How to make a cozy and stylish interior with earth tone palette

Earth-tone palette is for those who love serenity, peace, and nature. The colors are rich and bold as well as soft and neutral and together, they create a calming and grounding interior. Keep reading to learn more about incorporating these tones into your interior to make it look and feel amazing!

What is considered an earth tone?

Earth tones are any colors with a brownish hue (at least that’s how Merriam-Webster defines it). For example, mocha, cinnamon, rust, terracotta, taupe, beige, camel, khaki, espresso, chocolate, walnut, and others.

In design, an earth-tone palette is often supplemented with other colors that are found in nature. For example, olive green, sage green, moss green, stone gray, pebble gray, charcoal gray, mustard yellow, ochre, coral, brick red, and others.

Color of the year 2025 – Mocha Mousse

Interestingly, the Pantone color of 2025 is a very beautiful and calming earth tone – Mocha Mousse. Mocha Mousse is a soft, warmth-infused brown shade with subtle gray undertones. Pantone says they chose Mocha Mousse because of the global trend of people wanting more comfort, warmth, stability, and “me-time.”

Mocha Mousse perfectly embodies the essence of earth tones – offering stability, tranquility, and a grounding presence. These qualities make it an ideal choice for creating a warm and inviting home. 

Earth tones in different interior styles

Can earth tones be used for any interior design style? Of course! But that said, there are some that welcome the muted and calming hues of Earth better than others. Let’s see what they are!

Modern minimalism with earthy hues

Modern minimalism can be described with these three simple words – less is more. It tries to eliminate any clutter and busyness, creating a harmonious and calming space. Interior design elements are given ample breathing room, allowing each piece to stand out. The furniture features modern shapes complemented by a neutral color palette – making earthy tones the perfect addition.

Earth tones create a welcoming and peaceful atmosphere that blends well with the breeziness of minimalistic design. They give depth and warmth to this style's simple forms.

You can integrate these colors with more prominent interior elements like a couch or rug or add pops of color with smaller items like artwork or decor objects.

Here are 3 color palettes that you can try for a modern minimalist interior!

Palette 1: warm and cozy

• Soft Taupe (brownish beige)

• Warm Sand (light tan)

• Stone Gray (soft, muted gray)

• Cream White (off-white with warm undertones)

• Chestnut Brown (rich, mid-tone brown)

Palette 2: neutral serenity

• Ash Brown (cool brown with gray undertones)

• Slate Gray (dark, moody gray)

• Pale Mushroom (muted gray-beige)

• Snow White (bright, clean white)

• Espresso Brown (deep, rich brown)

Palette 3: subtle contrast

• Mocha Brown (soft, chocolate brown)

• Greige (gray-beige hybrid)

• Pebble Gray (light, neutral gray)

• Ivory White (subtle, creamy white)

• Walnut Brown (dark and earthy)

Rustic bohemian charm with natural tones

This style combines the natural charm of rustic design with the eclectic, vibrant elements of bohemian aesthetics. It incorporates natural materials like wood, stone, and rattan, which perfectly complement earth tones.

When it comes to the color scheme – if minimalism was more concentrated on grays, then the rustic bohemian style takes pride in gathering all the brown, red, and yellowish hues.

Are you excited to try rustic bohemian charm with earth tones? Here are 3 color palettes to inspire you!

Palette 1: warm and inviting

• Burnt Sienna (warm brown with red undertones)

• Honey Beige (light brown with golden undertones)

• Ivory White (soft white with warm undertones)

• Terracotta (muted red with earthy warmth)

• Golden Ochre (rich yellow-brown)

Palette 2: subtle sophistication

• Walnut Brown (deep, rich brown)

• Cream White (off-white with a creamy tone)

• Brick Red (soft red with earthy undertones)

• Amber Yellow (golden yellow with warm depth)

• Sandstone (muted light brown with yellow undertones)

Palette 3: rustic elegance

• Chocolate Brown (dark, warm brown)

• Snow White (pure, crisp white)

• Rust Red (deep, earthy red)

• Mustard Yellow (soft, muted yellow)

• Clay Beige (light brown with reddish undertones)

Scandinavian-inspired spaces with muted earth tones

Scandinavian interior design is renowned for its simplicity, functionality, and connection to nature. It blends practicality and beauty, making it timeless and universally appealing. The natural touch to Scandinavian design is light and practical. The wood usually used is light like birch, pine, and ash or warmed-toned like oak or beech.

If you are incorporating earth tones with a Scandinavian design you should also keep the colors lights and unsaturated.

Here are 3 earth-toned color palettes that will go great with Scandinavian design style:

Palette 1: doft and subtle warmth

1. Light Sand Beige (soft light brown)

2. Blush Pink (pale red with a warm undertone)

3. Dove Gray (a muted, light gray)

4. Cream White (a warm off-white)

5. Warm Taupe (a light brown-gray mix)

Palette 2: airy and delicate hues

1. Pale Almond (light tan brown)

2. Rose Dust (muted light red)

3. Pearl Gray (a cool, almost white gray)

4. Ivory White (soft white with a yellow undertone)

5. Driftwood (a faint, ashy brown)

Palette 3: modern minimalist elegance

1. Latte Beige (light, creamy brown)

2. Terracotta Blush (soft red with earthy undertones)

3. Fog Gray (very light gray with cool undertones)

4. Chalk White (pure and crisp white)

5. Mushroom Gray (a warm, light gray-brown mix)

Pairing earth tones with complementary colors

Earth tones create a grounded and serene base for any interior design. Pairing them with complementary colors can elevate the space, adding depth and character. 

