Color Guide: How to Use Yellow Ocher
Earthy and warm, this ancient color evokes the sands of time as well as speaks to modern decorating sensibilities
Samantha Schoech
August 29, 2012
Houzz Contributor. I am a former magazine editor specializing in travel and design. I just completed my first remodel, turning my crumbling 1941 kitchen into a beauty of grays, whites and natural wood. If I could, I'd sleep on the countertop. That's how much I love it.
You can also read my parenting blog on Baby Center http://blogs.babycenter.com/author/sschoech/
Houzz Contributor. I am a former magazine editor specializing in travel and design.... More
Yellow ocher ranges from golden to light brownish and is one of the oldest tints used by humans. It's what you see on the plaster walls of Tuscany. It's a wheat field at sunset. It's the glow of golden oak floors.
Ocher is warm and earthy (originally it was made out of clay containing colorful minerals). It has an ancient feel — the oldest known human art was made in ocher, and it is commonly used in traditional African and Aboriginal art. But it was also popular in midcentury design (it goes well with that particular shade of muted teal that was also popular then).
Ocher varies in both tone and hue. It can be pale or dark, golden or almost brown. It looks great next to teal, burgundy red and cool grays and purples. Its richness makes it a lovely candidate for heavy fabrics such as velvet and brocade. And of course it goes well with terra-cotta, its equally earthy cousin.
An ocher room is a cozy room, even if it's architecturally large and open. Used in accessories it adds brightness, richness and energy, just like other yellows do, but it's more subdued. Ocher is the mature yellow. When I look at it I keep coming back to words like "elegance," distinguished," "quality," "wisdom" and "confidence." Ocher is the eminent bohemian poet who invites you over for tea and regales you with stories of days gone by.
Ocher is warm and earthy (originally it was made out of clay containing colorful minerals). It has an ancient feel — the oldest known human art was made in ocher, and it is commonly used in traditional African and Aboriginal art. But it was also popular in midcentury design (it goes well with that particular shade of muted teal that was also popular then).
Ocher varies in both tone and hue. It can be pale or dark, golden or almost brown. It looks great next to teal, burgundy red and cool grays and purples. Its richness makes it a lovely candidate for heavy fabrics such as velvet and brocade. And of course it goes well with terra-cotta, its equally earthy cousin.
An ocher room is a cozy room, even if it's architecturally large and open. Used in accessories it adds brightness, richness and energy, just like other yellows do, but it's more subdued. Ocher is the mature yellow. When I look at it I keep coming back to words like "elegance," distinguished," "quality," "wisdom" and "confidence." Ocher is the eminent bohemian poet who invites you over for tea and regales you with stories of days gone by.
Ocher on the Walls
The textured ocher walls add warmth and elegance to this spare room with concrete floors.
The textured ocher walls add warmth and elegance to this spare room with concrete floors.
Ocher walls give a space gravitas. There is something distinguished and comforting about this color — maybe because it has weathered trends for centuries.
This is a very orangey ocher. It's chic and warm and provides the perfect backdrop for an otherwise muted black and white room.
This light, greenish ocher is nearly neutral, but its warmth and depth make the rest of the room feel cozier and more intimate.
Eclectic design is so often played out against a white background. This glowing yellow ocher adds grace and confidence to the room.
Browse eclectic bedroom decor
Browse eclectic bedroom decor
See how well it goes with teal? It's earthy and traditional and modern and fresh.
Ocher in the Kitchen
Ocher is said to stimulate appetite and is associated with food. Perfect for the kitchen.
Ocher is said to stimulate appetite and is associated with food. Perfect for the kitchen.
This ocher tile backsplash adds a touch of much-needed warmth to this open, white kitchen without sacrificing its modern aesthetic.
Ocher walls with exposed brick and terra-cotta tile floors fit right in in Mexico, Italy, Spain or California. It’s a classic look.
Basics of Decorating With Ocher
Ocher works well in rich, traditional rooms. It is especially beautiful in upholstery or draperies.
Ocher works well in rich, traditional rooms. It is especially beautiful in upholstery or draperies.
Ocher also makes a perfect warm base for a more modern, eclectic room.
Ocher velvet with muted teal. It's modern but not cold.
The golden tones in the natural wood bed frame and the modern bedspread seem to glow against the very pale neutrals in this bedroom.
Spots of ocher velvet against black and white add muted, not-too-eager pops of color.
Ocher Outside
A large ocher vase adds color but looks earthy and ancient in a garden setting.
Yellow vases bring gardens year-round color
A large ocher vase adds color but looks earthy and ancient in a garden setting.
Yellow vases bring gardens year-round color
A more muted version of the color with a red tile roof adds instant Mediterranean cred.
Even paler, almost beige. But still with that yellow glow.
Ocher patio bricks have an ancient feel. Can’t you just picture the sandals of the Phoenicians on this?
Ask a professional how to bring ocher outside
Ask a professional how to bring ocher outside
Benjamin Moore
Ocher ranges from almost brown to bright gold. It can be orangey or greenish, but it is always warm. These paint samples and a swatch will get you thinking.
Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore
Cole & Son
We believe that the transition of a house into a home is a sense of history and a piece of the future. It tells... Read More
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