Earthy colors were once the much-needed savior from the cool-toned minimalist phase. Think sand tones, clay, sage green, and slate blues: they're neutrals we're comfortable with, and while they're arguably more livable than white-washed rooms, they can risk falling flat and appearing muddy. The solution? Earthy tones with a vibrant twist.
'This new wave of earthy color is what I call earthy vibrancy: grounded, nature-inspired hues, but with a subtle radiance that stops them from feeling flat,' says Tash Bradley, color expert and director of interior design at Lick. 'They’ve got life in them.'
From sunny ochres to mossy greens, rust reds to warming blues, vibrant earth tones feel warming, layered, and fill rooms with soul. It takes inspiration from the natural world but goes beyond pale and typically 'calming' shades towards those that inject a space with life and energy, while still feeling grounded. Here, designers explain all about this emerging color trend and explain how to incorporate it into your home.
What Is the Earthy Vibrancy Color Trend?
'Around ten years ago, everything was ruled by cool millennial grays,' says Tash. 'Then, we gradually swung into the warmer beiges. Now, we’ve traveled all the way into these rich, energizing tones: burgundies, spicy browns, clay pinks, ochres, and olive greens – all with that beautiful, warm, grounding yellow undertone running through them.'
For Tash, the current appeal among her clients centers on timeless decorating. Have trend cycles become so demanding that we're now seeking authentic homes that feel more personal than they do in fashion? Perhaps. The appreciation for palettes of rich and earthy hues is every bit timeless: they are calming and livable yet exciting and layered, while nodding to colors of decades past without feeling dated.
'People want to decorate in a way that feels personal and expressive, but they don’t want to redecorate every twelve months,' Tash says. 'That’s why these earthier, sun-washed, warm tones have exploded. They instantly make a home feel lived-in, soulful, and comforting, but there’s enough energy and pigment in them to keep things feeling modern and uplifting.'
How to Bring 'Earthy Vibrancy' Into Your Home
Think of this as less of a design trend and more of a return to a bolder approach to color that layers a room with rich and soulful hues. There are no real rules for incorporating these tones, but choosing those that align with the colors you're naturally drawn to is always a good idea.
1. Decorate With Pink to Add Warmth
In this dining room, the pink wallpaper brings vibrancy while feeling in keeping with the traditional decor. 'There is depth to the earthy colors in the paper that gives the impression that the paper has been in the space for a while instead of being newly installed,' says the interior designer Lauren Robbins.
'Earth tones help to ground a space, making it feel warm and full of depth,' Lauren continues. 'These shades feel both current and classic, which I love.'
Take inspiration from this room and consider decorating with pink to add a hint of vibrancy to your earthy color schemes while maintaining a livable and classic feel.
2. Drench Walls With a Rich Shade of Olive
'This sitting room has trim painted with Relentless Olive by Sherwin-Williams, and the walls are upholstered in a mossy green fabric,' says the interior designer Roger Higgins.
While pale and muted shades of green can appear almost neutral, a rich and warming olive tone like this one adds vibrancy. 'This earthy green hue is one of my favorites,' Roger continues. 'When you swathe a room in it, you create a cozy, comfortable, enveloping environment.'
3. Step Away From Classic Neutrals With Terracotta
If you're used to decorating with neutrals and don't want to lean too far into color, terracotta decor is a great way to bridge the gap. 'This client was drawn to neutrals and shied away from vibrant color,' says Roger Higgins when discussing the design of this dining room.
'This terracotta color was my answer to breaking up the neutrals throughout the rest of the house,' he continues. 'The rich hue – especially when paired with gorgeous millwork and traditional furnishings – added depth and warmth.'
4. Add Moodiness With Ochre
Another color that lends itself to the earthy vibrancy trend is ochre, which is a timeless and sophisticated take on decorating with yellow. In this study, the interior designer Victoria Tanforan of Pacific Design Group opted for a rich ochre on the walls. She says that it was 'carefully selected to honor the historic context of the home without being too serious or too juvenile'.
Colors such as ochre add plenty of richness to rooms and are a wonderful switch from pale yellows, which can sometimes appear washed out. 'They're particularly great for historic homes as they draw out so much of the inherent character,' says Victoria.
5. Decorate With Rich Reds
If you're feeling bolder, why not add red to your scheme? In this kitchen designed by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design, the rich red sofa adds vibrancy to the earthy neutrals, along with the pop of playful yellow on the ceiling.
While a red piece of upholstered furniture is an effective way to add this bold hue, especially if you want it to feel subtle, you could also take this bold shade to the walls. For Tash Bradley, a favorite paint color combination is Green 05, Blue 03, and Red 06. 'It’s a palette rooted in nature, but it feels modern and surprising,' says Tash. 'The olive green is warm and earthy, the blue brings that breath of freshness, and the wine red anchors everything with depth.'
'These tones haven’t historically been used together, but the minute you understand their undertones, you see just how beautifully they balance one another,' she adds.
Even small decor in rich hues can do wonders to elevate a space, especially in neutral rooms. Below, you can shop stylish pieces that nod to this trend – from warm amber tones to mossy greens.
This glass vase is the very essence of earthy vibrancy with its warming amber tone and deep, red-brown detailing.
Teal is a great color choice for bedrooms, lending a calming feel with more richness than neutrals.
Bring rich earthiness to your dining table with this linen tablecloth. The 'sienna' hue is rich yet earthy enough to feel timeless.
Add mossy green to your living room sofa with this textured striped cushion.
This muddy shade of yellow offers more depth than the likes of butter yellow – perfect for adding color to neutral rooms.
Add coziness and color to your home with this cashmere throw in the shade 'persimmon'.
No longer do earthy hues need to look flat or bland – a more vibrant take offers plenty of warmth and energy, while still capturing that calming feel we all love. You don't need a lot of these colors to make an impact; painting small rooms or adding decor will keep your space dynamic and interesting.
