The color green has taken 2024 by storm, with moody, nature-inspired shades appearing in abundance across the world of interior design. From jewel box powder rooms to calming, cozy living rooms, homeowners and designers alike are admiring the color's powerful impact on design schemes.
Though green has proven quite versatile, it's not the first hue that springs to mind when it comes to the bedroom – light shades can appear juvenile, while darker shades often feel jarring. But as English actor Dominic West's cocooning castle bedroom proves, the right shade of green is the perfect choice for a stately, stylish escape. Clad in forest green and featuring a statement chaise in a lighter shade, this Georgian-inspired green bedroom in Ireland's Glin Castle is the perfect blend of elegance and serenity.
'Green is an excellent choice for a bedroom color due to its calming and rejuvenating properties. It promotes relaxation and a sense of balance, which are essential for a restful night's sleep. When combined with other green and blue hues, as seen in this space, the effect is magnified, creating a cohesive, friendly, and harmonious ambiance,' says Nina Lichtenstein, founder and principal designer at her eponymous firm.
Aside from green's aesthetic appeal, experts say that it's one of the best bedroom colors for a restful night's sleep. Drawing from the great outdoors and ever-associated with growth and nature, dark green – think forest or sage hues – makes for a comfort-forward, calming environment. And if there's any room of the house where peaceful design should be a top priority, it's the bedroom. Classic and timeless, this bedroom's take on green is a perfect example of the color's enduring impact.
'The harmonious blend of green and blue hues evokes a feeling of tranquility, making it an ideal retreat for rest and relaxation. Floral patterns on the headboard and throw pillows bring the beauty of the outdoors inside, while vases, decorative plates, and artwork further enhance the room's natural theme,' says Nina Lichtenstein, founder and principal designer at her eponymous firm.
'The graceful shapes of the furniture and decor elegantly elevate the space, ensuring it remains visually stimulating yet soothing. This well-curated environment demonstrates how color and design elements can work together to create a serene and inviting bedroom... The space feels lovingly curated and personal, making it a perfect sanctuary,' she continues.
Though mixing different shades within the same color family can feel daunting, it's often a fast track to design success. And in this space, the pairing of a light green chaise and deep, moody paint on the walls makes for a cohesive, eye-catching aesthetic. Without leaning too far traditional, the bedroom feels nostalgic thanks to the design's understated elegance.
'The mix of greens in this space feels so bright and lively, but also very sophisticated and polished. Green is a somewhat unexpected color for a bedroom, but it feels really charming and intentional in this space. I love the fact there's just the right amount of floral print mixed in to add visual interest and contrast. The plates mounted on the wall are also a really unique way of adding visual touchpoints in a whimsical, yet upscale, way,' says interior designer Kathy Kuo.
Helen Shaw, international director of marketing for Benjamin Moore, adds that 'bedrooms lend themselves to deep tones.' She adds that 'they look beautiful when dimly lit with lamps and candles, as is the case with this space.' For an even darker green shade, she recommends the brand's Regent Green, 'the perfect example of a gripping hue that will add depth and comfort to any bedroom scheme.'
'The green undertones create a richness that offers a softer alternative to black and a more modern substitute to dark grey. This darker shade will envelope a space and works beautifully when paired with crisp white woodwork and natural materials to achieve an organic, fresh look,' says Helen.
Shop the Look
Dark green provides a soothing foundation for this timeless Georgian bedroom, and when paired with vintage frames and floral patterns, it can't help but impress. If you were waiting for a sign to go for a green bedroom design, Dominic West's castle retreat just might be it.
