Te r r a c o t t a Bring a sun-baked and grounded feel to your home with the latest earthy shade to hit our radar. Here’s why we’re loving terracotta
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hen you think of terracotta, the first thing that springs to mind may well be plant pots and kitchen floor tiles. Terracotta clay has been used in interior design for thousands of years, from ancient Chinese pottery to Egyptian sculptures, and its charm remains as profound as ever. Clay brings a rugged and homely feel to a space, and while we love the soft texture and smooth touch of the material, it’s the colour itself that’s been making waves in the interior design sphere. The word terracotta literally translates as ‘baked earth’ in Italian. There’s no denying that we’ve been turning to the natural elements in our interiors more than ever before – think rattan furniture, wicker baskets and shelves full of house plants. A recent penchant for earthy and rustic colours is, therefore, not surprising.
Patrick unbuttoned two and half-seater sofa in Bahama cotton matt velvet, £2,565; Dahlia footstool, £515, Sofa.com
We’re looking to our homes for a feeling of comfort and safety, and where better to look for this than mother nature? While tranquil blues and soft greens bring calmness throughout the summer months, in autumn and winter, terracotta is our go-to relaxing hue. ‘Terracotta is one of these wonderful in-between colours,’ says colour specialist Karen Haller (karenhaller.co.uk). ‘It’s typically orange with brown and a hint of pink, too.’ In colour psychology, orange is
It’s the colour for you if:
1 You want a room that’s grounding and earthy 2 Natural colours make you feel relaxed 3 You want to add warmth to a north-facing room 4 You want a space that’s calm yet bold
