Kelp Green Designs Are the Year-Round Ode to Summer You Need

Evelyn Long
Aug 20
4 min read

Kelp green has emerged at the forefront of interior design as people try to capture the final days of summer. Drawing inspiration from dense underwater forests, marine life and the tranquil sea, it's little wonder why so many have drenched their home in such serene hues.

Whether you prefer saturated shades for an airier aesthetic or darker ones that evoke the mystery and depth of the ocean floor, this particular green is an adaptable, timeless color you can infuse for restorative, uplifting energy all year.

A cozy living room with a beige armchair, gold side table, and bar cart. Green plants, abstract art, and a lamp add a serene vibe.

How Kelp Green Impacts Mood and Space

Kelp green designs are rich and earthy, reflecting the aquatic environment's natural magnificence. Color psychology says green has therapeutic effects and can promote greater well-being. These findings are backed by research demonstrating how nature exposure can improve cognitive function, lower blood pressure and enhance sleep.

Central to biophilic design, kelp green fosters vitality and relaxation by bringing the outdoors inside your space. One study noted that a 40-minute walk in nature boosts restorative feelings and improves the brain's prefrontal cortex, which is partially responsible for executive control. Imagine capturing those effects by immersing yourself in kelp green at home.

Underwater view with green and yellow seaweed covering the ocean floor. Sunlight filters through clear water, creating a tranquil scene.

5 Ways to Use This Shade in Your Space

Some people like to surround themselves with color, while others prefer hints throughout their decor. With kelp green, you can incorporate as much of this shade into your home as you want, whether drenching the walls or finding smaller accessories. Here are five ways to use it.

1. Statement Walls and Accent Paint

Kelp green creates a calming statement in any room. It especially looks good in a living room, entryway or home office. If you don't want to paint all the walls this color, consider an accent wall for an eye-catching focal point. Some people also choose to paint doors, trim and built-in shelves for a subtler approach.

2. Upholstery and Soft Furnishings

Freshen up your dining room chairs with sea kelp-inspired upholstery. Bringing a touch of the outdoors into your sofa set, accent chairs, ottomans, and carpeting will make them feel enlivened and inviting. This look is particularly stunning on linen or cotton fabrics, giving textiles a sophisticated but relaxed appearance. You can also experiment with layering different kelp green blankets and decorative pillows for a cozy look.

Modern living room with green modular sofa, white lamp, and black TV on stand. Sheer curtains and wooden stairs create a minimal look.

3. Kitchen and Bath Cabinetry

A recent survey by the National Kitchen and Bath Association found that white kitchens are no longer as popular as they used to be. Instead, 76% of respondents said green was their preferred color. Kelp green gives your kitchen and bath cabinetry greater depth and personality than neutrals. It also pairs beautifully with natural wood, gold hardware and quartz countertops.

Green tiles and samples on a lime fabric backdrop. Includes yarn cards and a gradated circular dish, creating a cohesive palette.

4. Indoor Plants and Botanical Pairings

Kelp green is an eye-catching backdrop for biophilic motifs. For instance, you can restore a vintage hutch with kelp green paint and floral wallpaper. You can also bring in an array of succulents, ferns and vines in decorative planters and stands. The yellow edges of snake plants and white peace lily flowers will stand against kelp green walls. Just be careful if you have pets, as peace lilies are poisonous to cats and dogs.

Home office with green walls, wood desk, and computer. White chair, black cushion, plants, and wall art. Sunlight from window. Calm mood.

5. Art and Decor

You don't have to paint every room in your house kelp green to capture the essence of summer in your home. Look for the shade in artwork and accessories, from abstract prints to ceramic bowls and picture frames. You can place these items on tables, mantles and walls to give your space a pop of color without going overboard.

Pairing Kelp Green with Other Colors and Materials

Design experts like kelp green because it is easy to pair with various colors and materials for a balanced and pleasant look. Many incorporate it using the 60-30-10 rule. A dominant color will occupy 60% of the room, while 30% should be complementary and 10% should be an accent color.

If you have kelp green kitchen cabinets or a bathroom vanity, pair them with a white tile backsplash as a secondary color and gold knobs as the accent. In addition to neutrals and metallics, natural materials are excellent accompaniments to kelp green. Look for fiber textiles, bamboo and reclaimed wood furnishings to give your space an organic aesthetic. Hand-thrown pottery, woven baskets and jute rugs also deepen your home's connection with the outdoors.

Bright kitchen with green cabinets, marble countertops, and a window view. Coffee maker, fruit bowl, and striped towel add color and warmth.

Eco-Friendly Ways to Incorporate Kelp Green

A kelp green design can inspire eco-friendliness in your soothing space. If you intend to paint, opt for brands with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which help decrease air pollution. According to one study, VOCs account for over 30% of paint ingredients, including aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, and alcohols. These can cause respiratory issues in people who inhale their fumes.

Additionally, you should look for recycled and upcycled materials to decorate with. If you've been trying to live a greener lifestyle, this is a great way to reduce waste and make your home more sustainable. Remember to source accessories from thrift stores and purchase newly made items from brands committed to eco-friendliness and ethical practices.

How Leading Designers Incorporate Sea Kelp Green

Because green is one of the hottest colors in design, more professionals are turning to sea kelp shades when revamping interiors. Designer Chelsey Cox from Gainesville, Florida, helped one couple incorporate their love for scuba diving into their High Springs dwelling.

Cox used Backdrop's Sicily and Cyprus paints to adorn the entertainment area walls, which appear glossy when lights hit them just right. Meanwhile, painting the ceilings a similar shade resembles ripples in the water and adds moodiness to the room.

Cozy living room with a green sofa, striped pillows, round table with books, muted pink curtains, checkered rug, blue walls, warm light.

In the United Kingdom, Beach House Art added a new collection of green and olive green seaweed artwork. These earthy tones refresh this company's most popular prints, making them perfect statement pieces for a gallery wall or a stand-alone design moment.

Embracing Kelp Green for Timeless, Uplifting Interiors

Summer's end doesn't mean you must say goodbye to its refreshing spirit. Kelp green offers timeless appeal and revitalized living year-round. Integrate this shade with various biophilic materials, textures and motifs for a comfortable space that connects you to the natural world.