How to use Dulux Spanish Olive

There is a soft grey in the Dulux range with the faintest hint of green, and it is one of my favourite colours to use when clients tell me they “don’t want colour.” As with all whites and neutrals, greys are never neutral in isolation — they always carry an undertone. It is these muted undertones that allow you to introduce colour in a subtle, restrained way, without it feeling dominant or overwhelming.

Dulux Spanish Olive is one of my go-to greys for this very reason. In some lights it reads as a classic soft grey; in others, the delicate green undertone quietly emerges. The images below demonstrate this shift beautifully.

With an LRV of 59, Dulux Spanish Olive has enough depth to create contrast within an interior scheme, while also holding its own against strong sunlight in an exterior palette.

Image: Norsu Interiors

Spanish Olive looks delightful on v-groove panelling.  This is the ultimate feature colour, when you don't want a feature wall. It partners beautifully with soft whites like Dulux Natural White.  With its subtle green undertone, it is the perfect foil to oak timber tones.

White marble with soft grey veins also works perfectly with this colour as shown above and in the kitchen below where Spanish Olive has been introduced into the joinery on the island bench.

Image: Tesrol

A vanity in a soft grey tiled bathroom works beautifully in Dulux Spanish Olive introducing a touch of minimal colour to ensure the look isn't flat and uninspiring.

This gorgeous soft grey comes into its own on exteriors.  Shown below on weatherboards with Dulux Vivid White trim and Monument guttering, the look is beautifully stylish.  With its green undertones, it works perfectly with natural travertine tiles and pavers.

Image: Dulux Australia

Have you used Dulux Spanish Olive?  I would love to hear if you have. 

If you are building a new home or renovating the one that you have, you should purchase my checklists.  You will find all the elements of a new build or exterior and interior renovation that you need to consider, with plenty of space to write down supplier and product details for reference. Gain control and satisfaction when you can check each one off the list.

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I also have an online colour consultation service.  From just a quick 30 minute zoom session to address one or two key elements through to a full done for you solution for your entire home.