Is green the new neutral?

25 Mar 2026

Green has always been a popular choice for interiors, but it’s fast becoming a go-to for just about all spaces in our homes. It is well loved for the sense of calm and connection to nature it brings indoors, from soft botanical hues to deeper forest tones, it feels fresh yet grounding, making it easy to live with across a range of styles.

Aside from bright lime and neon shades, many of today’s greens are soft and muted, which means they behave much like a neutral. Gentle shades such as sage, olive and moss sit comfortably alongside timber, stone and natural textures, adding subtle colour while still creating a relaxed, balanced backdrop for the rest of your home.

As an example, try lighter greens like Resene Ottoman, Rainee, Pumice and Linen:

And for darker greens, try Bandicoot, Ravine, Off The Grid and Scrub:

Here’s four examples of different spaces in homes using green to give you some inspiration:

Light and airy, this sunroom is painted in Resene Half Lemon Grass with trims in Quarter Spanish White. This soft, fresh backdrop brings a sense of quiet elegance to the space. Project by Waitaki Interiors, image by Rachel Wybrow.

The smoky green of Resene Vantage Point is used in this kitchen, paired with warm timber and crisp white cabinetry and ceiling in Black White. Project by City Style Co, image by Harcourts Holmwood.

Add a tropical or botanical touch with a design like Resene Eden Wallpaper Collection M373-04. Real greenery brings out the green tones in this design and adds to the nature theme.

For slightly darker greens that lean towards neutrals, this space features Resene Palm Leaf on the coffee table, cabinet and light pendant. The wall is painted in Quarter Lemon Grass and floor stained in Resene Colorwood Bask. Sofa from nood, cushions from Briscoes. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.

To check out your favourite green hues, pick up testpots, or ask for advice, head into your local Resene ColorShop, or Ask a Colour Expert online for help choosing!

Published: 25 Mar 2026