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Luxury is often associated with sleek, modern aesthetics and high-end materials. However, there is a growing trend that is bringing a more organic and natural approach to luxury design...
Sometimes classified as Wabi sabi, Mediterranean or rustic, the broad field of earthy interior design embraces the use of natural elements, earth-like tones, and raw materials to create spaces that are not only luxurious but also grounded in the beauty of the natural world.
In this article, we'll use our professional interior design experience to go through the fundamentals of earthy design, some examples from top designers and projects, and finally the products that may help you achieve the look. If you enjoy the format, we think you'll love our newsletter. Otherwise, let's keep going!
The Essence of Earthy Interior Design
At its core, earthy interior design is all about creating a connection to nature within the home. It is about embracing natural colors, organic shapes, and materials that bring the outdoors in. By incorporating elements such as wood, rattan, linen, and brass, earthy interior design creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels effortlessly stylish. It is an interior design style that prioritizes natural beauty, simplicity, and a sense of calm, just like Wabi sabi design, but without the Japandi influences.
Sustainability in Earthy Design
Sustainability is a key aspect of earthy interior design. By utilizing natural materials and exalting traditional building methods, earthy design promotes a more environmentally-friendly approach to interior design. This can involve embracing earthy decor and natural elements, such as rattan accessories and linen furnishings, or insulating a space with natural materials like hay or clay.
Bringing the concept into Luxury Interior Design
Now, minimalism and opulence (two extremes, we know), are the ones most often associated with high-end projects in the design industry. However, the tides are turning towards a more natural approach to design, one that embraces the wonderful world we live in, and all of its local idiosyncrasies. Plus, as time goes on, the linking of sustainability and a natural approach with luxury is solidifying exponentially. If you have doubts, just look at companies like Goop or supermarkets like Erehwon. Health, wellness and caring for the planet are IN.
What is the colour of the earth palette?
An earthy palette is much more than browns. It encompasses all of the hues we find in the natural world. Think of a dim blue sky, a lemon, clay, sand... By combining these and taking into account the lower saturation of the earthy palette, you can create your own selection.
While not necessarily earthy interior design, the following earthy palettes are some of our favourites.
Sage, Clay & Ivory: A Natural Palette for Luxury
Sage, clay, and ivory hues form a natural color palette that is perfect for luxury interiors. These earthy colors evoke a sense of calmness and serenity, creating a tranquil living space.
Brown, neutrals & Maroon: Bold Luxury
For those seeking a deeper, more moody look, a palette of brown, maroon, and neutrals can bring a sense of soft luxury and sophistication.
Soft Neutrals & Dusty Peach: Subtle Luxury
If a more subtle, minimalist luxury is desired, a palette of soft neutrals and dusty peach can create a serene and sophisticated ambiance.
Olive, Wood & Mustard: Vibrant Luxury
For those who crave a vibrant, energetic luxury, a palette of olive, wood, and mustard can infuse a space with a lively earthy ambiance.
Earthy Interior Design: A Trend Beyond Rooms
Earthy interior design is not limited to just one room but can be applied throughout the entire home, creating a cohesive and harmonious living space. From the living room to the dining room, earthy design elements can be incorporated to create a warm and inviting ambiance. Let's explore how earthy interior design can transform different spaces within a home, starting with the kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom, bringing natural beauty and serenity into every corner of the house.
Earthy Kitchen by Studio McGee
In the kitchen, earthy design can be achieved by incorporating natural materials and accessories. The stone walls and wood beams give a rugged, rustic look, while the delicate beige of the appliances softens the look of the space. The result is a harmonious, warm space.
Earthy Living Room by Erika Calle Crespo and Marco Haberberger
In the living room, earthy design elements can transform the space into a cozy and inviting retreat. Here we can see the effect of lime-washed walls, dried plants and natural linen. The combination of these things gives a textured, beautiful feel to the living room.
Earthy Bedroom by Michael Cioffi and Ilaria Miani
The bedroom is a place of serenity and relaxation, and an earthy design can enhance that ambiance. Designing the bedroom with natural colors, natural textiles, and focusing on the organic imperfections of the materials used helps create an earthy appearance.
Earthy Bathroom by Hollie Bowden
In this bathroom by Hollie Bowden, we can see the beautiful use of beams and clay to give a cave-like appearance to the room.
How to source for an earthy design
If you're looking to incorporate earthy design elements into your project you should specifically consider rustic and Wabi sabi lighting, flooring, paint colors, fixtures, carpets, and rugs. You can find these on Portaire by filtering the results by the relevant styles to your particular project. If you're struggling, let us show you some of our favourite elements on our curated directory.
Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in creating an earthy ambiance in the home. Utilizing natural light, as well as earthy fixtures such as rattan pendant lights or brass fixtures, enhances the earthy ambiance. Also, mimicking natural shapes can achieve a similar look too. Check out Ilala's lighting for more earthy lighting designs.
Flooring
The flooring is an essential aspect of earthy interior design, as it sets the foundation for the space. Choose wood flooring or jute rugs can bring natural elements into the living space. Source from Tim Page Carpets through this link.
Paint
Paint color selection is an effective way to bring earthy design elements into your home. By choosing an earthy color palette, such as the ones covered above, you will create an effective, warm and inviting space for your clients. Source from Pickleson Paint Co on Portaire.
Fixtures
Fixtures play a vital role in enhancing the earthy ambiance of a living space. Choosing smoked brass or copper fixtures or incorporating other earthy elements such as rust and imperfections can help interior designers reach a coherent design that flows organically. Source from Dowsing and Reynolds on our curated directory.
