Our simple guide to Earthborn Colours
Not only are Earthborn paints eco friendly and virtually VOC free* – with no nasty paint smells or harmful emissions – a beautiful dose of their uniquely formulated colour can also improve your surroundings and even uplift your mood.
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If you’re looking for a brand new colour scheme and don’t know where to start, or even if you’ve chosen your wall colour but are stuck on what to put with it, help is at hand in this simple guide to Earthborn colours.
Where to start
Thanks to social media, interiors magazines and online influencers, access to inspiration is at our fingertips.
Pinterest is a great starting point for creating your own online moodboard; bringing together ideas that you like in one place. Another tip is to pick out a favourite piece artwork or fabric and carry across colours from there.
Choosing a colour palette
After pouring over colour cards and testing out sample pots, many of us start with the main paint colour for a room. But doors, skirting boards, cornicing and other architectural features often benefit from a multi-layered approach to create depth and interest. Not to mention the fifth wall, that’s the ceiling!
*Volatile Organic Compounds, known as VOCs, are carbon based chemical compounds found in most paints. VOCs are harmful to health, the environment and contribute to global warming. It is a legal requirement for paint labelling to state the VOC content of the product. The VOC content in Earthborn paints is negligible so that’s why we label our paints as virtually VOC.
The colour wheel
The colour wheel is a tool used by artists and designers to help visualise the relationship between different colours, and is a useful guide when selecting a colour palette for a room for a harmonious scheme.
Usually a colour wheel shows three main colour groups. These are primary colours, which are colours that cannot be made by mixing other colours together (red, blue and yellow), secondary colours, which are made by mixing the primary colours (purple, green and orange) and tertiary colours. These are colours made by mixing primary and secondary colours together, for example turquoise is a mixture of green and blue.
Earthborn shades are a complex mix of various colours. So when it comes to using the colour wheel to select a scheme for your project, it helps to understand that these bold shades represent the undertones of a paint colour. You may not go for primary red walls, for example, but your chosen paint colour may contain warm red undertones. You can use the colour wheel to help you select a variety of colour palettes:
Monochromatic colours These are the light and dark tones of the same (or very similar colour).
Complementary colours At opposite sides of the colour wheel, these colours often work together surprisingly well. Think green and pink, for example.
Analogous colours These sit side by side on the colour wheel. An analogous colour scheme might include yellow, green and blue, such as this children’s room which includes Hobby Wood, Milk Jug and Sapling with bright yellow accents.
Neutral and beige paint colours
Spotlight on Crocky Road
Easy to live with in both modern and traditional settings, the rich earthy tones of Crocky Road show off retro and architectural features impeccably.
As it’s not too affected by light, Crocky Road is a consistent colour that could easily take you through all areas of the home. While it works beautifully with neutrals, it’s ideal for contrasting with brighter home accessories and especially when paired with unexpected shades like Milk Jug.
Neutral and brown paint colours
Spotlight on Rocky Horse
An updated take on brown with a grey undertone, Rocky Horse is perfect with warm toned pinks, peaches and cream. Use as an accent colour, on furniture or all over walls to create a cosy feel. The velvety hues of Rocky Horse are reminiscent of Hollywood glamour; think gold accessories, smoked glass and marble. However, it works just as beautifully in a pared back scheme, mixed with natural textures and neutral colours.
Neutral and grey paint colours
Spotlight on Cat’s Cradle
At first sight Cat’s Cradle appears a classic light grey, but look a little closer and you’ll see its brown-ish undertone is extremely flattering.
A grey that would work well in north facing rooms because of its warm undertone, Cat’s Cradle works particularly well paired with warm neutrals and off-blacks for a contemporary look; Little Rascal and Trilby are ideal. Or try it with rich tones like Trumpet for a luxurious combination.
Grey paint colours
Spotlight on Kissing Gate
A supremely flattering grey, whilst Kissing Gate adds a definite dose of gentle colour, it’s still light and neutral enough not to impose. It’s dreamy when paired with neutrals, browns and charcoal greys – especially when combined with crumpled velvets and natural linens. Try it in a relaxed living space or cosy bedroom with soft green accents.
