Terracotta is a warm colour that invites you to travel, it creates a soft and warm atmosphere. What is its origin, with which colours to associate it, in which room of the house to use it, all the answers to your questions are in this article.
Shades of terracotta
The origin of the colour terracotta
Etymologically, the word terracotta means 'burnt earth' in Italian. It is a warm colour with a hue similar to that of terracotta pots, with shades of pink, orange and red. Initially very present in southern Europe and North Africa, terracotta is increasingly found in our interiors. Ideal for creating a soft yet contemporary atmosphere, its many colours offer the possibility of varying combinations and associations in the different rooms of the house to give the interior an authentic and timeless charm.
Origin of terracotta
What colours should I use to combine terracotta in my interior?
Since terracotta is mainly a combination of brown tones, going for a total look in this colour would make the interior dull and monotonous. To obtain a more aesthetic and harmonious result, don't hesitate to combine it with other colours.
Terracotta and white
White is ideal for softening the density of terracotta without altering its character. You can combine this basic, neutral colour with the intense, warm shades of terracotta both on the walls and in your decorative touches. In a small room, a single terracotta wall in light shades will be more than enough to boost the other white walls. The more original among you, will also have the possibility of opting for terracotta patterns on the walls which will not fail to bring an exotic touch to your interior.
Terracotta and white
Terracotta with grey
As timeless as white, grey is also a colour that is very present in decoration. It has the advantage of being able to be combined with most colours, and the combination of the two colours gives a chic and harmonious result. The combination of terracotta orange with anthracite grey is also frequently found for a timeless look.
Terracotta combined with blue
Since blue is a cool-tone, it is a perfect match for terracotta, which makes the room feel cooler. Whether it is turquoise blue, duck blue or any other shade of blue, the combination of colours will create a chic, serene and resolutely modern atmosphere in which you will take great pleasure in evolving.
Terracotta and blue
Terracotta and powder pink
Combining terracotta with powder pink will not only intensify the luminosity of your interior, but will also create a light, soft and feminine atmosphere. These are, of course, only examples of combinations. Depending on your taste and your interior, you can also combine terracotta with beige or even warmer colours such as mustard yellow, ochre or brown.
A little touch of terracotta in the decor
You don't have to use terracotta in large quantities in your interior to adopt it. You can give your decorating scheme a twist by using it in small doses. Cushions or plaids in terracotta colour, for example, can be used to enhance your sofa or bed. Accessories such as vases, ottomans, frames or even lamps in this colour will allow you to harmonise your entire decor to give it character and authentic charm without weighing down the atmosphere.
In which room should terracotta be used?
The advantage of terracotta is that it can enhance and warm up any room in the house with style and give it a distinguished bohemian atmosphere.
Terracotta in the living room
Dedicated to relaxation, the living room is the ideal room for the terracotta colour to bring a cocooning and contemporary atmosphere. Although the look of the room depends on the choice of shades, all ideas are possible. Walls, furniture, accessories, textiles, cushions, carpets etc. are all perfect for integrating this colour into the living room.
Terracotta in the living room
Terracotta in the dining room
In the dining room, terracotta will create a warm atmosphere for sharing meals in a very pleasant atmosphere. Here again, there are many possible combinations. You can of course incorporate the colour into your walls, but you can also opt for terracotta furniture or tableware to bring warmth to the room.
The terracotta kitchen
Whether you opt for small touches or whole elements, terracotta also has its place in the kitchen. Again, it's a matter of taste. You can choose to combine this colour with different colours and materials (wood, metal, etc.). For a timeless graphic note, combining terracotta with cement tiles will give you a chic and original decor.
The terracotta master bedroom
As mentioned above, terracotta is an ideal colour for creating a cocooning atmosphere. This colour is therefore perfectly suited to a master bedroom. On the wall, this colour will highlight the bed and the headboard. Added in small touches on textiles such as curtains, bed linen, lights, armchairs, etc., it will create a warm atmosphere perfectly suited to relaxation and sleep.
Terracotta in the master bedroom
Terracotta in the baby's room
Terracotta is ideal for providing an optimal setting for a child's room. Conveying a soothing softness, this colour will fit perfectly with your interior design style. Combined with neutral shades such as white, powder pink, taupe or blue, this colour will be an ally of choice.
In conclusion, terracotta has become a trendy colour to dress our interiors with elegance. Added in small decorative touches or in larger quantities on the walls (paint, wallpaper, etc.), it creates a soft and warm atmosphere with an incomparable design.