How to use greens in your home. ele HOME asks Wattyl’s brand’s colour expert, Katherine Champion, for her top tips on decorating your home using green.

Why do you think green has become such a popular colour choice in our homes recently?

It’s both versatile and nurturing.  Green is found in a multitude of shades in nature and works beautifully with warm, earthy neutrals and natural, raw materials such as timber, stone and textiles (such as wool and linens).

The vast variety of greens available means consumers can create virtually any ambience, from fresh and airy, to calming and nurturing, from bright and vibrant to deep and moody.

Green also has a direct link to sustainability and a respect for our natural environment, a topic that is of huge interest to many of us.

What emotional or psychological effects does the colour green have on a space?

Green is restorative and rejuvenating, peaceful and soothing, gentle and nurturing.  It can cool and enlarge a space, while creating quiet and tranquility.  Deeper greens, such as a rich, deep, forest green can create a more dramatic feel.

How can green be used to create a calming or relaxing atmosphere in a home?

Select softer shades of green, or greens with a touch of grey such as Wattyl Celestial Sea, Wattyl Iceland Green or Wattyl Serenity.

Are there specific shades of green that are trending right now in Australian interiors? If so, why do you think these particular tones are so appealing?

Forest greens, such as Wattyl Run Forest, are currently trending. These greens ground a space and add a touch of drama.  They pair perfectly with neutrals – especially those with greige or clay tones –  creating a sense of harmony.

Earthy greens are also popular. Olive/khaki greens, like Wattyl Battle Cry and Wattyl Patchwork Olive, which have a brownish undertone, are authentic and grounding and look to continue their popularity on a global scale for the next few years.

How do you recommend incorporating green into a room without it overpowering the space?

By painting one section of the space in green, and then adding spots of green, via decorative elements or soft furnishings, in other sections.  This creates a sense of cohesion and prevents any one colour overtaking the scene.  Introduce some  neutral hues and natural materials, such as stone or wood, to enhance the vibe.

Also, use green as an accent colour, to complement white or neutral paint colours. Consider softer muted greens with a green undertone, such as Wattyl Rhiannon.

Do you believe green can work in every room, or are there certain spaces where it works best?

One of green’s outstanding virtues is its versatility.  It works beautifully in kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and living areas.  In bedrooms, avoid brighter hues, such as lime greens, as they can be  overstimulating.  Lush greens, in an entrance hall for example, can immediately establish a feeling of calmness and security when you enter your home.

Green is currently a popular choice for kitchen cabinetry, from earthy, moody tones to muted olives – and even brighter greens – to enliven a space. Green also pairs well with a crisp white – on walls, trims or cabinets – for a contemporary, fresh feel.

How do you suggest balancing green with other colors in a home to create harmony and depth?

The Escape palette from Wattyl’s Spring/Summer 2024/25 Collection is a good example of a harmonious palette. Different proportions of each colour will create a different mood and atmosphere, which can work well in any space in your home.

Use the retro sage pastel, Coastal Classic, as the base colour and then introduce the soft hues of creamy Diva White and earthy Noosa Sand for a natural, grounded palette – it almost has a beachy vibe. Add Balkan Blue to the palette for depth, contrast and a moodier feel. 

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