Green kitchens are rising in popularity – and for good reason. From crisp, leafy tones to blooming spring-like hues, green is synonymous with nature, one of the most popular decor themes of 2021 and perfect for creating that fresh, clean feel we all want in our kitchen decor.
The great thing about green is that it has such a varied and versatile spectrum of shades. While certain colours - think grey or pink, for instance - can be like marmite, there's a green to suit any style. Think cool mint for a modern, refreshing feel, pale pistachio for a sophisticated pastel scheme, or a deep forest green to cocoon your kitchen in natural, homely vibes.
Here are our ideas for six shades of green that work especially well for the kitchen.
Green kitchen decor - our favourite looks
Sage green kitchen ideas
Love the thought of a warm and welcoming rustic kitchen? Then sage green is a safe bet to achieve that uber-trendy Cottagecore look. Pair these tiles with dark wood-effect worktops and copper accessories, then add open storage shelves stacked with cute ceramics for the ultimate cosy cottage vibe.
Pastel green kitchen ideas
For a timeless, sophisticated kitchen style, choose a subtle pastel green shade like pistachio. A pastel tone pairs beautifully with clean white walls and accessories, and cream or silver cookware to give the space a cool, calm and classy vibe. This shade works well in period houses, such as an Edwardian house as this era in history favoured pastel shades especially.
Mint green kitchen ideas
There are so many types of mint green you can choose, from vibrant blue-green spearmint to a pale peppermint. Whichever shade you choose, these hues combine perfectly with clean lines and contemporary fixtures and fittings in the kitchen.
Olive green kitchen ideas
Ever since Farrow & Ball named Natural Greens as one of their palettes for 2021, we've seen soaring interest in greens inspired by the world around us. Olive green is a comforting shade which works beautifully in a country farmhouse kitchen. Paint your cabinets or walls in an olive tone, which can run from intense dark green to a more yellow-tinged hue, then add light to the scheme with a pop of a complementary colour, like these mustard velvet bar stools from Cult Furniture.
Forest green kitchen ideas
Dark decor is all the rage at the moment, so why not nod to the trend with these gorgeous forest green tiles and wall paint? They’re ideal for anyone looking to create a Victorian vintage kitchen with wooden worktops, a large ceramic Belfast sink and brass-gold taps.
Lime green kitchen ideas
For a perk-me-up style kitchen, choose a cheery, upbeat lime green. You can go all out with wall tiles above your kitchen cabinets, or for a slightly more pared-back approach, bring this vibrant hue into your culinary space with block-colour roller blinds to create a striking focal point.
Green kitchen tiles
Whether you’re covering a small, feature backsplash or the majority of a wall, the green tiles you choose will have a huge impact on the overall feel of your kitchen, so it’s worth spending some time thinking about your options.
Once you’ve decided on the type of green you’re choosing, the next step is to consider which type of tiles you’ll use, how you’ll lay them, and what colour grout you’ll go for.
Although metro tiles are cheap, versatile, and the most popular option in most kitchens, there are a number of other tiles styles that can look just as effective.
If you’re working in a period home, for example, Victorian tiles are great for making the space feel traditional and balanced, whilst cubed or hexagonal tiles can create an interesting contrast when laid in bold, geometric patterns.
Gently curved arabesque tiles, on the other hand, are elegant and give angular modern properties a softer feel, while picket tiles look sleek and unfussy.
If you do end up opting for metro tiles, there are plenty of opportunities to get creative in the way you arrange them. You can stack them horizontally for a subway style, create a basketweave effect or lay them diagonally to create stunning effects.
Whichever tile style you choose, always finish the look with fresh grout if you want your kitchen to look seamless. Using grout that’s a similar colour to your tiles will make the tiled area seem larger, while contrasting grout will create definition. To find out more about the best tiles for your green kitchen, take a look at our tile ideas guide.
Feeling inspired? To find out more about the latest kitchen trends, check out our guide to the kitchen styles we'll be seeing in 2021. For more kitchen colour ideas, check out our features on black and white kitchens and cream kitchens.