What Colors Go With Green? 16 Brilliant Pairings for this Versatile Hue

updated Jan 31, 2024
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Credit: Kayla Stark

Green is becoming an increasingly popular color for interiors as biophilic design remains a top trend of the last few years. This type of design is all about embracing our human need for connection with nature and bringing the outdoors in through using an organic color palette, thoughtful architecture, and of course, bringing in plant life itself. The great thing about this trend is that green is such a versatile color and plays well with all kinds of hues. 

“Green is such a crowd pleaser and has endless connotations,” says designer Caitlin Murray, founder and creative director of Black Lacquer Design. “It can represent vitality and energy, feel super clean and fresh, or read as completely bold and dramatic.”

Whether you’re looking to use a Mediterranean-inspired olive, a pop of mint, or a bold kelly green, we have everything you need to find the perfect color pairing. Read on to discover the best colors that go with green, according to the designers themselves.

Credit: Viv Yapp

1. Green and Mustard Yellow: Classy, Yet Energetic

“The vibrancy created with this pairing is unmatched,” explains Isfira Jensen of Nufacet Interiors. While these colors have a chic vibe, it still manages to be bright and fun. “It’s the perfect combination for children’s spaces where a cheerful atmosphere is the goal,” says Jensen.

2. Green and Silver: Shimmering Elegance

Imagine an emerald ring with a platinum setting — that’s the upscale appearance you get with this color combination. “Adding silver accents to a green space is especially effective in contemporary spaces,” says Jensen. “These metallic finishes are the perfect way to add a sleek and modern vibe to the decor.”

3. Black and Green: Dramatic Retreat

“You should always pick colors that appeal to you, and I personally like to use the color green while creating a zen-like environment,” says Vanessa Deleon of Vanessa Deleon Associates. “It is such a great color to pair with beige or black, while adding some faux or natural greenery to make the space feel like a true oasis.”

Deleon’s pro tip for finding the most appealing color for the mood you want to set in any room is to snap a picture of any green hue you are instantly drawn to, be it in nature, fashion, or another interior, and use Sherwin-Williams® ColorSnap tool to find your perfect paint color match. 

4. Sea Blue and Kelly Green: Vibrant Elegance

This one’s for the traditionalists who are looking for an unexpected pop of color to energize a room. We love how this otherwise neutral kitchen is enlivened with a pop of kelly green paint and gorgeous wallpaper that bring personality to this cook space. 

“Pairing kelly green with sea blue is easy on the eyes,” says Andrea Monath Schumacher of Andrea Schumacher Interior Design. “It’s a perfect duo when you want a little eye candy that’s not too jarring!”

5. Cream and Spring Green: Natural Sophistication

Green has so many wonderful qualities when paired with light neutrals such as creamy whites,” Melanie Millner of The Design Atelier says. “It imbues a sense of freshness that resonates with Springtime, while capturing the natural tonal qualities of bringing the outdoors in.”

This is one of our favorite colors for achieving that biophilic look. Searching for accent pieces that match the color of your favorite houseplants will create a fresh, organic look that’s understated yet elegant.

Credit: Ryan Garvin

6. Gold and Palm Green: Effortless Glam 

The green and gold combo in this Beverly Hills bathroom is a true winner. A banana leaf-patterned wallpaper takes center stage, while gold accents like the faucet and mirror, which Murray says add a regal touch, are the perfect companion to this luxe look. Mustards will also play well with green tones, if you prefer a slightly more natural, muted look but still want to riff on this combo.

7. Mint and Dark Green: Must-Have Monochrome 

Mint green is considered a tranquil color, so when it comes to bedroom design, this shade is a no-brainer. “I’m a fan of pairing green with blue or other shades of green like mint and kelly green,” says designer Michelle Lisac. “As a soothing and restful color, it creates a calming and restorative atmosphere.”

Still not convinced? Check out this Madrid bedroom that incorporates various shades of green throughout its wallpaper and bedding. The look is fresh, fun, and anything but jarring.

8. Coral and Olive: Pop of Color

In this Los Angeles apartment, this green and coral color palette is proof that opposites do, in fact, attract. The warm, vibrant shade of coral on the walls is the true focal point of the room, while an olive green headboard creates visual interest with its stark contrast.

9. Brown and Hunter Green: Down to Earth 

Shades of brown and green are often found together in nature, so it’s no surprise they work well together in interiors, too. “Pairing earthy greens with neutral earth tones such as tans or browns is great for more organic and modern spaces,” says Alessandra Wood, vice president of style at Modsy (now Lennar). 

Try balancing out this combo with other light and airy shades, like blush or white, to prevent the space from looking too heavy. We love how this Canadian home showcases this combo in the dining area above.

Credit: Susie Lowe

10. Bubble Gum Pink and Mint: Vintage Vibes 

Pink and green may not be the most popular kitchen shades these days, but this London home might just make you consider this delightfully retro combo. Various green hues in the wallpaper, backsplash tiles, and cabinetry set a fresh tone for the space, while pink furniture, island tiles, and decorative elements add an unexpected burst of color. The gold furniture and hardware add a final layer of sparkle and shine.

 11. Lavender and Kelly Green: Vibrant Energy 

This Los Angeles apartment is an explosion of color in the best way possible, and green plays a major role here. According to Murray, using contrasting colors, like lavender with kelly green, for example, always works because you are pairing warm and cool colors together. If a fully saturated look isn’t your style, try creating the combo on a smaller scale with decorative pieces like throw pillows, vases, or rugs.

Credit: Ellie Arciaga Lillstrom

12. White and Green: Well-Balanced

Kitchens are the heart of the home, so you’ll want yours to be warm and inviting. That’s why designer Liza Kuhn of Liza Kuhn Interiors recommends combining green with neutral hues like white, cream, and tan, as seen in this Seattle home. “Green is a wonderful color to bring into the home, as its intrinsic quietness and connection to nature incites calm in us all,” she says. “In terms of color, green pairs beautifully with warm whites and mushroomy taupes, as it accentuates the warmth characteristic of the hue.” 

Credit: Minette Hand

13. Olive Green and White: Mediterranean-Inspired Oasis 

This Louisiana apartment makes a strong case for a green and white bathroom. An olive vanity, which was created out of a painted chest of drawers, anchors the space, while white walls and fixtures create a soft, soothing backdrop that feels clean, fresh, and welcoming.

Credit: Kayla Stark

14. Emerald, Blush, and Black: Moody Maximalism

A “more is more” approach is great for those with a maximalist aesthetic, and we love this palette that harnesses trendy  jewel tones like emerald and blush. The key to working different shades of the same hue is varying textures. You’ll notice green velvet and painted brick—punctuated by metal and rattan accents — in the New Orleans cottage above. The contrast keeps the look dynamic without feeling too loud.

15. Green and Blue: Naturally Stylish 

Want to be one with nature from the comfort of home? This Michigan house has you covered with just the inspo you need. “There is a reason why Mother Nature loves green—it goes with everything,” says designer Maryline Damour of Kingston Design Connection. “Green’s classic companion is blue, as nature ably shows us.” If you’re unsure about working green into your design scheme, try using it as an accent color first before committing to a paint project or a sofa.

16. Sage Green and Red: Earth & Fire

Green walls may not be your go-to, but according to Holly Freres, principal at JHL Design, the “grounding” color is perfect for just that. Take this San Francisco office, for example, where a soft sage-y green teams up with an unlikely accent color: red. This combo could go “holiday” fast, but a subtle shade of green, a punchy red, and gray furniture keep the space from feeling like Santa’s workshop.