Orange might be the most underrated color family in home design. While bright, saturated oranges are rarely used on walls, muted and earthy oranges — terracotta, burnt sienna, clay, and rust — have become some of the most sought-after tones in modern interiors. The terracotta trend connects back to natural materials: think adobe walls, clay pots, and sun-baked earth. These colors bring warmth and texture to a room without feeling loud.
Look at Sherwin-Williams Cavern Clay (a dusty terracotta that works as an accent or whole-room color), Benjamin Moore Burnt Caramel (rich and warm), and Behr Canyon Dusk (a muted clay that reads as a warm neutral in the right light). These muted oranges pair beautifully with cream, sage green, and warm wood tones — bridging the red and brown families with effortless warmth.
The most livable oranges are earthy and muted rather than vivid — a terracotta-leaning tone like Behr Cavern Clay (LRV 33) is the kind people actually paint a room.