Down to Earth

Soothe the soul and elevate the spirits with kitchens and bathrooms that celebrate the colours, textures and timeless beauty of Mother Nature

Words Karen Booth

Earth tones suffuse a space with warmth. They create a sense of being grounded, which can be enhanced with the layering of natural materials, textures and patterns.

“The popularity of earthy colour palettes in kitchen and bathroom design speaks to our need for peace in an increasingly overstimulating world,” says Cate Liedtke, director of Catherine de Meur Interiors. “These spaces, with the help of a nature-inspired colour palette, have evolved into sanctuaries where we seek both physical and psychological restoration, providing an essential counterbalance as our lives become more screen-dominated. Biophilic design principles confirm that nature-referencing colours reduce stress and promote wellbeing.”

Kirsty Duncan, director of Bearcanvas Interiors, agrees: “Earth tones and natural textures are indeed associated with relaxation, making them ideal when the goal is to create a space that is soothing to the eye. This can especially be the case in bathrooms, where people are looking for
that spa-like feeling.”

Christie Wood, Beaumont Tiles product specialist, says using colours and materials that reflect the earth, such as terracotta, stone and wood, definitely allow us to create spaces that make us feel calmer and more aligned with the natural world. “This also encompasses the use of organic shapes, which includes the beautiful curves we see today in so many kitchens and bathrooms,” she shares. “Australians, inspired by their natural surroundings, are embracing a fluid, free-form aesthetic that mimics nature.”

Comfort and connection

“The increasing prevalence of earth-hued kitchens and bathrooms is due, in large part, to this colour palette’s ability to create an ambience of comfort and serenity,” says Katherine Champion, Wattyl colour specialist. “Earthy hues don’t just connect us with nature, they are inviting and make a space feel cosy. They also pair beautifully with natural materials such as stone, perhaps in tiles, benchtops or bathtubs; timber, used for shelving or vanities; and tapware with an earth-mineral finish, such as copper.

“By using a layered blend of earthy shades and textures, you can create a sense of depth and visual interest and, importantly, a feeling of great comfort. Earthy browns, from beige through to chocolate and mocha, are especially calming and cocooning and complement materials and textures such as timber, linen, stone, brick and ceramics.”

For those who prefer a nature-inspired aesthetic, it’s all about embracing the beauty of imperfection, adds Cate. This is especially the case when choosing surfaces and finishes. “Earthy textures like natural stone, wood and clay bring warmth and character into a space precisely because they are not sleek and manmade,” she says.

“You can pair softer organic materials with rougher textures to create balance. For example, smooth polished stone on the countertop combined with a textured, wooden cabinet gives visual contrast without overwhelming the senses.”

Working with colour

“Greys with a warm undertone, clay, ochre and terracotta, olive-green and sage along with mineral-inspired blues are among the earth colours currently trending. Emerging trends include moss and lichen greens, browns, complex neutrals with blue undertones and layered earth tones,” says Cate.

The softer shades, such as sandy beige and stonewashed grey, create a peaceful aura and can provide a base for vibrant colour accents. Richer tones can be used to add character and a dash of drama, while if you want to create a moodier or cossetting effect, browns have a lot to offer. To energise a room and impart a feeling of freshness, greens are ideal.

“You can combine different earthy tones in subtle layers. For instance, light-beige walls, darker walnut cabinetry and golden stone accents on countertops can create a dynamic yet calming environment. Avoid using too many bold or bright colours to maintain a natural, soothing atmosphere,” advises Cate.

“To really experience the full impact of an earth-toned palette, you can try colour drenching, whereby the same hue, in different tonal levels, is used throughout the kitchen or bathroom – from ceiling through to walls and floor. This creates a warm, immersive ambience that is soothing and nurturing,” adds Katherine.

The beauty of stone

Tiles that conjure the hues, patterning and texture of natural stone, from travertine to marble, are a cost-effective way to give a bathroom or kitchen a luxurious yet grounded look. Many opt for subtle shades and veining but a new trend is for darker, more vibrantly coloured emulations with bolder, more intricate veining (perhaps in gold, organic green or ruby red). These are ideal for those who want an opulent yet still natural effect, perhaps in the form of a statement splashback or a feature wall in a bathroom.

