Lately, you must have seen the olive green kitchen trend all over your Pinterest feed.

And let me tell you that I am in LOVE with the color green, let it be sage green or olive green, it doesn’t matter! (Actually, I combined these two green colors in my kitchen but I’ll reveal it in the next blog posts.)

So, if you are thinking about a kitchen makeover featuring the olive green color, I’ve prepared a helpful guide where you’ll find answers to all your questions about styling an olive green kitchen!

Choosing The Right Olive Green Color For Your Kitchen

Olive green comes in a range of shades, from light and muted to deep and rich tones. Lighter shades create a fresh, airy feel, perfect for smaller kitchens, while darker olive greens add depth and drama to larger spaces.

When choosing the right color for your kitchen cabinets or walls, consider your kitchen’s size and the amount of natural light it gets.

For smaller kitchens with little sunlight exposure, go for lighter, soft, or muted olive greens to make the space feel open and bright.

However, in larger kitchens that get lots of sunlight, darker olive green can add warmth, moodiness, and coziness without feeling overwhelming.

What Colors Go Well With Olive Green?

Olive green pairs beautifully with a variety of colors to create balanced and stylish kitchen designs. Some of the best colors to complement olive green include:

• White: Crisp and clean, white brightens olive green and adds a fresh, modern contrast.
• Gray: Soft or dark grays bring a sleek, sophisticated touch that pairs well with both light and dark olive green.
• Beige and Taupe: These warm neutrals enhance the earthy feel of olive green, creating a cozy, harmonious look.
• Wood Tones: Natural wood (oak, walnut, or pine) adds warmth and texture, perfectly complementing olive green’s natural vibe.
• Gold or Brass: Metallic accents, like gold or brass, elevate olive green with a touch of elegance and shine.

These colors work together to create a balanced, inviting kitchen space that feels both modern and timeless.

Olive Green Kitchen Cabinets Ideas

Olive green can be used in various ways to create a standout look for your cabinets:

• Full Cabinets: Go bold with olive green on all your cabinets for a cohesive, sophisticated look.
• Accent Islands: Use olive green on your kitchen island for a pop of color while keeping the rest of the cabinets neutral.
• Lower Cabinets Only: Keep the top cabinets light (white or neutral) and paint the lower ones olive green for balance and contrast.

For finishes, matte gives a soft, modern feel, while gloss adds shine and reflects light, creating a sleek, polished appearance.

What Color Countertops Go Well With Olive Green Kitchen Cabinets?

When choosing countertops for an olive green kitchen, it’s essential to find a balance that enhances the green while complementing your overall style. Here are some top choices:

• Light Countertops (white marble, quartz): These create a clean, bright contrast with olive green, ideal for making smaller kitchens feel more open and airy.
• Dark Countertops (black granite, soapstone): Perfect for a sleek, minimalist, and modern look, dark countertops add depth and create a moody, dramatic vibe when paired with olive green.
• Natural Stone (granite, concrete): For a rustic but refined feel, natural stone offers texture and warmth. It works well in farmhouse or traditional kitchens, adding sophistication without overpowering the space.

When selecting the countertop material, consider your kitchen’s style, sleek quartz suits more modern designs, while rustic stone fits more traditional or farmhouse looks.

What Color Backsplash Goes Well with Olive Green Kitchen Cabinets?

When selecting a backsplash to complement olive green kitchen cabinets, consider the following color options:

• White: A classic choice, white subway tiles create a bright, fresh contrast that helps olive green pop and keeps the space feeling open.
• Soft Gray: Light gray tiles add a subtle sophistication while maintaining a neutral backdrop that pairs beautifully with olive green.
• Beige or Taupe: Warm neutrals like beige or taupe enhance the earthy feel of olive green, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
• Black: For a bold, modern look, black tiles can provide a striking contrast, especially in combination with matte finishes or industrial styles.
• Marble or Creamy Whites: Marble backsplashes with creamy white hues offer elegance and texture, enriching the overall design while blending harmoniously with olive green.
• Muted Pastels: Soft pastels, such as blush or dusty blue, can introduce a touch of color while remaining subtle, allowing olive green to be the star of the show.

These color options will help create a cohesive and stylish look, enhancing the beauty of your olive green cabinets while contributing to an inviting kitchen space.

What Kind of Hardware Goes Well with Olive Green Kitchen Cabinets?

To complement olive green kitchen cabinets, consider these hardware options:

• Brass or Gold: Warm metallics like brass or gold add a luxurious touch, creating an elegant contrast with the rich green tone.
• Matte Black: For a bold, modern look, matte black hardware provides a striking contrast, especially in contemporary or industrial-style kitchens.
• Bronze: Oil-rubbed bronze offers a rustic, vintage feel that pairs beautifully with olive green for a warm, classic vibe.
• Brushed Nickel: A subtle, neutral option that complements the earthy tone without overwhelming it, ideal for a clean, understated look.
• Wood Handles: Natural wood hardware enhances the organic feel of olive green, perfect for farmhouse or rustic kitchens.

These hardware options can enhance the style and tone of your olive green cabinets, giving your kitchen a polished, cohesive look.

Olive Green Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

You may want to use the olive green color on the kitchen backsplash rather than the cabinets, which looks just as stylish.

