Incorporating Ripe Olive by Sherwin-Williams in Home Decor

Hi there! I painted my living room wall last week, and you know what caught my eye? Sherwin-Williams Ripe Olive. This rich green shade left me stunned.

Looking for a paint color that stands out from basic grays and whites? Let me tell you why Ripe Olive might be just what you need. This deep, muted green brings nature’s beauty right into your home.

I’ve tested this color in different rooms and lighting conditions. From accent walls to kitchen cabinets, I’ve seen how it transforms spaces in ways other colors can’t match.

Want to know how to use this versatile shade in your home?

I’ll share my favorite ways to style Ripe Olive and real examples to inspire your next project.

Understanding Ripe Olive: Color Profile

I’ve spent hours studying Ripe Olive (SW 6209), and here’s what makes it special: it’s a deep green with gray notes that give it a soft, natural feel.

The color sits at six on the Light Reflectance Value scale, making it one of the darker shades in Sherwin-Williams’ lineup.

Unlike typical olive greens, this shade doesn’t have yellow undertones. Instead, I notice hints of blue and gray that peek through. The green shows up clearly in bright light, while in darker spaces, it can look almost black.

Walking into a room painted in Ripe Olive, I feel instantly calmer. This color creates a cozy, peaceful feeling that reminds me of a quiet forest. It’s perfect for spaces where you want to relax or focus.

I’ve found that Ripe Olive makes large rooms feel more intimate and welcoming.

It works well in sunny spaces and rooms with less natural light, though it shows different sides of its personality in each setting.

What Makes Ripe Olive a Popular Color Choice?

• It works well with both modern and traditional home styles.
• The color stays true in different lighting conditions.
• It pairs easily with whites, grays, and wood tones.
• The deep shade makes rooms feel cozy and warm.
• It’s darker than typical greens but not as harsh as black.
• The color looks great on both walls and cabinets.
• It creates a natural, outdoor feeling indoors.
• The shade functions well as an accent wall color.
• It matches many different metal finishes – gold, silver, or bronze.
• The color shows up beautifully in photos.
• The shade works in any room, from bathrooms to living spaces.
• It’s neutral enough to stay in style for many years.

Sherwin-Williams Ripe Olive in Bedroom

• Why It Works: The rich, earthy tone of Sherwin-Williams Ripe Olive creates a cozy, serene, and sophisticated bedroom ambiance.
• Lighting Suggestions: Use warm white lighting or adjustable dimmers to balance the depth of the color and create a calming glow.
• Ideal Materials to Use: Pair with natural wood, soft linen fabrics, and metallic accents like brass or gold for an elegant, cohesive look.

Mood board tips:

• Paint the main wall in Ripe Olive for a sleep-friendly focal point
• Add soft white bedding to create a gentle contrast
• Mix in natural wood furniture to bring warmth
• Place brass or gold light fixtures for subtle shine
• Include cream or beige curtains for softness
• Add textured pillows in gray or white shades
• Place a light-colored rug to balance the dark walls
• Put up simple white frames for wall art
• Choose white trim paint like Snowbound for clean lines
• Layer in tan or camel leather accents for depth

Sherwin-Williams Ripe Olive in the Living Room

• Why It Works: Ripe Olive adds a touch of sophistication and warmth, perfect for creating a welcoming and cozy living space.
• Lighting Suggestions: To enhance the rich green tone, incorporate layered lighting with floor lamps, wall sconces, and natural light.
• Ideal Materials to Use: To balance the deep hue, use leather furniture, textured rugs, and light wood finishes.

Mood board tips for living room:

• Paint an accent wall in Ripe Olive behind the main seating area
• Select a light gray sofa for comfortable contrast
• Include white or cream window treatments for brightness
• Choose natural wood coffee tables and shelving
• Add white throw pillows with subtle patterns
• Place a light-colored area rug with a simple design
• Select black metal picture frames for clean lines
• Mix in warm brown leather chairs for texture
• Use brass floor lamps or light fixtures for warmth
• Add white trim paint, like Pure White, for crisp edges

Sherwin-Williams Ripe Olive in Kitchen

• Why It Works: The bold green pairs beautifully with white or natural wood cabinets, creating a modern, earthy kitchen aesthetic.
• Lighting Suggestions: Use under-cabinet and pendant lights with cool or warm white bulbs for contrast and clarity.
• Ideal Materials to Use: Combine with matte black hardware, marble countertops, and natural wood for a stylish, cohesive look.

