Terracotta in decoration enhances projects with warmth, personality, and Brazilianness. See how to use this color and its variations in your house.
Submitted at Jul 25, 2025, 7:14 AM
Gabriel Fernandes - Casa Veredas Simonetto. Awakening reminiscences of the rural imaginary is the intent of this 120 m² house, which honors the caipira lifestyle. The entrance hall connects to the act of sewing through the installation work A Costura do Erro by Adrianna Eu; the stove is wood-burning; and an oratory at the exit reminds us of the importance of giving thanks. A technical challenge of the project, the shelf that travels up to the ceiling houses blocks molded by women served by the Instituto Maria do Barro in Brasília. Each brick contained in the niches represents the way its author sees the house. Behind the sofa, another gem: the panel made with an old ceramic floor by Francisco Brennand. (MCA Estúdio)
Gabriela Greiner e Natalia Pereyra - Tierra de Fuego. Projeto da CASACOR Bolívia 2024. (Alvaro Mier/CASACOR)
Suelen Fuchs e Thaís Correa - Estar no Jardim. Projeto da CASACOR Paraná 2024. (Fabio Jr Severo/CASACOR)
The term "terracotta" comes from the Italian terra cotta, which means "cooked earth." The color represents exactly this: a warm tone, between burnt orange and reddish brown, widely used in handcrafted ceramics and coverings of traditional constructions. Its appearance refers to soil, the warmth of the sun, and natural origins, creating cozy yet elegant projects.
Romina Passos e Fabricia Nunes - Galeria do Artesanato. Projeto da CASACOR Espírito Santo 2023. (Caio César/CASACOR)
In decoration, terracotta stands out for its depth and for bringing personality without being extravagant. At the same time, it is neutral enough to combine with a wide palette of colors and textures - such as woods, natural fibers, greens from plants and raw fabrics.
Fernanda Rubatino Arquitetura - Casa Buriti. Orientado por princípios da biofilia, o restaurante operado pelo Mesa Viva incorpora materiais sustentáveis, iluminação natural e uma paleta de cores que remete à terra, ao céu e à vegetação. O espaço de 262 m² recebe e envolve o visitante em uma atmosfera que pulsa brasilidade e respeito pela natureza. Para isso, integra elementos como jardins verticais, fontes, mobiliário de madeira certificada e ventilação cruzada, explorando transparências e grandes aberturas. Peças artesanais e atemporais compõem o mobiliário nacional. (Juliano Colodeti/CASACOR)
The use of earthy tones, such as terracotta, has been growing significantly in recent years. This trend follows a broader movement of valuing nature, sustainability, and reconnection with the essential. The palette of earthy colors - which also includes ochre, rust, caramel, and copper - has been widely explored by designers and architects seeking more human, comfortable, and sensory projects.
BC Arquitetos - Casa Magenta LG. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2023. Na foto, estante, tv, parede terracota e mesa. (MCA Estudio/CASACOR)
In Brazil, this aesthetic has an even deeper resonance: it dialogues with indigenous craftsmanship, northeastern ceramics, traditional clay floors typical of rural houses, and the colors of the natural landscapes of the Cerrado, Sertão, and coastline. Thus, terracotta in Brazilian decoration goes beyond the trend and becomes a celebration of culture and national identity.
Horto Girassol - Varanda Raizes do Cerrado. Com lajotas de barro, biribas, juta e muita vegetação, os paisagistas Maira e Kaio Duarte transformaram a Varanda Raízes do Cerrado em um pedacinho do cerrado brasileiro. É do bioma resiliente e com alta capacidade de adaptação que tão bem representa o Brasil profundo, que vem a inspiração – e a vegetação – do ambiente, feito em parceria com a arquiteta Natalia Lemos. A presença do barro ajuda a evidenciar ainda mais as plantas usadas aqui que, embora vivam praticamente sozinhas, ganharam um sistema de irrigação automatizado. “É um projeto prático, simples, que demanda baixa manutenção e pouca rega”. (André Nazareth/CASACOR)
The versatility of terracotta allows it to be used in various ways, from large areas to small details. Here are some suggestions:
Walls: Paints in terracotta tones create a cozy and sophisticated background, great for living rooms and bedrooms. It is an excellent alternative to conventional neutral tones like beige or gray.
