Be inspired by the warmth of Rooibos Tea : an organic and trendy color choice
Rooibos tea, a beloved beverage with deep roots in South Africa, is not just a drink, but it’s also the name of a color trend that I would like to share with you today, taking inspiration from our latest Trendbook: “Color Trends 25/26”.
Embraced for their earthy, natural qualities and versatile appeal, rust colors have always been among my favorite for interiors and decor. That means – those colors that put together red and orange with a hint of brown, which are warm but are also more neutral than oranges, and softer than reds, yet easier to be used in interior spaces.
In this blog post, we dive into the etymology, cultural significance, and trend evolution of the Rooibos Tea color, a rust color which tends more to the red tones. We will also explore why this organic shade is making waves in design today.

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The Etymology of Rooibos Tea
The word “Rooibos” is derived from the Afrikaans language spoken in South Africa, where this unique tea originates. The term “rooibos” translates to “red bush,” a name that directly references both the plant itself and the tea’s characteristic reddish-brown color. The word breaks down into two parts: “rooi,” meaning red, and “bos,” meaning bush.
This color, which mirrors the rich, earthy tones of the South African landscape, is an integral part of the rooibos tea experience. Just as the tea is a staple of South African culture, its distinctive hue represents the natural environment from which it hails.
|| Get inspired by these African color palette ideas
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Cultural Associations: More Than Just Tea
Rooibos tea is more than just a drink in South Africa—it’s a cultural cornerstone, enjoyed daily in households across the nation. The deep, earthy color of rooibos is tightly bound to the cultural and traditional practices surrounding the tea. Its reddish-brown tones are a reflection of the surrounding landscape—think of the warm, sun-drenched earth, the rocky terrain, and the diverse plant life that make up the South African wilderness.
Internationally, rooibos tea’s color, often associated with terms like rust, sienna, or ochre, has been embraced for its organic, natural feel. In a world increasingly focused on sustainable and natural products, the rich, reddish-brown color serves as a gentle alternative to the more commonly used greens and neutrals, making it a favorite for eco-conscious design trends.
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Rust Color Trend References: From Retro to Resurgence
The rust color trend is not a newcomer to the design world. Its rich, rusty hue has been making appearances in various trends over the decades.
- 1970s: Rust color was at the heart of the earthy and bohemian aesthetics, where it was often paired with other warm, natural tones. This era was all about embracing colors that reflected the natural world – with rooibos tea’s reddish-brown in a perfect fit.
- 1980s: During this period, rust became more of an accent color, used sparingly to add warmth and depth to design schemes. It was still present but less dominant than in the previous decade.
- 1990s: As minimalist design took over, rust tones fell out of favor, replaced by cooler, more neutral palettes.
- 2010s and 2020s: The resurgence of earth tones marked a major revival of rust and rooibos-inspired hues. However this time it wasn’t just an accent color; rust became a statement shade in both interior design and fashion. Its warmth and versatility made it an ideal choice for those looking to create spaces that feel grounded, cozy, and connected to nature. Rust became a new neutral, as a key color trend of the decade.

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Organic Color Trend: Nature’s Own Palette
The distinctive reddish-brown color of rooibos tea is not just visually appealing, but it’s also the result of a natural, organic process. That’s what makes this color so special and makes us select it as one of the key color trends for 25/26. During the oxidation of rooibos tea leaves, in fact, compounds like aspalathin and nothofagin are released, contributing both to the color and to the health benefits of the tea, such as its antioxidant properties.
This natural color palette is inherently organic, making it a perfect match for current design trends that emphasize sustainability, eco-friendliness, and a return to nature. The rooibos tea color brings the warmth and energy of nature indoors, evoking feelings of comfort, earthiness, and timelessness.

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How to Incorporate Rust Color Trend into Your Home
If you’re looking to embrace the Rooibos Tea color trend in your space, or more in general a rusty color – here are some ways to introduce this warm, earthy hue:
- Accent Walls: A rooibos-inspired accent wall can add depth and warmth to a room. The rich, reddish-brown tones are perfect for creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
- Textiles and Fabrics: Incorporate rusty tones into throw pillows, rugs, or curtains for a soft yet impactful touch. The color’s earthy richness pairs beautifully with neutral tones, wood accents, and other natural materials. This is my favorite way for adding a touch of rust in any space
- Furniture and Accessories: Furniture in deep rust shades can add a vintage, bohemian flair to a space. For example, think of a rooibos-colored armchair or sofa that brings a pop of warmth to an otherwise neutral room.
- Artwork and Décor: Art pieces that use rooibos tea tones can add sophistication and personality to your home. Look for works that incorporate earthy, warm hues to tie your design together. Thinks of earthy landscapes, abstract figures, large statement wall arts
From my experience, this color works beautifully in kitchen spaces but we used it also in the bathroom —imagine the warmth of terracotta tiles but with a modern, contemporary twist.



The warm, earthy color of rooibos tea is more than just a passing trend—it’s a timeless hue that brings a touch of nature’s beauty into your life, avoiding the cliché of green tones that are always linked to sustainability. Whether through interior design, fashion, or everyday products, this reddish-brown shade offers a sense of warmth, comfort, and authenticity.
Dive more into this and the next color trends for 25/26, while also discovering new sustainable color choices, with our Trendbook: “Color Trends 2025/26″