American retail businesswoman, writer, and television personality Martha Stewart knows an interior design trend when she sees one. Stewart has helped shape our homes for decades – products from her Martha Stewart Collection on Amazon take pride of place in my kitchen – so when she shared a photo of her culinary space from the '70s there was one thing I noticed; the timeless crockery and kitchenalia in the taupe, sand and caramel color palette of the moment – just as it was back in the 1980s.
Decorating with brown is not always an obvious choice, and in the past, it has had a reputation for being outdated. However, in recent years, a brown color palette has become increasingly popular with those looking for a grounding, earthy neutral to bring warmth to interiors.
With a spectrum stretching from cappuccino and taupe hues to rich chestnut and dark chocolate, brown offers a huge scope for creating all sorts of looks, from sophisticated and tailored to calm and nurturing.
It might seem outdated, but this nostalgic color is making waves once again. Earthenware is the easiest way to welcome this nostalgic color palette back into your home – and it won't jar with anything else.
Designer Nicola Harding has the steer on blending modern-classic style and simplicity, especially in the kitchen.
'The modern classic look is appealing because it is easy and comforting. Easy because nothing is too perfect, so signs of life don’t spoil the aesthetic, which is what can happen with a super-slick, contemporary kitchen,' she says. 'Easy also because, in the right setting, it has a quality that won’t date. So, if you invest in well-made accessories, it should last for as long as you need it to. It is comforting because it feels reassuringly familiar.'
As more and more of us start thinking about design with longevity and sustainability in mind, look to your ancestors, as well as nature, for inspiration. My advice, start with deliciously delightful brown ceramic earthenware to create pretty displays that will endure beyond any kitchen trends.
Shop the look
This beautiful soup crock is almost identical to the now vintage design I used to see in my family kitchen. This color scheme is so on-trend, even 40 years later.
Borrow colors from nature for a classic look that will take pride of place on your kitchen shelving. Chocolate, taupe, burnt orange and sand are perhaps the most timeless colors you will ever find.
Buying brown earthenware and ceramic jars has become something of an obsession of mine recently. They look beautiful on my open shelving, and I plan on using this one as vase instead of a pantry jar.
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