Interior Design

Little Greene's color expert reveals the best shade of green for your home

Going green? These are the shades you should be spreading across your walls, according to this expert

Interior designers reveal their favorite shade of green paint, green in a dining room
(Image credit: Little Greene)

The power of green needs no introduction. The color has blessed our interiors this year more than ever before, as we all look to inject refreshing, relaxing, organic elements of growth and renewal into our homes. 

See: Green room ideas – gorgeous ways to use nature's palette

The easiest way to drench your decor in this trendy hue is with paint – as interior design guru Martin Waller, founder of Andrew Martin, highlights: there are 'more walls in a home than anything else.' 

But which shade to choose? There's an endless choice of greens on the market, after all, which makes it hard to know where to begin.

Designers favorite green paint colors, dark green dining room in Little Greene paint

Puck by Little Greene

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Now, the search can end, as you need to look no further than the suggestions of Little Greene's Creative Director, Ruth Mottershead. 

As a director of one of the most celebrated paint manufacturers worldwide, we were eagerly anticipating Ruth's advice on the color of the moment. Her shade suggestions for each room of your home certainly did not disappoint. 

See: Decorating with green – get back to nature with a fresh palette

'Green is the true color of nature, one that we feel comfortable with in the home. It is a shade that we associate with the tranquility of the outdoors. From earthy, muted tones such as Boringdon Green and Ambleside to the bold brightness of Sage & Onions, these shades are both elegant and reassuring.'

Ruth continues, offering a further selection of Little Greene classics that have the capability to bless any type of space. 

Interior designers reveal their favorite shade of green paint, green and pink paint in a living room

Pea Green by Little Greene

(Image credit: Little Greene)

'The soft peaceful color Pea Green (above) is perfect for dining rooms or combine with a pop of pink to create an inspired interior. Deep sumptuous green hues also work well in all-over schemes to create both impact and warmth. Pair Jewel Beetle with dark, rich shades such as Chocolate Colour and use gentle, pale greens in place of white for ceilings and woodwork.

'Olive or sage greens such as Book Room Green and Sage Green work beautifully with other natural and earthy colors, creating a sense of harmony and a restful, comforting space,' Ruth adds. 

Interior designers reveal their favorite shade of green paint, dark green paint in a study

Pleat by Little Green

(Image credit: Little Greene)

With Ruth's suggestions, you're almost ready to go green. However, Martin Waller offers a pre-warning, suggesting the transition to a green home isn't as easy as we may initially think. 

'Having painted a room green, it may take time to accustom yourself to the look. You're likely to be horrified. People find it difficult to cope with change. Leave it for a week, and your feelings will alter. I suspect you won't hate it, and if you do, repainting isn't that difficult.'

Interior designers reveal their favorite shade of green paint, green in a dining room

Sage & Onions by Little Greene

(Image credit: Little Greene)

See: Nina Campbell reveals how to use green in interiors – and what to avoid

Martin continues: 'If you are still hesitant, start your transformation in a cloakroom or small bedroom, since richer colors work well in such spaces, despite the accepted wisdom that white paint makes a room seem larger.'

We've got the expert approval. Now, all we need is the courage to take the plunge. 

Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.