Hi all! My name is Eric, and I’m a blogger and Community Manager for WroughtIronLodge.com. I’m a big fan of rustic decor, and I love to share ideas and inspiration with people who are looking for something a little different for their decorating needs. As someone with an eye for detail, and an appreciation for going the extra mile to make something look “just right”, I often find myself looking for ways to add just the right touch.
Even though it may not be springtime, everything is turning green – olive green, that is. As one of the season’s hottest fashion colors, olive green is also showing up in designer homes across the country.
When you think of olive green, however, don’t picture that drab 1970’s avocado green that once adorned kitchens and appliances. Today’s olive green is a richer, more complex color, with hints of chocolate and overtones of gold. Its basic elements are considered to be stable and harmonious, and it’s no wonder, because this is probably one of the most versatile colors you can use in interior design.
Depending on how you use it, olive green can be bright and sunny, or formal and elegant. It can be used in a children’s nursery, a master bedroom or a formal living room, and will blend well with a wide variety of styles and color schemes. Likewise, olive green sets off to perfection just about any type of wood furnishings.
As you can see from the above color swatch, a true olive green has overtones of gold. This multi-layered color effect complements a wide variety of colors, so you can easily find ways to pair it with your existing décor.
For a fresh alternative to citrus lime greens and yellows, try pairing olive green with white for your sunroom or patio. This breezy look is not only eye-catching; it also adds some depth to your casual décor.
For a stunning contemporary bedroom, this camp-style bed is set on an olive green metal base, and flanked by variegated green tiles. The richness of the olive green sets off the pine beams and chevron-striped wood floor beautifully.
This elegant cabinet is covered in a rich olive green finish, and then stocked with naturally-glazed pottery. If you love earth tones, you’ll love the simple beauty of pairing olive green with brown earthenware.
This distressed pine cabinet has been finished in a dark olive green that brings out the natural beauty of the wood. In addition to the classic tint, olive green can also be found in lighter and darker shades.
This vintage photo features a stunning chalet which has been decorated in true earth colors of brick, olive green and brown. The olive green curtains serve as a spectacular backdrop to the polished wood picnic-style table, and sets off the bronze tones of the funnel-style fireplace.
If you’re thinking of adding olive green to your home’s color palette, it’s a good idea to decide whether you want to use it as an accent or as a wall covering. If you have wood furniture and you’re after a warm effect, you’ll be delighted to see how well olive green tones in with your wood finishes. If you choose to use olive green as an accent color, you’ll find a wide variety of decorative pieces now available in this popular shade, from porcelain knick-knacks to accent tables and lamps.
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Thanks so much to Eric from WroughtIronLodge.com for this great post! If you have any other home decor or design questions you can reach him at eric@wroughtironlodge.com.
