How to decorate with Dulux Overtly Olive – 7 easy tricks for using the ultimate versatile earthy green shade in any space

The Dulux Overtly Olive paint shade has achieved cult status among interior designers and homeowners alike due to its rich, earthy green tones and exceptional versatility. Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director of Dulux, describes this shade as having a "magical" quality, blending familiarity with freshness and modern sophistication with timeless elegance. It is a grounding green that breathes life into any room, offering subtle warmth that makes it an irresistible choice for a wide array of interior styles. One of the most effective ways to utilize Overtly Olive is in the bedroom, where its calming and serene qualities can create a true sanctuary. When paired with natural materials such as warm woods, stone, and rattan, it fosters a relaxed, rustic ambiance. For a more contemporary feel, incorporating sleek metallics and crisp whites allows the richness of the green to truly shine. In a bedroom, pairing Overtly Olive with soft neutrals like Jasmine White enhances a peaceful atmosphere. Integrating natural textures such as jute rugs, linen, woven baskets, or wooden furniture completes a cohesive look, promoting relaxation and rejuvenation. Another ideal space for Overtly Olive is the bathroom, where it can evoke a spa-like mood. Unlike some greens that invigorate, Overtly Olive's pigments create a tranquil environment, perfect for unwinding. Applying it to both walls and ceilings can embrace the popular 'colour drenching' trend, creating an immersive and soothing cocoon. It is also an excellent choice for painting freestanding baths, adding a touch of sophisticated calm. In living rooms, Overtly Olive serves as an excellent feature wall or a full-room colour. It harmonizes beautifully with soft neutrals like Absolute White, creating a balanced and elegant space. For those seeking a bolder statement, it can be contrasted with deep jewel tones such as Ruby Starlet or Teal Tension. If the walls are painted in this earthy green, complementing accessories like vibrant wall art or bold rugs can introduce these contrasting colours effectively. Rea Bell, a design expert at furn., highlights Overtly Olive's role as a comforting and calming green tone that stands apart from fleeting paint trends. She advises pairing it with cream, white, or light grey for a relaxing, understated style. Layering textures such as boucle throws and linen curtains in muted earth tones can further warm up the space, while splashes of rich reds or browns in furniture and hardware provide striking contrasts. Simone Wilson, colour and trend expert at Voyage Maison, suggests pairing Overtly Olive with deep, rich purples for a moodier, cocooning effect, especially in bedrooms. This combination taps into the growing jewel tone trend for 2025, with the complementary nature of green and purple on the colour wheel creating a blend of stillness and drama. In kitchens and dining areas, Overtly Olive offers versatile charm, adapting to various occasions. It can be paired with brushed brass hardware and creamy whites like Absolute White for a warm and inviting atmosphere. Gold accents and luxe textiles can dress up the space for formal entertaining, while natural wood and rustic decor create a relaxed feel. This earthy tone strikes a perfect balance between elegance and functionality in these high-traffic areas. Experimenting with paint techniques is another way to utilize Overtly Olive effectively. Rea Bell notes that its muted quality makes it suitable for creative painting methods. Techniques like colour washing can create a subtle, weathered look, adding texture and accentuating natural features. Sponging is an affordable method to add depth and complexity, highlighting the shade's grounding nature. These techniques allow for a feature wall that goes beyond conventional paint application. Other paint alternatives similar to Overtly Olive include Johnstone's Scottish Moor, Fired Earth’s Tundra, RAL Design’s Sand grey, Dulux's Jurassic Stone, Putting Green, and Valley Rock. Lighter options from Dulux include Willow Tree, Crushed Aloe, and Green Glade, offering similar rustic and earthy tones. Overtly Olive also pairs well with various shades, including neutrals like beige, soft white, and greys such as Absolute White and White Mist. Soft pinks like Pressed Petal and Blush Pink create calming combinations. Bold accents like ochre, burgundy, or navy, exemplified by Ruby Starlet and Sapphire Salute, also complement it well. Nature-inspired hues such as terracotta (Tuscan Terracotta), moss green, and slate blue are also excellent pairings, showcasing the versatility of this beloved green shade. #DuluxOvertlyOlive #InteriorDesign #ColorTrends #HomeDecor #PaintIdeas #GreenInteriors #BedroomDesign #BathroomDesign #LivingRoomDecor #KitchenDesign #PaintTechniques #ColorCombinations #DuluxOvertlyOlive #InteriorDesign #ColorTrends #HomeDecor #PaintIdeas #GreenInteriors #BedroomDesign #BathroomDesign #LivingRoomDecor #KitchenDesign #PaintTechniques #ColorCombinations