All shades of green remain a consistently favored choice for interior design. From a fresh coat of paint to decorative accents, lush houseplants, or rich emerald textiles, this hue is cherished for its connection to nature and versatility across various styles—though not always.
Just because it’s a commonly used, naturally-occurring, and easy-to-pair shade, doesn’t mean
decorating with green
It is always clear-cut. Should the equilibrium be off-kilter, or the hue not suit your environment, your living space might wind up appearing jarring and uncoordinated.
It’s equally important to consider how green complements lighting and which optimal color combinations work best with it. Therefore, if you’re thinking of incorporating it into your interior design, here are some common green decor errors that experts suggest steering clear of entirely. Additionally, we provide alternative approaches to take instead.
1. Thinking Exclusively About Its Use as Wall Art
Opting for caution instead of taking bold steps like incorporating vibrant green elements, such as the whimsical
trim color combo
shown above, is a big mistake designers see people make. In the space above, the team at Turner Architects opted for bright green-painted trims that adds vibrancy to the kitchen, drawing attention to the calming curves, and encouraging guests to gaze out into the garden.
The windows aim to capture the verdant scenery of the garden and complement it with their own green frames.
“Folly Green” by Farrow and Ball
“, assists with this,” clarifies the designer,
Paul Turner
.
However, the selection of colors carries more significance than merely aesthetics. As Paul explains, “This hue draws inspiration from Raphael’s fresco, The School of Athens.” He continues, “In designing this space, our aim was to establish something akin to a conversational hub — an area marked by several descending steps where the family could come together for activities like cooking, dining, and above all else, engaging in meaningful conversations, sharing tales, and connecting with one another. We felt it appropriate to borrow some coloring ideas from such a classic piece.”
2. Believing That There Could Excessively Be Too Much Green
Green against green can be used to achieve an elegant look.
monochromatic color scheme
That provides a soothing effect and gives a sanctum-like ambiance, yet numerous homeowners refrain from using double doses of green due to concerns it might overpower the room.
Up above, the designers at Charlop Hyman Herrer demonstrate that one can never have enough green. The project is enveloped in a rich, mossy green shade.
“Alligator Alley” by Benjamin Moore
From the shiny walls to the polished woodwork, and throughout the furniture as well.
“One single color or material throughout can elevate shapes, making the boundaries of a space and its furnishings less distinct,” he elucidates.
Adam Charlap Hyman
The result feels vast, perhaps endless.
3. Thinking That Blue and Green Could Never Meet The Eye
Not knowing that
cyan and forest collaborate effectively
It’s a widespread misunderstanding during decoration that leads many homeowners to avoid using blue within a green color palette, fearing the hues might not complement each other well.
However, blue actually is, in fact, a
shade that complements green
—the layers of shading complement each other beautifully, as demonstrated in this bedroom by Hello Flora.
The aim was to brighten up the somber dark green walls using splashes of color,” says the lead designer.
Tracy Cole
I draw all my inspiration from nature, imagine a vivid blue sky paired with lush green grass. This vibrant and refreshing color scheme meshes beautifully! Have the courage to combine neighboring shades; they complement each other instead of clashing.
4. Misjudging the Equilibrium
Certain homeowners find it challenging to achieve the proper color balance, particularly with the use of green. To obtain useful guidance, one might refer to the
60-30-10 rule
, which aids in effectively partitioning colors inside a space.
In this
green living room
by Róisín Lafferty, the sunken seating area is in a deep green hue, paired with white walls, and neutral touches throughout. The result it a calming zen-like space where the balance of color is just right.
“The sunken seating area serves as a central gathering spot for the family living here, allowing them to relax and spend time together,” he elucidates.
Becky Russell
Róisín Lafferty, CEO of the company, explains: “When seated, your view aligns perfectly with the garden outside. The choice of colors aims to connect with the natural hues found in the garden—greens and neutrals—and complement them. Soft velvet adds both coziness and texture, enhancing the welcoming atmosphere. Among various shade options, fern green stands out as an ideal match for this historic house, adding depth and richness particularly within the modern addition.”
5. Overlooking the Impact of Natural Light
Before determining the quantity or location for its placement within your area, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of
How illumination impacts verdant pigment
Rooms oriented towards the south usually receive the highest amount of natural light, whereas a north-facing room is the one you should watch out for. Such areas get minimal sunshine, making them generally appear colder and more blue-tinged, which can make the space seem darker.
Above, interior designer
Lauren Gilberthorpe
used
Invisible Green by Little Greene
On the walls of the living room, alongside rattan, wood, and neutral tones, this choice reinforces the connection between the green color and nature.
