How to Decorate a Room With Dark Olive Walls

Select a theme to help you choose colors and accessories. From contemporary to Italian, dark olive green is earthy and calming and is pleasing with a contemporary theme. If you're decorating a kitchen, an Italian theme is pleasing. For an office, you might like a soothing Zen arrangement.

Select a color palette that works with your theme. The best way to go about choosing a palette is deciding if you want your room to be welcoming and inviting or bold and dramatic. Pick two accent colors to go with olive. Choose contrasting colors if you want to make a dramatic statement. For example, plum and paprika will create a stimulating environment. If you’d rather lighten the feel of your room, go with a complementary color, such as a deep yellow or cream.

Select furniture that accents your theme. Black, sleek furnishings go well with a contemporary look. Wrought iron in a bedroom fits a country theme. Leather furniture is comfortable and durable. White furniture instantly brightens spaces and makes room appear more spacious.

Shop for window treatments that emphasize your theme. Choose a shade lighter or darker than your walls to prevent curtains from blending in with the wall color. If you want to go in another direction, try bamboo shades or shutters.

Bring interest to your room with textured elements. Depending on your style, you may want to add rich brocade fabrics to enhance an Italian style. Velvet and silk add richness to many decorating styles. If you have several pillows on the sofa or bed, use different types of fabrics to keep the look alluring. Baskets are one of the easiest ways to add texture to a room while also adding a functional piece. Braided or woven rugs complete the look.

Add accents that work with olive as well as go with your theme. If you’re going with an Italian theme, look for sconces on the wall that will add warm light throughout the room. With black accessories and furnishings, add touches of silver to enhance a contemporary style. If you’re going with a retro look in your kitchen, try looking for olive appliances.