For island benches, vanity tops, shelving and splashbacks – anywhere you want a seamless surface – silica-free materials such as Caesarstone, Dekton and Staron offer a treasure trove of options that mimic the veining and colours found in quarried stone. And if budget allows, you of course have the option of real stone where every slab will be unique.

Looking beyond tiles and surface materials, stone basins are a great way to introduce natural textures. For a more artisanal touch, concrete basins with an earthy matt finish in hues like
soft sand give an understated nod to nature. Stone bathtubs also add to the biophilic beauty of a bathroom.

Curves in ALL the right places

“By incorporating curved shapes, such as half-round finger mosaic tiles on a kitchen island bench, you can introduce a nature-connected vibe and a sense of flow,” says Christie. “In bathrooms, organic-shaped tiles or pebble-shaped mirrors are a fantastic way to introduce natural forms and foster a spa-like atmosphere.”

“The appeal of organic shapes lies in how they counterbalance the typically rigid, linear environments kitchens and bathrooms have traditionally embodied,” adds Cate. “When we incorporate curves and nature-inspired forms, we’re essentially creating a subtle psychological shift. Organic shapes create visual respite in spaces dominated by practicality, and provide a tactile experience that invites touch and interaction.

“The bathroom offers numerous opportunities to embrace organic shapes: freestanding round or oval bathtubs, round or pill-shaped vessel sinks and curved shower screens. You can introduce arched doorways or niches, curved walls or partial walls, or rounded shower seats. Fish scale, penny tiles and curved marble mosaics create rhythm and movement while organically shaped drawer pulls and handles break the rectilinear norm.

“In the kitchen, you can incorporate waterfall islands with rounded corners, curved breakfast bars or curved upper cabinets, rounded open shelving, arched alcoves, curved rangehoods or rounded banquettes.”

Perfect style pairings

There are some design styles that really lend themselves to the “down to earth” approach. “The Mediterranean style is a standout for its earthy tones and organic shapes as it draws its inspiration from nature – think flowers, leaves and waves,” says Christie.

“This style beautifully incorporates earthy colour palettes and soft, organic shapes, offering a timeless, relaxed aesthetic that works perfectly in both kitchens and bathrooms. Patterned encaustic-look tiles or glazed ceramic tiles are fantastic choices for those that favour a Mediterranean aesthetic and want to integrate biophilic design elements.”

For those who favour a biophilic design approach, you can introduce natural themes in the guise of tiles with leaf, floral or wave-like patterns. In the bathroom you can include waterproof wallpaper as a feature to bring in plant, bird, fish motifs… even exotic jungle or beneath the sea scenes. Wallpaper can work very well in bathrooms with a vintage aesthetic or a coastal theme, or in powder rooms to make a big impact in a small space. It can also be used as a feature in a kitchen or butler’s pantry, elevating the space with colour and pattern.

Getting the right balance

“Balance, personalisation and functionality are key. Choose materials and products that not only reflect your style, but also work well for your space,” says Christie. “And while combining organic shapes and earthy tones can create an inviting, connected-to-nature vibe, it needs to be done in a harmonious way.”

“Focus on simplicity,” adds Cate. “Organic shapes and textures add visual interest, but avoid overcrowding the space with too many ornate details. Ensure each piece serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose. To add natural elements in a more measured way, consider open shelving in both the kitchen and bathroom to showcase beautiful organic materials like wooden bowls, hand-thrown mugs or woven baskets. These add texture, warmth and practicality to the room but not in an overwhelming way.”

Kirsty adds that introducing organic elements, like a rounded island bench, oval mirrors, or curved cabinetry breaks up the hard lines typically found in kitchens and bathrooms and brings visual balance to these spaces. “Since organic shapes often go beyond standard offerings, they invite bespoke design and customisation, particularly in cabinetry. This opens up the opportunities for a more creative, personally tailored outcome that speaks to who you are while embracing the colours and forms of our natural surroundings in the most cohesive way possible.”