The earth tone colors are redefining modern interiors
In 2025, design and home decor are going back to the roots: earth tones and colors are making a lasting impression across residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces, and taking center stage in interiors that crave a deeper connection with the natural realm.
When it comes to interior design, it’s never just about color: it is about the emotions they can spark, the atmosphere they can shift, and the subtle storytelling that a specific color profile can ignite when applied to a space.
From the timeless terracotta to the serene calm of a moody sage green, this grounded palette creates warmth, serenity, and ambiences that stand the test of time and trends.
What defines the 2025 earth color palette?
A grounded aesthetic
The classical earth tone color palette draws its inspiration from the unspoiled beauty of the natural elements, and tries to convey the unique patina of oxidized stone, the texture of desert clay, the quiet energy of moss, just to name a few.
Specific colors like burnt sienna, ochre, sandstone, olive, mocha and cocoa are layered and juxtaposed with intention, creating spaces that feel soulful and sensory.
The earth-toned color palette is a palette that feels rich and alive, breathing new energy into any interior.
Warm and welcoming: an instant classic
Whether you are opting for muted earth tones or more rich warm earth tones, this unique color story offers designers a versatile canvas to start from. These hues can in fact soften minimalist spaces, add a soulful accent to hyper-modern designs, and infuse more traditional settings with a fresh sense of calm.
They pair effortlessly with organic or organic-effect materials like linen, rattan, stone-look surfaces, wood effect floors, and brushed metal, creating interiors that are tactile and visually harmonious.
Where the earth tones can make the biggest impact
Kitchens and bathrooms
The days when the uber-minimal all-white kitchens and bathrooms sat unchallenged at the top of the interior design world, are far behind us.
In 2025 these functional spaces are morphing into warm, nurturing environments, with the skilled use of walls or panelings in warm hues, earth-toned cabinetry, and stone-inspired surfaces in ochre or terracotta, where form meets function, and practicality blends with a holistic approach to well-being.
Nexion offers many options to build an organic palette of earth tones, across all the collections.
The Terraelino collection in particular, is a perfect example of a color profile that draws its inspiration from the rich and muted shades found in nature: the ideal choice to create a welcoming kitchen space using color and texture, both inspired by natural elements.
The stone-look designs of the Lithic collection and the marble-effect collections are no exception: they feature a vast and refined range of shades and veinings that encompass a nuanced earth tone color palette to fit in every project, from bathrooms to lounge areas and commercial spaces.
Earth tones for living and working spaces
Photo credits. Design firm: Auburn Studio Architects Project: Rasa Photographer: Yash R Jain
Photo credits. Design firm: Durga Sarath Architects Project: Deck House Photographer: Syam Sreesylam
Whether designing a serene home retreat or a corporate space, earthy tones can foster a sense of comfort and grounding.
Some examples? Mossy, olive green for an accent wall, a moody sand-toned upholstery, a warm wood effect on a premium sintered stone for the flooring, or rust-colored shelving units.
The result is a space that promotes presence, balance, and overall wellbeing. The earth color palette fits perfectly into biophilic design principles, bringing the soothing energy of the outdoors inside the built space.
Outdoor inspirations
The beauty of the earthy colors is that they seamlessly blur the line between indoors and outdoors. Terracotta facades, sandstone patios, or muted earth-toned outdoor kitchens enhance a continuity with the natural landscape, while making a cohesive, elegant statement.
This earth color story is rooted in nature
The earth-toned palette is a subtle reflection of our global desire to slow down, reconnect, and design with a deeper purpose.
It is a soft-spoken invitation to design spaces that feel both relevant and emotionally resonant. Muted mushroom, dark foliage, bold terracotta: these colors tell the story of the quiet yet majestic beauty of the earth itself.
FAQ: Earth tone colors and interior design in 2025
Q: Are earth tones just a passing trend?
A: Their timeless appeal, their grounding effect and adaptability to various design styles suggest their relevance will go beyond 2025.
Q: How can I start incorporating more earth tones in my projects?
A: You can begin with accent elements, such as walls, textiles, or surfaces, in clay, sand, wood or rust tones. Consider layering with natural textiles and fabrics for a cohesive look.
Q: Do earth tone colors work in minimal or ultra-modern interiors?
A: Yes. Earth tone colors can add warmth and depth to minimalist or industrial designs, creating a more inviting atmosphere. Earth tone colors soften the edge of modern architecture, making sleek spaces feel more inviting and soulful.
Q: Can earthy colors be used year-round?
A: Earth tone color palettes are seasonless and evolve naturally with lighting and decor changes throughout the year.
Q: Are earthy tones suitable to design commercial spaces?
A: Earthy tones create a welcoming and cohesive environment that feels intentional and calming. It is the ideal design choice for corporate spaces, hospitality and Ho.Re.Ca. venues (Hotels, Restaurants, Cafes & Catering), and retail environments.
Q: Does Nexion carry earth tone designs and surfaces to achieve this design effect?
A: Absolutely yes, Nexion offers a vast range of options in this color profile, across every collection. Different effects, different shades, textures and veinings: you will find the best-fitting option to achieve every project’s goals.
