The Olive Green Kitchen is Trending
The olive green kitchen is leading one of the biggest color trends of the year. The rise of olive green kitchens comes from a shift toward nature-inspired design and away from the cool grays that dominated the last decade. Color experts point to a growing preference for hues that balance modern life with a sense of calm.
You’re seeing this in earthy wall colors, warm wood tones, and natural materials like stone and clay. Olive green fits right in. It’s versatile, balanced, and pairs easily with both contemporary and traditional styles.
Why Olive Green Works in Kitchens
In kitchens, this shade feels especially grounded because it works so well with materials that are already familiar: wood flooring, marble counters, or brushed metal hardware.
Designers are using olive green to:
Add subtle color without overwhelming the space
Soften sharp modern lines
Create warmth in open-concept homes
And unlike some bold paint choices, olive green feels right year-round. It adapts beautifully to both bright summer light and the softer glow of winter.
Choosing the Right Olive Green for Your Cabinets
When choosing olive green kitchen cabinets, think about how your space receives light. Natural daylight can bring out the yellow undertones, while warm indoor lighting will highlight its brown base.
If your kitchen is north-facing or has limited sunlight, a lighter olive with soft gray undertones keeps the space feeling open.
In larger or brighter kitchens, deeper olives can anchor the room and bring a cozy feel.
Key tip: Always sample a few shades on your cabinet doors before committing. Olive tones shift dramatically depending on your light and surrounding finishes.
Here are some trending olive colors for your kitchen:
Only Olive
Only Olive is a midtone, shaded, green with an ivy undertone. It’s a lighter, soft green, new to Decor Cabinets standard paint collection. Pairs well with walnut finishes.
Olive Sprig
Olive Sprig is a midtone, neutral, lush green with an organic green undertone. It is a perfect paint color for any interior space. This was PPG’s 2022 color of the year, marking a shift towards organic pallets. Decor Cabinets offers custom color matching to any paint color in your design.
Georgian Green
Georgian Green is a medium olive green kitchen color with yellow undertones. It pairs well with creamy beige tones and browns.
You can explore all materials and finishes from Decor Cabinets here.
Beautiful Olive Green Kitchen Cabinet Ideas
There’s no single way to design an olive green kitchen, whether you lean modern, classic, or rustic, there’s an olive tone that fits. Here are a few ideas and moodboards to inspire.
Contemporary Modern Olive Green Kitchens
In a modern kitchen, olive green works best when paired with clean lines and minimal detailing. Matte cabinet finishes, slim black hardware, and quartz counters in white or soft beige keep the look fresh and current.
You can add contrast with natural wood shelving or a statement range hood. For texture, consider reeded glass inserts or brushed brass accents.
Classic Traditional Olive Green Kitchens
For more traditional homes, olive green pairs beautifully with shaker-style cabinets and white countertops. For a more transitional look, black hardware adds a subtle modern contrast.
Rustic or Farmhouse Olive Green Kitchens
In a farmhouse kitchen, olive green cabinets look timeless next to natural wood and textured surfaces. Pair them with wide-plank flooring, open shelves, and stone or butcher-block counters.
You can also mix olive with white uppers or a lighter island for a relaxed, layered look. Gold accents add some femininity and balances rustic materials.
Best Color Pairings for Olive Green Cabinets
Olive green kitchen cabinets work beautifully as the main color, but it’s even better when layered with complementary tones.
Here are a few timeless combinations:
1. Olive Green and White:
Clean and crisp, this combination feels bright but not cold. White walls or counters help balance the warmth of the cabinets.
2. Olive Green and Natural Wood:
This pairing feels organic and grounded. Think walnut open shelving or white oak floors for natural texture.
3. Olive Green and Black:
For a dramatic, modern edge, pair olive cabinetry with black accents like matte fixtures or a black island base.
4. Olive Green and Gold:
Soft brushed gold hardware enhances the warmth of the color and adds a subtle touch of luxury.
5. Olive Green and Creamy Beige:
Perfect for those who prefer a more neutral palette but still want depth. It creates a soft, calming atmosphere.
The takeaway: Olive green blends easily with both warm and cool tones, giving you flexibility to refresh the space later without a complete overhaul.
What to Avoid with Olive Green Kitchen Cabinets
Even timeless colors can go wrong without balance.
Avoid pairing olive green with too many competing colors. Stick to one or two accent tones. Steer clear of overly glossy finishes unless you’re intentionally going for a retro look. Don’t be afraid to let olive green be the star of the show!
How Olive Green Fits Into Broader Home Trends
The popularity of olive green kitchens connects to a larger movement in home design: living with comfort and purpose.
Homeowners are looking for colors that feel human, restorative, and long-lasting. Olive green delivers that while staying flexible enough to evolve with your home over time.
You’ll see this same palette appearing in:
Bathroom vanities
Mudroom cabinetry
Built-in living room shelving
It’s part of a bigger shift toward color continuity throughout the home, making spaces feel more cohesive and thoughtful.
