Decorating with Terracotta

Decorating with Terracotta: How This Earthy Colour Can Warm Up Your Interior

I first started decorating with terracotta over 25 years ago, when I painted our wide entrance hall a rich, warm hue of terracotta. It looked fabulous with two boho style runners on an oak floor and I loved it. It was so warm and welcoming for anyone entering our home.

I’ve now introduced terracotta into our current home, where I am curating an earthy colour scheme throughout. This time a small hallway at the back door and this earthy colour still brings that feeling of warmth and welcome when I enter the back door.

Terracotta adding character and warmth to our small hallway

Why A Terracotta Colour Palette Makes a Space Feel More Inviting

I think terracotta works well in a hallway, as in colour psychology, rich, warm colours are proven to encourage a sense of belonging and can create an inviting environment.  This colour can also help to lower anxiety so it is also perfect for places where you want to relax or reflect.

Terracotta is an earthy grounding tone which, for me, can soften a modern space by adding character.  It can lend itself to any interior style, think boho with rattan accents, industrial with reclaimed bricks, rustic farmhouse or country cottage with terracotta tiled flooring.

Terracotta Colour Palettes

A terracotta colour palette that includes white, cream or beige can tone down a room that could otherwise feel clinical.  As well as adding warmth to a neutral interior décor scheme, interior designers also include it in colour palettes of both warm and cold colours. 

Warm paint colours for interiors, such as red and pink can work well with terracotta particularly when used as accents.  Terracotta contrasts brilliantly with cooler colours like soft blues and sage or olive greens and can help introduce a dramatic terracotta colour palette in your home. Personally, I love it paired with a dark accent colour and I have included it in the new interior décor scheme I’m planning for my bedroom with its dark mahogany furniture.

Flatlay for an interior scheme I’m working on pairing terracotta with black, pink, leather and oak.

Terracotta makes me think of landscapes from Italy, Spain and Australia and these images can be the inspiration that will help you create a beautiful terracotta colour palette for your interiors. 

Textures and Materials That Complement Terracotta

Terracotta is a wonderful colour for adding texture as most materials look good with it. Think rattan, linen, reclaimed wood, leather and clay. It’s so easy to include in any interior scheme by using fabrics, pottery, paint and layering with these textures.  It can add so much warmth especially to a new build property.

Inspiration for an interior colour palette can come from anywhere

So have I inspired you to add some terracotta into your colour scheme? You don’t have to get the paintbrush out, simply add some cushions or pottery and you will automatically add some warmth to your room.