Nature’s Color Palettes: Looking to our Planet for Color-Inspiration!

I don’t know about you, but I always find myself at greater peace and harmony when I’m out in nature. Nature has the beautiful ability to inspire awe and appreciation simultaneously; when I’m feeling stressed, down, or void of inspiration, I can always look to nature to provide me with what I’m looking for. 

Think about that feeling you get when sitting outside surrounded by the bright green of new growth as soon as the warm weather hits, or seeing flowers just about to bloom in early spring. It also feels so good to see the soft greens and reds of new growth on trees when the leaves are just starting to come back! 

The combinations of colors nature provides us with is endless in its variety and beauty. I like to combine some of the more recognizable/attractive color combinations from nature into my clients’ color palettes. It brings nature’s color palette into our homes; what could be better than that!? 

This article will discuss how nature’s color palettes, or more precisely, nature-inspired color palettes, can help bring all of those healing attributes that natural environments give us, into the home! 

As a color consultant, I often find the colors of nature the most easy-going. Whether they are pale and understated or rich and colorful, the colors of nature are easy to be around when done well! 

What Colors Are in Nature’s Color Palettes?

It’s quite simple; nature’s color palettes are arrangements of unaltered or doctored color patterns that color specialists will use on their projects. Whether the palette is used for exterior paint colors or interior paint colors, a nature-inspired color palette will bring the splendor and beautify of nature into your home. 

Nature’s color palettes will replicate colors found in nature with the highest accuracy possible. If I were to create a nature-inspired color palette, I would arrange colors found together in nature, not manipulated or synthesized in any way. 

 

For example, imagine a foggy morning in a forest of the Pacific Northwest; the richness of the dirt, the dampness of the moss and undergrowth, the gray of the mist, and the rich green of the tree canopy. Together, these colors combine to create nature’s color palette. For a reference, look at my recent blog on winter colors to see what a nature-inspired color palette can look like. 

Why Use Nature’s Color Palettes?

Whether many people realize it or not, much of what surrounds us is inspired by nature. There’s a term called “biomimicry.” Biomimicry is when humans develop innovations, technologies, medicines, etc…by studying nature and learning from its functionality. I believe that colors found in nature have uses and functions in our everyday lives as well. 

I’ve written about the power of biophilic interior design and how it can help us connect with nature in our day-to-day interior spaces. Using nature’s color palettes works in conjunction with biophilic interior design to bring us closer to nature.  

 

Again, I’m a firm believer in the healing power of nature, and the colors that we surround ourselves with can promote the emotional intention of the space. Nature-inspired color palettes are tools for color experts to help create strong healing auras within the interior or around a home’s exterior. 

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Check Out My Blog: 2021 Color Trends & My Favorite Color Choices!

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What Types of Nature’s Color Palettes Exist?

Nature has a never-ending variety of color palettes to choose from. Sure, you likely won’t find an arrangement in nature with the sterility and synthesized color combinations you would find in a chemical-producing lab. If that’s what you’re looking for, you shouldn’t be looking to nature for inspiration in the first place. Otherwise, nature has color palettes to fit almost every desired feel for any area of your home. 

Warm color palettes

If you’re looking for an inviting and comforting feeling in your study, bedroom, or kitchen, warm color palettes are an ideal choice. Nature’s warm color palettes, that many people enjoy, are the hues gathered from a sunrise or sunset. Oranges, reds, pinks, and yellows would be ideal choices for a warm nature-inspired color palette. You can also think of a summer palette of beachy sand tones, even warmer blues like a teal or watery green. 

Cool color palettes 

On the other end of the color spectrum, cool colors like blues, grays, whites, and purples can make spaces feel more exotic and soothing, with a quiet and relaxed tone. I like to think of the ocean waves slowly splashing against the shore on a pale blue day – these hues do wonders to create a meditative and relaxing atmosphere. 

A great example of cooler colors could be the sparkling white snow and cool blue and purple shadows, cooler colors that together can create an irresistible color palette. 

What Does Nature Mean to You?

How do you relax in nature? What does nature provide you when you’re feeling low? I’d love to hear about your experiences with the beautiful colors of nature and how you feel about the colors of the world around us. I hope you enjoy them, and more than anything, I hope you are inspired to take a closer look at the colors of nature!