European olive is one of the main cultures in the Mediterranean countries and in the south of France. Love for this plant is reflected in the traditional interiors of these regions. The restrained greenish color of oily fruits is used to decorate different rooms, but it looks especially harmonious in the kitchen. In modern design, such shades can be played in any direction: it can be either antique classics or light country, Provence or even hi-tech - it all depends on the materials chosen. See this article for inspirational ideas and recommendations for creating a cozy olive-colored kitchen.
Olive color and combinations with it
Among all possible colors, the green palette is perceived as the most natural and safe. Olive tones in this range occupy a special place - devoid of excessive brightness, they seem to keep the soft sun of early autumn.
The reference is considered to be dark green with a yellow admixture of processed olives, although in nature they are more likely to resemble unripe plums, which can range in color from light green with a grayish waxy coating to dark purple and glossy black.
Olive perfectly combines with dusty-warm colors and natural textures. Contrast to it is a dark shade of eggplant, complementing it - light brown, khaki, mustard, pastel yellow, beige. For accent details, you can choose terracotta, navy, delicate pink or burgundy.
Interior Styles
Despite the fact that the olive color was originally associated with the rustic interiors of Italy and France, it also delightfully fits into modern design options. On different surfaces, the same shade looks completely different, and the peculiar geometry, forms of furniture, decoration and decor only emphasize the chosen style.
Classical olive kitchen
Such kitchens are presented in most catalogs of luxury furniture. As a rule, this is an exquisite wooden set covered with matte paint and decorated with elegant symmetrical carvings. Appliances and accessories from retro collections seamlessly combine with it: milky white, beige-golden or gray oven with semicircular glass, a hood in the form of a whitewashed chimney, antique brass mixers, ceramic sink.
Worktops are usually made of white, brown, gray or black marble. The refrigerator and other appliances in such kitchens are hidden behind the doors of the facades, so as not to violate the integrity of the design.
Olive kitchen in a modern style.
Characteristic features of the interior in a modern style are concise minimalism, clean smooth surfaces and an abundance of gloss. This design uses mainly polymeric materials, chrome steel, glass.
If the olive set is chosen as the center of the composition, then in most cases it includes contrasting elements. For example, the doors of the lower cabinets can be made of polished wood or individual fragments of the kitchen wall will be pasted over with a film of a different color. Equipment for such an interior fits with a mirror-black or steel coating.
Mediterranean style olive cuisine
The inhabitants of the sunny Mediterranean coast often paint the furniture and walls in their homes in olive tones. In addition to them, the most accessible materials for this area are used: yellowish-beige sandstone, light marble, unglazed red clay tiles, terracotta bricks.
The highlight of the Italian interior is its very smooth vaulted ceilings, as well as the repeating shape of the horizontal semi-oval, which is found in the bends of windows, arches, oven doors, hoods and various openings.
Provence style olive kitchen
Pastel colors are ideal for creating the summer atmosphere of the French province. The best background for a matte olive headset in such an interior will be milky white, beige, light pink color of the walls.
In a spacious kitchen, wallpapers with a small “chintz” print, all kinds of curtains and tablecloths in delicate rustic colors will look very beautiful. The oven and the hood should be vintage, in the spirit of the late 19th - early 20th century. The rest of the equipment is recommended to be hidden behind the facades.
Wicker baskets, brass and ceramic accessories, dishes with delicate floral painting, still lifes from products left in sight will successfully complement the interior of the Provence-style olive kitchen.
Finishing and materials
When choosing decorative materials for the kitchen in olive color, it is advisable, first of all, to pay attention to the style of the interior, and, of course, to take into account the practicality of certain coatings. It is very important to use compatible textures. To make your preferences easier, consider the situation in ready-made design examples.
Floor
The most comfortable option for floor design in the kitchen is considered to be tile. Under it, you can install a heating system - so the temperature in the cooking zone will always be pleasant. Matte materials with a natural texture are suitable for rustic style sets: terracotta porcelain stoneware, light sandstone, parquet board with a warm yellowish or greenish hue with veins. In a modern interior, the floor may be gray, white or brown. A plain plain texture of glazed tile, linoleum or self-leveling floor is welcome.
Walls
In most cases, the usual background for an olive kitchen wall is the usual painting (whitewashing) of the walls in one of pastel colors. Depending on the size of the room and the saturation of the furniture set, you can choose milky white, beige, gray, pink coating. For greater contrast, dark green, glossy black, navy blue, orange are suitable.
Small specks of bright colors can revive the atmosphere. Saturated color accents and prints can be used to design an apron, repeating them in textiles and decor.
Ceiling
The classic white ceiling, which is a win-win option for most interiors, in the case of the olive kitchen is slightly inferior to its pastel beige and sand colors. The glossy stretch canvas of snow-white, light green, steel or mirror-black color will harmonize exclusively with the glossy facades of the hi-tech headset or minimalism.
To add coziness to the “rustic” interior, wooden beams will help, which can be left unprocessed in country format, and whitewashed in provence. Textured wallpaper with brick or masonry glued to the structure in the form of a semi-oval vaulted ceiling will help to recreate the spirit of ancient Mediterranean houses.
Kitchen lighting
To spend time in the olive-colored kitchen was comfortable at any time of the day, you need to take care of high-quality lighting. Modern manufacturers are increasingly taking this need into account even at the stage of furniture manufacturing, equipping headsets with LED strips and spotlights not only above worktops, but also in cabinets. In addition, the kitchen is usually hung central lamp, and sometimes also a hanging chandelier or a few sconces over the dining area.
The design of lighting devices is desirable to select according to the style of the interior. In olive cuisine of a "rustic" type (it can be Mediterranean style, Provence, shabby chic, country), antique chandeliers will look most appropriate.From materials suitable imitation of brass, copper, wrought iron, vintage glass, fine ceramics with painting. A good choice is chandeliers in the form of candlesticks and sconces, reminiscent of retro lights.
In the classic interior, it is worth giving preference to lighting devices with gilding, silver, crystal elements. They must be symmetrical and regular in shape. The modern style is best complemented by built-in lamps and rectangular mini-spotlights.
As for the backlight tone, in the case of an olive headset, it is advisable to opt for neutral (in a modern style) or warm white (in a rustic and classic style). Cold white, colored diodes and neon ribbons can distort the shade of the kitchen wall and upset the harmony of the interior.
Kitchen design in olive tones - photo
In the photo gallery below you will find even more interesting options for decorating the kitchen in olive color. As a rule, these are already completed design projects that are an example of a bold and creative approach in transforming the cooking zone. The collection contains examples for both private houses and apartments with different sizes of premises, so it will not be difficult to choose several suitable ideas for each individual case.
Video: Olive-colored kitchen - interior design