Warm earth tones (terracotta, sand, taupe)

Pair these hues with cool blues or soft greens to create contrast while maintaining harmony. For example, a terracotta accent wall can pop beautifully when offset by sage green cushions or navy blue decor.

Neutral earth tones (beige, gray, ivory)

These versatile tones work well with muted pastels like blush pink or lavender for a soft, airy feel. For a more modern edge, pair them with deep charcoal or black accents.

Rich earth tones (chestnut, rust, mocha)

Complement these deeper hues with jewel tones such as emerald green or sapphire blue to add a luxurious touch. Alternatively, use metallics like gold or brass for a warm, elegant contrast.

Incorporating Earth Tones with Wallpaper – Room-by-Room Guide to Earth Tone Interiors

Wallpaper is a great way how to add pops of color and texture to the room. When decorating with earth tones in mind, wallpaper can be a helpful tool how to express the theme of the room.

Let’s see what wallpaper options there are!

Living room earth-tone wallpaper ideas

The living room has to create a welcoming and inspiring space for gathering with friends and family and kicking off shoes after work. An earth-toned interior can really help achieve this goal since the earth tones are rich but not intrusive, neutral but with character.

• William Morris X Acorn Wallpaper in Beige – This wallpaper is in two nice earth tones: beige and brown. The pattern is intensive enough to stimulate great mood but subtle enough to bring in calmness.

• Mandala Flowers Wallpaper – For those who love the Middle East but also want an earth-toned palette. This wallpaper is vibrant and colorful and brings in the room the right vibe.

• Retro Lines Wallpaper in Orange – Perfect wallpaper to spice up the living room and bring in some color. It’s burnt orange stripes on beige background will add energetic vibes to any space!

• Grid Bloom Wallpaper in Apricot – Something a little more subtle for those who want a calming and serene living room set up.

Bedroom earth-tone wallpaper ideas

Bedrooms created in calming earth-tones will bring you grounding and deep good night’s sleep. The brown hues and muted tones are perfect match for relaxing environment and that completely aligns with bedroom goals.

• Pampas Melody Wallpaper – Nice mural with life size pampas grass in beige and brown tones. It almost looks like the grass is swinging in the wind making it a very peaceful place to fall asleep.

• Geometric Embroidery Wallpaper in Beige – The golden tan tone in combination with off-white is an excellent background for earth-toned bedroom.

• Moon Phases Wallpaper – Are you someone who likes astrology? Then this boho earth-toned wallpaper with different phases of moon are the right match for you!

Kids room eart-tone wallpaper ideas

Why choose earth-toned wallpaper for kids rooms? The tones are suitable for all age groups – from toddlers to teenangers. It also provide versatility since the color palette is not historically associated with any gender. And last but not least, the calming earth tones are perfect for kids bedroom to provide a comforting environment.

• Row of Rainbows Wallpaper – Beautiful wallpaper featuring deep brown tones on lighter background. A little bit playful but still relaxing.

• Pink Sunset Wallpaper – The wallpaper features pinkish pastel tones but they are paired with light brown, light orange and white. Very nice mural for kids room.

• Pink Rainbow Wallpaper – This wallpaper features drawn rainbows in earth tones with a pinkish undertone. The creative and inspiring pattern is a great choice for a kid’s room.

• Fluffy Leaf Wallpaper – Brown and gray leaves floating on beige background. Great wallpaper to create serene but playful atmosphere.

Textures and Materials That Enhance Earth Tones

By pairing the right elements with earth tones, you can highlight the warmth and natural beauty of these hues while maintaining balance and harmony.

Natural wood

Wood's timeless appeal effortlessly enhances earth tones. Choose light woods like oak, birch, or ash for a Scandinavian-inspired look or darker options like walnut and teak for a more dramatic, cozy atmosphere. Reclaimed wood introduces a rustic charm and a sense of sustainability.

Stone and concrete

Stone surfaces like marble, granite, or limestone in neutral shades complement earthy hues while adding an organic touch. Polished or textured concrete creates a modern, minimalist vibe that pairs well with warm browns and cool grays.

Soft and organic fabrics

Incorporate natural fabrics such as linen, cotton, and wool for a tactile experience. These materials not only add softness but also reinforce the cozy and inviting nature of earth tones. Jute and sisal rugs can bring in subtle texture and visual interest.

Ceramics and pottery

Unglazed or matte ceramics in shades of terracotta, ivory, and gray enhance the raw, grounded quality of earth tones. Glazed pottery with soft, muted finishes can also add a delicate, handcrafted touch.

Leather and suede

Tan, camel, and brown leather furniture or accents add richness and texture. Suede and nubuck are softer alternatives that bring a sense of luxury to earth-toned interiors.

Create serenity with earth tones and natural accents

Earth tones are the perfect choice for a calming and inviting environment. It brings out the beauty of nature, especially when earth tones are paired with natural materials like woods and leather. To add an interesting touch to your earth toned interior, make sure to exploit the walls and hang a statement piece wallpaper in the right color palette!