Color Crush: Clay Brings A Desert-Like Tranquility To Rooms

H&H contributor Emma Reddington shares which hue she’s crushing on right now.

Bringing to mind ancient earthenware, clay has a tonal range and versatility that makes the hue a grounding and elegant addition to casual and formal rooms alike. Tile in this sun-baked, ruddy brown will bring a Spanish summer house feel to kitchens while patterned pendants or throw pillows in the toasty shade are perfect for layering into a bedroom or living room to create a playful look with mid-century modern edge. “This warm shade is reminiscent of adobe walls and brings a desert-like tranquility to rooms,” says Emma. Scroll down to learn how to use with this hot hue in your home!

Soft: Canyon Dusk (S210-4) by Behr.
Deep: Antiquarian Brown (SW 0045) by Sherwin-Williams.

Pair It With: Palm (CC4) by Farrow & Ball.
Pair It With: Pillow Cloud (6215-11) by Sico.

In Copenhagen’s Audo Residence designed by Norm Architects, a warm and earthy feature wall is the perfect backdrop for clean-lined Scandinavian furniture. The depth of this shade further contrasts with pale linen sheets and oak panelling for a refined and calming look.

In entrepreneur Jackie Kai Ellis’ cool Parisian pied-à-terre, a rusty brown sofa adds a sense of casualness to the formal architectural details.

House & Home September 2019

Designer Nyla Free knows how to make an entrance! A vintage mirror, curved cane chair and rich brown rug are a lesson in layering in her foyer.

House & Home April 2021

For an instant cocooning effect, adorn bedroom walls with a deep, inky shade, and layer in light-colored linens and hits of warm neutral tones (like the large metal sculpture).

House & Home October 2019

Bring the colors of nature indoors with earth-toned pillows, like a sumptuous nutmeg, making this tufted couch the perfect place to kick back.

House & Home October 2018