Mood board tips for the kitchen:

• Paint the lower cabinets in Ripe Olive while keeping the upper cabinets white
• Select white quartz or marble countertops for bright contrast
• Use brushed gold or brass hardware on cabinets
• Add white subway tile backsplash for classic appeal
• Choose stainless steel appliances for a modern touch
• Include natural wood open shelving for warmth
• Place white farmhouse sink for clean lines
• Select white walls like Alabaster for balance
• Add black pendant lights over an island or eating area
• Mix in wooden bar stools with white seats for comfort

Sherwin-Williams Ripe Olive in Bathroom

• Why It Works: Ripe Olive evokes a spa-like feel, adding depth and elegance to smaller spaces like bathrooms.
• Lighting Suggestions: Opt for bright, natural light fixtures to prevent the space from feeling too enclosed.
• Ideal Materials to Use: Pair with white tiles, brass fixtures, and soft towels to enhance the luxurious feel.

Mood board tips:

• Paint all walls Ripe Olive for a cozy powder room feel
• Choose white porcelain fixtures for clean contrast
• Add large white mirrors with simple frames
• Select brushed nickel or chrome faucets for shine
• Include white subway tile in the shower area
• Use cream or white towels for softness
• Add a white vanity with a marble top for brightness
• Place glass shower doors for light flow
• Include white floor tiles with a subtle pattern
• Mix in natural wood accents through shelving or bath mat

Sherwin-Williams Ripe Olive in Laundry Room

• Why It Works: The rich green adds character and sophistication to a useful space.
• Lighting Suggestions: Use bright overhead or task lighting to maintain a functional and cheerful atmosphere.
• Ideal Materials to Use: Combine with white cabinetry, chrome hardware, and natural woven baskets for a clean, organized look.

Mood board tips for the laundry room:

• Paint upper cabinets in Ripe Olive for a fresh take
• Select white or light gray walls for brightness
• Use white countertops for folding space
• Add simple brass pulls on cabinets
• Include a white front-loading washer and dryer
• Place white or light gray floor tiles
• Add woven baskets for storage
• Install a sturdy stainless steel sink
• Mix in white floating shelves for supplies
• Choose simple black wall hooks for hanging items

Stunning Entryway in Ripe Olive

• Why It Works: Ripe Olive creates a dramatic and inviting first impression for guests entering your home.
• Lighting Suggestions: Use wall sconces or pendant lights with warm tones to create an inviting glow.
• Ideal Materials to Use: For a stylish entryway, complement with natural stone flooring, a wooden bench, and a mirror with gold or black frames.

Mood board tips:

• Paint one feature wall in Ripe Olive, keeping others light
• Add a white console table with simple lines
• Place a large round mirror with a brass frame
• Include a light-colored bench with storage
• Use white coat hooks for functionality
• Add a natural jute or sisal runner rug
• Place white trim around doors and baseboards
• Mix in woven baskets under the console for storage
• Install simple black sconces for lighting
• Choose brass door hardware for warmth

Comparison of Ripe Olive with Similar Paint Shades

Paint Color	Brand	Undertones	Best Use Cases	Key Differences from Ripe Olive
Ripe Olive (SW 6209)	Sherwin-Williams	Deep olive green with warm, earthy undertones	Accent walls, bedrooms, cozy living spaces	Balanced depth; works well in various lighting without appearing too dark.
Topsoil (CC-692)	Benjamin Moore	Dark green with subtle brown undertones	Living rooms, libraries, exterior doors	Slightly warmer and darker, providing a more traditional feel.
Deep Forest (N360-7)	Behr	Rich green with cool, forest-like undertones	Kitchens, bathrooms, accent furniture	Cooler tone; may appear more vibrant in certain lighting conditions.
Bancha (No. 298)	Farrow & Ball	Mid-century modern green with slight yellow undertones	Dining rooms, hallways, cabinetry	Lighter and more muted; offers a softer, more subdued appearance.
Laurel Woods (SW 7749)	Sherwin-Williams	Dark green with gray undertones	Offices, bedrooms, exterior siding	Grayer and less warm; provides a more neutral backdrop compared to Ripe Olive.

Key Insights:

• Undertones: Ripe Olive has warm, earthy undertones, making it versatile for various settings. In contrast, Deep Forest by Behr has cooler undertones, and Bancha by Farrow & Ball introduces a slight yellow hue.

• Lighting: Ripe Olive maintains its rich tone under different lighting conditions, whereas colors like Deep Forest may appear more vibrant in bright light, and Bancha may seem softer.

• Best Uses: Ripe Olive is ideal for creating cozy and dramatic spaces. Lighter options like Bancha are better suited for areas with a softer ambiance.

