Natural Earthy Kitchens for Minimalists and Maximalists

17 Nov 2025

Remember former I’m a Celeb Jordan North’s iconic catchphrase, “Happy place, happy place, Turf Moor”? Funny, right? Even so, science suggests that more natural settings are the go-to happy place for most humans. So, creating a natural earthy kitchen can literally make your home a happy place.

If you’re like most people, though, you’ll likely have a question: “How do I design an earthy kitchen?” After all, designing a natural earthy kitchen isn’t as intuitive as it might appear on the surface. For a start, earthy colours far exceed green kitchens – this Bloomsbury range being one prime example.

Luckily, at Sigma 3 Kitchens, our team designs breathtaking earthy kitchens all the time for both traditional and modern houses, and in this blog post, we’ll be publishing our best tips. So, keep reading for a brief guide into planning natural earthy kitchens for both minimalist and maximalist homes.

Why Choose a Natural Earthy Kitchen?

Primitive humans evolved with the patient tempo of hunting, foraging and feeling the sun on our skin, not waking up every day with a hundred notifications and the anxiety of not “having it all.” And while natural earthy kitchens can’t change all of society, they can turn your little corner of it into a sanctuary.

 

You see, while tech companies can “hack” us, we can push back, too, by creating calming environments. With their tactile, practical spaces, natural colours, and their ability to facilitate conversation, well-designed earthy kitchens can unfrazzle our brains.

“So, we need to put green cabinets everywhere?” we heard you cry. Well, not exactly – and definitely not if you don’t like green. Yes, earthy kitchens can include it – like this Hardwick range – but green isn’t essential. After all, nature isn’t one colour. What’s more important is keeping a low intensity and your kitchen cabinet choices – the family storage and social features that engage and connect us.

Natural Earthy Kitchen Design Principles

Modern earthy kitchen differ hugely from classic variations. Before you choose which look best fits your home, however, it’s paramount to understand the principles of natural earthy kitchens in general. That way, you’ll have a filter through which to feed your modern and classic options.

(Left) A Hawksmoor Forest Green and Biscuit range by Sigma 3 Kitchens Abergavenny

Bleeding the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces is the throughline. Indeed, science has proven we need access to plants and natural light. The herbs around the stove in the above Hawksmoor range showcases how pleasing biophilic design can be, as does the Hatfield Willow range with large windows.

Nature-inspired looks are one pillar of natural earthy kitchen design, yes, but don’t forget this other one: human connection. Adding stools to a breakfast bar or kitchen island, for instance, encourages group relaxation, whether it’s with your family or visitors. Remember, if you want to create an effective earthy kitchen, it’s vital to address both the physical and social aspects.

Modern Earthy Kitchen Design Tips

Now that you understand earthy kitchens down to the ground (so to speak), you can more effectively apply them to any home. Even so, experts understand that earthy modern kitchens, like this H-Line Sutton range, still require a subtly different approach to more classic, cottagey alternatives.

Note the various ways in which is resembles Scandi design. Both modern earthy and Scandi opt for a look that’s sympathetic to nature but with options that make more sense with a modern aesthetic.

Layouts

Modern earthy kitchen design pairs well with open-plan architecture. The minimalist ethos extends to the walls themselves. Open layouts aren’t uniquely modern, but adhering to this guideline can produce a more striking outcome.

Cabinets

More closely resembling rock and clay (as opposed to forest greenery), modern earthy kitchens also tend to have handleless doors to reflect the clean lines of modern design. As a result, maintaining clear worktops is essential. Fortunately, our MagnaSpace larders and Bar Dressers make it easy.

Colour Schemes

As for colour ideas for your cupboards, let’s return to the clay and stone, as well as terracotta and wood. These muses all trump mossy greens in modern earthy kitchens. That said, if you want to infuse a few soft pops of colour, you can rely on pastels to add more charisma than browns and greys allow.

Dusty Pink pairs well with Tuscan Walnut handles, as shown in this Amalfi range. Or, if you prefer a bolder colour, why not replicate our brand-new Pumpkin Spice Bloomsbury Bar Dresser? You’ll definitely use it while hosting cosy autumn dinner parties or comforting winter cocktail nights at home.

Accessories

Low-maintenance, simple items make ideal modern earthy kitchen accessories. Take our new wooden handles (also pictured). Presented in Tuscan Walnut and Blonde Oak here, but also available in Portland Oak and Espresso, they provide an ideal match for clay pottery and woven rug décor.

Traditional Earthy Kitchen Design Tips

Ask designers to describe earthy kitchens and their minds wander to traditional aesthetics – an eclectic, layered design: Victorian cabinets, deep forest inspiration and maximalist cosiness. Movie director Nancy Meyers created sets in this vein, skilful at maximising texture and comfort.

A Hardwick Olive and Biscuit range by Sigma 3 Kitchens Newport

This Hardwick Olive and Biscuit range is a model exemplar, sporting metals, wickers, woods and greenery. While sharing inspiration, it’s a far cry from the clutter-free worktops and splashbacks of modern earthy kitchens.

Layouts

Where modern earthy kitchens often resemble canyons and caves, traditional ones instead take inspiration from quiet woodland dells. Walls, alcoves and details take centre stage. Don’t worry if your kitchen was originally open plan, though. Rustic decorations can add some well-needed asymmetry.

Cabinets

Forget flat slab doors; you’ll need five-piece Shakers to distinguish your natural earthy kitchen as a traditional variant. It’s doesn’t matter whether you opt for ones with or without beading. Either way, combine them with a farmhouse sink and brass fittings, and the result evokes wholesome nostalgia.

Colour Schemes

You know how you should avoid greens when creating a modern earthy kitchen? If you want to be traditional, lean into those greens. Think Olive, Biscuit and Forest Green – a bountiful tapestry of lush and muted shades. This Hawksmoor range uses nature and complementary elements to great effect.

A Hawksmoor Forest Green and Biscuit range by Sigma 3 Kitchens Abergavenny

Exhibiting an organic, cosy colour mix, it combines rich green cupboards with leafy plants and wooden spoons in a porcelain pot, used as decoration. Apply off-white wall paint with exposed stone and you get a welcoming, earthy kitchen worthy of a the most chocolate-box farmhouse.

Accessories

Multiple layers are an asset in a maximalist earthy kitchen. Tour this this Ashbourne range. A chopping boards collection, gnarled plants, glowing brass and tasteful splashes of green – it’s a relaxing haven, reminiscent of the most cherished yet fashionable “coastal grandmother.”

An Ashbourne Highland Stone range by Sigma 3 Kitchens Swansea

Time-weathered timber is a useful ingredient, but your additions could equally include wicker baskets, cashmere rugs or a collection of hanging copper pans. Anything rustic is fine as long as it complements an overall sensory experience that uses natural elements to relax your state of being.

Let Us Design Your Earthy Kitchen

Need extra help creating your dream earthy kitchen? Request our Sigma 3 Kitchens brochures as digital downloads or luxury coffee table catalogues. They cover all the inspiration you’ll need. Or, if you’re ready to start renovating, why not book a meeting with one of our expert designers?

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