Balancing natural elements with contemporary design
Dan S. Morris is the Chief Content Editor and founder of Chosen Furniture. He covers high-quality furniture products designed to last, so he is the best contact for house goods advice.
Grab your favorite mug and get comfy because we’re about to dive into the cozy world of earthy living rooms! Do you know that feeling when you walk into a room and feel at home? That’s what we’re aiming for here, folks. So, let’s chat about 21 stunning earthy living room ideas that’ll make your space warmer than a bear hug and cozier than your grandma’s famous quilt.
1. The Wooden Wonder
Let’s kick things off with a classic, shall we? Nothing says “earthy” quite like wood. I’m talking about incorporating wooden elements everywhere you can get away with it. Think reclaimed wood coffee tables, rustic wooden beams on the ceiling, or a feature wall with wood paneling. It’s like bringing a piece of the forest into your living room, minus the squirrels and unexpected pinecones underfoot.
2. Terracotta Touches
Remember those terracotta pots your mom used to have all over the patio? Well, it’s time to bring that warm, orangey-brown goodness indoors. Terracotta isn’t just for plants anymore (although plants in terracotta pots are still a win). Think terracotta-colored throw pillows, area rugs, or even painted accent walls. It’s like a sun-kissed hug for your living room.
3. Go Green (Not Just With Plants)
Speaking of plants (we’ll get to those, I promise), let’s talk about the color green. Forest green, sage green, olive green – take your pick! Green is the color of nature, and it’s a fantastic way to bring the outdoors in. Paint an accent wall, choose a plush green velvet sofa, or go wild with green throw pillows. It’s like turning your living room into a lush meadow, minus the allergies.
4. The Natural Fiber Frenzy
Jute, sisal, seagrass – oh my! Natural fiber rugs and textiles are like the superhero sidekicks of earthy decor. They add texture, warmth, and an “I got this at a cool beach market” vibe. Plus, they’re surprisingly soft underfoot. It’s like walking on a woven cloud, if clouds were made of grass. They’re not, but you get the idea.
5. Stone Cold Stunner
No, we’re not talking about wrestlers here (although, how fun would that be?). We’re talking about incorporating stone elements into your living room. A stone fireplace surround, a coffee table with a stone top, or even some fantastic stone coasters can add that raw, natural element that screams “earthy.” It’s like having your own Stonehenge, but way more comfortable and with significantly fewer tourists.
6. The Clay Play
Clay isn’t just for kindergarten art projects anymore, folks. Incorporate clay elements into your décor for a truly earthy vibe. Think clay vases, sculptures, or even wall hangings. It’s a great way to add organic shapes and textures to your space. Plus, it’s a conversation starter – “Oh, that vase? Yeah, I didn’t make it in pottery class. Nope, not at all.” (Wink, wink)
7.Embrace the Beige
I know, beige has a bad rap for being boring. But hear me out – when done right, beige can be beautiful! It’s like the vanilla ice cream of colors – a perfect base for adding other flavors. Use different shades of beige and brown to create depth and interest. Think creamy walls, tan sofas, and chocolate brown accents. It’s like wrapping your room in a warm latte. Yum!
8. Plant Parent Paradise
Okay, plant lovers, this one’s for you. Nothing says “earthy” quite like actual earth. Bring the outside in with an abundance of houseplants. From towering fiddle leaf figs to cute little succulents, plants add life, color, and fresh air to your space. Remember to water them occasionally unless you’re going for the “desert chic” look. In which case, carry on.
9. Woven Wonders
If woven, baskets, wall hangings, and lampshades belong in an earthy living room. Woven elements add texture and interest; they’re great for hiding random bits and bobs that seem to multiply when you’re not looking. It’s like your room is giving you a big, woven hug. Aww.
10. The Leather Look
Leather furniture isn’t just for stuffy offices or biker bars anymore. A nice leather sofa or armchair can add a touch of sophistication to your earthy living room. Plus, it ages beautifully – like George Clooney, but in furniture form. Opt for rich, warm tones like cognac or chestnut for maximum earthiness.
11. Earthy Art Attack
Your walls are like the blank pages of a coloring book – they’re just begging to be filled with earthy goodness. Look for art pieces that feature natural elements like landscapes, botanicals, or abstract pieces in earth tones. It’s like having windows to the great outdoors without the risk of a bird flying into them.
12. Texture, Texture, Texture
If your living room were a person, texture would be its love language. Mix and match different textures to create depth and interest. Think chunky knit throws, nubby pillows, smooth leather, rough stone – the more variety, the better. It’s like a tactile adventure for your fingertips!
