Everyone knows that bedroom colors should be calming, but this ethos often leads to bedrooms that are a sea of white and gray. I'm a strong proponent of the theory that a bedroom doesn't need to be boring to be relaxing. Jennifer Garner's space confirms my suspicions.
We caught a glimpse of the 13 Going on 30 actress's bedroom idea in a recent, jokey Instagram reel. Garner sits in her cream-colored bed with a pink accent pillow in the center. Her walls are a cool, minty green with slight blue undertones. Though the color is bolder than a traditional white, it has similar calming effects.
This boldening of relaxing hues is in line with current interior paint trends. Anna Hill, color consultant at Fenwick & Tilbrook tells Homes & Gardens: 'The bedroom should be a sanctuary in which to unwind, escape the day's stresses and carve that time out to focus on rest and wellbeing. It's important to create a calming and relaxed atmosphere, but that doesn't mean sacrificing personal style. Customers are increasingly moving away from muted neutrals and embracing bolder shades that still provide restfulness. They're also experimenting more with paint techniques, using paint in creative ways to add that wow-factor.'
A green bedroom is relaxing largely because the green reminds us of green in the outdoors. The watery shade of Garner's walls is reminiscent of a tranquil pond surrounded by tees in the forest, or the sea on a sunny day. Darker greens can be connected more closely with the look of trees or plants. Shades like olive and lime invoke some of our favorite foods harvested from the earth. These hues instantly give our brain the signal that it's time to relax.
Further, Garner's pairing of green paint with a pink throw pillow is an ageless classic. Hill says: 'The timeless combination of pink and green continues to be a design favorite.' She advises: 'As the autumn and winter seasons approach, there's a noticeable shift towards richer, more grounded tones. Earthier pinks, like dusky rose and terracotta hues are being paired with moodier greens to capture that nurturing warmth that is much needed during the colder seasons. These colors instantly create a sense of coziness and comfort and evoke a cocoon-like feeling, strengthened by the color drenching technique, that is perfectly suited for the bedroom, especially in the winter season.'
The Green Bedroom Edit
Whether you paint your bedroom walls green or not, you can easily integrate more of the soothing color with less permanent accessories. A well-placed throw pillow, velvety ottoman, or comfortable rug can make all the difference.
This hand loomed wool rug is perfect for adding a splash of green and a luxurious sensibility to any bedroom
Sumptuous velvet adds a touch of texture to any bedroom
Spice up your bedroom design with a cozy, patterned pillow
If you love green walls but want to decorate with paint more creatively, the shade easily fits into bolder schemes. Hill suggests: 'A great technique for adding personality to the bedroom is opting for half and half walls, with one color on the top half and ceiling, and another on the lower half of the walls. A nod to color drenching, the key to this method is to use two contrasting yet complementary colors to create a really beautiful and harmonious design scheme.'
Jennifer Garner's green walls are just a jumping off point, but when it comes to inspiring calm and relaxation with personality, there's no better place to start with design inspiration.
