Home & Design Trends
Sage Green Is the New Neutral—Here’s Proof
According to an expert, 2022’s color of the year works in every space and for every vibe.
If you haven’t already realized, sage green is having a moment in the design world. The hue is everywhere, most recently being named as the color of the 2022 by paint brands like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, PPG, and more. While the nuances of the tone used can vary slightly (some applications invoke a dustier version, while others have a touch of vibrancy to them), the general feeling is still the same: a soothing, nature-inspired shade that brings a hopeful optimism to any space.
Design-wise, sage green hues are about as versatile as it gets. They can be paired with numerous different design styles—from mid-century modern to Scandi-chic—and take well to almost any application, whether that’s an attention-grabbing rug or soft throw blanket. The earthy color also teams seamlessly with other design elements, like wood accents and a sustainable, earth-focused ethos.
“Sage green is quickly becoming one of my favorite go-to neutrals,” says designer Amy Peltier. “It has this chameleon effect and reads soft enough for a refreshing spring palette but cozy enough to keep you happy during the winter months. It's also a great complement to so many other colors, which is why we can label it a neutral.”
Looking to add a bit of the soft hue to your home? Check out some of our favorite sage green pieces of furniture and decor, below.
1. The Citizenry Amman Area Rug, $775+
Start your color transformation from the ground up with this gorgeous graphic rug from The Citizenry. Handcrafted by a team of artisans in India, it combines a high-impact architectural pattern with a better-than-neutral palette of sage, cream, navy, and charcoal to create an eye-catching foundation in any room.
2. Burrow Range 2-Piece Sofa, $1,070
Furniture is a big commitment, so it can feel scary to opt for anything other than a tried-and-true neutral when choosing your couch’s material. However, you’re in good hands with Burrow’s modular couch in this darker shade of sage. You can start small and add more seats as you need—and as you get more comfortable with the color. Not only is the shade proving to be totally timeless, but it creates a blank canvas in your room in the same way that quieter shades like cream and tan would. This one kicks it up a notch with kid- and-friendly canvas, and customizable legs.
3. Coyuchi Organic Relaxed Linen Duvet Cover in Laurel, $78+
If there’s one room in your home where you want to exhale with comfort and relaxation, it’s your bedroom. This Coyuchi duvet cover helps bring those zen vibes, thanks to organic linen that’s been woven from flax in Portugal in a stunning sage shade. It basically begs for an afternoon nap.
4. Hawkins New York Stonewashed Linen Pillow, $95
Bring a subtle pop of color to your bedroom or living room with these soft pillows from Hawkins New York. Made of stonewashed linen, they add an unfussy and casual texture that’s perfectly suited to those that consider themselves fans of rustic design styles.
5. Hello Speckle Home Oval Terrazzo Trinket Tray, $ 22.72
There’s no rule that says sage has to take form in only understated ways. These terrazzo-inspired trays prove just that, morphing the chill hue into something decidedly more funky and fresh. Handmade out of Jesmonite and featuring white terrazzo speckles, this trinket tray is the perfect size to hold jewelry on your nightstand or corral keys by the front door.
6. Huey Light Shop Prairie Sconce in Sage, $350.02+
Brass, rich wood, and sage green combine forces in this light fixture to create a truly gorgeous wall sconce. “We’re continuing to see sustainability be a focus in design,” adds Peltier. “Natural tones like wood set the perfect base for earthy colors such as sage green; bringing in elements that remind us of nature helps to create a calming sanctuary indoors.” Available hardwired or with a plug, this handmade piece would look great in a cozy seating nook or alongside your bed.
7. Mason Cash Classic Dinnerware in Green, $50-$99 $50-$70
Tabletop decor is usually an easy and inexpensive way to dip your toes into a trending shade like sage green. You can go with a single standout serving platter or dive right in with a full set, like this 12-piece dinnerware from Mason Cash. The stoneware is coated in a matte glaze for a quiet pop of color that’s sure to complement your fave dish.
8. Ideal Gallery Sage Green Abstract Painting, $104.40+
Nothing sets a room apart quite like custom art. This stunning hand-painted piece pairs a muddy sage green with other neutrals like oatmeal, black, and brown for graphic abstract art that would look great in your living room, bedroom, hallway—literally anywhere. Bonus: no painting is the same, so if you want more (or less) sage in your piece, all you have to do is ask.
9. Tempaper Floral Fields Removable Wallpaper in Sage, $40+
When it comes to incorporating sage green into your home, paint is often a no-brainer. And while a fresh coat on your walls is a great way to experiment (try October Mist by Benjamin Moore, Evergreen Fog by Sherwin-Williams, or any of the other stunning shades we cover here, you shouldn’t write off wallpaper, either. This pretty pattern from Tempaper is actually removable, making it a great option for renters—or homeowners who change their minds often (we see you).
10. NAMO Studio Natural Wool Throw, $69.73
While sage green may typically read as light and springy, it’s the cozy texture that makes this blanket—a favorite of Peltier’s—a year-round must-have. Made from 100 percent wool and featuring delicate fringe, it would look beautiful draped over the edge of a sofa—when you’re not cuddling up under it, that is. Plus, as Peltier believes, “Every home needs a cozy wool throw.”
11. Room & Board Slim Side Table in Sage, $329
This petite side table marries the best of modern industrial design with of-the-moment sage for an unexpectedly delicate piece. The steel form is soft and subtle despite the metal, thanks to a quiet dusty-green coating. Pull out this versatile piece next time guests swing by for an extra spot to stash cocktails or an ambiance-boosting candle.
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