They don't have to be boring. 

Earth tones—colors that are rooted in nature—are soothing, subdued hues that tend to be quite versatile. Muddy shades, including chocolate browns, moss greens, taupes, and murky mustards, all fall into the earth tone category. These colors draw inspiration from the outdoors and never fail to make an interior feel more homey.

But although earth tone shades can work in a variety of spaces, maintaining visual interest can be tricky. However, Nancy Hooff of the Atlanta-based design firm Carter Kay Interiors, says it's possible to make these hues work in your space. “We find that by keeping a room wrapped in quiet earth tones, the rich natural colors of Mother Nature, right outside the window, are allowed to be more visible and more pronounced than if they are fighting stronger colors used on interiors,” Hooff says.

When it comes to spaces that are most suitable for earth tones, Hooff especially appreciates them in living rooms of all styles. “We love a quiet living room,” she says. “Generally in our rooms, we include art, found objects, collectibles that are allowed to 'be' when they are not competing with vivid colors.”

If you're ready to experiment with neutrals in your own home, scroll down for a look at some of our favorite rooms using classic earth tone shades.

Rustic Taupe Kitchen 

Taupe Bathroom 

Taupe Bathroom 

Chocolate Brown Living Room

Mustard Bedroom

 Burnt Orange Library

Bold Green Dining Room