- Design Ideas
- Colors
published Aug 17, 2020
comments
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Mint green: It’s a color you either love or hate. The popularity of this divisive color has ebbed and flowed in interiors over the past few decades. It surged in popularity through the Art Deco look of the 1920s, again through the pastel renaissance of the ‘50s (Smeg fridge, anyone?), and up to the cottagecore movement that’s enjoying a resurgence lately. These days, mint might not land as your first choice in wall color or furniture, but pair it with another shade and you may find yourself pleasantly surprised by its decorative punch and versatility.
More subtle than teal and warmer than sage, think of mint green as a peppy, happy medium between those two shades. While the hue can predominantly be found on the cooler color spectrum, it can still vary from light to dark in tone. For a slightly more animated finish, introduce a host of complementary color tones — think orange, white, or navy — to establish a contrast with plenty of interest to boot.
To help you get started, we’ve rounded up the colors that go with mint green and even snagged a few designer tips on how to bring them home.
1. Mint Green and Blonde Wood: Peaceful and Vintage
This Minneapolis kitchen has a light and airy vibe, thanks to the cool mint cabinetry paired with light wood countertops and floors. Blonde wood has gone in and out of fashion over the years, which enhances the gorgeous room’s pleasantly vintage feel.
2. Mint Green and Aubergine: Modern and Regal
We love how the mint sofa and matching armchairs in this Dutch living room contrast with the deep eggplant planters and lampshade. The color pairing is unexpected, but it works beautifully.
3. Mint and Mint: Monochrome Oasis
Too much mint? There’s no such thing! Just take a look at this cheerful North Carolina bedroom. Mint doors, walls, and bathroom cabinetry make the room cozy and inviting. The natural wood floors perfectly complement the monochrome look.
4. Mint Green and Natural Wood: Country Classic
Blending mint green and just any shade of brown won’t do, but introduce a natural shade of the latter, and it’s a completely different story. As evidenced by the bedroom in this Chicago home, the muted hue takes on a refined character when set against a rustic wood bed frame. To emulate this one at home, avoid wooden finishes that are overly saturated or anything that errs on the darker side.
5. Mint Green and Black: Bold and Refreshing
Back in 2017, this pairing was dubbed the “freshest color combo,” and that still feels true. The stark, unexpected contrast is what makes mint and black work so well, says Decorist designer Kate Spiro. “You can go bold with a patterned wall-covering in a space with black accents or start small by layering in the mint green and black through art or accessories,” Spiro says. If you’re looking for something a bit warmer, consider adding in bronze and gold metallic finishes to balance out your scheme.
6. Mint Green and Gray: Scandi Chic
If you’re going for a softer transition (versus the intensity of black above), try teaming mint up with light gray. The neutral character of a stone or charcoal gray allows it to stand out against the subtle green without overwhelming it. The result? An elevated Scandinavian-inspired look that feels effortlessly chic and understated, as evidenced by this velvet furniture pairing.
7. Mint Green and White: Fresh Elegance
White and mint green is a foolproof twosome that can work just about anywhere. If you’re looking for something edgier, introduce a sliver of black for a depth-defining layer. “The mint green feels old world and grounded yet modern [in this context],” says Spiro. “You can really bring in a lot of different colors that would work well with this combination, or you can keep it simple and minimal.”
8. Mint Green and Silver: Sophisticated Elegance
Add a touch of sophistication to your mint green color when you add a dash (or even a heavy dose) of silver. While this hotel in Scotland adds just a few gray elements to create an upscale vibe, you could reverse this look as well, opting for gray walls with mint green accent pieces.
9. Mint Green and Turquoise: Cute and Quirky
Thinking mint green and turquoise are too close to use together? Think again! This beautiful bathroom by @boomhome makes use of both hues, with mint green walls playing backdrop to a fun turquoise vanity. The area rug expertly pulls the look together.
10. Mint Green and Peach: Daring Energy
While a mint green paired with orange or coral can feel bold, these hues still complement each other instead of overpowering one another, according to Spiro. “Sticking to more subdued shades of these colors will ensure that your space feels elevated,” she adds. Avoid anything too saturated and introduce blush tones or even a deep, burgundy red to keep it lively, the designer suggests.
11. Mint Green and Ice Blue: Light and Airy
This ethereal pairing is a surefire way to create a calming atmosphere. These colors offer an elevated twist on a standard monochromatic scheme, thanks to the subtle variations in tone between the blues and the greens. Designate an ice blue for the walls (it’s a bit more of a timeless shade and pretty much a neutral), and then bring in touches of mint green via art, textiles, or custom upholstery.
12. Mint Green and Blush: Playful Charm
Pink and green make for a flawless combo, and this pastel play on a classic found in nature is as fresh as it gets. Experiment with various saturations of mint green to find what suits your space best. Designers absolutely love the idea of using this hue to highlight a built-in or shelving unit, much like the one in this colorful LA home. Bring in a dominant piece, such as a sofa or side table, that comes in a softer pink or blush to seal the deal.
13. Mint Green and Yellow: Electric and Eclectic
This punchy duo is not for the faint of heart but it delivers on making a statement. We love the idea of implementing the two by way of a whimsical mural, much like the one we spotted in this maximalist Cali home. A saturated yellow that falls somewhere between sun-gold and lemon is a natural complement to the mint green.
14. Mint Green and Green: Tonal Cool
Take a leap with a monochrome scheme that just won’t quit. The key to this one is to work with a diverse array of greens that complement one another. When building out your palette, think of it as an ombré and avoid shades that veer from this general scope as well as anything that’s too vibrant or saturated. Take a design cue from this eclectic Spanish home, where the mint green throw channels the cooler notes in the wallpaper—while also contrasting with the darker green pillows on the bed.
15. Mint Green and Sky Blue: Calm and Collected
Here’s a combo you really can’t go wrong with. The color pairing possibilities may be nearly endless when it comes to the analogous couple of mint green and sky blue. Not only do they work perfectly together — this Buenos Aires home is more than enough proof — but a thoughtful mix of the duo is all you need to evoke the soothing essence of the sea in your home.
