Should Green Emerge as the New Fundamental Hue in Interior Design? Design Experts Advocate for This Calming Tone as a Preferred Foundation Color
In a shift from traditional neutral tones, green is making a bold entrance in the world of interior design. Victoria Holly, a renowned design expert, confirms that lower saturated greens like sage green and olive green are becoming new neutrals, replacing the ubiquitous whites, taupes, and stone greys.
Green color trends have always been popular, and now they are set to become the new neutral. Shades like Army Green from Benjamin Moore, Rain Check from Clare Paint, and Sage Tint from the same brand are gaining traction as favourite neutral green paint shades. Carr Lanphier, another design influencer, mentions Evergreen Fog and Soft Sage from Sherwin Williams as popular neutrals that bring a hint of natural green color.
The use of green in interiors can have a positive impact on our mood, making us happier. Jessica Maros, founder of her studio in 2018 and committed to creating unique and character-filled spaces, uses Vert De Terre by Farrow & Ball, a light mint green, for cabinetry in her entryway mudroom.
Shades of green are inherently calming, drawing inspiration from nature and lush landscapes. When using green as a neutral base colour, a slightly more considered approach is required, but there are still plenty of colours that go with green. For instance, a light hue of minty green accents browns nicely and lives harmoniously in the same palette.
Dan Mazzarini, principal and creative director at BHDM Design and ARCHIVE by Dan Mazzarini, prefers to use a mossy green like a neutral in the way you would use denim. He advocates for Mediterranean Olive by Benjamin Moore as a deep, earthy neutral tone. Mazzarini recently painted all his doors and bathroom in a shady green hue, and he would like to see more of it.
Green offers a touch of personality while maintaining versatility in home design. It is considered a neutral colour in 2025, leading the charge in home design, feeling fresh yet timeless. Blue is not too far behind as another neutral colour, with French blue-gray and other toned-down shades.
In minimalist designs, olive green is being used, often paired with taupe for a grounded aesthetic, suggesting a shift towards using green in a more intentional rather than neutral manner. However, sage green, which has been popular in recent years, is now considered less neutral due to its ubiquity and is being replaced by more vibrant options.
Despite this, green interiors can make you happier and serve as an alternative to 'safe' neutrals such as taupe and off-white. Green can form a soft, subtle backdrop for almost any space, offering a touch of personality while maintaining versatility in home design.
- Lower saturated greens like sage green and olive green are becoming new neutrals in the world of interior design, replacing the ubiquitous whites, taupes, and stone greys.
- Popular neutral green paint shades include Army Green from Benjamin Moore, Rain Check from Clare Paint, and Sage Tint from the same brand.
- Using Vert De Terre by Farrow & Ball, a light mint green, for cabinetry in her entryway mudroom can have a positive impact on our mood, making us happier.
- Shades of green can live harmoniously with colors such as a light hue of minty green accents brown, offering a touch of personality while maintaining versatility in home design.
- Mediterranean Olive by Benjamin Moore is a deep, earthy neutral tone, preferred by Dan Mazzarini, principal and creative director at BHDM Design and ARCHIVE by Dan Mazzarini.
- In minimalist designs, olive green is being used, often paired with taupe for a grounded aesthetic, suggesting a shift towards using green in a more intentional rather than neutral manner.
