Shades of earth and sky may be bold, but this pairing is classic and timeless – and it's perfect for bringing the benefits of the great outdoors into your home.
'Blues paired with terracotta shades is a big new trend for 2021,' muses Robert Whitaker, creative and product director at Claybrook. 'This was a popular look in the 1980s and, as with fashion, it's coming back in a big way.'
Brown and terracotta pigments create an incredibly grounding and stabilising decorating scheme. They help us reconnect with nature, bringing us back down to earth when we’re craving stability.
And it's no surprise that beautiful blue hues remind us of clear skies, brimming with positivity and calm. In our homes, they instil a sense of peace and serenity that's ideal for the spaces where we want to relax. Pairing them with earthy tones replicates the relationship between land and sky for a look that's balanced and harmonious.
Textures are important too for bringing a scheme to life, too. Ceramics made from earthy terracotta clays contrast beautifully with ethereal blue glassware that catches the light. Slubby linens and luxe velvets really show off the wonderful depth of these colours.
Robert offers the following advice for taking the plunge...
1. Mother Nature always knows best, which is why sandy, earthy tones pair so beautifully with sky blues and oceanic shades. They work well in rooms where we crave a connection with nature – bedrooms and bathrooms especially will benefit from an elemental boost of colour.
2. When building a colour scheme, start with one or two key shades – in this instance, these will be rich sienna tones. Any more than this and you risk hues disappearing into each other. Next, bring in a colour counterpoint – this is a brighter, crisper hue that will help to keep your space fresh.
3. Darker colours can absorb light, but embrace the look by using it in rooms where you're aiming to create a mood and add depth. However, if you want to introduce an airy feel into this palette, changing your floor to a paler shade will enhance the sense of space and light.
4. With bold colour choices, it's even more important to sample a range of paint. Use painted swatches – these can be pinned up in different light zones and spaces and will give you the clearest idea as to how the colour will interact in your room at different times of the day.
Style inspiration
Colour clash
Don’t be afraid to try unexpected colour combinations. Despite what you may have heard, there are no rules when it comes to mixing and matching colours. A strong colour really pops against softer shades while the matching accessories tie the whole scheme together.
Layered comfort
When decorating with bold colours, include tonal shades to achieve a relaxed feel. Layering cushions in cinnamon, caramel and pecan helps to soften the contrast and gives a more lived-in look.
Turn up the heat
With undertones of red and brown, cinnamon is an incredibly warming shade, making it ideal for balancing industrial-style interiors and cosying up cold spaces.
Down to earth
Textiles are a wonderful way to experiment with tones and textures. Relaxed linens are simply stunning in earthy shades and feel beautifully cocooning in a bedroom. Layer with cushions and throws that offer a spectrum of indigo shades – this will help add depth to the look. A gorgeous woollen bedspread brings it all together.
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Shopping wish list: gorgeous earth and sky shades
Inky Blue II - Framed Print & Mount, 43.5 x 33.5cm, Indigo
