Color of the month for September: retro-inspired olive green

September is often the month when we want to breathe new life into our interiors. It's a time when nature is transforming and we feel the urge to create an environment in harmony with the season. Among the trends that stand out this year, olive green is the must-have color. Inspired by the retro style of the 70s, this hue brings a subtle elegance while adapting to contemporary needs. It's not just a question of a passing trend, but a way of adding a warm, natural and timeless atmosphere to your space. But why is olive green making a comeback, and how can you incorporate it into your home without a false note? Here's everything you need to know about this color that's setting the interior design world abuzz.

Olive green: timeless beyond fashion

Olive green is not a new color in interior design. On the contrary, it's one of those classic hues that endures the decades without losing its charm. Very popular in the 70s, olive green is part of the current trend to rehabilitate retro aesthetics, while adding a touch of modernity. The color is reminiscent of nature, a time when we sought to integrate organic elements into our living spaces to create more soothing, authentic ambiences.

Another reason for olive green's comeback is its versatility. It's a hue somewhere between forest green and khaki, offering a subtle palette that can be adapted to both contemporary and more classic interiors. This neutrality allows olive green to be used as the main color or as an accent in a room, depending on the desired effect. It never overwhelms the space, but envelops it, offering a sense of depth and calm. Whether you want to create a 70s-inspired living room or bring a touch of nature into a modern kitchen, olive green will be your ally in transforming your interior.

How do you incorporate olive green into your interior?

Adopting olive green in your decor doesn't have to mean repainting the whole house or investing in expensive new furniture. A few well-thought-out adjustments can be all it takes to breathe new life into your spaces.

Paint the walls for an enveloping ambience

One of the most direct ways to adopt olive green is to use it on your walls. It's particularly effective in rooms where you're looking for a soothing atmosphere, such as a living room, bedroom or office. Painting an accent wall olive green can create an elegant contrast, without making the room dark or heavy. For a more immersive ambience, you might consider painting all the walls in this color, especially in spaces like a living room where natural materials like wood, plants and linen textiles will complement this hue harmoniously.Olive green also pairs well with other neutral colors like light gray or beige. This creates a balanced base while maintaining a soft, modern feel.

Furniture and accessories: the perfect retro touch

If you're not ready for a major paint job, you can easily incorporate olive green through your furniture. Think iconic 70s furniture, such as an olive green velvet armchair, a vintage dark wood chest of drawers or a brass coffee table. This type of furniture offers a nod to retro style while fitting perfectly into more modern interiors. These pieces can be found in flea markets or vintage stores. Incorporating metallic elements such as brass or copper into your accessories adds a subtle touch of luxury and brings out the sophistication of olive green. For example, a brass-framed mirror or gilded metal lamps provide both visual contrast and harmony with the richness of this color.

Combining olive green with other colors: what are the winning combinations?

Although olive green is a color rich in character, it's essential to choose the right shades to go with it so as not to unbalance your decor. Here are a few combinations that work particularly well.

Olive green and beige: a soft, soothing combination

Beige and off-white are ideal partners for olive green. These neutral colors soften the green without making it bland. This works perfectly in a living room where you want to maintain a streamlined ambience while adding a touch of warmth. Think, for example, of pairing olive-green walls with beige linen sofas or unbleached wool cushions. This combination creates a visual continuity that invites relaxation and conviviality.

Olive green and terracotta: a bold, warm marriage

Terracotta is a warm color that blends perfectly with olive green. Used mainly in decorative accents, such as vases or picture frames, this earthy hue reinforces the natural look of your space while adding vibrancy. A rug in terracotta shades or curtains in these tones can also enhance a room, while creating a sense of well-being.

Olive green and powder pink: for a refined interior

If you're looking for a more delicate, feminine combination, powder pink is an excellent choice. This soft color balances the depth of olive green by adding a touch of lightness. You can incorporate it through textiles, such as cushions or plaids, or decorative accessories like candles or pictures.

Accessories: the key to sublimating olive green without transforming the whole space

If you prefer more subtle changes, decorative accessories are the perfect solution for integrating olive green without undertaking major work. In addition to being more economical, these small elements can add a touch of color and refinement to any room.

Cushions, plaids and rugs

The addition of olive-green velvet cushions or plaids can totally change the atmosphere of your living room or bedroom. These accessories bring a feeling of comfort and luxury. Similarly, a wool rug in olive-green tones will add texture to a room while reinforcing its cocooning character.

Decorative objects

For those who want to try out this color without making a big investment, decorative objects such as vases, photo frames or even scented candles in olive green tones can add a subtle, elegant touch. These small additions discreetly transform the space, while remaining in harmony with the overall decor.

Retro style and olive green: a timeless combination

If olive green is so appealing today, it's because it perfectly embodies this return to simpler, closer-to-nature values, while adding a touch of nostalgia with retro style. Combining this color with raw materials and vintage pieces creates interiors that are as authentic as they are modern. The timeless elegance of this shade, combined with retro influences, guarantees a result as chic as it is soothing.