If you’ve always been drawn to the colors of the natural world, you’re in luck, as earthy vibrancy is going to have a major moment in the near future.
Officially coined by the designers Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum of The Brownstone Boys, the phrase “earthy vibrancy” refers to rich tones found in nature. Here, we explore the concept of earthy vibrancy in further detail while also sharing advice for how to best use these colors in any room of the home, whether you’re looking to tackle your living room, kitchen, bedroom, or bathroom.
Designers are also speaking to a few of the other color combinations that they’re eager to weave into their projects in 2026.
What Is “Earthy Vibrancy”?
Move over, basic neutrals, and make way for earthy vibrancy.
“Earthy vibrancy is a saturated version of a colorful neutral,” says Dee Schlotter, a biophilic design consultant at Dee Schlotter Consulting. “The earthy vibrancy colors are colors—rich and abundant in their saturation levels.”
Libby Baker, the founder of Libby Baker of Baker Design Co, sees earthy vibrancy as encompassing “colors you would see combined naturally in nature,” citing moss and gray greens, ochres, muddy blues, rusts and pinks as common examples.
“These are not pairings you would normally think to pull together, but mother nature is the best artist,” she says.
How to Use These Color Pairings in Every Room
Living Room
Blues and greens are great for the living room, according to Schlotter, who likes the idea of then weaving in some light to medium gray or white fabrics to balance out these bolder paint colors. Of course, do not be afraid to start slowly.
“If you are afraid of too much color, the best way to lean into it would be to start with art or pillows,” Baker says. “Find the color palette you want to explore in a piece of art, or a textile—this will really start the creative juices flowing.”
Kitchen
Nicole Roby, the founder of Nicole Roby Designs, is a proponent of color drenching the kitchen (as well as the bathroom) in earthy tones. One of her go-tos is Benjamin Moore Davenport Tan.
“It has brown undertones but can also pick up greens easily,” she says.
Schlotter likes the idea of going with yellows or greens to embrace earthy vibrancy in the kitchen, pairing these colors with wood or tile flooring. She’s not a proponent of using blue in this room of the home, though.
“Kitchens are full of energy or the potential for energy and blues are too calming and feel wrong,” she says.
Bathroom
Make like Roby and color drench this space, or bring in some blues and yellows, Schlotter offers. She suggests going lighter when it comes to furnishings like a vanity, but if you wish, you could also incorporate a bold choice, she notes.
Bedroom
Opt for casegoods in a natural finish such as oak, cherry, or mahogany, suggests Roby. Then, bring in some color in your accents.
“Upholstered blues, greens, and ochres create a timeless sense of depth without being overpowering,” she says.
Other Color Pairings We’re Loving for 2026
- Ochre and sea salt: Baker is excited about this nature-inspired combo. “It’s a fun visual tension of shades that is energizing with a soft soothing tone,” she says.
- Greens, yellows, or blues with eggplant: Schlotter is a fan of bringing eggplant into the mix, citing it as a nice alternative to standards browns, blacks, and grays.