While we had our back turned, Pistachio quietly became the next favorite shade in kitchen and bathroom design, and it's not hard to understand why this trendy color keeps cycling around.
It’s gentle, offers more personality than muted grays or beiges, yet feels both inviting and stylish. Designers love it because it’s versatile. Homeowners love it because it feels different, yet not risky.
If you're eyeing colors that are trendy but have staying power, this is one to consider.
What Makes Pistachio Pop
Sage and olive have long reigned in nature-inspired design. They’ve been the go-to shades for calm, grounded interiors. But as styles continue to shift, pistachio is stepping into the spotlight. “As homeowners continue to embrace nature-inspired design and earthy tones, including the color green is a subtle way to bring the trend into your home," shared Erin Sullivan, Director of Product Development at James Martin Vanities. "While hues like sage and olive have dominated recent design cycles, pistachio is emerging as a fresh alternative that offers a similar sense of calm with a unique twist."
Pistachio isn’t just a “new green.” It brings a different energy, and a newer vibe than what you remember from your grandma's house. Where sage leans into gray and olive carries more warmth, pistachio feels cooler and brighter. It can help a room feel larger, airier, and more open, which is why it's gaining popularity in both large, open kitchens and smaller, windowless bathrooms.
Colors That Look Great with Pistachio
Come to realize, one of pistachio’s biggest strengths is its range. It fits almost any style, from farmhouse to midcentury modern. And it plays well with many finishes and accents.
- Crisp white trim and countertops
- Warm wood tones like oak, walnut, or maple
- Gold or brass hardware
- Black or oil-rubbed bronze fixtures for contrast
- Pale neutrals like cream, beige, or soft greige
“Pistachio green is soft and inviting, with a gentle retro undertone that adds character without overpowering a space,” notes Sullivan. “In bathrooms, using the color pistachio in small touches like a vanity, accent tile, or paint can completely transform the room."
She adds, "The shade pairs beautifully with warm wood tones, gold or brass hardware, and crisp white finishes, making it an easy way to infuse personality and warmth into both modern and traditional spaces.”
It’s that retro hint that gives pistachio an edge. It feels new, but there’s a throwback charm to it, especially when paired with curved edges or vintage-inspired fixtures. And unlike stronger greens, pistachio won’t fight with other statement pieces. It supports them, subtly.
Pistachio Evolves With Lighting
Unlike some colors, this is one that adapts to its environment. Pistachio's flexibility makes it especially appealing for rooms where light levels change throughout the day.
“When choosing a green, consider how much natural light your space gets and what other finishes are in the room," shares Sullivan. "Softer shades like pistachio are often more versatile and work well in both large and small bathrooms."
In a light-filled kitchen, pistachio cabinetry or a painted island will glow. In smaller spaces, like powder rooms or galley kitchens, it adds energy without making the room feel cramped. Even just a backsplash or painted vanity can bring that calm, clean feeling.
Using pistachio also offers a smart way to build continuity between spaces. A kitchen with pistachio cabinets and a bathroom with pistachio tile creates a subtle link. It doesn’t need to match exactly, just echo the mood.
Pistachio in the Kitchen and Bathroom
Kitchens are social hubs; baths are personal retreats. Both spaces benefit from colors that support well-being and daily life.
“It’s no secret that the kitchen is the heart of the home and the bathroom a space for personal retreat, so both spaces deserve a sense of ease and intention," shared Alexandra Yacavone, Design Studio Manager - Trend and Color, Material and Finish at Kohler. "Green holds a lasting place in interiors because it reflects the natural world, calming, restorative, but still a pop of color. It speaks to our desire for connection, well-being, and longevity in the spaces we inhabit."
Soft green touches can make the difference. She continues, “I gravitate toward a soft, spring-inspired green for a kitchen sink. It feels fresh and inviting, offering just enough color to catch the eye without overpowering the space, allowing cabinetry and fixtures to play bolder or more understated roles.”
And if you want to go bold, pistachio works with deeper greens too. “In the bathroom a deeper green tub can become a striking focal point, setting the tone and adding a rich, grounded presence," highlights Yacavone. "Green endures not because it’s trendy, but because it mirrors the quiet strength and beauty of nature itself.”
Pistachio Gains Traction With Surfacing Trends
Pistachio doesn’t have to stay soft and quiet. It can also hold its own in bolder pairings, especially when used with statement-making surfaces.
“Color has become a powerful tool for self-expression in home design–from bold choices to subtle pops throughout spaces," observed Ignacio Paniagua, Executive Director - Retail / Kitchen & Bath North America at Cosentino. "We’re seeing a real appetite for unexpected palettes that break away from traditional design rules to reflect unique personalities.”
Designers are starting to pair soft greens with rich veining and textured finishes. “More than ever before, we are seeing designers and homeowners gravitate towards bolder surfacing choices, such as Itara by Sensa, that complement the contrast between both light and dark materials. These bold color choices serve as the focal point of the design,” shared Paniagua.
And the combinations don’t stop at countertops. He adds, “Homeowners have become more open to unconventional and unexpected color combinations – from pairing earthy tones with saturated hues, or layering soft pastels in high-impact ways.” At Cosentino, their surfacing options reflect this new boldness. “In example, eclectic green surfacing with neutral-toned cream and golden veining, as seen in Kaira by Sensa, is an unexpected collaboration of colors that brings depth and serenity while still achieving a bold look."
What looks good with green if I want something bold?
Try pairing green with warm copper, deep burgundy, or mustard yellow. These combinations feel earthy and dramatic without clashing. Jewel tones like teal or aubergine can also complement green in rich, modern ways.
