beach pebbles I found along the Nairn coastline. Excited by these colourful treasures, I collected a handful to bring home to my studio. Since then, I’ve been exploring colour palettes for the home, using Farrow & Ball paints and accompanying materials.

What is an Earthy Colour Palette?

When used in interior design, earthy colours are inviting, warming and reassuring. Colours that derive from the natural world, such as rock, soil and clay are brought into our living environments through paints and materials. Earthy tones include stone, sand, beige and taupe, as well as warmer and richer terracotta, ochre and umber.

Warming Terracotta, Ochre & Cream

What was the inspiration behind the colour scheme?

This palette was inspired by the pink-red rocks covered in orange lichen that I saw on the Nairn coastline. I was instantly drawn to the harmonious colour combination of the red, pink and orange, astonished that nature creates such vibrant colours! Using Farrow & Ball’s Dutch Orange & Orange-Coloured White along with Red Earth & Incarnadine, this blend of yellow-orange and red-orange creates an inviting and energising fusion.

Where can this colour palette be used?

Best for: Dining rooms, hallways & kitchens

The yellow and red pigments in this palette make it ideal for north-facing rooms and will help to bring warmth into the room. The terracotta tones, earthy linens and soft cream carpet would create a cosy and intimate dining room, while the vibrant Dutch Orange would make a welcoming, sunny hallway. The zesty orange would also bring a pop of colour to a kitchen, stimulating both appetite and conversation. A fantastic, energising option to get your day off to the best start!

Carpet: Tim Page Carpets; Paints: Farrow & Ball; Linen: Ada & Ina, Merino Wool & Silk: James Hare.

Relaxing Stone, Sand & Taupe

What was the inspiration behind the colour scheme?

This palette was inspired by the golden sands at the enchanting Dornoch Beach, which was scattered with sea shells, rock pools and golden-green seaweed. The variety of earthy tones I saw such as taupe and beige would create a soothing, down-to-earth combination in a living space. The sandy beaches reminded me of Farrow & Ball’s beautiful brown-based Jitney and red-based neutrals Oxford Stone and Dead Salmon, all three of which would bring warmth to a room.

Where can this colour palette be used?

Best for: Bedrooms & Living Rooms

The subtle blend of earthy neutrals create a serene atmosphere, a perfect space for relaxing or sleeping in. The light grey beige Shaded White creates a calming backdrop in a bedroom, pared with the grey brown Mouse’s Back. Together they are a grounding and cosy combination, along with the soft wool carpet for under the feet; while the fresh linens and merino wool & silk create a luxurious softness and warmth. At the end of a busy day, it is a very comforting palette to unwind in.