Creating an Earthy Boho Color Palette: Tips and Ideas

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 8 min read

Picture this: you're looking to infuse your space with the warmth and free-spirited vibe of an earthy boho color palette. Now, you're seeking some inspiration to get started. Perfect! You're in the right place. This guide will provide practical tips and ideas to create that earthy boho color palette you've been dreaming about. Let's dive right in!

1. Start with Neutrals

Neutrals are the cornerstone of an earthy boho color palette, providing a backdrop that's both calming and versatile. When you're starting out, it's all about creating a balance of warm and cool tones, and incorporating natural materials to ground your palette.

Consider Earthy Tones

Earth tones are the heart and soul of any earthy boho color palette. We're talking about hues that mimic nature—think lush greens, calming blues, deep browns, and soft beiges. These colors help to create a soothing environment, making your space feel more inviting. So, when you start to build your palette, think about the colors you'd find in a forest or by the sea.

Use a Mix of Warm and Cool Neutrals

When it comes to neutrals, variety is the spice of life. A mix of warm neutrals (like beige, tan, or cream) and cool neutrals (like light gray or white) can provide a well-rounded base for your earthy boho color palette. Warm neutrals create a cozy, welcoming vibe, while cool neutrals add a touch of modernity and freshness. It's all about finding the perfect balance that speaks to you.

Incorporate Natural Materials

What better way to capture the essence of an earthy boho color palette than by incorporating natural materials? Think along the lines of a quality jute rug, a beautiful wooden coffee table, or a cozy linen couch. These elements not only offer a variety of shades to your color palette but also add a tactile element that enhances the overall sensory experience of your space.

2. Add Pop of Colors

Now that we have our neutrals in place, let's have some fun! Adding pops of color is like the cherry on top of your earthy boho color palette, bringing life and personality into your space.

Choose Vibrant Hues

While the base of your earthy boho color palette is soothing and neutral, don't shy away from bold, vibrant hues. Jewel tones like rich emerald green, deep ruby red, or royal purple can work beautifully as accent colors. Or, if you prefer something a bit more subtle, why not try pastel shades? The key is to choose colors that you love and that make you feel good.

Experiment with Complementary Colors

Complementary colors are a surefire way to add visual interest to any earthy boho color palette. These are colors that sit opposite each other on the color wheel—think blue and orange, or red and green. They create a vibrant contrast that catches the eye. So, why not pair a cool blue with a warm terracotta, or a leafy green with a rosy pink? Remember, this is your space, so feel free to experiment and find combinations that you love.

3. Play with Textures

Texture plays a huge role in an earthy boho color palette. It adds depth, creates interest, and makes your space feel more inviting. So, let's explore how we can play with different materials and details to enhance our palette.

Blend Different Materials

One of the joys of an earthy boho color palette is the freedom to mix and match different materials. Consider blending smooth cottons with rough jutes, soft velvets with rustic woods, or shiny metals with matte ceramics. This mix of textures not only enhances the visual richness of your palette but also creates a tactile experience that's truly immersive.

Use Embroidery and Fringe for Detail

When it comes to details, embroidery and fringe are your best friends. These can add a layer of intricacy and charm to your earthy boho color palette. Consider throw pillows with intricate embroidery or a rug with fun fringe details. These small touches can make a big difference, adding personality and depth to your space.

4. Mix and Match Patterns

Patterns are the soul of the earthy boho color palette. They add a layer of visual interest, making your space feel unique and personal. So, let's dive into how we can mix and match patterns to create a dynamic, textured look.

Combine Geometric and Organic Designs

In an earthy boho color palette, there's a place for both geometric and organic designs. Geometric patterns—think stripes, chevrons, or honeycomb designs—bring structure and balance. Organic designs, on the other hand, like foliage prints or watercolor splashes, bring a sense of natural, effortless beauty. The key is to find a balance between the two that feels harmonious and true to your style.

Keep Patterns within Color Palette

When playing with patterns, keep them within your chosen earthy boho color palette. This will ensure that your space feels cohesive, even as you mix and match different designs. For instance, if your color palette includes shades of green, blue, and brown, a pattern that incorporates these colors will tie your space together beautifully.

5. Layer for Depth

Finally, let's talk about layering. Layering is like the secret sauce of an earthy boho color palette. It adds depth, creates a sense of coziness, and allows you to showcase your personality in a subtle, nuanced way.

Use Various Shades of the Same Color

One of the easiest ways to layer is to use various shades of the same color. For example, if you've chosen blue as one of your colors, consider incorporating light sky blues, deep navy blues, and mid-tone teals. This will create a sense of cohesion while adding depth and variety to your earthy boho color palette.

Stack Textiles for Comfort

Stacking textiles is another great way to layer. Think plush throw blankets, soft rugs, and fluffy pillows. These add a sense of comfort and luxury to your space, making it feel truly inviting. Plus, if you choose textiles in different textures and patterns, you'll add even more interest to your earthy boho color palette.

Place Objects at Different Heights

Finally, don't forget to play with height. Placing objects at different heights creates a sense of dynamism and movement. For example, you could have a tall floor lamp next to a low-lying coffee table, or hang artwork at varying heights on your wall. This will draw the eye around your space, making it feel both lively and balanced.

