If you’re dreaming of a calm, stylish home office that feels both grounded and inspiring, you might already be eyeing the Japandi interior style. This beautiful blend of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian warmth has been gaining traction—and for good reason. It’s serene, intentional, and effortlessly chic.
But what happens when you throw olive green into the mix? Magic, honestly. Olive green is earthy, timeless, and just the right amount of moody. It adds a grounded, organic vibe that blends beautifully with Japandi’s muted palette.
So if you’re wondering how to incorporate olive green into your Japandi home office, you’re in the right place. Let’s walk through some ideas to bring this soothing shade into your workspace without disrupting Japandi’s signature simplicity.
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1. Start with a Neutral Base
Japandi interiors are all about calm, clutter-free spaces—think natural textures, neutral tones, and purposeful design. Start your office with a soft base of warm whites, beiges, or light greys. Your olive green accents will pop beautifully against these calming backdrops, without feeling overpowering.
Tip: Whitewashed walls, pale timber flooring, or an off-white linen curtain can instantly create that serene Japandi feel.
2. Add Olive Green with Soft Furnishings
One of the easiest ways to bring olive green into your home office is with soft furnishings. Think:
- A linen or cotton olive green cushion on your desk chair
- A soft throw blanket draped over a nearby armchair or bench
- An area rug with subtle green undertones
These small touches introduce colour without committing to anything too permanent—and they add texture, which is essential in Japandi styling.
3. Accent Furniture in Olive Green
If you’re feeling a bit bolder, olive green furniture pieces can make a stunning statement. A desk chair upholstered in a rich olive fabric adds a pop of character while still feeling grounded and natural.
For a more subtle approach, look for furniture made from wood with olive-toned stains or green undertones. Bonus points if it’s sustainably sourced—that’s very Japandi.
4. Incorporate Green Through Art and Wall Decor
Wall art is a brilliant way to bring colour into your space while keeping things minimal. Opt for abstract prints, ink washes, or line drawings that feature olive green tones. You could also hang a Japanese-inspired scroll with soft green elements, or a botanical print with sage and olive hues.
Pro Tip: Keep your frames natural—wood or black metal are perfect for a Japandi look.
5. Use Olive Green in Stationery and Accessories
This is your excuse to get a bit playful. Add pops of olive green through:
- Notebooks or planners (yep, even printable ones!)
- Pen holders or ceramic desk trays
- Fabric-covered storage boxes
- A mouse pad or keyboard mat in a muted green tone
These small additions make a big difference, especially if you like to keep your workspace styled but functional.
6. Don’t Forget Greenery!
Plants are non-negotiable in a Japandi home office—and what better way to introduce olive tones than through actual olive trees or olive-leaf inspired plants?
Go for low-maintenance options like a small potted olive tree, eucalyptus, or even dried olive branches in a ceramic vase. The natural texture and soft green hue will tie everything together beautifully.
7. Olive Green Lighting or Lampshades
A statement lamp with an olive green shade or base is a gorgeous way to inject colour into your workspace. Choose sleek, minimalist designs with natural materials—think wood, ceramic, or metal with clean lines.
It’s functional, beautiful, and adds a layer of visual interest without breaking Japandi’s calm, curated vibe.
Final Thoughts
Olive green and Japandi were basically made for each other. Both draw inspiration from nature, celebrate simplicity, and lean into a muted, earthy palette that feels grounding and elegant.
By thoughtfully layering olive green through soft furnishings, accessories, furniture, and natural greenery, you can create a home office that feels calm, creative, and completely you.
Bonus for Printable Lovers:
If you’re already loving this style, why not carry the look into your organisation tools? Printable planners in olive green tones can add that perfect finishing touch to your Japandi-inspired workspace.
Stay tuned—we’ve got a beautiful Japandi-inspired printable calendar collection launching soon!