Warm and inviting and luxuriously rich – olive is one of the prettiest shades in the interiors palette. The effect of a deep olive wall, or an entire room painted in olive, is undeniably dramatic and utterly charming. I love the way the dark walls in this room contrast with the pale floor and the deep gold upholstery. The gorgeous chairs are Louis XV – would you have guessed that they were bought at a Paris flea market?!

(Source: Elle Decor, May 2011)

Olive and gold is actually one combination that works really beautifully in most settings. Even with a reversal of the palette – pale walls and deep olive furnishings – the look is just as sumptuous.

(Source: Elle Decor, May 2011)

I love to use olive for wood paneling in many of the homes I design; it makes a nice alternative to simply painting the cabinetry white. In this beautiful double-story library, we created a built-in space for a computer and books in a delicate green that looks so pretty with the warm-toned wooden floor. In contrast, we used a rich gold-hued cream color for the ceiling design that popped against all the lovely green!

By Amitha Verma Interior Design

Green is also a shade that shows up a lot in homes that are decorated in the French country style, especially in the kitchen. I love the combination of olive, cream and gold with pine. See how the sunny yellow flowers and earthenware brighten up the more subdued green and create a fresh, rustic look – so cozy!

(Source: houzz.com)

And if olive walls and paneling equal a little too much green for your taste, try incorporating it into your décor with olive accents and upholstery. See how a deep green armchair looks perfect in a neutral living room? I love that organic side table with the branches, so Rococo!

(Source: Elle Decor, May 2011)