The color orange in interior design conveys energy, warmth, and personality. Whether in contemporary design projects or in cozy home renovations, shades like terracotta and coral help create balanced and luminous spaces. This article explores how to integrate orange naturally into your home, with professional advice on color combinations, materials, finishes, and light effects.
The many faces of orange in interior design
From soft terracotta to vibrant orange, this color reveals a thousand nuances depending on light and surrounding materials. In a modern interior, it evokes conviviality, creativity, and a calming visual warmth. Used on an accent wall, a bench, or a curtain, it draws attention without overwhelming the space. Lovers of natural decoration appreciate its earthy and coral tones. This luminous hue also recalls autumn atmospheres and Halloween-inspired décor.
Orange or terracotta paint for a living room wall?
A terracotta orange wall is an excellent way to create a warm focal point in the living room. Inspired by the natural pigments of clay, this shade diffuses a soft, enveloping light perfect for living areas. It pairs beautifully with light wood furniture, natural textiles such as linen or wool, and handcrafted materials like ceramic. By day, the light enhances its amber tones; by night, the atmosphere becomes intimate and soothing.
When combined with a beige sofa, a woven wool rug, and a few rattan accessories, the terracotta hue transforms the space. It recalls southern houses, bohemian interiors, and Mediterranean atmospheres where simplicity and warmth meet effortlessly. For a more contemporary touch, add black metal details, steel table legs, or brushed brass lamps.
Another interesting option is to play with orange gradients: coral, copper, rust, or cinnamon. These tone-on-tone combinations add subtle depth, especially in a bright, modern living room.
Our architectural studio has used terracotta in several projects. In a bedroom for an Airbnb rental, the color contrasted elegantly with light wood flooring and décor blending red, orange, and clay tones. We also integrated it into a renovated apartment used as a main residence with a workshop-style glass partition, where the balance of light and material worked perfectly.
Combining orange with neutral tones and natural materials
Orange naturally complements living materials such as wood, linen, rattan, ceramic, or stone. These textures soften its intensity and create balance. For a modern, serene interior, pair it with neutral tones like beige, light gray, or off-white. For a bolder effect, contrast it with deep hues such as navy blue, sage green, or burgundy to highlight volumes and add warmth.
Professional advice: Orange, terracotta, and red are strong colors. The results are often spectacular, but they must be used with restraint and balance to avoid overpowering the space. These are both trendy and timeless hues, perfect for giving a room character.
Color expertise — choosing the right tone and finish
Choosing the right shade of orange depends on natural light and individual perception. The same terracotta tone may appear warmer in a south-facing room and softer in a north-facing one. Our recommendation: select two close shades and test them on the wall before painting. We’ve achieved excellent results with Pantone references and received great feedback using Farrow & Ball paints for their depth and finish quality.
As for finishes: matte ceilings add elegance and discretion, while velvet-finish walls offer a soft texture that’s easy to clean and ideal for hiding minor imperfections in renovation projects.
Dare to use orange for a lively, welcoming interior
Bringing orange into your home adds a vibrant touch of life. A terracotta-painted dining wall, a coral cushion on a light sofa, or orange tiles in the kitchen can instantly transform an ordinary space into a warm retreat. When balanced well, orange becomes an inspiring, human color that brings depth and warmth to any interior.
