Rich, earthy green sofas, like those of Cliff Richard, are gaining traction among designers as the new neutral color trend for 2026.
Green Takes Centre Stage in Home Decor
Green, a colour synonymous with nature, is making a significant impact in the world of home design. According to designer Nina Lichtenstein, the vast shade range of green makes it a highly versatile colour choice, suitable for more than just sofas.
In a '70s-inspired scheme, a natural wood rounded table adds a warming twist, while in living rooms, a plush green velvet loveseat is an excellent addition to any neutral space. The beauty of green, according to Lichtenstein, lies in its ability to connect with nature, emotion, and the things that feel real in a home.
Green plays well with warm woods, brass, blackened metal, soft neutrals, and even colours like pale pink and terracotta. Cliff Richard infuses some unexpected red into his space with a throw pillow, demonstrating how green works well in a living room.
Lichtenstein believes that the appeal of green comes down to contrast: invigorating and soothing at once, feeling alive but never loud. Green is neither too warm nor too cool, making it the design world's version of emotional equilibrium.
The human brain is wired to associate green with growth, renewal, and safety. This connection helps reduce stress, improve mood, and offer a warmer, dynamic alternative to traditional neutral colours like gray or beige. Green is expected to remain popular in home design through 2026.
Green's association with biophilic design principles promotes well-being by mimicking natural environments indoors. This connection helps reduce anxiety and creates a sense of tranquility and harmony in living spaces. Different shades of green, such as dill green or dark green, can add freshness, warmth, sophistication, and a timeless quality to interiors.
The versatility of green lies in the wide range of hues available—soft sage for subtlety, deep forest for drama, or brighter herb tones for vibrancy. This adaptability allows green to adapt to various design styles, from contemporary to vintage-inspired, and can complement natural materials and indoor plants, further promoting air quality and a calming atmosphere.
Changing pillow covers is a simple way to introduce colour, in this case, green, into a living room. For example, Cliff Richard's living room from 1964 features a green sofa adorned with red and green throws. Signing up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter provides design expertise in your inbox, ensuring you stay ahead of the latest trends in green home decor.
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In correlation with the '70s-inspired schemes, incorporating a plush green velvet loveseat enhances the natural aesthetic of any neutral living room design, while during the transformation of a home-and-garden space, the versatile shade range of green in interior-design can facilitate a harmonious blend with various materials and plants, fostering well-being and enhancing the overall lifestyle.
