How Earth Tones are Dominating Interior Design in 2025

After years of cool grays, stark whites, and bold, jewel-toned shades, interior design is experiencing a significant shift towards warmth and connection with nature. 
Earth tones are making a strong comeback in 2025, offering a sense of tranquility, comfort, and groundedness to living spaces. This resurgence is more than just a trend; it reflects a deeper desire for nurturing environments that promote well-being and a connection to the natural world.

The Allure of Earth Tones

Earth tones are colors found in nature, such as the browns of soil, the greens of forests, and the reds of clay. These colors evoke feelings of comfort, calm, and relaxation, making them ideal for creating inviting and serene interiors. 

In 2025, the palette of earth tones is expanding beyond traditional browns to include a wider range of natural shades. 

Designer Ghislaine Viñas from ELLE DECOR anticipates “moodier and muddier tones” throughout design projects, including desaturated hues, dusty blues, and clay colors.

Specific earth tones expected to be popular in 2025 include:

• Terracotta: A warm, reddish-brown that adds a touch of vibrancy and energy.
• Sage Green: A soft, muted green that brings a sense of calm and tranquility.
• Truffle: A deep, rich brown that combines chocolate and taupe for a luxurious feel.
• Eggplant: A dark, sophisticated purple with brown undertones.
• Grayish-Blue: A calming and versatile blue with a hint of gray.
• Iron Oxide: A deep, earthy red with a touch of rust.
• Pink with Brown Undertones: A soft and subtle pink that adds warmth and sophistication.
• Olive Green: This tone brings balance to your interior and creates a serene atmosphere.
• Beige: Earthy neutrals are set to dominate interior design color schemes.

These colors can be used in various ways, from wall colors and furniture to textiles and accessories. They provide a versatile backdrop for creating a range of styles, from rustic to modern.

Driving Forces Behind the Trend

Several factors are contributing to the resurgence of earth tones in interior design12:

• Biophilic Design: The growing interest in biophilic design, which integrates nature into the built environment, is a major driver of the earth tone trend1. Biophilic design aims to enhance well-being and create a stronger connection to the natural world through elements like natural light, plants, raw materials, and earthy decor.
  
• Post-Pandemic Psychology: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted people’s psyches, leading many to seek solace and healing in nature1. This desire for connection with the outdoors has translated into a preference for natural colors and materials in interior design.
  
• Sustainability: The increasing awareness of sustainability is also fueling the earth tone trend. Earth tones align with the eco-friendly ethos of reducing environmental impact, as they reflect the colors of the natural world.
  
• Emotional Resonance: After years of sleek minimalism and stark neutrals, consumers are embracing colors that evoke a sense of grounding, well-being, and emotional connection. Earth tones soothe, calm, and create environments where people feel at ease.

How to Style Your Home with Earth Tones

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels

Incorporating earth tones into your home decor can be both stylish and timeless:

1. Choose Complementary Colors: Earth tones work well with a variety of other colors, but it’s important to choose complementary shades to create a balanced and harmonious look. Lighter earth tones can serve as a backdrop for deeper shades, while pops of color can be incorporated through decorative pieces or artwork.
   
2. Extend Earth Tones to Your Exterior: Earth tones aren’t just limited to interiors—they can beautifully enhance your home’s exterior as well. Light-colored roofs, for example, can provide sustainable benefits by reflecting sunlight and reducing energy consumption. Adding earth-toned tiles in patios, pool areas, and walkways can create a seamless connection between nature and your home’s design. Outercle’s collection of warm tone pool tiles offers an excellent way to bring earthy hues into your outdoor retreat, blending style with durability for a timeless aesthetic.
   
3. Incorporate Natural Materials: Warm tones pair beautifully with natural materials like wood, stone, rattan, and wool. These materials add texture and warmth to a space, enhancing the connection to nature. Include plants, wooden elements to your interiors
   
4. Add Metallic Accents: Metallics like brass, copper, gold, and silver can add a touch of luxury and sophistication to earth-toned interiors.
   
5. Create Sanctuary Spaces: Use earth tones to create “sanctuary spaces” in your home – environments where you can unplug, unwind, and feel grounded. Focus on creating personalized and comfortable spaces that promote relaxation and well-being.
   

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Using earth tones in interior design

When using earth tones in interior design, it’s essential to avoid common mistakes that can undermine the intended warmth and harmony of your space. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

1. Overusing a Single Earth Tone: Relying too heavily on one earth tone can make a space feel monotonous. Instead, incorporate a variety of earth tones to create depth and interest. For instance, pairing warm browns with muted greens and soft creams can enhance the overall aesthetic without overwhelming the senses.
   
2. Neglecting Lighting Considerations: Lighting significantly affects how colors appear in a room. Dark earth tones may look stunning in natural light but can become oppressive in dimly lit spaces. Always test paint samples at different times of day to see how they interact with your room’s lighting before making a final decisio
   
3. Failing to Balance with Neutrals: Too many bold earth tones can create a chaotic look. It’s crucial to balance vibrant hues with neutral shades like beige, gray, or white. This creates a calming backdrop that allows the earth tones to shine without feeling overwhelming.
4. Ignoring Texture Variety: A common mistake is using flat, uniform surfaces that can make an earth-toned space feel dull. Incorporate various textures through fabrics, furniture, and decor items—such as woven textiles, wooden furniture, and ceramics—to add visual interest and warmth.
5. Mixing Too Many Shades: While it’s tempting to experiment with multiple shades of earth tones, doing so can lead to a disjointed look. Stick to one or two main shades and complement them with accents that harmonize rather than clash.
6. Overlooking Seasonal Adaptability: Earth tones can feel stale if not adapted seasonally. Incorporate lighter shades in warmer months and deeper hues in colder months to keep your decor feeling fresh and relevant throughout the year.
7. Not Incorporating Natural Elements: Earth tones are most effective when paired with natural materials like wood, stone, and plants. Neglecting these elements can dilute the earthy vibe you’re aiming for. Ensure that your decor includes organic textures and elements to enhance the connection to nature.
   

By being mindful of these common mistakes, you can effectively use earth tones to create inviting, warm, and welcoming interiors that reflect your personal style.

The Timeless Appeal of Earth Tones

Earth tones offer a timeless appeal that transcends fleeting design trends. They provide a sense of calm, warmth, and natural beauty that can transform any space into a cozy retreat.

Whether you’re a homeowner looking to redecorate, a DIY decorator seeking inspiration, or a professional interior designer, earth tones offer endless possibilities for creating inviting, stylish, and sustainable interiors. By embracing the return to warmth, you can create a home that feels both beautiful and nurturing.