Terracotta is not exclusively synonymous with rustic or classic decor; on the contrary, dark terracotta flooring and modern furniture offer countless elegant and minimal combinations.
This dark version of the classic terracotta floor, in particular, lends itself to a range of very current styles, such as industrial style, which is popular among those who want to give a personal and charismatic touch to their home.
In this article, we will explore how to furnish a modern home with dark terracotta and what precautions to take to make it both modern and functional.
Dark Terracotta and White Furniture
Let’s start with a contrast that can be found in many of the latest design magazines: the combination of white, geometric, and linear furniture with a dark, handcrafted, and impactful flooring.
Terracotta can be finished in various ways, worked with either a glossy or matte finish, depending on the chosen decor and the desired effect (discover all our finishes).
You can continue with this line throughout the house, using contrasting light fabrics in the bedroom and bathroom, and creating a bright yet characterful living room.
Dark Terracotta and Industrial Style
The industrial style involves the heavy use of black and reclaimed materials, drawing on elements like exposed bricks already present to cover the walls of the house, as well as antique terracotta floors.
This is all combined with wooden and wrought iron elements, creating a mix of materials that complement each other when paired correctly.
Imagine a solid leather sofa with a low wrought iron coffee table, placed on a dark terracotta floor with a matte finish, adding a timeless touch of class to the composition.
In this kind of setting, lighting plays an essential role, as the dark colors and heavy elements could otherwise darken the space. Create warm light points that make the space inviting, while also highlighting the best parts and concealing areas that still need attention. Additionally, position the furniture strategically in relation to natural light sources so that the rays hit the surfaces in the best way.
Dark Terracotta and colorful furniture
Modern style comes in many variations, and particularly loves to color the space in a playful yet thoughtful way. There are many furniture pieces with bold, vibrant tones, often contrasting with each other to create an enticing color reference.
Imagine pairing a velvet ottanio or purple sofa on a dark terracotta floor that serves as a neutral, yet not too plain, base. This creates an interesting visual impact, which can be softened with simple geometric lines, ensuring that there’s no overload of elements.
Dark terracotta, therefore, pairs very well with this idea of modern decor with complementary colors, which can be applied both in the living room and bedrooms, using precious materials for furniture and textiles.
Grazed Terracotta and Modern Furniture
To achieve a different effect, you can opt for a glossy floor made of glazed terracotta tiles. This finish retains the same properties as traditional terracotta, but features a glossy surface. It can be colored and customized depending on the desired taste and style. It’s also possible to pair dark tiles with others in brighter colors to create a unique effect.
Modern and minimalist furniture is the perfect match for a glazed terracotta floor, particularly suspended furniture in white or neutral colors.
Dark terracotta, exposed beams, and reclaimed walls
It’s not to say that modern homes can’t incorporate elements from the past, combining them with unique design pieces. Dark terracotta pairs perfectly with reclaimed brick walls, creating either specific areas or even covering the entire surface. Terracotta coverings are very versatile and impactful: if the floor is dark terracotta, one can opt for a much lighter color for the walls.
Exposed beams on the ceiling are particularly interesting, either in raw wood or painted white, accompanied by terracotta tiles to warm up the space. In this environment, geometric furniture with contemporary materials and simple, essential lines would be placed.
The key to enhancing such a home in a modern version is the concept of minimalism, decorating with items like monochrome vases and few objects placed in the right spots. Lighting also plays an essential role, characterized by warm light points that make the environment welcoming and conducive to conversation.
Dark Terracotta and Wood
Modern homes in Nordic style love the combination of wood and white, often incorporating natural and eco-friendly coverings like terracotta (a material suitable for green building).
If such an environment feels too sterile to you, you can add a touch of personality with the dark variant, giving character while maintaining essential furniture and decor items.
The combination with wood is indeed a winning one, as long as the same finish is used for both elements, leaving them raw or finishing them with a glossy touch depending on personal taste.
Dark terracotta is an extremely versatile element that suits both classic and modern furnishings, simply by pairing the right elements to make it the perfect base.
Request a quote and rely on an experienced craftsman who knows how to work the material using the best techniques to enhance its natural beauty and turn it into a unique piece.