Stunning Combinations With Ripe Olive by Sherwin-Williams

1. Gentle and Natural

• Main Colors: Ripe Olive + Sherwin-Williams Alabaster
• Perfect for: Open spaces or transitional rooms
• Why It Works: Creates a subtle and natural pairing, balancing light and dark tones beautifully.
• Best Rooms: Kitchens, dining rooms, or living rooms

2. Rich and Bold

• Main Colors: Ripe Olive + Sherwin-Williams Urbane Bronze
• Perfect for: Dramatic spaces like feature walls or formal dining rooms
• Why It Works: The tone-on-tone combination adds depth and sophistication.
• Best Rooms: Dining rooms, accent walls, or home libraries

3. Casual and Relaxed

• Main Colors: Ripe Olive + Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
• Perfect for: Cozy and casual spaces
• Why It Works: Revere Pewter’s warm neutral balances the green, creating a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere.
• Best Rooms: Living rooms, bedrooms, or kitchens

4. Earthy and Natural Blend

• Main Color: Sherwin-Williams Ripe Olive (SW 6209)
• Perfect Pairing: Benjamin Moore Antique White (OC-83)
• Why It Works: The soft, creamy beige complements Ripe Olive’s earthy tones, offering a grounded, natural feel.
• Best Rooms: Kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms.

5. Neutral Combo

• Main Color: Sherwin-Williams Ripe Olive (SW 6209)
• Perfect Pairing: Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige (SW 7036)
• Why It Works: The warm, neutral tone of Accessible Beige softens the boldness of Ripe Olive for a versatile look.
• Best Rooms: Open-plan living spaces, dining areas, and hallways.

6. Modern Contrast

• Main Color: Sherwin-Williams Ripe Olive (SW 6209)
• Perfect Pairing: Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black (SW 6258)
• Why It Works: The deep black adds drama while enhancing the richness of Ripe Olive for a modern, striking effect.
• Best Rooms: Home offices, entryways, and accent walls.

7. Deep and Natural

• Main Colors: Ripe Olive + Sherwin-Williams Rosemary
• Perfect for: A layered green palette with natural vibes
• Why It Works: Combines two greens with different depths for an earthy and sophisticated feel.
• Best Rooms: Living rooms, entryways, or studies

8. Balanced and Modern

• Main Colors: Ripe Olive + Behr White Metal
• Perfect for: Sleek and contemporary interiors
• Why It Works: White Metal’s light gray tone contrasts with Ripe Olive’s richness, offering a balanced, modern aesthetic.
• Best Rooms: Kitchens, bathrooms, or offices

Tips for Pairing Ripe Olive with Other Colors

• Test your color pairings in both natural and artificial light
• Start with one Ripe Olive accent wall before painting entire rooms
• Keep ceilings white to maintain room height and brightness
• Use light colors on large furniture pieces against Ripe Olive walls
• Pick metal finishes that stay consistent throughout the room
• Balance dark Ripe Olive with lighter neutrals in a 70/30 ratio
• Add natural wood tones to bring warmth to the color scheme
• Match trim color to ceiling color for a clean look
• Consider room size – smaller spaces need more light colors
• Keep flooring neutral when using Ripe Olive on walls

Application Tips

Preparation

I always start by washing the walls with mild soap and water. A clean surface helps paint stick better. For Ripe Olive, I use gray-tinted primer—it helps cover the dark color in fewer coats.

After filling holes and sanding, I let the surface dry fully. Good prep saves time and paint in the long run.

Painting Techniques

Here’s what works best for me with Ripe Olive:

• Use high-quality rollers with 3/8 inch nap
• Paint in small sections, about 3×3 feet
• Apply the paint in W or M patterns for even coverage
• Do two thin coats instead of one thick coat
• Let the first coat dry 4 hours before the second coat
• Remove tape while the paint is slightly wet

Finishes

I’ve tested Ripe Olive in different finishes.

Matte looks great on walls and hides minor flaws. Eggshell, with its soft sheen, works well in living spaces. Satin stands up to cleaning in kitchens and baths. Semi-gloss makes cabinets and trim pop.

Each finish changes how the color looks as light shifts through the day.

Wrapping It Up

After working with Ripe Olive in many rooms, I can say this color brings something special to any space. From my kitchen cabinets to accent walls, this shade has never failed to make an impact.

Remember, the key to success with Ripe Olive lies in proper preparation and pairing. Start small with an accent wall or cabinet project.

Test your color combinations, and make sure your lighting works with this rich shade.

Ready to try Ripe Olive in your home? Begin with my shared mood board ideas, pick up some sample swatches, and test them in your space. Take your time to see how the color changes throughout the day.

Share your Ripe Olive projects in the comments below – I’d love to see how you use this versatile color!