Coverings: Tiles, ceramics, or terracotta bricks bring texture and a rustic touch that can be explored in kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoor areas.
Mónica Prialé, Raúl Arróspide - Suite Familiar y Terraza del Hotel Boutique. Neste hotel de praia, o design de interiores assinado por Mónica evoca calor e tranquilidade com sua paleta de cores terrosas, terracota e bege. Uma combinação harmoniosa que convida ao relaxamento e à conexão com a natureza. O terraço projetado por Raúl centra seu desenho na complexidade e na composição do piso: as cores e padrões com presença de plantas criam uma atmosfera que convida a se desconectar da rotina diária e mergulhar em um ambiente de beleza, luxo e serenidade. (Rodolfo Sotelo/CASACOR)
Furniture: Armchairs, sofas, sideboards, and chairs covered or painted in terracotta stand out and warm up the project.
Decorative objects: Vases, lamps, cushions, rugs, and paintings are discreet ways to introduce the color without compromising the overall harmony of the space.
The tip is to balance: terracotta can be a protagonist or a supporting role, depending on its combination with other colors and materials.
Eloy Fichberg e Felipe Fichberg - Casaviva. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2024. (Bia Nauiack/CASACOR)
Despite being striking, terracotta is extremely versatile and can compose palettes that range from neutral to vibrant. Here are some suggestions:
Warm neutrals: combine terracotta with beige, sand, off-white, and light wood tones for a light and natural aesthetic.
Green and blue: the contrast between terracotta and the cool tones of moss green or petroleum blue creates a sophisticated and contemporary combination.
Com apenas 29 m², studio ganha cabeceira, banco e prateleiras de cerâmica. Projeto de Ricardo Abreu. Na foto, quarto com parede terracota e cabeceira de cerâmica. (Grutz Fotografia/Divulgação)
Other earthy tones: use in conjunction with caramel, chocolate brown, and copper for elegant monochromatic compositions.
White and black: if you want a modern look, terracotta can stand out over light bases and dark details.
This chromatic flexibility allows terracotta to be used in various styles - from boho to industrial, from minimalist to tropical.
BC Arquitetos - Casa Magenta LG. Projeto da CASACOR São Paulo 2023. (MCA Estudio/CASACOR)
The color terracotta can be adapted to different aesthetic proposals, giving charm and originality. Check out some ideas:
Rustic style: combine with reclaimed wood, straw, and handcrafted ceramics to reinforce the idea of home and tradition.
Modern style: use the color in pieces with clean design and simple geometry, such as abstract paintings or straight-lined furniture.
Boho chic: mix with ethnic prints, tapestries, and plants to create a relaxed environment full of personality.
Toca Arquitetura - Estúdio Elã. São muitas as referências a Ney Matogrosso no espaço criado em sua homenagem. Algumas são muito sutis, como o sentimento de liberdade na integração entre quarto, sala e cozinha. O tom de terracota avermelhado é afetivo, sensual e ao mesmo tempo representa a forte ligação com a natureza. A cozinha é despretensiosa, com prateleiras abertas, objetos pendurados e uma grande ilha central. (André Nazareth/CASACOR)
Warm minimalism: bet on neutral backgrounds with occasional touches of terracotta, such as in a lamp or a sculptural vase.
Mediterranean style: incorporate terracotta floors, whitewashed walls, and natural fabrics for a sunny and airy atmosphere.
The key is to dose the color according to the proposal of the project and the desired effect: whether to warm, highlight, or evoke cultural roots.
CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creation agent developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base from casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.
