Zooey Deschanel and Jonathan Scott’s Green Tea Terrace Is a Lesson in Energizing Tones – It Reimagines Small–Space Living for 2026

Green has never looked as gorgeous as it does on Jonathan and Zooey's NY terrace – it celebrates the must-have hue of the summer

Zooey Deschanel and Jonathan Scott
(Image credit: Amy Sussman via Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation)

If you have been following Zooey Deschanel and Jonathan Scott on social media, you have likely enjoyed a front–row seat to the couple’s whimsical and inspiring design journey. As we move into the vibrant energy of spring 2026, the duo has unveiled their latest triumph: a stunning renovation of their New York City apartment. While the entire home is beautiful, we are particularly captivated by the terrace.

In an Instagram post, the pair demonstrated how a splash of green paint can transform an outdoor area into a space that feels energizing, welcoming, and remarkably fresh.

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For those navigating the constraints of a compact urban garden – a common reality for New Yorkers – green is a brilliant choice to instantly brighten and visually expand a small footprint. Design experts note that a 'green tea' shade, much like the one Zooey and Jonathan selected, is currently a major trend influenced by a specific urban aesthetic.

'This trending shade takes its inspiration from the rising popularity of Blank Street, a popular matcha cafe chain that has sparked a craze for the calming yet invigorating tones of matcha green,' explains Michael Rolland, Managing Director at The Paint Shed.

'The shade’s serene qualities make it a versatile choice, perfect for creating tranquil living spaces, refreshing kitchens, or even revitalizing outdoor furniture.'

While Michael suggests pairing green with warm neutrals for a grounded, natural look, he notes there are bolder paths for maximalists. 'The best way to style a matcha green shade is to embrace its fun and bright qualities,' he says. 'Pairing with neutral colors such as beige and cream will make the shade pop, but warm tones such as burnt orange complement the tones beautifully.'

To ensure the color truly shines, placement is key. 'The safest option for such a bold color would be using the shade within the kitchen or bedroom cabinets. It’s also important to consider where you get natural light in the home – avoid using it in a room which is on the darker side, as this color very much thrives in the sunshine.' For those looking to replicate this look on a terrace this season, Little Greene's Garden 86 provides a zippy, spirited take on the matcha aesthetic.

This refreshing renovation proves that even the smallest city terrace can become a lush sanctuary with the right pop of color. Whether you are hosting a summer garden party or enjoying a quiet morning coffee, this matcha-inspired palette is the perfect backdrop for 2026.


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Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens, where she leads the celebrity/ news team. She has a history in interior design, travel, and news journalism, having lived and worked in New York, Paris, and, currently, London. Megan has bylines in Livingetc, The Telegraph, and IRK Magazine, and has interviewed the likes of Drew Barrymore, Ayesha Curry, Michelle Keegan, and Tan France, among others. She lives in a London apartment with her antique typewriter and an eclectic espresso cup collection, and dreams of a Kelly Wearstler-designed home.