Incorporating warm Summer colours

Incorporating warm Summer colours – think Tuscan architecture and the glowing light emitted by golden sunsets, as we consider how these hues offer longevity and positivity in a scheme

 Earthy Summer colours resonate with so many, popular in fashion and interiors we look at how these warm sunset colours offer a glowing feel to any setting and how they positively affect our psyche.  These earthy warm palettes are having another renaissance after their huge popularity in the 1970s, and we discuss the appreciation for richness of texture and how hand-crafted elements are playing a significant role in interiors nowadays.

We are now prioritizing our environment more than ever before, with strong emphasis on preserving our earth and the significance of sustainability.  Naturally, earth colours are now in the forefront of our lives: this is not a trend, it is a lifestyle change, and incorporating earthy palettes into our spaces helps us feel positive and connected to nature.  Earth colours denote hues which are in the warm part of the colour wheel. Containing brown pigment, they are inspired by nature. 

Figure 1: Earthy warm summer pallette © Pinterest

Earth colours are derived from naturally-occurring pigments. They are tonal and harmonize beautifully together, creating warm and soothing palettes.  Earthy natural colours have been around for centuries: they are timeless and extremely versatile, grounded, strong, yet uncomplicated.  Characteristically they have brown, yellow and often red hints.  Paleolithic humans used natural dyes and paint made from minerals and charcoal combined with animal fat and saliva to make markings on the insides of caves. There are thousands of theories as to why these people decorated the inside of caves with detailed paintings of animals and people, but what we do know is that all of the dyes and pigments used were available locally, there was no cross-pollination of the earthy colours used; these ancestors “shopped locally”.

Figure 2: Cave drawing in Cueva de las Mano, Argentina © Wikipedia

The most celebrated earth colours include ochre – a yellowy brown colour which got its name from natural clay pigments; umber – a darkish reddy-brown colour containing iron oxide which intensifies in the heat.  Siena – from the Italian city of the same name, was discovered during the Renaissance period and again under heat it turns a reddish-brown hue.  Finally, we have burnt orange: a warm browny-orange.  The Italian sunset below encompasses all of these natural earthy hues; we see how the light falls upon the trees and how perfectly the orange hues pair with the greenery. It’s complementary of course: the sensation that one’s stress is lifting when you look at the sunset is truly tangible, and hopefully being less stressed prolongs our life.    

Figure 3: Ochre painted walls paired with natural accents ©Pinterest

Last year Kelly Wearstler collaborated with Farrow & Ball to create her Californian Collection, which was inspired by the Californian landscape, the palette is exactly what we are talking about here.  Faded terracotta is the first hue in the collection and adds warmth to any scheme. 

Figure 4: Faded Terracotta from Kelly Wearstler’s California Collection x Farrow & Ball © Farrow & Ball

Orange is such a happy, energizing colour, which liberates emotions and when we envisage warm summer sunsets it is the first colour that comes to mind.  It’s both refreshing, stimulating, can relieve nervous exhaustion, and has a sense of playfulness about it.  Warm summer colours bring a pop of colour and verve to any scheme, and when mixed with warm umbers, a magical intense chemistry takes place.  Undoubtedly a Mediterranean vibe is felt, and while the deep umber shades add drama and depth to the palette, the terracotta touch intensifies the warmth of the tonal palette, bringing an inherent sense of temperateness, harmony and calm.  Remember that excessive use of orange can feel childlike, flippant and unsophisticated. 

Figure 5: Orange Togo sofa © Ligne Roset

Despite its complexity, brown is tremendously versatile: it can be easily paired with warm and cool tones alike, effectively brown is a dark shade of orange.  Most cultures associate brown with the soil – it is dependable, wholesome, grounded and often deeply associated with autumn. Whilst we talk of the summer sunsets, one can easily picture brick like colours, classic warm and sophisticated shades of brown.  In terms of colour psychology, brown can convey a sense of well-being: visualize an aged brown leather armchair, or a sculptural cork statement piece, and reflect on how you feel a sense of refinement and security whilst sitting in it; the sense of touch is enhanced also as you run your fingers over the aged grains of the hide, soaking up the heritage and sheer beauty of the piece.

Figure 6: Minimalist cork table © Tom Dixon

Yellow with its long wavelengths is the primary which gives us the biggest boost. It’s generally a colour which stimulates people and brings happiness, invokes confidence in us and fills us with optimism and joy.  As with all colours, it has many adverse traits: brighter yellows can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.  Yellow has so many incarnations – from mellow ochre to golden sunflower through to neon fluorescent, the tones vary so much in the way they make us feel, but generally, the feeling of positivity from yellow is strong: it is a mood enhancer and promotes joyful optimism. 

The appetite for hand crafted elements such as natural pottery, sculpture and wood craftmanship amongst other medium, has increased globally. There is now also widespread appreciation for raw ingredients, unpretentious designs, unformulaic layouts and an insatiable appetite for living elements to be included within a scheme – people want to feel a sense of connection.  Using a cohesive palette with diverging textures and as much natural light as possible, is a really good base to start from. Then the collecting and layering can begin.  The summery earth palette is a perfect place to begin, drawing inspiration from nature, from a space which rouses you.  It is a superb concept to work from. Continuity is of course also a key factor: allow colour and materials to flow throughout a space creating a warm and cohesive ambiance. 

Figure 7: Lava Pot © Cigale & Formi

The versatility of earth colours means that in addition to them working harmoniously together, it is noteworthy to say that adding black, grey or white to a sunny earthy palette adds another dimension, creating a chic and elegant scheme.  Even adding a dash of a neon hue can add an unexpected pop of joy and humour into a space, which might otherwise feel quite conservative.  Generally speaking, earth colours are more soothing than stimulating. They work well in environments which encourage calm and wellness – they are effective in a Spa environment and also relaxing in spaces such as living rooms or bedrooms.  The incorporation of oranges and yellows certainly makes an earthy palette even more versatile – creating positive vibes and a classicism which will always be en vogue. 

Figure 8: Terracotta palette with lavender © Naomi Scott-Dunne

Figure 9: Terracotta palette with yellow neon © Naomi Scott-Dunne

For the less risk averse, if using terracotta hues as your base, incorporate pops of unexpected colour to add energy and vibrancy to your scheme, experiment with lavender, yellow neon, pinks and the more conservative navy.  All of these will create a layered, more curious scheme. 

I always look towards the natural world for my inspiration, and the warm summery earth palette which we talked about here references the earthy tones of clay, stone and minerals.  Natural forms and natural palettes are timeless and can be used in any scheme. The addition of warm sienas, umbers, neon yellows, lavender, pinks and orange, add another level, another dimension to the classic neutral palette and it is those additions which bring joy and optimism to an otherwise conservative palette.  So even if you incorporate a pop of orange or yellow, this will encourage positivity, and hopefully let you appreciate magnificent sunsets for longer, reducing stress, anxiety and increasing life expectancy. 

Embrace the warmer feels and translate them into your home, injecting some personality and positive vibes into your lives!

Naomi is a professional Interior Designer specialising in residential and hospitality projects.  Selecting colours for custom made rugs for commercial and residential use also keeps Naomi busy.  Naomi writes regularly about interior design, trend research and colour philosophy and has had articles published in British, South African and American design and lifestyle magazines, blogs and online content. Naomi also writes a monthly report for an exclusive European professional colour authority about colour philosophy and how colour affects many design elements. Reach out to her or follow her @Scott Dunne Interiors