Earth is the word this year as the earthy design trend continues to turn heads in an interior.
Whether it’s the soft, soothing shades of green that keep you coming back, the natural materials that ground us, or that resounding feeling of safety as you step through the front door, earthy inspired design really does feel good to be within.
Where better to set the tone for what is to come than in your hallway? Prepare to be inspired with this round up of grounding ideas, best earthy paint shades to choose from and the only natural materials you should be using to nail this look.
23 Grounding Earthy Hallway Ideas That Tick All The Boxes
An earthy colour palette is one that draws colours and shades from our natural surroundings, creams, whites, greens, browns, red (sometimes blues) are a great starting point. Ideally you’ll want to lean into at least two to three different colours, one as your main colour and 1-2 as accent colours.
There are so many warm neutral shades on the market that it can feel daunting knowing where to start, here are some of my favourite warm neutrals that make for a great base, use on walls or full on colour drenching;
- Farrow and Ball Skimming Stone
- Farrow and Ball Oxford Stone
- COAT Safe Play
- Benjamin Moore White Dove
- Little Greene Slaked Lime
1.Grounding Accent Wall
Dark greys and even blacks can still be used as part of an earthy scheme, in fact, you should use them in some way. They bring natural definition to a hallway, and where better to trial it than on an accent wall.
The added wall panelling underneath creates character and high impact as you step into the hallway, with the warm off-white on the ceiling and rest of the walls creating this beautiful softness.
2. Warm, Wooden Flooring
This year has very much been about a return to warmer, wooden flooring, after many years of grey and light washed floors.
A warm toned wooden flooring in a hallway is the perfect way to add natural warmth. Top with natural runner rug to break up the monotony in a hallway, bringing some added colour into the scheme.
3. Warm Neutral Colour Scheme
Earthy design schemes aren’t bold, but they are calming and super welcoming. Take inspiration from the below and choose a light to warm neutral, it’s the perfect backdrop for creating a soothing space.
Safe Play and Jojo’s White are great choices from COAT paints, and so versatile.
4. Bring The Outside In
Not only are greens the easiest colours on the eye, but they keep us connected to our natural side. Pair a charming wallpaper with some fresh greenery from outside.
A few stems in a large glass vase is simple, but brings a completely different aspect to a hallway which feels welcoming, and instantly grounds you.
5. Transitional Elements
Combining both new, and vintage accessories and furniture in an earthy interior is key to keeping things interesting and characterful.
Focus on looking for furniture items in natural materials for instant earthy charm, scout out items made from wood, marble and stone.
6. Punchy Accents
It’s not all about taking the easy route with a classic green, punchy reds and earthy terracottas are the easiest route to creating a warm, earthy interior.
We have Setting Plaster by Farrow and Ball on the walls here for a natural warmth, with Red Earth on the woodwork for a punchy contrast that draws the eye through.
7. Layer Natural Materials
I love the eclectic feel and warmth here! Using Farrow and Ball String on the walls for a warm neutral, the layering of natural materials on the stair runner and carpet is different, fun and creates a tactile feel as soon as you step through the door.
Whilst blues aren’t a conventional earthy colour, you absolutely can lean into them for more of a coastal feel. I love this contrasting blue shade here for something a little different.
8. Consider The Fifth Wall In Your Design Plans
Ceilings should no longer be considered as an after thought when designing rooms, they can provide an integral element in your overall design, and let’s face it, why wouldn’t you when they can look this good!
Using natural wooden cladding and faux beams, they add definition and draw the eye through a long and open hallway like this.
9. Make Use of The Smallest Spaces
Unused under the stairs space? Why not add some fun and character to it by adding a natural inspired wallpaper. It beautifully complements the soft, muted shade of green on the stairs for an intentional look that pulls the colour scheme together.
10. Lots of Natural Styling
A cross between boho and earthy design, one that ticks all the boxes is one that incorporates lots of natural styling. This should include mirrors, wooden elements, house plants (preferably real) and natural materials such as woven rugs and wooden benches.
This creates such a cosy feel in the hallway below!
11. Think About Colour Blocking
Using a soft, muted earthy colour palette, you can have some fun with colour blocking that can enhance how a hallway feels.
Take note of the below using Earthborn shades for a fun look using 3 different shades. The colour drenched bottom half and stairs creates a cosy, grounding effect.
12. Add Definition With Black
Can we just have a moment for these lights? Creating an integral flow through a long hallway, the use of black accents here shows how they can add definition and a perfect finishing touch to a muted, earthy colour scheme.
13. Green Is Always A Good Idea
Yes, it really is! Green sits in the middle of the colour spectrum so it is virtually the easiest colour for our eyes to perceive. Even better in a hallway for a welcoming approach.
You don’t need to use green everywhere, a touch on a built in like below is just enough for that source of natural colour. Recreate the look with Farrow and Ball Sap Green.
14. Simple Styling
Lean into the minimalist side of earthy design and add natural elements and styling that don’t feel uncomfortable to be around.
Less is more when it comes to earthy design in general, it will create a better flow in a hallway and it won’t feel claustrophobic stepping into your home. If you have a tiny hallway, try to keep coats and shoes hidden away.
15. Add A Beautiful Wooden Console Table
At least one earthy, natural piece of furniture or decor is welcomed, and you can’t go wrong with a wooden console table if you have the space for one.
This butcher block style console table below is beautiful! Style it with a large lamp for your anchor point and complement with a few other earthy accessories.
16. Brick Slips
Keep things really raw and authentic by adding some brick slips to an accent wall in your hallway.
They bring natural warmth for a cottage, earthy feel. Pair with a warm white or neutral on the walls to create a soft balance between the two.
17. Leave Natural Details Exposed
It’s important to remember that you don’t have to paint everything! Leaving some natural elements exposed such as on the rail of a bannister just helps to break up the monotony of paint.
Use a wooden stain of your choice and seal for a much more durable finish in a transitional space like this.
18. Lean Into A Rich Brown
Instead of a warm neutral, consider going to the dark side with a rich and indulgent brown.
Browns have become more popular over the last few years, decadently earthy and shown in the hallway below, the balance between the white panelling helps to keep things light and airy.
19. The Unexpected Red Theory
Working in practice here, a singular pop of red will do wonders for pulling your finished look together. An unusual choice for a hallway, but one that pays serious dividends.
A beautiful balance between the white walls and monochrome tiles, and a few pops of green with house plants is enough to nail the look.
20. Woven Elements Are Essential!
Rattan, seagrass, wicker, you name it, it really is the essential ingredient for ticking all the boxes with this design trend.
Lighting such as the one shown below will set the tone, and it’s the type of material which allows light to naturally pass through it all day. Tie in with a gorgeous jute rug or stair runner to really ground the entrance way.
21. Faux or Real Flowers
Bringing natural elements inside is a really easy and quick way to get onboard with earthy design.
Whether you add some real flowers or faux stems for year round use, go larger and scale up to create a bigger impact.
22. Pockets of Earthy Colour
Use a green, or perhaps a red as an accent in an area so you get that depth of colour between the two. The below hallway is a perfect example of this, using a mid tone green on this built in for a fresh, fun pop of colour without it making the hallway feel dark and oppressive.
23. Bring High Impact With Black
We’re talking about black again! If you have a particularly long hallway, adding a black accent wall to the opposite end can help to make the hallway feel cosier and draw the walls in more.
Complement with a natural brass art lamp like the below and wooden accessories for a balancing act that is synonymous with earthy design.
