Unexpected Colors From Natural Materials
Uncovering the Hidden Hues of the Natural World
I’ll admit it – I used to think brown was a bit boring. A forgettable neutral that couldn’t hold a candle to the vibrant allure of jewel-toned hues or the fresh sophistication of crisp whites and grays. But as I’ve delved deeper into the world of natural dyes and materials, I’ve come to see brown in a whole new light. It’s a shade that’s rich, warm, and infinitely more complex than I ever gave it credit for.
Tara Webb, a lecturer in costume technology at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, is one of the experts who’s opened my eyes to the hidden potential of natural dyes. As part of her role as a Sustainability Faculty Fellow, she’s been exploring the vibrant colors that can be coaxed from unexpected sources – everything from oak trees to food scraps.
“During the industrial revolution there were chemical inventions that created all the amazing colors we wear on our clothing now,” Webb explains. “But prior to those inventions, the color in clothing came from plants, minerals, bugs, even shellfish.” And the same is true for the colors we use to decorate our homes. The warm, earthy tones we associate with rustic, handcrafted furnishings and accessories? Those are the result of nature’s own unique palette.
Over at SweetGeorgia Yarns, founder Felicia Lo has been on her own journey of natural color discovery. Through the brand’s online dyeing study group, she’s learned that embracing the unpredictability of natural dyes can be just as rewarding as achieving a perfect, consistent hue.
“There’s a bit of a lesson that comes with natural dyeing; of looking at things in the moment,” Lo reflects. “To enjoy that feeling of looking at the color in the pot, knowing it may change and become something different once it’s dyed and dried, and that will be okay.”
Harnessing the Power of Natural Light
Of course, bringing those earthy, nature-inspired shades into our homes is about more than just the dye or material itself. As the team at VELUX Skylights points out, thoughtful lighting design plays a crucial role in making bold color choices feel warm, harmonious, and true to life.
“Without natural light from above, the space would feel closed in, and the details would be lost in dark corners,” the article explains, using a stunning blue and black kitchen as an example. Abundant natural light streaming in through strategically placed skylights helps to balance the drama of the moody palette, revealing the subtle textures and nuances of the materials.
The same principle applies to lighter, more earthy tones. In a pink kitchen designed by blogger Kelly Mindell of Studio DIY, the skylights help the pale, dusty rose hue of the cabinets feel airy and inviting, rather than overpowering.
“Having abundant natural light helped the couple make the final color selection for the kitchen cabinets,” the article notes. “After seeing their original choice, mustard yellow, in the space they realized it clashed with the wood floors. They viewed a variety of pinks in the kitchen and found a light, dusty rose that flows with Kelly’s design aesthetic in the rest of the home.”
So whether you’re drawn to rich, moody browns or softer, more muted tones, making the most of natural light is key to ensuring those shades feel intentional and cohesive within your space.
Unexpected Inspiration from the Everyday
Of course, the true beauty of natural dyes and materials lies in their ability to reveal colors you might never have dreamed of. As Laurren from One Forest Fragment points out, even the most humble of food scraps can produce surprisingly vibrant hues.
“Avocados can make red and pink, black beans make blue, and onion skins can make a variety of colors,” Webb shares. “Food scraps are an accessible way for people to get into natural dyes. It’s also easy when you’re teaching kids because food scraps are non-toxic, so it’s a much easier access point.”
And the inspiration doesn’t have to stop at the kitchen counter. As Webb discovered during her time as a Sustainability Faculty Fellow, even the trees and plants right on campus could yield a bounty of unexpected shades.
“One of the big ones on our campus is oak trees and oak makes a beautiful brown,” she explains. “Other natural colors include goldenrod for yellow, mulberry trees for purples and pinks, and black eyed Susans for greens and yellows.”
By keeping an open and curious eye, Webb was able to create a “local dye color pigment map” to help identify the hidden gems growing all around her. It’s a reminder that the natural world is full of untapped potential – you just have to know where to look.
Bringing It All Together
So how can you incorporate these rich, nature-inspired hues into your own home? The key is to approach it with the same spirit of playful exploration that Webb and Lo have embraced.
Start by looking around your own neighborhood or even your kitchen for unexpected sources of color. Experiment with natural dyes and materials, and don’t be afraid to let the process guide you to somewhere unexpected. And of course, make sure to take full advantage of the natural light in your space, whether that means strategically placed skylights or simply clearing away window treatments to let the sun shine in.
After all, as ABC Home & Renovation knows, the most beautiful and inspiring spaces often come from an unexpected blend of elements. So why not let Mother Nature be your muse?
