Terracotta has been a design staple for 5,000 years, and today, mixed with powder pink, dove grey, brass and stone, it’s being revived as a new/old interiors colour, and material, for thoroughly modern homes.

1 Defying expectations Terracotta is certainly a colour that comes burdened with a whole host of unfair assumptions: namely that it’s dull, old-fashioned and more-suited to plant pots. Wrong! This most uplifting of hues simply needs to be used in combination with other cooler (literally) shades to keep it completely contemporary. See below.

2 Not just for plant pots! It also looks fantastically modern given a new spin as lights and many other home accessories.

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‘K Lamp’ in terracotta, £220, Vitamin
Vitamin
‘K Lamp’ in terracotta, £220, Vitamin

3 Warmth and wonder. Even the coldest for rooms would feel cosy if you were wrapped up in these 100% linen sheets. It’s one of those colours that automatically looks warm, whatever the environment, so perfect for North-facing rooms or those without heating.

100% linen bedlinen from Larusi in delicious shades of terracotta tan brown and plummy purple.
Larusi
100% linen bedlinen from Larusi in delicious shades of terracotta tan brown and plummy purple.

4 Carpets as visual underfloor heating. In the same regard, a terracotta-toned carpet adds a layer of warmth tat can underpin a whole scheme. It’s use in this way is more subtle, but the effect will be the same, instant cosiness. This one is truly art for your floor from the Golran “Memories” collection.

In the EDapartment at Greenwich Peninsula an amazing terracotta-toned rug from Golran anchored the study space. It’s a silk/wool mix and is from the “Memories” collection designed by artist Isabella Sodi. First featured in the May 2016 edition. Photography Ben Anders.
Ben Anders
In the EDapartment at Greenwich Peninsula an amazing terracotta-toned rug from Golran anchored the study space. It’s a silk/wool mix and is from the “Memories” collection designed by artist Isabella Sodi. First featured in the May 2016 edition.

5 For the really bold. Go mad, go coordinated, bring in this tone with wallpaper prints and fabric drapes. Layer the look from room to room to add depth and playfulness. These are all from Harlequin in a shade called Paprika. We particularly like the “Cupola” pattern, as seen on the curtains and cushions, and the “Radial” wallpaper print.

‘Radial’ Wallpaper, from £58 per roll; ‘Cupola’ fabric (as cushions and curtains), £49 per metre; ‘Aves Paprika’ fabric (on chairs), £47 per metre, all Harlequin
Andy Gore Ltd
‘Radial’ Wallpaper, from £58 per roll; ‘Cupola’ fabric (as cushions and curtains), £49 per metre; ‘Aves Paprika’ fabric (on chairs), £47 per metre, all Harlequin

For loads more pictures check out our comprehensive Terracotta moodboard of rooms, products and interiors inspiration.

And see more of our wonderful Colour boards here.