Earthy Color Palettes and How to Use Them in Your Home
- Werner Harmsen
- 13 hours ago
- 5 min read
Take a look outside during a Wisconsin autumn and you’ll see exactly what’s trending in home design right now. We’re moving away from those chilly, clinical grays and heading back toward the colors that make a house feel like a home—the deep mossy greens of the Northwoods, the warm clays of our riverbanks, and the soft ochres of the Horicon Marsh at sunset. But let's be honest: knowing a color is trending and actually living with it on all four walls are two very different things. We've all seen a "soft sage" turn into "neon green" the moment the afternoon sun hits it.
The good news? Earthy palettes are some of the most forgiving to work with. They're inspired by nature, which means they inherently feel cohesive. Here's how to translate these trending colors into real rooms without your home looking like a showroom (or worse, like it's trying too hard).
Commitment Issues? Where to Start with Color
One of the biggest mistakes people make with trending colors is putting them everywhere. A terracotta living room with terracotta furniture and terracotta accents doesn't feel earthy - it feels overwhelming. In our neck of the woods, where winter light can be flat and gray for months, you have to think about color in layers.
Walls are the big commitment. They are the most impactful change you can make, but they can also be the most intimidating. If you're nervous, pick one room to start, like a cozy den or a master bedroom. A warm clay in a living room or a soft sage in a bedroom can completely transform the feel of the space without boxing you in. Just remember to balance it with the textures we already love here: warm whites, natural wood, and muted accents.
Furniture is your safe zone. A rust-colored sofa or an ochre armchair (like some of the pieces we talked about in our last blog) becomes a focal point without requiring paint or permanent changes. Upholstered pieces in earthy tones pair beautifully with neutral walls and add that much-needed warmth during a long Waupun winter, without overwhelming the room. Plus, if you get tired of the color in a few years, reupholstering or replacing one piece is far easier than repainting.
Accents are your testing ground. Pillows, throws, artwork and ceramics
are the places to experiment with bolder or trendier shades. A burnt orange throw pillow on a beige sofa, a terracotta vase on open shelving, or a mossy green area rug can all bring in the Northwoods color without the fear of a "paint-regret" project next weekend. Accents are also the easiest to swap out when your tastes evolve.
The key is balance. If your walls are earthy, keep furniture and accents more neutral. If your walls are neutral, you have more freedom to layer in color through furniture and decor.
Pairing Warm Colors with Wood Finishes
In Wisconsin, we don’t just use wood—we live with it. Whether you have heritage pieces passed down through generations or a home with original trim, earthy palettes are the perfect partner for natural timber.
Complementing Local Classics: Warm terracottas and ochres act like a cozy hug for Oak and Cherry wood. If you have honey oak floors or a deep cherry dining table, earthy tones pull out the natural warmth in the grain rather than fighting against it.
Balancing the "Woods": If your home leans into those lighter, Northwoods-inspired woods like Ash or Maple, look toward mossy greens or soft clay grays. These cooler earthy tones keep the space feeling airy while still grounding it in nature.
The Layered Look: Don't feel like everything has to be a perfect match. In a room with honey oak floors, try a terracotta sofa and a walnut coffee table. This mix of tones feels collected and lived-in—like a cabin that's been loved for decades.
Avoiding Colors You'll Regret
Earthy colors aren't new. Terracotta, olive, and warm beige have been used for centuries. That's part of what makes them so appealing—they feel timeless. But the way you use them can make or break whether they'll still feel right in five years.
Stay away from overly saturated versions. A muted, dusty terracotta will age better than a bright, fire-engine rust. The same goes for greens—a soft sage or olive is far more versatile than a neon moss. If a color feels like it's screaming "2026," it's probably not the one to commit to on a large scale.
Consider your space's natural light. Wisconsin light changes drastically between a bright July morning and a gray February afternoon. In north-facing rooms with
with cooler light, a warm ochre might look muddy. In a sun-drenched south-facing space, that same color could feel rich and inviting. Test paint samples in your actual space before committing, and pay attention to how the color shifts throughout the day.
Think about your existing palette. If your home already leans cool—gray walls, chrome fixtures, cooler-toned flooring—earthy colors might feel jarring. That doesn't mean you can't use them, but you'll need to be more strategic. Start with accents, and if you love the look, you can gradually shift the rest of the palette over time.
Avoid full-room themes. A room that's nothing but terracotta can feel a bit heavy. Instead, layer those earthy tones with the natural textures we already love here in the Midwest: thick wool throws, sturdy jute rugs, and plenty of natural wood.
Making Earthy Palettes Work for You
The beauty of earthy color palettes is that they're inherently calming and versatile. They make a room feel grounded, whether you live in a modern build or a classic farmhouse. But like any trend, the key is using them in a way that feels authentic to your home and your lifestyle.
Start small. Test a color on one wall, or bring it in through textiles and decor first. Pay attention to how it makes the room feel. Does it warm up the space? Does it complement your existing furniture? Does it still feel right after a few weeks? If the answer is yes, you can layer in more. If not, it's easy to pull back.
At the end of the day, a trend is just a suggestion. Here in Wisconsin, we know that the best homes aren't the ones that look like a magazine cover—they're the ones that feel ready for a Friday night fish fry with friends. Pick the colors that make you feel comfortable, because you're the one sitting by the fire when the snow starts to fly.
Earthy palettes aren't about following a strict set of rules; they're about creating a backdrop for the life you live. Whether you’re leaning into deep forest greens or warm harvest golds, these colors are meant to make your home feel grounded and welcoming. Start small, trust your gut, and remember that a house truly becomes a home when it reflects the people—and the stories—inside it.
Ready to bring the warmth of the Northwoods into your home?
Don't navigate the world of color alone. Visit our website today to browse our latest collections or schedule a design consultation. Let’s work together to find the perfect palette that fits your unique Wisconsin lifestyle.
For more inspiration, take a look at other homes styled by the Werner Harmsen team.
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