There’s a specific kind of soul in the “earthy girl” aesthetic—a legacy built by Erykah Badu and India Arie, now beautifully evolved by artists like SZA and Umi. For me, this wasn’t about following a trend; it was about finally aligning my space with the person I’ve always been. My life was already filled with the scent of palo santo, the hum of sound bowls, and stacks of well-loved books. It was only natural that my apartment should start reflecting that same frequency.
1. Lighting
The first step was a total lighting reset. I wanted to capture a permanent golden hour, leaning into the deep oranges, chocolate browns, and forest greens that define the earthy palette. I left the s “shiny” look of standard lamps and opted for the soft, organic glow of salt lamps, sunset lamps, and fairy lights. Focusing on the lounge and bedroom first, I’ve managed to turn my everyday rooms into a retreat that feels both inspired and incredibly calm.
For starters, I’ve always been drawn to the sunset lamp. There’s something about that specific gradient that instantly shifts the energy of a room into a calm, meditative state. Then there’s the salt lamp, which feels like a staple for the “bohemian-chakra” aesthetic. It’s an immediate signal of who I am and what I value; anyone walking into my home can feel that intention right away.
I’ve also been leaning into the Noguchi lamp trend. I love how these paper lanterns move away from traditional, rigid lighting and offer something more sculptural and organic. Together, these three are my essentials—they’re less about “turning on a light” and more about curating an atmosphere.
2. Couch
Next on the list is finding the perfect couch; the piece that truly anchors the room and carries the vibe. I’m moving away from anything “funky” or overly modern; I want a piece that feels lived-in and soulful, like something you’d find in a grandmother’s house that has seen decades of stories. It needs to be the kind of couch that feels like a warm embrace.
To make it the center of attention, I’m looking for a rich, earthy pop of color—think deep forest green, chocolate brown, or even a muted, sun-drenched yellow. Since the goal is comfort, leather is out of the question. I want textures that invite you to sink in and stay a while. By placing one statement sofa right in the center of the lounge, I’m creating a focal point that feels grounded, intentional, and—most importantly—like home
So basically
- A green/brown/yellow couch
- No leather or funky modern
- Nostalgic like gran’s Home
3. Furniture
Next? The true foundation of this aesthetic lies in the wood. There’s something so intentional about bringing raw, natural elements indoors; the deep, woody browns are the absolute epitome of the “earthy girl” spirit. To bring the whole palette together, I’m leaning into rich timber tones for the larger pieces—from the coffee table and bookshelves to the TV console.
I want these pieces to feel substantial and organic, acting as the anchor for my crystals and plants. By layering in different grains of brown, the apartment starts to feel less like a decorated space and more like a natural extension of the earth. It’s that final, tactile layer that makes the “sunset” glow of the lamps feel even more authentic.
My wood furniture list is:
- Coffee table
- TV console
- Chairs
- Bookshelf
- Wooden mirror
4. Rug
Next up is the rug. This is the piece that’s really going to make the apartment feel warm and homely. While I love the earthy look, I also want to show off my own style and keep things from looking too “perfect.” I’m looking for something with a bit of an edge to break up the aesthetic.
I’m stuck between two vibes: a cool animal print or hide for something a bit more raw, or a traditional Persian rug for that vintage, storied feel. I want a rug that feels unique to me, something that stands out in the middle of the room. It’s all about finding that one piece that steps away from the “Pinterest look” and makes the space feel like mine.
Stylish, edgy and something unique to me.
5. Decor : The Final Details.
Finally, let’s talk about the decor. To me, the “earthy girl” aesthetic is all about the little things. This is where the apartment really starts to feel spiritual and grounded.
I’m filling my space with all the essentials: crystals, dream catchers, and beaded curtains. I love how a simple tapestry or a few well-placed plants can completely change the vibe of a room. Even things like my fan and lamps need to fit the mood.
To top it all off, I focus on the “feel” of the room. Lighting some incense or palo santo is the best way to relax and really enjoy the space. When the sunset lamp is on and the scent hits, the apartment finally feels like the peaceful sanctuary I’ve been dreaming of.
My choice of details.
- Crystals
- incense holder
- Fan
- Tapestry
- Dream Catchers
- Beaded curtains
- Art
6. Plants
Lastly, of course, to tie everything in together, plans, whether real or artificial, bring in the breathe of fresh air to the apartment.
Creating This Space…
Creating this space has been such a journey, and I’m so happy with how it’s turning out. It’s finally starting to feel like a real reflection of my soul. Go ahead—light that incense and start creating your own vibe.