If you grew up believing that you should never mix blue and green together, you are not alone. The source of the adage of never mixing these two contrasting colors has murky roots. Scratch beneath the surface and its origins are hard to fathom. One of the most likely theories, given that so much idiom in the English language derives from maritime vernacular and superstitions, is that sailors were warned not to paint the hulls of their boats green lest they become invisible when capsized. But it’s tenuous.
These days, many designers and decorators are taking more risks with their chosen room color ideas, and thankfully we've seen more exciting color trends as a result.
Actress Anne Hathaway's living room, designed by Pamela Shamshiri of Studio Shamshiri, throws the rulebook out of the window and manages to get the dubious pairing oh so right.
‘It simply doesn’t occur to me to work with a rule book when it comes to color,’ agrees decorator and textile expert Susan Deliss. 'It’s about what feels right for the room, its light, and its surrounding environment. It’s a question of tone and judgment. In a sunny climate, similar to this Californian chalet, you can get away with pairing mid-tone greens and cobalt blues. This snug room is the perfect example of why you should follow suit when it comes to color combinations for rooms.
Designer Sarah Vanrenen is another fan of blending blue with green. ‘To warm it up, add a splash of pink or orange in the cushions.’ She also chose to use this combination for the walls of her garden room to create a seamless link to the grass beyond the open sides. ‘I always find green an incredibly uplifting and mood-enhancing color; it feeds my soul.' While the blue feels like a soothing sky or deep blue ocean.
It has simply never occurred to me – at least as I've become older and wiser – to not mix these two nature-inspired hues. They work beautifully. Anne Hathaway's snug is a testament to that theory.
Shop the look
This gorgeous green velvet throw pillow cover is just what you need to add a touch of rich earthiness to your living room this season. Changing pillow covers is one of the oldest tricks in the book to make your room look fresh in an instant.
If you want to add interest to a home with a statement focal point, a colorful coffee table is the way to go. This popular design is currently on sale now, and I predict this exact color blue will be huge in 2025.
Calm, cool, and collected, the color blue is a decorating win-win: not only does it make a beautiful base for your home, but it’s scientifically proven to be a subconsciously calming shade, making you relax without even realizing it.
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Tim Burton's British countryside home is made for gardeners – it's selling for approximately $6.1 millionThe filmmaker's Oxfordshire home is a Grade II Georgian property that features eight bedrooms, lush gardens, and views of the River Thames
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Anne Hathaway breaks a cardinal color rule with her living room seating – but the rebellious mix is the most stylish twist I've ever seenTwo colors that should never be seen together unite in Anne Hathaway's living room, and it looks surprisingly stunning – it's made me rethink my approach
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The small, urban garden in Anne Hathaway's NYC home masters shade, privacy, and patio coverage in a very modern way – it's the best I've ever seenWith the right ideas, thoughtful design, and tough planting, an exposed roof terrace can become a leafy urban retreat for alfresco entertaining
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Anne Hathaway's California meets Swiss Chalet living room is the coolest space I've seen this year – shop the eclectic look from $12We found the best pieces to emulate the transitional decor of Anne's aspirational living room, and unmissable discounts make them even more affordable
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The anti-trend 'invisible kitchen' in Anne Hathaway's NYC apartment needs to be seen to be believed – it is an architectural masterpieceGramercy Design crafted an 'invisible kitchen' in Anne Hathaway's home, and it is getting the praise it deserves
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Anne Hathaway's Met Gala outfit is the reason why everyone will be decorating with this pattern trend at home, and I predict it will have a revival in 2026
The pattern that never goes out of style comes in a variety of guises – ranging from nostalgic to modern – and all of them are simply stunning
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Anne Hathaway's statement lighting brings a luxe ambience to her dining space – but top designers say it won't work in every homeThe actress elevated the dining space in her former NY apartment with an ultra-modern lighting fixture – you can get the look, if your space allows
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Anne Hathaway's unique maximalist living room vs. Kim Kardashian's ultra-minimalist space – which one works best?
Anne Hathaway's old money-style living room and Kim Kardashian's cool, modern living room could not be more different – but both have their benefits
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Anne Hathaway's Hamptons-inspired NY patio has rebooted an anti-color trend I thought I was over – these 3 easy-to-find buys will bag you the look, tooThe black furniture on the actress's New York terrace doesn't look dark – instead, it invites visual interest and intrigue to the pied-a-terre
