Nature-Inspired Spaces Can Feel Predictable, But Simon Helberg's Green Entryway Stopped Me in My Tracks – It's Warm, Inviting, and Character-Rich

The actor's entryway masters the art of 'bringing the outside in' – and designers say this paint color is the secret

Simon Helberg
(Image credit: Photo by Laurent KOFFEL/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images / Future / Jon Day Photography)

No matter how many times designers sing the praises of nature-inspired interiors, I know that grassy green hues and rustic materials aren't for everyone. Take a peek into Simon Helberg's entryway, however, and it just might surprise you.

In the entrance to his Pasadena home, the star of The Big Bang Theory creates a striking backdrop using green paint – but this nature-inspired design scheme feels far from traditional. Thanks to a blend of rich wood accents, patterned fabrics, and contemporary decor, Simon's entryway transcends cliché to become a warm, welcoming, treasure trove of a space.

Recreate Simon Helberg's Earthy Green Entryway

Green paint might be the simplest way to create a room that 'brings the outside in', but it can often feel like a shortcut. Without careful styling, green room ideas can feel dated or one-dimensional.

Simon, however, has really harnessed the potential of an earthy green hue. The shade is rich enough to feel moody and striking, but it doesn't steal the light from the room; instead, it creates a beautiful, cocooning feel.

In Simon's home, the green hue is instantly inviting. Paired with warm wood accents from the ceiling panels and door frame, it transforms the entryway from a liminal space to a focal point – somewhere to linger, unwind, and shake off the day.

Green is usually used to complement decorating with neutrals, but Simon proves that it can also create a more moody scheme.

To me, the olive green shade forms the perfect foundation for a richly-textured space: I love the patterned textiles, which introduce hints of red, blue and gold. Mossy hues can risk looking dark or dull, but Simon brings a layered, globally-influenced approach that feels welcoming and character-rich.

Olive green living room with yellow velvet sofas and a wood desk

Earthy green hues are often paired with warm wood to create a cozy feel

(Image credit: Future / Jon Day Photography)

Designers say that Simon's entryway is representative of a wider interior design trend for 2026: restorative, wellbeing-focused spaces.

'Homeowners are designing spaces that feel aligned with their surroundings, and color is a big part of the wellness-focused home design trend,' says Jennifer Adams, Lifestyle and Design Expert at Engel & Völkers.

'Earthy and garden-inspired greens bring the outdoors inside in a way that feels intentional and livable. We're seeing nature and color being treated as more than simply a decor element, but an essential part of how the home functions.'

Simon demonstrates that nature-inspired spaces can work harder than you might think. A relaxing room isn't just about a standout paint color (although it definitely helps); rich textures and personality-driven decor are just as important.

Explore our round-up of the best olive green paints for more glorious green decorating inspiration.


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Martha Davies
Content Editor

Martha is a Content Editor on the Living team at Homes & Gardens. Her love for lifestyle journalism began when she interned at Time Out Dubai when she was 15 years old; she went on to study English and German at Oxford, before covering property and interior design at Country & Town House magazine. To Martha, living beautifully is all about good food and lots of colorful home decor.