13. Rock On with Geodes
Geodes aren’t just for science class anymore. These cool crystal formations can add a touch of natural bling to your earthy living room. Use them as bookends, paperweights, or just as decorative objects. They’re like nature’s disco balls but way more sophisticated.
14. The Neutral Network
Creating an earthy living room doesn’t mean sticking to browns and greens. Neutrals are your friends here. Grays, whites, and blacks can all play nicely with more traditional earth tones. It’s like creating a United Nations of colors, where everyone gets along and looks great together.
15. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Mirrors aren’t just for checking if you have spinach in your teeth (although that’s important too). They can also make your space feel bigger and brighter. Look for mirrors with natural frames like wood or rattan to keep with the earthy theme. It’s like adding another window to your room, minus the draft.
16. Light it Up, Naturally
Lighting can make or break a room; nature is the way to go in an earthy living room. Think warm-toned bulbs, woven lampshades, or even salt lamps for that soft, amber glow. It’s like bathing your room in eternal sunset light, minus the mosquitoes.
17. Feeling Concrete About It
Concrete might not be the first material that comes to mind when you think “earthy,” but hear me out. Used sparingly, concrete elements can add a cool, industrial edge to your earthy decor. A coffee table or concrete planters can be the yin to your natural wood’s yang. It’s like the cool kid at the earthy party.
18. The Vintage Vibe
There’s something inherently earthy about vintage pieces. Maybe it’s because they’ve been around long enough to absorb some earthiness. Whatever the reason, incorporating some vintage elements can add character and warmth to your space. Hit up those flea markets and antique shops – it’s like a treasure hunt, but the X marks your living room.
19. Curtain Call for Nature
Your window treatments are like the eyelashes of your room – they frame the view and add a touch of drama. For an earthy living room, look for curtains in natural fabrics like linen or cotton, in earthy tones, or with nature-inspired patterns. It’s like giving your windows a warm, earthy hug.
20. The Metal Moment
Like concrete, metal might seem like an outlier in an earthy scheme. But copper, brass, and bronze can add warmth and shine to your space. Think of them as earth’s natural bling. A copper vase here, a brass lamp there – it’s like adding little nuggets of earthy gold to your room.
21. The Cozy Corner
Last but not least, every earthy living room needs a cozy corner. A place where you can curl up with a good book and a cup of tea and pretend the outside world doesn’t exist for a while. A comfy armchair, a soft throw, a little side table, and a reading lamp are all you need. It’s like creating your own little nest within your earthy paradise.
How to Mix and Match for an Earthy Living Room That Feels Like Home
And there you have it, folks! 21 stunning earthy living room ideas make your space warmer than a freshly baked cookie and cozier than a bear’s winter den. Remember, embracing natural materials, warm colors, and plenty of texture is the key to creating an earthy living room. It’s about creating a space that feels like a warm hug from Mother Nature herself.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But how do I incorporate ALL of these ideas without my living room looking like a forest thrown up in it?” Well, my friend, the beauty of these ideas is that you can mix and match to your heart’s content. Maybe you love the idea of a green velvet sofa but aren’t quite ready to commit to a full-stone fireplace. That’s okay! Start small, experiment, and most importantly, have fun with it.
Creating an earthy living room is like cooking a great meal – it’s all about finding the right balance of flavors (or, in this case, colors and textures). Maybe you start with a neutral base (your beige walls), add some richness (that leather armchair you’ve been eyeing), throw in some texture (hello, jute rug!), and top it off with a sprinkle of life (plants, glorious plants!).
Remember, your living room should reflect you. If you’re more of a “one plant is plenty” person, that’s cool. If you want to turn your living room into an indoor jungle, more power to you! The beauty of an earthy living room is that it’s versatile enough to suit any style.
So go forth, my earthy decorating warriors! Armed with these ideas and your unique style, you’re ready to create a living room that’s as warm and inviting as a campfire singalong, minus the mosquito bites and slightly burned marshmallows.
And hey, if you find yourself stuck or overwhelmed, remember—Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is the perfect earthy living room. Take your time, enjoy the process, and before you know it, you’ll have created a space that’s so cozy and inviting that you’ll never want to leave. Let’s be honest, which is kind of the point, right?
Now, if you’ll excuse me, all this talk of earthy living rooms has me itching to rearrange my furniture and possibly adopt a few (dozen) more plants. Happy decorating, folks! May your living rooms be ever earthy and your plants always thrive.
Cheers!
Dan S. Morris is a longtime furniture and design enthusiast with a passion for beautiful and functional arrangements and a human-centered approach to home decor that integrates the needs of people. He is the founder of Chosen Furniture. Dan and his team are faithful to serving you with savvy client-focused information and furniture reviews, with uncompromising integrity as the hallmarks of their service.
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