Many years ago, when I first moved into my home I was stumped as to what colour to paint my Victorian living room. It was all white, and although a light blank canvas it lacked something extra.

Around that time I went to watch a Jennifer Anniston movie - nothing memorable, I can’t even remember the name of the movie! - but what caught my eye was her New York apartment painted in a deep sage green with crisp white woodwork!! Wow. It looked so warm and cosy, and yet fresh and contemporary too. I left the cinema inspired and had ‘Jungle Drums’ mixed at Homebase the next day.

And that’s the way my living room has stayed ever since. It’s in desperate need of a repaint (kids/dog/cats/life have all left their marks!) but I have never quite been able to settle on another shade that makes me feel so calm and I guess happy, as green. I’ve toyed with the idea of a French Grey, all light and Scandi, and the deep and moody Hague Blue and Juniper Ash type shades. I’ve even bought tester pots of beautiful plaster pinks - but nothing has quite inspired me to get my paint brush out.

I think maybe the obvious has been staring me in the face all along. What I need is to embrace the green and just pick another gorgeous shade to sit as the backdrop of my living room for the next 10 years of my life!!

Whether you are a lifelong green convert or a first timer, here are some reasons why you should consider mood-lifting green for your living room.

Green is certainly having a moment, and has never been so popular. With its strong connection to nature, it can inspire calm and tranquility in your home. And it is endlessly versatile, from rich emerald shades, through to soft sage hues, olives and accents of playful lime, there’s a green for everyone, to suit any style and any home - big, small, light or dark.

Best of all, green goes pretty much with everything – white, cream, grey, and pink all pair beautifully with green, along with accents of blue, mid browns - and even more green - it’s surprisingly easy to get right!

But what green should you choose? Here are our favourite ways to use green, to help get you inspired and transform your living room.

@renovating_elmfield

Green and Grey

Not quite ready to turn you back on grey yet? Using green with grey could be just the transition you need. Grey works with lots of different greens, but it’s best if you look for greens with a cooler grey undertone to enhance the grey. Olive green can look simple and modern with mid grey, creating a muted and warm scheme. Add some dark wood and brass tones for a modern mid century feel.

This colour combination feels tranquil and calm and would work well in an open plan living/dining area, combined with oak and natural textures for a more boho look.

Earthy Sage Green

Use an earthy toned green to bring the outdoors in. An organic green works well in smaller living rooms, without dominating the space. Sage green is such a soft, elegant green it could almost be considered a neutral. Rather than using a grey, or beige tone, try sage green as it’s more interesting and brings a warmth and freshness. It is both understated and full of personality - it’s a hard working colour.

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Olive and White

Olive green is a great shade for your living room - warm and inviting and easy to live with. It can be a great all over colour however it can err towards drab if you’re not careful. Add too much brown furniture and the colour dies a little. Bring it back with a contrast of clean white on the woodwork to lift and freshen it, and bring it to life.

Pink and Green

As opposite colours on the colour wheel, something special happens when you combine green with pink! Each colour makes the other sing, and depending on the shades you opt for, the effect can be subtle or a real pop.

Going back to nature pink and green are a natural pairing, and this can be seen in some gorgeous botanical wallpapers. The colours are combined beautifully and can be a great starting point for your living room scheme.

Alternatively an accent pink chair will always look stunning against a chalky green wall.

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Emerald Green and Black

Of all the greens, emerald is the one we are getting asked about the most right now. The dramatic jewel colour can bring drama and a sense of luxury when used with darker colours for a bold look. In a small space the colour can be enveloping and cosy, and in a larger space, sophisticated and luxurious.

When using jewel colours pick two or three shades only and keep the rest of the colour scheme simple. Adding black creates more drama in an elegant way. Try black furniture, or a black cushion on an emerald green chair.

Blue and Green

Blue and green are complementary colours, on the same side of the colour wheel. Using them together creates a calm and relaxing feel, gentle and not jarring in any way. Depending on your style, it can still be daring - a dark velvet blue sofa with a rich dark green on the walls, or it could be light and airy with an almost coastal freshness of sea greens and sky blues. Whichever is your preference, you can’t go wrong with green and blue together.

@1930s_semi_charmed_life

Green on Green

If you are struggling to decide on the right shade of green for your living room, try using more than one. Layering shades of green can create an interesting textured look. The best way to make this look work is to pick a base colour green and then look for shades lighter and darker to complement. A dark green wall with a lighter more vibrant green chair, and lots of leafy plants would be a wonderful living room in which to relax and entertain.

Go one step further and paint your cupboards and woodwork the same shade of green as the walls. This works particularly well in a small space as it reduces the visual clutter and can make the room feel larger.

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Don’t Forget Wallpaper

Wallpaper is a great way to use green and some pattern together. From large leafy prints reminiscent of jungle adventures, to pretty floral blooms there’s no shortage of choice. You can go as bold and quirky as you like or keep it simple and elegant with a geometric pattern or add a texture with a green rattan - great for introducing a range of green tones.

If you’re feeling inspired and would like our help to update your living room, take a look at our cost effective design packages. We’d love to introduce you to our favourite colour and make your living room perfect for you.

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