Olive green kitchen backsplash goes well with neutral cabinet colors such as white, cream, and beige. It’s a great way to enhance the overall design while protecting your walls.

Here are some olive green backsplash ideas:

• Tile Materials: Popular choices like subway tiles, hexagon tiles, or marble pair well with olive green. Subway tiles in white or light neutrals provide a classic contrast, while marble adds a touch of elegance and sophistication.
• Patterned Tiles: Consider Moroccan-inspired or geometric patterns for added interest and a personalized touch.
• Textured Surfaces: Textured tiles, like stone or handcrafted ceramics, offer depth and warmth, making the space feel more dynamic and inviting.

By choosing the right backsplash, you can either let olive green be the focal point or create a harmonious blend of textures and colors in your kitchen design.

Choosing Appliances For An Olive Green Kitchen

So, what about the kitchen appliances? What color and material appliances look complementary to an olive green kitchen?

Look for brands that offer customizable options or coordinate well with olive green. Brands like Smeg and Samsung may have appliances in unique colors or finishes that complement olive green.

Additionally, consider vintage-style appliances from brands like Big Chill, which might offer olive green or similar tones, perfect for a retro or farmhouse aesthetic.

Here are some options for choosing the color of your kitchen appliances:

• Stainless Steel: This timeless finish adds a sleek, modern touch that pairs well with olive green, creating a polished and professional look.
• Black Matte: For a bold contrast, black matte appliances provide a contemporary vibe and enhance the richness of olive green without overwhelming the space.
• White: Crisp white appliances offer a clean, fresh contrast that brightens the kitchen, especially when paired with darker olive green tones.
• Olive Green Appliances: If available, olive green appliances can create a seamless, monochromatic look, making a strong design statement. While these options may be limited, they can provide a unique touch to your kitchen.

Lighting For Olive Green Kitchens

Lighting plays a crucial role in how olive green is perceived in your kitchen, influencing both the mood and overall aesthetic. Here’s how to optimize lighting for your olive green kitchen:

Impact on Perception

The way light interacts with olive green can either enhance its richness or wash it out. Natural light makes olive green appear fresher and more vibrant, while artificial lighting can alter its tone. Choosing the right fixtures and bulbs is essential to achieving the desired effect.

Choosing Light Fixtures and Bulbs

• Warm Lighting: Opt for warm white bulbs (2700K to 3000K) to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Warm lighting enhances the earthy tones of olive green, making the space feel more comfortable and homey.
• Cool Lighting: If you prefer a more modern look, cool white bulbs (3500K to 4000K) can create a sleek and contemporary vibe. However, be cautious, as cool lighting can sometimes make olive green appear dull or muted.

Lighting Tips

• Under-Cabinet Lighting: Install under-cabinet lights to illuminate countertops for food prep and cooking. LED strips in warm tones can highlight olive green without overpowering it.
• Pendant Lights: Choose stylish pendant lights above islands or dining areas to provide focused lighting. Brass or matte black finishes can complement olive green beautifully.
• Recessed Lighting: For a clean, unobtrusive look, consider recessed lights in the ceiling. Ensure they provide adequate coverage without creating harsh shadows.

By carefully selecting lighting fixtures and bulbs, you can enhance the beauty of olive green in your kitchen, creating a functional and stylish space that feels welcoming and warm.

How To Decorate An Olive Green Kitchen?

When it comes to decorating a kitchen with such a bold color as olive green may seem difficult but I think it is easier than decorating a neutral kitchen.

Decorating is the most important step to give your olive-green kitchen a lived-in and inviting feel that reflects your personal style!

Here are some decor ideas to style your olive green kitchen with accessories:

Decor Ideas

• Olive Green Rugs: Area rugs in olive green can add warmth and comfort, defining the kitchen space and complementing the cabinetry.
• Curtains: Light, airy curtains in olive green or complementary neutrals enhance the color scheme while allowing natural light to filter in.
• Bar Stools: Choose bar stools in olive green upholstery or natural wood finishes to tie in with the overall theme and provide functional seating.
• Lighting Fixtures: Consider pendant lights or chandeliers in finishes like brass or matte black to add style and warmth, balancing the olive green tones.

Accent Pieces

• Art: Hang artwork that features earthy tones or botanical themes to enhance the olive green palette and bring personality to your kitchen.
• Vases: Incorporate vases in complementary colors (whites, grays, or natural tones) to hold fresh flowers or greenery, adding a touch of life and vibrancy.
• Tableware: Use plates, bowls, and utensils in neutral or soft colors to complement the olive green without competing for attention.

Mix Natural Textures

Incorporate natural textures like wood, rattan, and metal to enhance the earthy feel of olive green. Wooden cutting boards, rattan baskets, and metal accents (like handles or light fixtures) create a layered, inviting atmosphere, making your kitchen feel warm and stylish.

Final Thoughts

From selecting the right shades and finishes to thoughtfully choosing decor and lighting, every element plays a crucial role in creating an olive green kitchen. Whether you prefer a modern minimalist look or a cozy farmhouse vibe, olive green can be adapted to suit your personal style.

I hope you find this blog post helpful.

Loves, B.