Lauren notes, “This shade of green serves as a calming foundation that excels exceptionally in north-facing areas, where the inherent lighting usually appears cooler and less intense. In such environments, green injects a subtle depth along with a cozy feel, never overpowering the space. Its connection to nature provides a serene quality that complements textured elements and warmer decorative touches harmoniously.”
6. Failing to Be Courageous with Striking Combinations
While a
neutral color scheme
It pairs nicely with green, where the vibrant colors can create a striking impression. While yellow and green may not be the typical choice for combining hues, these two shades together add a sense of joyfulness to the area.
“Everyone reacts to colors differently, and some individuals dislike environments that are solely white,” she elucidates.
Lori Ryker
by Studioryker, who created the aforementioned space.
Lori received detailed instructions from the client, who was very particular about hues yet desired more vibrant tones to enhance their spirits, particularly during the extended periods of darkness and chill typical of winter in Montana, as Lori recounts.
The primary rooms and transitional zones within the home were adorned with shades of yellow as a foundational element. According to Lori, “As you move throughout this open-concept living area, the brightness of the yellow can vary depending on the time of day, appearing either softer or more vibrant accordingly.” She adds that in the staircase, “the use of yellow gives off an impression akin to a glowing lantern.” To balance out the yellows, green tones were introduced, which also serve as a backdrop for showcasing the homeowner’s vividly hued ceramic collection.
7. Forgetting About Your Ceiling
Green paint isn’t solely for walls—it can also perform miracles in surprising areas. Similar to applying it to window trim, green
painted ceilings
Can assist in fooling the eye to create an illusion of a bigger space or higher ceiling, guiding your gaze upward as you move beneath it.
This entrance was created by Design Studio,
A New Day
The space was rejuvenated with a striking dark forest-green ceiling complemented by white walls, guiding the viewer’s gaze along the hallway and lifting their sight upward.
8. Focusing on Sustainability Isn’t Compatible with Conventional Patterns
Pattern drenching
Using green is an excellent method to create a bold impression in any area. For the bathroom featured above, the design team from Toronto,
Evan Saskin along with Cameron Bird
opted for a
Cole & Son Wallpaper Malachite
Wallpaper that added an element of drama when combined with a green marble sink featuring bold veins.
These elements don’t naturally go together,” states Evan. “While I’m unsure precisely why they feel both dynamic and cohesive simultaneously, I believe one reason might be their abundant texture featuring three distinct stones, each with varying scales of detail.
The objects in this compact space exude a sense of weight, whether it’s the somber metallic structures, the frosted glass fixtures, or the unpolished stones used. However, these elements coexist harmoniously with various textures and designs that add personality and coziness to the setting.
9. Combining Green Walls with Silver Fittings
Selecting appropriate furnishings is a crucial aspect when decorating with any color. For interior designers, this is essential.
Michael Del Piero
, metallic fittings make the
best bathroom accessories
For an elegant green design that exudes harmony.
He prefers bronze and/or brass hardware paired with greens that have a warm undertone, such as green plaster or paint in the area,” he says. “The combination of these metals’ warmth with the rich base tones of various green hues creates an appealing radiance within the space through the interplay of overlapping warmth.
10. Overlooking the Significance of Textural Elements
Incorporating textures onto the walls
is focused on adding visual appeal, depth, and a touch of texture to the area. Frequently, matte paint might cause a room to appear flat, yet by incorporating varied wall materials along with green paint, you can achieve an enhanced atmosphere instead.
In this dining area crafted by Chango, plaster and wooden panels create a subtle equilibrium of illumination within the room.
“The green paint from Portola Paints is classic and offers a lovely, soothing impact,” as explained by
Susana Simonpietri
, the company’s creative director noted. “We incorporated coffered ceilings and wainscotting — and we painted them in
Benjamin Moore’s Weekend Getaway
To achieve this. These additional elements brought greater texture and depth to the area, making it an essential space for entertainment and a more formal setting for the clients.”
There are numerous pitfalls you may encounter when incorporating green into your decor, along with several aspects you could overlook. These range from choosing appropriate fittings to enhance the space, to accounting for natural light, adhering to an overarching color palette, and maintaining a harmonious distribution of hues. Despite being chosen for its perceived simplicity, green demands just as much deliberate thought as any other shade.
The most effective method to steer clear of
green decor mistakes
The aim is to take into account the materials used, as well as how your house and its windows are oriented to assess their effect on the lightness or darkness of the space. Additionally, it’s important to contemplate the color tones of other furnishings and all additional details involved.
green room
To ensure the design decision appears well-thought-out.
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