When choosing a paint color to pair with a Kelly green accent wall, there are a few key factors to consider. The shade of green, the amount of natural and artificial light in the room, and the overall style you want to achieve should all inform your accent color decision. With some thoughtfulness and experimentation, you can find the perfect complementary hue for your Kelly green focal point.
Consider the Shade of Green
Kelly green can vary from a bright lime green to a deeper forest green. The undertones present in your specific Kelly green paint will help determine which accent colors work best. Here are some tips:
- Bright Kelly greens with yellow undertones pair well with neutral tans, warm grays, and peach tones.
- Kelly greens with blue undertones complement soft sage, light gray, and robin’s egg blue.
- Darker Kelly greens work nicely with cream, light peach, and taupe.
When selecting an accent color, choose a few hues you think might work and paint large swatches next to your Kelly green wall. The pairing that looks most pleasing to your eye is the best match.
Consider the Lighting
The kind and amount of light in a room impacts how paint colors appear. Be sure to choose accent colors under the actual lighting conditions of the space.
In rooms with plenty of natural light, both warm and cool accent colors will work. Soft blue-grays and peaches are common pairings in bright, sun-filled rooms.
In low natural light spaces, warmer accent colors read best. Cream, tan, light brown, and soft sage green are good options for darker rooms.
Artificial lighting can cast different color hues at night. Install any planned lighting and evaluate paint choices at night and during the day.
Consider the Style
Factor in your overall decorating style as you select an accent color. Some examples:
- For contemporary styles, gray, white, and muted blue-greens work well.
- In boho or eclectic rooms, try peach, light yellow, or robin’s egg blue.
- For farmhouse or traditional styles, cream, tan, and soft sage complement Kelly green.
- In tropical rooms, accent with peach, sky blue, or neutral tans.
Choose a hue aligned with your design aesthetic for the most cohesive look.
Recommended Accent Color Combinations
Here are some specific Kelly green and accent color pairings to consider:
| Kelly Green Shade | Complimentary Accent Colors |
|---|---|
| Lime green | White, tan, light peach |
| Bright green with yellow undertones | Warm grays, cream, soft peach |
| True Kelly green | Light sage, robin’s egg blue, tan |
| Dark forest green | Cream, taupe, light caramel |
These popular color pairings are a great place to start your accent color search. Be sure to test out swatches before committing to an accent hue.
Tips for Implementing the Accent Color
Once you’ve selected the perfect accent color, keep these tips in mind when painting:
- Use the accent color sparingly for maximum impact. One accent wall is often sufficient.
- Incorporate the accent shade in small doses on other walls. For example, paint an accent stripe 2-3 feet wide at chair rail height.
- Use accent colors for “jewelry” pieces like bookshelves, cabinets, ceiling beams, or door trims.
- Echo accents on decorative items like pillows, rugs, and artwork.
- Select interior doors in a coordinating accent shade.
- Stick to an accent palette of 2-3 colors for a coordinated look.
Strategically applying your accent color ensures it remains an accent and doesn’t overwhelm the space.
Conclusion
The key to choosing the right accent color for a Kelly green feature wall is considering the shade of green, the room’s lighting, and your overall decor style. Neutral tans, warm grays, soft sage, robin’s egg blue, and peach tones tend to complement most variations of Kelly green. Test swatches under your actual lighting conditions and opt for a hue that aligns with your aesthetic. Use the accent color judiciously for maximum visual impact. With some thought and experimentation, you can find the perfect paint color pairing for your Kelly green accent wall.