Green paint colours
Spotlight on Hobgoblin
An Earthborn favourite! Surprisingly versatile, Hobgoblin sits well with so many different colours, especially rich yellows and oranges (such as Humpty Dumpty or Flower Pot), as well as warm neutrals like Marbles. Due to it’s rich, slightly blue-ish undertone, Hobgoblin is highly flattering in both north and south facing lights, and would work just as well in a contemporary home as it would in a traditional style of decor
Green paint colours
Spotlight on Grasshopper
A yellow-based green, Grasshopper brings a light, fresh touch to living spaces. As a feature colour, it works wonderfully with warmer neutral shades and is ideal in south facing rooms. In traditional styles of decor, Grasshopper complements natural woodwork, woven textures and greenery. Whilst in children’s spaces it adds a playful feel especially when paired with yellows, blues and greens.
Blue paint colours
Spotlight on Bobble Hat
Bobble Hat suits lots of styles of décor, but is particularly striking and beautiful in period properties, alongside vintage touches and architectural details. It’s also great in small spaces like a downstairs W.C. or a petite guest room, where you can afford to be a little braver with your colour choices. Pair with rich blues and golds for a luxurious feel, or brown-based neutrals for a more contemporary feel.
Blue paint colours
Spotlight on Skipper
Aye aye captain! This versatile, mid-toned blue is as absorbing as the sea, ideal in sociable areas of the home. From living rooms to dining rooms to kitchens, it’s a fresh, enigmatic shade designed to add vibrancy to a space.
For a retro, fun feel, Skipper complements pops of bright colour like warm oranges and mustards. Or create a little nautical impact by pairing it with natural wood, beige tones and soft creams like Up Up Away, for a relaxed look that’s easy to live with.
Yellow and cream paint colours
Spotlight on Daisy Chain
A vibrant shade of yellow, Daisy Chain will bring a cheerful dose of sunshine to any scheme. It’s a bright pop of colour that works well for colour blocking, used as an accent such as a door, or on furniture. While yellow and white are a classic pairing (a great combination for kitchens!) Daisy Chain also works brilliantly with grey. We love the combination of Daisy Chain and true-grey Hippo Hooray. This unexpected partnership adds a little something extra to this fun children’s bedroom!
Peach and orange paint colours
Spotlight on Peach Baby
Peaceful and uplifting, Peach Baby gently nods at the trend for pinky-plaster colour whilst maintaining a classic, timeless appeal. Like many Earthborn shades, Peach Baby is surprisingly versatile and can be paired with a variety of colours from our range including off-whites and neutrals. As part of a modern, Scandi inspired scheme, it’s an easy backdrop to earthy greens like Secret Room alongside striking charcoal accents of Hidey-Hole, as shown in our kitchen colour palette.
Pink and red paint colours
Spotlight on Rosie Posie
A grown up pink that’s an obvious choice for romantic bedrooms, Rosie Posie also works surprisingly well in living rooms, hallways and bathrooms because it is so easy to live with. A popular shade of pink, it pairs perfectly with white for a simple, pastel palette. Or for a fresh, up to date look, pair this delicious pink with minty greens and greys like Sapling or Whisker. For high impact, use with the deep, dark Hobby Wood or coral tones of Delilah. Then just add some metallic accessories and fresh greenery for a contemporary look!
Purple paint colours
Spotlight on Paw Print
One of Earthborn’s most beloved neutral shades, Paw Print is a pale mushroom tone that’s been a consistently best-selling paint colour ever since it first graced their colour card. This beautifully warming colour is light enough not to impose, with a gentle taupe hue that flatters any room.
A complex shade, Paw Print carefully balances pinkish-red undertones with a natural beige-brown, resulting in a colour that subtly alters depending on the time of day and direction of light. As an alternative to grey, it works well with earthy colours, off-whites and and soft greens; Grassy and Feather Pillow are a perfectly mellow combination.
