Playing the Ochre

Saturated earthy colours are a reaction to too many years of charcoal grey, and represent a desire to embrace nature in our manmade environments. None more so than familiar and friendly Ochre. 

 

Ochre loves white

This such a sophisticated palette. The fiery intensity associated with Ochre (think Southern Indian Curries and English Mustard) brings vibrance to a room, but it's still a 'dirty' yellow, so it's not as in your face as a primary yellow. Ivories, bones and off-whites help to reduce the heat and add a classic calm. Accent with mid toned timbers such as American Oak or Teak.

 

Here contrasting textures and patterns add interest to the Ochre/White colour scheme.

 

Ochre as an accent

The warmth of Ochre complements, and stands up to, the dominant cool black. note the ochre in the fire surround and the neutral vases on the mantlepiece work as a resting place for the eye.

 

2. Ochre loves Black

If it’s for a living room, make sure your sofa and armchairs sit on the rug, or at least touch it. The rug doesn’t have to go all the way under, but that point where the rug touches your sofa is probably the most noticed part of the room. Subconsciously, a positive connection between these two elements creates an enveloping ‘hug’, giving off a sense of safety and protection.

 

Go for gold

Consider Ochre to warm up darker South facing rooms. When painting, work out where you're going to end the colour before you start!

 

Play with grey

Like ivory, grey takes the heat out of ochre. The tone on tone walls here work well when supporting a strong accent colour. Keep your greys light and on the warm side.

Lovin our Ochre!