The Most Popular Living Room Color of 2023 Might Surprise You

If 2022 started the rise of the green kitchen, then a recent report by Living Spaces can officially credit 2023 as the year of the green living room. 

While designers remain split on whether or not gray is truly out, Living Spaces has determined that, at least for now, it’s taken a backseat to the lusher, more nature-inspired hue we’ve seen on a steady ascent in recent years. 

In order to see how this trend is happening in real-time, and to determine if green living rooms are the way forward, we turned to a few of our favorite designers. They eagerly shared their opinions on whether green really is the perfect living room upgrade.

It’s a Versatile Tone Full of Emotion

According to interior designer Alice Leigh, one of the best things about green is that it causes different—and positive—reactions for everyone, and that’s down to the versatility of its various hues.

“Green can invoke so many different feelings, such as making a room feel fresh, comforting, or vibrant depending on the green that you use,” Leigh says. “A lot of people find green very calming, stress-relieving, and nature-inspiring.”

Monica Breese, founder of The Designed Domicilio and a real estate broker with Compass, agrees, noting that much of its versatility is rooted in its connection to the natural world. 

She says it fits well with natural fibers and is a great pick for living rooms—which is often where we’re most likely to find woods, leathers, and other organic materials. 

Green Fit Many Multi-Purposes Spaces

While other rooms are more dedicated to specific activities, Ashley McCollum, a color expert for Glidden paint by PPG, notes that living rooms are notoriously used for a vast array of activities. That’s one reason green is the perfect choice for these spaces. 

“Green remains one of the best choices for fresh, rejuvenating, comforting vibes in a space best known for winding down or spending quality time with loved ones,” she says. 

Green Can Be Easily Layered

While some colors, like a bold red or bright orange, might require you to only use in small doses to avoid clashing, Leigh notes that green can be easily applied in layers. This is particularly perfect for living rooms, which lends itself to lots of lush layers for a comfy, cozy feel.

“I like to layer greens on walls, fabrics, and furnishings in different tones and textures and introduce plants to the room to create a layered look,” Leigh says.

The Shade You Choose Is Key

With so many shades of green to choose from, Leigh warns that is possible to pick one that won’t complement your space. She thinks it's best to consider the natural light streaming into your living room and choose accordingly.

For example, south-facing rooms can handle almost any palette, as they’re often bathed in natural light. But north-facing rooms can be tricker, as they get the least light. 

“I would avoid any greens with blue or grey undertones and look towards warmer green colors with yellow or red undertones,” Leigh says. 

On the upside, Leigh also feels that north-facing rooms are perfect for bolder shades—especially when paired with great lighting and plenty of contrasts. 

The Options Can Be Overwhelming

Of course, with so many greens to choose from, it’s easy to get decision fatigue when trying to pick one for your own living room. McCollum gave us a brief rundown on a few of her favorite tones.

• Pistachio greens (like Glidden’s Whispering Pine) can brighten up a living room with limited natural light, and works well as a background for other strong colors or wood finishes. 
• Dark and rich greens are perfect if you want a dramatic accent wall in your living room. A color like Glidden’s Pine Forest pairs well with off-whites and nature-inspired neutral colors.
• Soft, soothing greens like Glidden’s Olive Sprig are ideal for a sense of harmony and tranquility. Opt for organic tones if you want something more neutral that will work in nearly any environment.