How to decorate with olive green

Olive sits somewhere between green and brown, which is exactly why it works in almost any room. It is calm like sage, grounded like earth and flattering in every light.

Start with one big piece

A sofa, a kitchen island or a headboard in olive gives a room an instant anchor. Keep the walls warm white and let the colour do the work.

Pair it with clay and oak

Terracotta, cognac leather and natural oak all bring out the warmth in olive.

If a colour looks good next to a tree trunk, it will look good next to olive.

Go darker in small rooms

In a cloakroom or study, paint walls and ceiling in a deep olive. Small rooms feel cosier, not smaller.

Add texture

Velvet, linen and wool make olive look rich. Flat, shiny finishes can make it look tired.