Inspiration

Colour Stories: Olive Green

October 2, 2025

An entryway decorated in olive green.
An entryway showing the use of the colour trend olive green
Olive Green decor inspiration | Source: Instagram @daretodreamprints

Exploring the Colour Trend of Olive Green

Choosing a colour scheme for a home or even one room can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task. Our “Colour Stories” series explores the usage of colour in the world of interior design and can help you visualize specific colours in a variety of spaces. This month we are looking at the colour trend of olive green: a timeless, grounding colour that is a versatile choice in interior design.

Nature and Biophilia

Unlike brighter shades of green, olive carries a muted, earthy tone that feels both sophisticated and approachable. Because it is rooted in nature, the colour instantly evokes a sense of calm and balance, aligning with the principles of biophilic design, the practice of connecting interiors with the natural world. By weaving olive green into a home’s palette, designers can create spaces that feel restorative and inviting, supporting both emotional wellbeing and visual harmony.

Colour Psychology

Psychologically, green is often associated with renewal, growth, and tranquility. In particular, olive green strikes a balance between the freshness of green and the warmth of earth tones, which helps soften interiors without overwhelming them. Studies have shown that exposure to natural colours like green can reduce stress and enhance focus, making it an excellent choice for rooms where people spend long stretches of time. Whether through paint, upholstery, or smaller accents, this shade of green introduces a soothing backdrop that encourages relaxation while still feeling rich and modern.

Practical Applications

When it comes to application, olive green adapts beautifully to different rooms in the house. In a living room, olive-painted walls or a velvet sofa can create a cozy yet elegant environment, especially when paired with natural wood finishes and soft textiles. In the kitchen, olive cabinetry or tiled backsplashes add depth and warmth, working particularly well with brass hardware and stone countertops. Bedrooms benefit from the calming qualities of olive through bedding, accent walls, or curtains, cultivating a restful retreat. Even in bathrooms, olive green tiles or vanity finishes bring a spa-like sense of nature indoors. As a flexible, mood-enhancing colour, olive green allows homeowners to achieve a look that feels both contemporary and deeply connected to the natural world. Scroll down for a collection of our favourite pieces in this gorgeous, earthy shade.

Shades of Olive Green

1977 Modular Sofa from King Living

A sectional sofa in a deep olive green shade

Regatta Sofa from MGBW

A two toned sofa highlighting the colour trend olive green

Minuit Armchair by Stephane Parmentier

A rich, deep olive green armchair

Marmar Table from Orior

A stunning coffee table in green marble

Erode Coffee Table from Maxime Boutillier

A large, round coffee table in olive green marble

Effie Buffet from Worlds Away

A buffet wrapped in dark green grasscloth

Olive Green Table Lamp from Currey and Co.

An olive green glass table lamp

Up Down Sconce from In Common With

A wall sconce with olive green and cream white shades

Claude Console from Arthur Vallin

A stunning console table made from green onyx stone

Posh Console from Global Views

A hair-on-hide wrapped console table showing the colour trend of olive green

Raphael Nesting Tables from Made Goods

Pressed Stool from Floris Wubben

Lily Plates from Global Views

Decorative wall art shaped like water lily leaves in shades of green

Urna Vase from Marimekko

An olive green glass vase

Hana Vase set from Currey and Co.

A set of two olive green glass vases with white flecks

Armond Mirror from Made Goods

A faux shagreen round mirror featuring the colour trend olive green

Alondra Chandelier from Made Goods

A rattan pendant light in a deep shade of olive green

Bennett Area Rug from Loloi

Brush Work Area Rug from Perennials

An area rug in various shades of green

Putting It All Together

Version 1 of a living room decorated in Olive Green.
Version 2 of a living room decorated in Olive Green.

Interested in learning how you could incorporate touches of Olive Green into your home? Contact us here.

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© TALEAH SMITH DESIGN 2023

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Photos: TALEAH SMITH, MARU PHOTOGRAPHY

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