Colour school: Decorate with Spearmint & Denim

Find out what colours work well with this cool hue and what to steer clear of too

More contemporary than jade or teal, invigorating mint is the perfect way to give your living space a cool, refreshing vibe. Create an informal, effortless feel by mixing it with relaxed denim blue and slate grey, then bring the whole palette to life with pops of crisp white, chartreuse and zesty lime. Make it mellower for the winter season with accents of navy blue and soft purple

living room with blue sofaset with cushions

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Choose angular wooden furniture, textured ceramics and fabrics with graphic prints for a mid-century-inspired look

living room with wooden table and photoframe on wall

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Break up a solid block of colour on walls with white frames and folk-art-inspired pieces

Love this look? NOW GET THE LOOK

palette with denim and spearmint

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Pattern 1

retro pattern wallpaper in blue with white

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Add subtle colour with this retro pattern

Tocca 111316 wallpaper, £37 per roll, Scion

The Paint

blue colour emulsion in round white container

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Go for a cool, calm blue


Spearmint Intelligent Matt Emulsion, £45 for 2.5ltr, Little Greene

Pattern 2

geometric pattern in circular shape on blue fabric

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This pretty motif is ideal for blinds or cushions

Aymara Eucalyptus fabric, £64 per m, Villa Nova

dining room with white windows and dining table with chairs

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Contrast different prints with ease by sticking to just one or two colours in the same tone - here,

a retro wallpaper, ethnic-inspired blind and stripy rug work in harmony for a modern but relaxed result

OUR stylist says

"Pale mint hues can appear washed out, so give them structure with charcoal upholstery and dark wood furniture "

NICKY PHILLIPS, DECORATING EDITOR

living room with flower in vase and sofa set with cushions

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Swap a traditional table lamp for a pair of peridot-green pendant lights next to a sofa

living room with photoframe on wall and table lamp

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Soft oak is the ideal partner for minty tones - use simple furniture, wooden accessories and tactile rattan to add a natural touch

TRY THESE COLOURS with SPEARMINT

fabric in soft purple colour

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LAVENDER: Bring out mint's more restful properties with soft purples, such as lilac, lavender or wisteria

fabric in olive green colour with livlier effect

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LIME: While most greens will perk up an icy blue, go for those with a yellow base for an even livelier effect

fabric in cumin colour with earthy shades

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CUMIN: Opt for earthy shades, such as cumin or nutmeg, to give your scheme some welcome warmth

Shades to avoid

CITRUS ORANGE Although lemon and lime work, zesty orange could be a colour clash too far - this daring pairing would certainly be an acquired taste.

BUBBLEGUM While candy colours are cute in a girl's room, steer clear of saccharine shades if you're after a refined living space.

CLARET Keep away from deep red tones, such as claret or mahogany, as their richness will deaden or even erase spearmint's crisp, fresh appeal.

Contributor

Tamara was Ideal Home's Digital Editor before joining the Woman & Home team in 2022. She has spent the last 15 years working with the style teams at Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, both now at Future PLC. It’s with these award wining interiors teams that she's honed her skills and passion for shopping, styling and writing. Tamara is always ahead of the curve when it comes to interiors trends – and is great at seeking out designer dupes on the high street.