1. Start with Neutrals

Creating an earthy boho color palette begins with a solid foundation of neutrals. Think of this as your canvas, upon which your boho colors and patterns will shine.

Consider Earthy Tones

Earthy tones are the heart of an earthy boho color palette. These are colors that you find in nature like browns, beiges, and greys. These natural hues create a warm and inviting atmosphere that's perfect for the boho aesthetic.

Use a Mix of Warm and Cool Neutrals

When selecting your neutral colors, consider using a mix of both warm and cool tones. Warm neutrals, like browns and beiges, evoke a sense of coziness. Cool neutrals, such as grays or whites, add a touch of modern sophistication. The combination of both warm and cool creates a balanced and visually appealing earthy boho color palette.

Incorporate Natural Materials

Natural materials like wood, stone, or leather can also contribute to your color palette. These elements bring additional earthy tones and textures into your space, enhancing the boho feel. Plus, they add an extra level of depth to your design.

2. Add Pop of Colors

While neutrals form the base of your earthy boho color palette, pops of color bring it to life. Let's explore how to add these vibrant hues without overwhelming your space.

Choose Vibrant Hues

Boho is all about expressing your individual style, so don't shy away from bold, vibrant colors. You might opt for a vivid turquoise, a rich burgundy, or a bright mustard yellow. The key is to select colors that you love and that complement your earthy neutrals.

Experiment with Complementary Colors

When adding pops of color, a good rule of thumb is to use complementary colors. These are colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel and, when paired together, create a pleasing contrast. For example, if you have a lot of green in your space, consider adding pops of red for a lively and visually striking earthy boho color palette.

3. Play with Textures

No earthy boho color palette is complete without a variety of textures. Textures add depth, interest, and a tactile element to your design. Here's how to incorporate them effectively.

Blend Different Materials

One of the best ways to add texture is to blend different materials. This could mean pairing a smooth leather sofa with a rough jute rug, or placing a glossy ceramic vase on a rustic wooden table. The contrast between the different materials will add a rich complexity to your earthy boho color palette.

Use Embroidery and Fringe for Detail

Embroidery and fringe are two more elements that can add texture and detail. These can be incorporated through throw pillows, blankets, or curtains. The little details often make the biggest impact, adding a touch of boho charm to your space.

4. Mix and Match Patterns

The final step in creating an earthy boho color palette is mixing and matching patterns. Patterns add a dynamic element to your space, making it feel more personal and lived-in. Let's take a look at how to do this effectively.

Combine Geometric and Organic Designs

When mixing patterns, consider combining geometric and organic designs. Geometric patterns, like stripes or chevrons, bring a sense of order and structure. Organic designs, on the other hand, feel more free-flowing and natural. The combination of the two will add a unique and interesting visual appeal to your earthy boho color palette.

Keep Patterns within Color Palette

Lastly, always keep your patterns within your chosen color palette. This helps to create a cohesive look and feel. For example, if your palette includes earthy browns and vibrant teals, choose patterns that incorporate these colors. This will tie everything together and make your space feel like a well-curated and thoughtfully designed boho haven.

5. Layer for Depth

Now that we've covered neutrals, pops of color, textures, and patterns, it's time to bring it all together with layering. By layering elements, you can add depth and richness to your earthy boho color palette, making your space feel more cozy and inviting. How do we do this? Let's dive in.

Use Various Shades of the Same Color

A simple yet effective way to layer is by using various shades of the same color. Suppose you've chosen blue as one of your pop colors. Instead of sticking to one shade, why not use a range—from light sky blue to deep navy? This creates a gradient effect that adds depth and intrigue. Different shades of the same color work harmoniously together, giving your space a cohesive and balanced look.

Stack Textiles for Comfort

Another great way to layer is by stacking textiles. Picture this: a sofa layered with throws of different thicknesses, colors, and textures, and a pile of cushions in contrasting patterns. Not only does this create a sense of comfort and warmth, but it also adds visual interest and depth. The key is to mix and match while staying within your earthy boho color palette.

Place Objects at Different Heights

Lastly, consider placing objects at different heights. This can be achieved with furniture of varying heights, wall hangings, or even plants. By doing so, you create a sense of dimension and make your space feel more dynamic. Imagine a tall floor lamp next to a low coffee table, or a high shelf adorned with small plants and trinkets next to a low hanging piece of wall art. Remember, it's all about creating visual balance and interest within your earthy boho color palette.

There you have it! With these tips, you're well on your way to creating an earthy boho color palette that's not only visually appealing but also expresses your unique style. Remember, the key is to start with a solid base of neutrals, add pops of color, mix in a variety of textures and patterns, and then layer for depth. Go on, give it a try! Your space will thank you.

If you're looking to create an earthy boho color palette for your next project, we highly recommend checking out Jauni (tofublock)'s workshop, 'How to Pick a Colour Palette'. This workshop will teach you the essential steps to choosing a stunning color palette that perfectly captures the boho vibe. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your design skills!