Terracotta: A Divisive Hue Uniting Apartment Spaces
Without going so far as to call it controversial, terracotta – the colour – has a bit of a reputation for being divisive. The debate often arises around its exact hue: Is it a warm, earthy red-orange? A deeper, brownish-orange? Or more of a rusty reddish-brown? This ambiguity may stem from the very nature of terracotta itself, which originally referred to a type of fired clay that can vary widely in tone depending on its mineral content. Such variability makes it a colour that’s open to interpretation, particularly in the world of interior design. But despite its potential for confusion, terracotta has found its place as a unifying design element that’s a popular pick for tying together contrasting elements and creating depth in unexpected ways. Here are some of our favourite uses of terracotta from across Never Too Small episodes:
Studio Christine and Jean,
In Studio Christine and Jean, interior designer Camille Delbecque of façon Camille used terracotta as an accent colour that resonates throughout the space. Drawing inspiration from the natural surroundings of the apartment, which is located near the sea in De Haan, Belgium, the palette reflects the terracotta roof tiles of nearby cottages and the surrounding greenery.
For Delbecque, terracotta was a way to inject warmth into the apartment. “To enhance the cosy feeling, I painted the [bedroom] ceiling in a dark terracotta and extended it down a bit of the wall. It’s a simple way to change the perspective of the room and add some cosiness,” she explained. The terracotta accents extend beyond the ceiling to include dining chairs, a pendant lamp, and bathroom tiles, creating a visual flow that ties the spaces together. The bathroom, with its terracotta tiles, adds cohesion while reinforcing the warmth of the design.
Taipei Compact Apartment Conversion
Architect Chris Choo of Republic Design took a slightly different approach to terracotta in the 28 square metre (301 square feet) compact apartment conversion he completed in Taipei. In this apartment, a couple of hues that could be considered terracotta contribute to the apartment's distinct character. The first is a more rusty terracotta used for the utility “brick” wall at the entrance, which features an innovative, foldable design that opens to store coats and accessories. The second, a deeper red version of terracotta, is used in the inset shelving and kitchen cabinets.
Choo's approach was influenced by the traditional colours of Taipei. “The earthy red of the temples creates a sense of warmth,” he noted. The matte red of the kitchen cabinets and brick wall contrasts with the modern, minimalist layout of the apartment, creating focal points that highlight the traditional influence of terracotta while maintaining a modern, clean aesthetic.
Fourvière Apartment
Owners and architects Maxime Hurdequint and Mary Bravard of MURA architects used terracotta as a unifying element across their 58 square metre (624 square foot) apartment in Lyon, called Fourvière Apartment. The rich, red-brown tone greets the guests upon entering with a floor-to-ceiling painted corridor that connects all the separate rooms. This bold, deep hue adds visual intrigue and creates a sense of continuity throughout the home.
Hurdequint explains that the deep terracotta serves as both a visual anchor and a subtle divider within the open-plan layout. It’s not just the physical connection of spaces that this colour brings together, but also an emotional one, imbuing the apartment with a welcoming, grounded atmosphere. The use of terracotta here demonstrates how a single colour can create a strong sense of cohesion and elevate an apartment’s overall ambiance.
Project Jordaan
In Project Jordaan, a small but striking apartment in Amsterdam designed by architect and owner Marijn Kruikemeier of MI Studio, terracotta takes on a more playful and functional role. The reddish-orange hue is used as the feature colour for the millwork around the bed and in the interior of the minibar cabinet. This choice of terracotta helps visually separate these elements from the rest of the light wood palette in the apartment, adding a sense of warmth and distinction without overwhelming the space.
Kruikemeier explains that the use of terracotta is part of an effort to inject personality and richness into a relatively minimalist interior. The colour serves as a subtle accent that complements the modern, functional design while still making a strong visual impact.
Jourdain, Paris
For a 42 square metre (452 square foot) apartment in Jourdain, Paris, architect Taïna Pichon of MERAKI Architecture took a different approach, responding to a client’s personal connection to terracotta. The client specifically requested the colour, and its presence is felt throughout the space. Pichon fulfilled this request by incorporating terracotta in a linear pattern of red and peach tiles that elongates the kitchen and subtly demarcates the entrance. The terracotta walls and tiles are visible throughout the apartment thanks to the strategic use of glass panels, which ensure the colour radiates warmth into every room.
Pichon explains, “It gives depth, and the terracotta colour can be seen from everywhere in the space.” The colour, which holds personal meaning for the client, creates a sense of intimacy and continuity throughout the apartment, providing a visual and emotional thread that ties the entire space together.
Terracotta's Versatility and Appeal
While terracotta may be a colour that some find difficult to define, its versatility and ability to unite disparate elements in interior design make it a popular choice for a wide range of apartments. Whether it’s used as an accent, a unifying element, or a deeply personal choice, terracotta brings warmth, depth, and a sense of connection to any space. From the bold, red-brown corridor of Fourvière Apartment to the soft, muted peach walls in Jourdan, terracotta transcends its variability, creating a harmonious blend of tradition, warmth, and contemporary appeal in the world of interior design.
