AW26: Earth Tone Interiors

Arden 3 Seater Sofa - www.furniturechoice.co.uk 

“The popularity of earth tones over the past few years has paved the way for a wider selection of paint colours, textures and fabrics. Neutrals are no longer just white, grey or cream; they are now more nuanced, with calming subtle undertones that feel layered and are less about perfection.

Long gone are the days of stark white walls and clinical lines; earthier neutrals like greige, taupe, mushroom and olive give the room (and home) that extra bit of depth and character. These earthier neutrals are part of what designers are calling the ‘dirty neutrals trend’, which warm up and ground the home with their relaxing undertones while bringing their own moody touch.

When we talk about earth tones and their relaxing nature, it all comes down to colour psychology. Warm reds and oranges energise the room and create that cosy feeling. Green tones are a great way to bring the outdoors in and promote tranquillity. Meanwhile, brown tones anchor the room, just like our connection to the earth.

Aside from being in the same colour family (like layering different brown or green tones), deciding on the right undertone also plays a big role. Earth tones with warm undertones like yellow or orange create a welcoming vibe, while cooler undertones like greys or blues are better suited to private areas of the home, like the bedroom, study, or TV room. Natural lighting is also key in choosing the right earth tones. Observing how much natural light a room receives will determine whether to choose a light or dark earth tone for the walls. Introducing mirrors near windows brings in more light and reflects it into the room.

Decorating a whole room with earth tones invites layering and contrast. If you’re worried about the room feeling too ‘brown’ or ‘dark and moody’, there are plenty of earth tones that can lighten it up. It’s about balance; if you’ve got a walnut coffee table, contrast with beige or almond tones through accessories. Bringing in light cream tones and soft textures is also another way to bring balance.

Thanks to the earth tones trend, olive green has grown in popularity due to its versatility. It’s a combination of calming and sophisticated, with a hint of edge as it lies on the darker spectrum of green. When chosen as an upholstery pick, it shines because of its pigmented nature and highlights the tactile quality of fabrics like velvet and plush fabric.

Olive green’s versatility makes it a shoo-in for a variety of interior styles like mid-century modern, bohemian-inspired interiors or Japandi. An olive green velvet sofa adds a retro touch to an earth-toned living room that’s both chic and tranquil. It's the ideal choice if you want to add a pop of colour in a neutral space or a calming accent in a vibrant room.”

For more stylish tips, check out our guide to earthy living rooms for more inspiration.