Mustering up the same moody appeal as charcoal or inky black, the muted shades of sage have a soothing tranquillity that renders them less severe than other dark hues. It’s versatile, too; as a mid-tone, it brings out the shine of brass and metallic accents, complements the grey-green swirls found in marble or stone and is a natural partner for wood of all types, not to mention an array of other colours. Recessed handles or handleless cabinets will ensure a sleek, modern look, as will opting for a matt finish.
Opposite In this kitchen designed by architects Thomas Geldof and Carmine Van Der Linden, ‘Alga Marina’ marble work surfaces pick out the tones of the kitchen’s splashback, shelving and panelled birch cabinets, which have been stained a deep green (thomasgeldof.be). For a similar wood stain, try ‘Sage Leaf’ Royal Interior wood finish, from £17.99 per litre, Protek (protekwoodstain.co.uk)
Above left Interior designer and stylist Bree Leech has used a combination of Australian surface brand Laminex’s muted green shades in this space; a wall panel in ‘Possum’, and cabinetry and worktop in ‘Green Slate’ (breeleech.com; laminex.com.au). For similar, try Fenix’s ‘NTM’ in ‘Verde Comodoro’, price on application (fenixforinteriors.com)
Above right Danish kitchen brand &Shufl makes fronts, panels and tops to upgrade Ikea kitchen carcasses. ‘Linoleum’ in ‘Conifer’ with recessed brass handles, from £105 (andshufl.com)
Right Swedish brand Asplund Kök teams overhead cupboards in ‘Army’ with a luxe marble worktop and splashback, and a wooden breakfast bar. Cabinetry, from approx £17,567 (asplund.org)