Harry Styles' Biggest Interior Design Mistake? A Green Rug, He Says, but I Think It's All in the Styling — This Designer-Approved Advice Makes a Compelling Case

Yes, it's a tricky textile to fashion — but when done right, it can make a very chic statement

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A man with tousled dark brown hair and a stubble in a white blazer with black lapels and a sequin vest with a cross necklace
Hopefully, this comes in time for Harry to give green rugs another chance in his new house.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

On this week's episode of Brittany Broski's Royal Court, singer and style icon Harry Styles admitted to having some major design regrets in the first home he bought as an 18-year-old newly famous pop star. One of them we can't argue with — a statue of Jesus wearing boxing gloves is going to be hard to make look chic in any home — but the other was just a 'green rug'.

And I kind of get it, green is a tricky color to balance — especially in a statement textile like a rug, and one wrong shade or an ill-fitting texture can tank the entire space. And since it tends to act as an anchor, it's a green decorating mistake you won't be able to hide from. However, I firmly believe that with a little styling effort and the right green rug, you can turn this trope from enemies to lovers. In fact, it might be one of the rug colors to use in modern design.

And since Harry is rumoured to be moving into a lush Hampstead property soon, it might be time to let go of the regret and give green rugs another chance. So, here's what you should know about styling green rugs so they make your home feel eclectic and elevated.

How to Style a Green Rug?

A living room with off-white walls, a printed tapestry, a white armchair, a cream couch, a side table with an orange tablecloth, and a black round and white cone lamp by a black textured coffee table with a vase of flowers and a ceramic bowl on a deep olive green area rug

How chic is this living room? Now picture it without the sexy green rug. Not as cool anymore. That's the power of this textile.

(Image credit: Nordic Knots)

Decorating with rugs is a beautiful way to warm a space while injecting it with personality. Not to mention, it takes some pressure off the rest of your room to perform and subtly creates a backdrop that complements the decorative side characters in your home.

But let's talk about green rugs in particular. At 18 years old, Harry decorated his first personal home with a green rug, and it feels like he has regretted it ever since. Now, nearly 14 years later, his style feels even cooler, and I'd wager that a green rug could make its way back into his living room vignette with a slight styling tweak.

Design Lab by Livingetc stylist Iokasti Sotirakopoulou agrees, saying, "A green rug is such a grounding starting point. It anchors the space instantly. I’d build around it with warm, earthy tones like terracotta, taupe, and soft creams to keep the scheme balanced and inviting."

A minimalist bedroom with off-white walls, a gray bed with a wood base and a white bedscape, a vase with fuzzy stems, and a green area rug

Green, brown, and beige are a trio that unfailingly make your home feel comfortable and connected. And this Rajaa Hand-Loomed Rug from Lulu & Georgia is the star of the show.

(Image credit: Lulu & Georgia)

And if you want to lend your space a little edge while keeping your rug centre stage, there are plenty of colors that go with green to work cohesively as a multichromatic cocktail.

"A wooden coffee table paired with chrome accents in a side table or lamp would introduce gentle contrast," Iokasti advises. "While a touch of baby blue through cushions keeps the overall look feeling fresh and playful."

You can also play into the maximalist vibe by using the color wheel in interior design. Personally, when it comes to green, I find that an analogous color scheme can make the color pop while feeling cohesive.

But then again, it's all about choosing the right shade of green.

How to Pick the Right Shade of Green Rug

A kitchen with a mint and deep green runner rug

One thing you can never say about a good green rug is that it's boring. And that's why it can elevate your space in just one roll out.

(Image credit: Ruggable)

Iokasti explains that choosing the right green really comes down to light and undertones. "I find that warmer olives and moss tones work beautifully in cooler rooms," she notes.

"Whereas forest or sage shades tend to shine in brighter spaces. I always make sure the green complements the existing wood tones in the room, enhancing them rather than competing with them."

So if you're decorating with green, be it in the form of an area rug or a simple runner, this is worth keeping in mind. It's a vibrant color that tends to stand out, but depending on the hue, tint, tone, or shade you choose, you can dramatically switch up the ambiance of the space.

And if you're looking for ideas, why not direct your attention to our past color crushes? If you're stuck in a brat summer state of mind, then sour lime is a punchy choice that will draw attention the moment you set foot in the room.

For something that feels less striking and more soothing, smoked aquamarine is a zen color choice for a rug. And if you want a rug that feels grounding and connective, then emerald moss should be your final swatch.

But if you can't decide just yet, here are some of my current favorite green rugs that will make you turn this design regret into a total triumph.

Harry also mentioned another design regret — a statue of Jesus wearing boxing gloves. For that, I prescribe our guide to decorating with sculpture. To keep tabs on the design triumphs and faux pas of other celebrities, our newsletter is the place to be.

Amiya Baratan
Amiya Baratan
Home Wellness Writer

Amiya is a Home Wellness Writer at Livingetc. She recently graduated with a Masters Degree in Magazine Journalism from City, University of London, and has lent her words to beauty, fashion, and health sections of lifestyle publications including Harper’s Bazaar and Women’s Health. Her experience as a research analyst has equipped her with an eye for emerging trends. When she’s off the clock, she can be found reading, listening to music, or overanalyzing her latest Co-Star update.