How to Create a Warm & Earthy Kitchen

Warm and earthy tones create a welcoming, homely atmosphere, making them a perfect choice for the hub of the home. Molly Chandler, Designer at Willis & Stone, shares her expertise on how we can all incorporate this comforting trend into our own kitchens

Warm woods and earthy colours work beautifully in a kitchen and bring a comforting, homely feel to the space. These timeless hues not only create a calming effect and positive connection with nature, but also make the kitchen a more relaxing space for cooking and socialising. From a practical perspective, they are also great for camouflaging dirt, spills and stains when compared to lighter or cooler colours. There are many ways to incorporate these tones into a kitchen design and Molly Chandler offers her expert guidance on how to do so effectively.

Cabinetry

"Perhaps the most obvious way to achieve a warm and earthy kitchen is to choose painted cabinets in warm tones such as beige, mushroom, dark green, terracotta or warm greys," comments Molly. She continues, "These soft tones are reminiscent of earth, stone and clay, providing a sense of grounding in what can be a hectic and busy room of the house. Blending seamlessly with other natural materials such as wood and stone, these warm tones will soften the overall look of the kitchen, creating a cosy, comfortable environment."

Worktops

Molly says, "For worktops, both natural stone and wood will help to achieve this look. Wood worktops such as an oiled oak will add a rustic charm and are great for adding natural texture. The oiling process brings out the wood’s natural grain and lustre, further adding to it's warmth and timeless beauty. If you prefer a stone worktop, something like a granite, marble or quartz will introduce organic textures and rich, varied tones. They blend seamlessly with natural wood cabinetry and earthy colour palettes, as well as being incredibly durable and easy to maintain."

Furniture & Fixtures

Molly continues, "The choice of light fixtures and furniture, such as bar stools or dining furniture, significantly impacts a kitchen design. For a warm, earthy feel, opt for materials like wood, brass and glass. The rattan bar stools shown below make a striking statement against the darker cabinets, adding warmth to the overall space. Similarly, the aged brass tones in the island lights, as seen below on the left, harmonise beautifully with the other tones in the room, creating a cohesive look."

Flooring

"The inherent variations in stone, such as subtle veining and unique patterns, add depth to an earthy kitchen scheme, making the space feel grounded. Choose warm stones with hues of beige, brown and rust, which complement wooden elements and warm-toned cabinetry, enhancing the overall cosy atmosphere. Additionally, the tactile quality of stone tiles, whether they are polished, honed or tumbled, provides a pleasing contrast to smoother surfaces," comments Molly.

Accessories

"To complement a warm and earthy kitchen style, accessories such as wooden chopping boards, woven baskets and ceramic or terracotta pots are ideal. Earth-toned textiles, such as linen or cotton tea towels, placemats and napkins, will add further rustic charm and metal accents in warm finishes like copper or bronze, seen in cabinet hardware and kitchen utensils, add a touch of elegance," advises Molly.

Plants

"Plants and greenery work exceptionally well with warm and earthy kitchen styles because they reinforce the natural, organic feel that defines this design approach," explains Molly. She continues, "House plants are very on trend at the moment and contribute to a sense of tranquillity and well-being, enhancing the cosy and inviting atmosphere typical of earthy kitchens. Herbs, potted plants and small indoor gardens not only introduce natural beauty but also bring practical benefits, such as fresh ingredients for cooking. From a design point of view, the vibrant green hues of the plants also provides a refreshing contrast to the warm tones of wood, stone and terracotta, adding a lively pop of colour to the space."

Open Shelving

Molly advises, "Open shelving encourages a curated, yet casual look while making the kitchen feel personalised and lived-in, perfect for a warm, earthy style. This design choice also provides an opportunity to display earthy-toned crockery, glass jars filled with grains and spices, woven baskets and potted plants, showcasing natural colours and textures and further contributing to the organic and grounded vibe. The visibility of everyday items promotes a welcoming and functional environment, perfectly aligning with the warm and earthy style's emphasis on comfort and natural beauty."