Few colors have the power to feel both timeless and trend-forward, but dark green manages it with ease. It is a shade that speaks of quiet sophistication – deep, enveloping, and endlessly versatile.
Victoria Beckham has reminded me of this recently, first with the moody green walls in her London studio and then with the deep pistachio-toned sofa in her home. Both spaces highlight what makes dark green so irresistible: its ability to feel luxurious without being ostentatious, calming without ever being dull.
Of course, my love for decorating with green is nothing new. It has always been my favorite color – one that I find myself reaching for instinctively, whether in fashion, furnishings, or paint. Whenever I use it in my own home, green room ideas have the power to make a space feel instantly grounded and alive, as though the outside world has quietly stepped indoors.
Several studies, including research by Won Sop Shin and Grahn and Stigsdotter, have shown that spending just a few moments in a forest, or even simply looking at the color green, can significantly reduce stress levels.
This connection is no accident. As Karen Haller, color and design psychology specialist and author of The Little Book of Color, available at Amazon, explains, ‘Green reassures us on a very primitive level. We know we can find food and water, which means green equals life. Using dark greens in our home brings in these feelings of reassurance and rest.’ That primal link explains why I never tire of this shade. It doesn’t feel like a passing trend – it feels like something deeply written into us.
Designers often speak of dark green’s versatility, and I’ve found this to be true. Senior designer at Crown Paints, Justyna Korczynska, notes that it can carry warm, yellow undertones or cooler, blue hues, making it wonderfully adaptable.
‘Deep green really comes to life with plenty of natural light, so it suits south-facing rooms best. It can, however, work in a dark, narrow space too, when paired with terracotta shades and mid-tone wood to bring in warmth,’ she says. I’ve seen it do both: glow like a jewel box in sunlight and create a cocooning sanctuary in smaller, moodier corners.
Its endurance also speaks to its timelessness. From 18th-century flock wallpapers made with malachite pigments to William Morris’s experiments with natural dyes in the 19th century, dark green has resurfaced again and again. Even the hazards of arsenic-based pigments couldn’t diminish its popularity. And today, it feels as relevant and fresh as ever.
Beyond history, though, dark green is simply a joy to live with. Layered with velvet or linen, it feels tactile and inviting. Paired with antique woods, beams, and exposed brick, it becomes warm and rustic. Set against blush pinks, turquoise, or copper, it gains a contemporary edge. And when used boldly on all four walls – even the ceiling – it creates an enveloping cocoon I can never quite resist.
‘I use a lot of green because it is very calming,’ says interior designer Sarah Vanrenen. ‘I don’t think space is a barrier to going bold – don’t be put off by using strong colors and patterns in even the smallest spaces.’ Her words echo my own experience: the smaller the space, the more dramatic and rewarding dark green becomes.
For me, decorating with dark green has always been more than a design choice – it’s a love affair. It connects me to nature, to history, and to the feeling of home as a place of rest and renewal. It isn’t just a color. It’s an atmosphere, a mood, and, in many ways, a way of life.
Dark green isn’t just a popular color trend – it’s a perfect mood-boosting color, and a love affair destined to last.
Shop the dark green edit
Calming, creative, and intrinsically linked to nature, dramatic forest green is a versatile, mood-enhancing shade that works beautifully across a range of schemes. It’s no wonder so many of us are embracing its richness at home. Here are my favorite dark green accessories, decor, and soft furnishings to bring a touch of elegance and depth to your space.
Bring everyday charm to your table with the Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia 10-Ounce Carved Edge Ceramic Mug. Crafted from durable stoneware, this mug features a rich green finish accented with a carved edge for timeless, handcrafted appeal. Perfectly sized for coffee, tea, or any hot or cold beverage, it offers both style and function.
This small ceramic canister features a soft green finish and a subtly ribbed texture, offering timeless appeal. Perfect for keeping ingredients fresh and organized, it adds a touch of charm to your countertop long after the cooking is done. Designed with thoughtful details, it transforms everyday storage into a moment worth savoring.
The Rajaa Rug brings understated sophistication to any space with its solid field and tailored trim. A clean palette and subtle sheen create a refined, luxurious foundation – ideal for grounding bedrooms or adding polish to a modern lounge. Crafted from viscose, this exclusive design is part of our Sarah Sherman Samuel collaboration, showcasing her signature warm, edited style.
