Colour Trends: Rich earthy tones

Turn your attentions to terracotta, rusts, burnt oranges, corals, sienna, and browns says Bert & May’s Creative Director, Ruth Webber

Earthy tones were our big colour trend prediction for last year and that continues into this year, with even more vigour. We just can’t get enough of the way the rustic, earthen depth of colour and texture in these shades connects us to the natural world and soft landscapes.

Timeless terracotta

One of our favourite shades in the rich and earthy family is Marigold, a gorgeous orange tone we launched in 2021, inspired by deep-orange terracotta tiles. Warm terracotta tones are definitely having a moment at present, and classic tiles in this gorgeously warm colour fit the bill perfectly. Natural terracotta is another timeless choice, and both our reclaimed and handmade terracotta tiles will always be part of our collection – we see them as a blank canvas.

Darker shades

My prediction is that this earthy palette will develop over the next year with more enriched tones – think dark chocolate, oxblood leather chesterfields and warn-out reds and rust; reddish browns and deep purple-browns enveloping entire spaces, and encapsulating feelings of all things natural, warm, and welcoming with more vigour and energy than their muted counterparts.

Accent colours

For a more muted take on the richer red and brown tones, take it down a notch to a more washed-out leather with a hint of mauve. If you favour a more pared-back look but want to add a little energy, use an unexpected accent colour. I’ve pulled this look together with a few pieces in red to add an element of freshness to the rustic palette. This look, with raw materials and textures from terracotta tiles, reclaimed wood, soft browns, and organic tones will always give a natural, relaxed, and effortless feel to a space.

Style Edit: 

Tivissa Marron tile, Lamp - Matilda Goad, Magazine Rack - H&M, Paint - Lick, Cushion - In Casa by Paboy, Stool - Shropshire Design, Nordic Knots – rug