How to Introduce Earth Tones at Home

Introducing earth tones into your home provides a timeless sense of warmth and stability. We’re sure there’s some deep, extensive psychology behind this, but in truth, we’re just interested in how our interiors can benefit from a snug splash of ochre, or a gentle dash of sage.  

There’s huge versatility to be found on the spectrum of earth tones. From muted and cool, to warm and bold, we’re not just talking fifty shades of brown. And don’t discount the ever-pervasive shale grey for both accents and impact. She’s here to stay. 

So, if you’re inspired to get creative with earth tone artwork, explore our guide to all things mossy, muddy and mustard below.

What’t hot?

Warmer earth tones guarantee cosiness whilst rejecting its less desirable cousin: stuffy. Expect a closer connection to nature, where more abstract pieces utilise these warming colours to create a sought-after ambiance of relaxation and reassurance. 

We all know the golden rule of wellbeing: deep breathing. When utilised in those central spaces, earth tone art is the undisputable champion of respiratory bliss. Take a second to soak up the burnt umber and pale fawns of Erica Cecelia Wallstrom’s ‘Out of the Storm’ sky as the horses gallop over ochre ground. Study the intricate sculpting work in Ian Turnock’s ‘Shelter From The Sky’ in rusted steel. The proof is there! In our opinion, connecting your collection to the warm colours of nature is pretty much a health necessity.  

Miles Cole is a master of abstract earth tones. His ‘Shifting Sands’ combines layered oils and natural textures to evoke a sense of place where the coastal and urban meet. Exploring his full collection is geometric paradise. We fully recommend.  

Nature improves our mood, slows our breathing and reduces muscle tension. A toasty, conscientious nod to the exterior with your interior is sure to provide a space of nourishment and joy.  

Cool and collected

Turning the temperature down on your earth tone palette offers a different, yet hugely compatible, aesthetic. Bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms are the top spots for introducing artwork with cooler colours. Soothing is the desirable vibe, here.   

Chris Sim’s work ticks all the right boxes. ‘Portfolio SP13’ introduces sage, sand and cadet grey as cool earth tone staples into the form of oil painting, alongside charcoal and graphite mark making. It’s a restful take on the abstract rural landscape, perfect for interiors in need of a calming exhale.  

Mineral and stoneware sculptures are ideal natural materials for injecting cool earth tones into your décor vision. Tania Babb loves to work with this fresher palette. Her ‘Lady Holding Bird’ ceramic nude is a gorgeous example of how smaller artworks hold big-impact power. The complex green seaweed tones in the figure’s hair will compliment any cool earth tone colour scheme.  

Functional car paint takes an artistic turn upon the canvases of Kirsty MacKay. The eye is drawn to the centre point of ‘Eternal’, where dark blues are interposed with light grey and ashy sienna.

Despite their disparate mediums, these artworks all feel like a soothing glass of ice water on a hot day. We’ll take the whole jug, please.

The best of both

Ian Humphreys takes the broad strokes and bright colours of Hodgkin influence and brings them back down to earth. His abstract oil paintings are mesmerising with their nuanced use of natural shades. A statement piece, for sure.

The sea, sunsets, dunes and cliffs; some of the Earth’s most exquisite natural features are emanated in Humphrey’s transportive work. Each piece holds a whole other world to hang on your living room wall.

Hopefully we’ve taken the mighty earth tone trend from clear as mud, to clear as the sparkling Med on a crisp, still day. Now, you should be set with all the colour palette inspo you’ll need to nail this aesthetic.

And finally, because it would kill us if we didn’t say it: at Affordable Art Fair, it doesn’t have to cost the earth.

Main image: Ian Humphreys, Gold Light, Oil painting, 29cm x 39cm, Lime Tree Gallery