7 Times Terracotta Accents Turned a Room from Good to Great
Somehow terracotta, the not-quite-red, not-quite-orange shade of baked clay, has sneakily become a hot color choice for walls, furniture, and decorative accessories. People want their home to radiate homeyness in theory, but cool whites, grays, and blues in particular have reigned supreme for so long, it’s nice to see the pendulum swinging back a bit to the other side of the spectrum.
It fits perfectly into the Southwestern thing that’s still happening in interiors at the moment. Plus, you can go can go as big and bold with this shade as you want—or play it safe with just a few small accents.
I’m normally not a red or orange person, but how crisp, clean, and modern does terracotta look in this beach house breakfast nook? Props to whomever designed this space because terracotta isn’t exactly a coastal color, and yet, it’s working here for the banquette fabric precisely because it is so unexpected. I love how the window trim and flowers also echo this shade, further reinforcing the somewhat daring choice. I could definitely see myself hanging here, despite my cool color bias.
People are really getting after terracotta couches. This upholstery color best suits furniture with more modern silhouettes, if this room is any indicator. Terracotta was definitely a shade used in mid-century modern interiors, so we’re open to seeing it used on shapes with clean lines.
But terracotta can also work in an interior with an eclectic mix of furnishings. I love how the sofa here complements the aqua-painted door trim.
Apparently, those same homeowners are quite into this hue, as they selected it for the walls in another room, as well. The flow in your spaces will always be better if you can carry common colors throughout your home.
Paint is, in general, pretty low commitment. But if you’re feeling more confident in going bold with terracotta, you could consider wallpaper. Look for something temporary if you like to change it up on the regular.
Trying a terracotta-colored decorative accessory or piece of art is a safer move, so you can live with your choice a bit before deciding to go bigger and bolder with this hue. I love the idea of a clay colored textile or flag above your bed or even draped over a chair, a sofa, or your headboard. It’s an easy way to change up the look of your room without any consequences.
Or you can kick up a classic white subway tile bathroom with burnt orange towels. This could be a fun refresh for fall, when spicy hues are popular and feel extra festive. You just might find yourself wanting this hue here all year long.
Point is, you can pull this color off at home if you want to. Go ahead and try it. And I’m not just talking regular old terracotta pots for your houseplants. Now’s the time to lean into making a full, clay-colored decorative statement. You’ll be ahead of the curve for fall.