Orange paint colours: natural shades inspired by summer living

When we think of summer decorating, our minds often drift towards cool blues and fresh whites. Yet one of the colours most deeply connected to the season is often overlooked: orange.

From the glow of a ripe apricot to terracotta pots warming in the sunshine, orange is woven throughout the summer landscape. It captures the golden light of long evenings and the vibrant abundance of gardens at their peak.

At Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, our orange and terracotta hues offer an opportunity to bring that same sense of vitality and connection to nature into the home. Far from being a colour reserved for autumn, these shades feel entirely at home in summer interiors, where they can reflect the richness and optimism of the season.

Inspired by summer gardens

Orange appears naturally throughout the garden during the warmer months, whether it be nasturtiums, blooming roses or calendulas, colours can range in shades from soft apricot to rich coral.

This is where colours such as Malahide come into their own. An iron oxide rich colour, it brings warmth to any room, capturing the deep glow of summer flowers and works beautifully in sitting rooms and garden rooms.

For those seeking a more energetic expression of the colour, Dutch Orange brings vibrancy and confidence. Inspired by the richness found in natural pigments, it can transform a room with the same joyful effect as a burst of summer blooms in full flower and will create a vibrant kitchen space. For more kitchen colour ideas explore our blog on colourful or calm kitchens. 

Capturing the warmth of Mediterranean living

Orange also evokes the relaxed elegance of Mediterranean landscapes. Think of weathered terracotta courtyards, clay roof tiles and walls glowing in the late afternoon sun.

Colours such as Brick and Header draw on these architectural influences. Rich yet grounded, they echo the warmth of traditional brickwork and fired clay. For Brick, Edward chose pigments to match the look of bricks mellowed with age.  Often used in dining rooms and bedrooms, they bring a sense of permanence that feels both timeless and uplifting.

These deeper terracotta tones pair beautifully with natural materials such as linen, rush matting, timber and stone, creating spaces that feel effortlessly relaxed and maintaining a connection to the landscape.

Summer light and natural pigments

One of the joys of orange is the way it responds to changing light. During summer, when daylight is abundant, natural pigments reveal their full complexity.

Morning light may draw out softer peach and golden undertones, while the long evenings of June and July deepen the colour into something richer and more atmospheric.

This quality is particularly evident in shades such as Hespan, whose earthy warmth shifts beautifully throughout the day. Like all our naturally pigmented paints, it possesses a depth and subtlety that allows it to feel sophisticated rather than overpowering.

Embracing our newest orange

A colour from our new Chatsworth Collection, Herbarium,  is a balanced burnt orange full of botanical richness. It sits between the likely sparkle of the flowerhead and the mellow hue of decay. Herbarium offers a particularly beautiful contrast to warmer orange and terracotta tones.  This colour is best used as a wall colour and flatters whatever is hung against it.

As the images demonstrate, these colours work particularly well when paired with green, creating balanced and harmonious interiors. After all, these colours occur together throughout the garden, where vibrant flowers sit against a backdrop of foliage. For more tailored guidance, our colour consultants can help you develop a scheme that suits your home and style.