There’s something deeply comforting about walking into a space that feels grounded, calm, and connected to nature. That’s the magic of earthy tones. From sunbaked terracotta to soft clay, warm mocha to sage green, these hues have long been a staple in interior design, but right now, they’re more relevant than ever.
Whether you’re embracing this palette in full or simply introducing touches of it throughout your home, earthy tones offer a timeless way to bring warmth, texture and authenticity into your space. And with Mocha Mousse named Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2025, this grounded palette is officially in the spotlight.
Why We Love Earthy Tones
Earthy tones aren’t just a trend – they’re a response to the way we want our homes to feel. In an age of digital overload and fast-paced living, we’re craving spaces that feel calm, connected, and restorative. Earthy colours remind us of natural landscapes; think sandstone cliffs, clay-rich soil, dried leaves, and sun-drenched timber. They soothe the senses and bring a sense of stability that many of us are seeking more of at home.
Unlike cooler neutrals or punchy brights, earthy hues strike a balance between warmth and sophistication. They’re versatile, grounding, and endlessly layerable. And perhaps most importantly, they make a space feel lived-in and loved.
What is Mocha Mousse?
One of the standout earthy tones this season is Mocha Mousse, a rich mid-tone brown. As 2025’s Pantone colour of the year, it’s been described as indulgent, but soft and comforting; like a warm hug in colour form. It evokes cosy cafés, worn leather, and the joy of small indulgences, which are perfect for creating rooms that feel inviting and deeply personal.
Mocha Mousse is a fantastic base colour to build around, pairing beautifully with creamy neutrals, sandy beiges, muted greens, and even gold or brass accents. It’s ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, or any space where you want to feel instantly at ease.
Earth Tones We Love
- Terracotta & Rust: These sunbaked peachy tones add energy and warmth, great for cushions, vases, or accent walls.
- Olive & Sage Green: Soft, grounding, and incredibly versatile—perfect for upholstery or kitchen cabinetry.
- Clay, Camel & Sand: Use these as base colours in larger furniture pieces, rugs, or wall paint.
- Charcoal & Stone: These deeper tones work beautifully as grounding neutrals for contrast.
- Ochre & Mustard: A bolder take on earthy tones that pairs well with timber and natural textures.
Styling Tips: Bringing Earthy Tones Into Your Home
Start With One Statement Piece
A velvet lounge in olive green or a mocha armchair can instantly ground a room. Try Freedom Furniture or Casa Blanco for curved silhouettes and plush finishes in warm, earthy shades.
Layer Natural Textures
Earthy interiors come alive through texture. Think boucle, linen, aged leather, raw timber and stone. Nick Scali offers beautiful wooden side tables and coffee tables, while Eureka Furniture and Early Settler are your go-tos for rustic, reclaimed timber pieces with plenty of character.
Create a Tonal Colour Story
Mix and match tones like mocha, taupe and terracotta for a rich, harmonious look. Introduce contrast with dark charcoal or creamy white by layering warmly coloured bedspreads and throws from Adairs in the bedroom, and introducing plush earthy-toned towels into the bathroom from the Sheridan Factory Outlet. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colours, as earthy tones are surprisingly easy to blend.
Add Organic Accessories
Complete the look with decor made from natural materials. Think jute rugs, ceramic vases, rattan baskets and woven lampshades or lamps with marble or stone bases from Freedom Furniture or Domayne. TK Maxx is a great go-to for wooden or woven decor you won’t find anywhere else.
Don’t Forget the Details
Even small updates like clay-toned cushions on your lounge or bed, terracotta coloured tableware, or a wooden tray or salt and pepper shakers make a huge difference. Browse Kitchen Warehouse for warm-toned kitchenware and serveware that subtly complements an earthy interior.
Make It Personal
Earthy tones pair well with both vintage and modern elements, so don’t feel boxed into one style or get rid of everything you already have. Add pieces that tell your story, whether it’s a rustic timber-framed print or an olive-toned throw pillow that feels like a little luxury. Remember, it needs to be a look you love – and one that feels like home!
Bring Earthy Elegance Home
From calming colour palettes to tactile, nature-inspired textures, earthy tones are the perfect way to create a space that feels grounded and effortlessly stylish. Whether you’re drawn to the buttery richness of Mocha Mousse or the raw beauty of timber and terracotta, they’re easy to live with, easy to love, and perfectly suited to the way we want to feel at home right now.
Whatever look you choose to embrace for your home, there’s no shortage of inspiration waiting at Homemaker The Valley. Explore standout pieces from TK Maxx, Adairs, Nick Scali, Eureka Furniture, Freedom, Casa Blanco, James Lane, Oz Design, Sheridan Factory Outlet, Domayne, Kitchen Warehouse, and so many more stores, and start building a space that feels warm, effortlessly stylish and completely you.
