Nina Dobrev adds character to her neutral living room with this 'perennially popular' color combination – and it's easy to get her look from $9
Looking to brighten your warm neutral living room? The Vampire Diaries actor has unlocked the secret, and design experts say it will never go out of style


Nothing goes together like green and wood. The timeless combination makes a space feel instantly welcoming and grounded. Plus, it's a good starting point for trying out bolder palettes for those who are color-averse.
Nina Dobrev gets it. The former Vampire Diaries actress took to Instagram to share a range of outfits, but we couldn't stop staring at the beautiful living room color idea behind her. The base of her space is neutral: white walls, hardwood floors, and a wood and boucle sofa. However, she makes it much more interesting with the addition of green throw pillows and a Slim Aarons print filled with greenery on her wall. A marble side table brings in additional dimension and the wooden floor lamp pulls it all together.
According to the experts, green and natural wood, as seen in Nina Dobrev's living room, is one of the most timeless color combinations.
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'This combination brings a perfect balance of warmth and personality,' explains Shelley Cochrane, design expert at Furniture Village. 'The natural grain and texture of wood accents add depth and a timeless, tactile quality that grounds the space, while the rich green throw pillows introduce a fresh, invigorating splash of color that feels both nostalgic and modern. Together, they create a living room that is far from bland — it’s inviting, full of charm, and effortlessly stylish.'
Shop Nina's Look
Nina brightens her white sofa with green linen throw pillows, and this affordable alternative is the perfect choice to get the look for less. The texture makes it feel instantly luxe.
This mid-century modern boucle sofa is perfect for bringing some curve and texture into your living room. The wooden legs add a hint of nature, while the boucle texture keeps it neutral.
This best-selling side table is constructed of stunning brown marble that gives any room a storied yet natural feel. The natural veining mimics the one in Nina Dobrev's living room, with added warmth.
Furthermore, as interior design trends shift, this combination is only getting more desirable. If maximalism makes you anxious, Nina's idea might be the perfect way to dip your toe.
Shelley states: 'There’s a growing appetite for characterful, vibrant living rooms that tell a story and reflect one’s personal taste. However, some people are a little color-shy and whilst they want to add more color to their home, they’re unsure where to begin. I’d suggest they choose green – it’s a perennially popular and universally beloved shade, and it will never fall out of style. Its association with nature means that it feels earthy, grounding, and nurturing.'
To tap into the green room idea, Shelley advises following in Nina's footsteps, but going a bit bolder. She recommends: 'In a living room, choose a green sofa and pair this with natural wooden panelling and furniture and retro-inspired designs. Choosing green and wood tones reflects a desire to connect with nature, while the retro influences add a playful yet sophisticated edge. This approach transforms a living room into a sanctuary where comfort meets creativity, making it a space you want to spend time in and be proud of.'
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Green and wood is one of the most timeless combinations, and Nina Dobrev's living room is the perfect example of why. When you decorate like this, your space will always be on trend.

Sophie is a writer and News Editor on the Celebrity Style team at Homes & Gardens. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly passionate about researching trends and interior history. She is an avid pop culture fan and has interviewed Martha Stewart and Hillary Duff.
In her free time, Sophie freelances on design news for Westport Magazine and Livingetc. She also has a newsletter, My Friend's Art, in which she covers music, culture, and fine art through a personal lens. Her fiction has appeared in Love & Squalor and The Isis Magazine.
Before joining Future, Sophie worked in editorial at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens brand. She has an MSc from Oxford University and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.
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