The Earthy Textures And Tones That Always Pair Well With Powder Blue

There's no doubt about it: cool blues are back this year. So much so, in fact, that UK-based paint company Dulux named not one, but three different shades of blue as its Colors of the Year for 2026. One hue in particular that's grabbing a lot of attention is light blue — think shades like powder blue, dusty blue, and icy blue. Thanks to its soft, muted undertones, powder blue is an incredibly versatile color to decorate with and can even act as a neutral anchor within a home's color scheme. And while it pairs well with a variety of textures and tones, it works especially beautifully alongside earthy tones and organic textures.

From a color psychology perspective, powder blue and earthy elements are a natural match. Earth tones, such as warm taupe, muted brown, terracotta, and sage green, are known to evoke a sense of groundedness, while natural textures like wood, stone, and woven fibers help us feel connected to nature — all of which can have a positive effect on mental well-being. Blue, meanwhile, is associated with feelings of calmness and relaxation, helping to reduce anxiety. So, when used together, cool-toned powder blue and warm, earthy details create a balanced, soothing environment that feels both fresh and comforting. And with more homeowners these days seeking to create a peaceful environment — a place to recharge from the stressors of the outside world — now is the perfect time to invite a powder blue and an earthy palette into your home's design.

If you've decided on a powder blue shade to incorporate into your home's color scheme and are now wondering which earthy tones and textures will work best with it, warm beiges, taupes, and browns are an easy place to start. Sitting opposite blue on the color wheel, brown acts as a complementary color, helping to balance powder blue's cool undertones with warmth. "Use light blue as the main tone for walls and integrate brown in furniture, trim, or decor," interior design expert Kashi Shikunova suggested during an interview with Livinegtc. "Consider painting an accent wall in soft blue while keeping the remaining walls a lighter shade of brown." Meanwhile, when it comes to textures, opt for wood furniture and finishes with warm undertones. Rich woods like walnut or mahogany will add depth and coziness to powder blue, and would be a great fit for traditional, eclectic, or rustic interiors. Brighter woods, such as light oak, will create a brighter, more tranquil feel perfect for modern farmhouse aesthetics, beach houses, or minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired homes.

For those who want to introduce more color, though, blue and yellow always pair well. So consider combining powder blue with an earthy yellow, like ochre or sand, for a subtle pop of warm color. Blue and orange also work beautifully together, making terracotta another great choice. In Mediterranean-inspired spaces, for example, a terracotta-tiled floor pairs effortlessly with powder blue walls or cabinets. Alternatively, a terracotta- or copper-colored leather or linen sofa would be a welcome addition to a powder-blue-painted living room.