The 8 Best Accent Tiles to Update Hunter Green Countertops
Ideas to Update Green Finishes (Hunter, Forest & Otherwise)
It’s good to be green – if you’re a frog. However, when it comes to countertops, carpets, or bathroom fixtures, green can be one of the trickier colors to update.
Updating a green-inspired kitchen or bathroom with an accent tile is a great way to shift a space out of the 80s and 90s and at least PARTIALLY into the 21st century. Truthfully, the only thing that will save you from your green finish is getting rid of it (the truth hurts, I know); however…
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.With a budget in mind, you can add some visual value to your home without having to rip it all apart.
This bathroom is NOT doing itself any favors…
Before we begin, let’s review a few basics, so we’re all on the same page.
WARM GREEN FIXTURES & FINISHES
Warm green finishes and fixtures are green-yellow. These shades of green tend to pair well with similarly warm greens, so be cautious with your coordination. If you zoom down to #2 below, you’ll see a slightly warmer take on green.
While this next countertop isn’t the type of green YOU likely have, it shows you a soft, warm green granite. mixed with a bunch of neutrals…
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This said, if we’re looking at green fixtures from the 1990s or so, they’re less often warm.
The funny thing is, Hunter Green is often described as a warm green with a touch of yellow hue. Yet some of the most common green finishes and fixtures (which are clearly cool-toned) are referred to as ‘Hunter Green’.
It doesn’t matter what you call it, as long as you can figure out whether YOUR green is warm or cool!
COOL GREEN FIXTURES & FINISHES
Cool green finishes and fixtures are green-blue. Some have only a WINK of blue (like the first tile listed below), whereas others are stronger and more hunter green or forest green.
While this next hunter green countertop is being replaced, it’s the type of green we’re generally talking about…
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Of course, some greens read pretty darn neutral, but they’re few and far between!
Now, if your room looks like the one below, it’ll take more than an accent tile to bring it around – I may be good, but I’m not THAT good…
However, painting the vanity, neutralizing the paint color on the walls, and updating the flooring, and all of a sudden, that countertop won’t look so bad!
Start with your foundation first – make sure your paint color is perfect before entertaining an accent tile!
1. ACCENT TILE – LEAN INTO YOUR GREEN
This is one of my favorite accent tiles to update hunter green countertops, cabinets, or flooring. Its stacked layout is updated, and the green has a gray backdrop to calm it down.
MOLOVO, ZARATI JADE GREEN TILE
The subtle gray in this tile can help update the look of a stronger, more saturated green. Just make sure your fixture/finish is the same type of green (slightly cool, not warm).
THIS ACCENT TILE LOOKS GOOD WITH…
- A kitchen with wood, white, or painted cabinets and green countertops
- It will look great with any appliance color, including black and white!
- A bathroom with a white or green tub/shower/toilet/sink (or green countertop)
- It could also look gorgeous in a bathroom with almond/bone fixtures
- As an accent tile behind the vanity or in the shower/tub
2. ACCENT TILE – YOU’VE PUT A HEX ON ME
This tile is my favorite and super versatile, as it can be used for both wall and floor applications. Keep in mind that if your tile is forest green and not a more moderate shade, it may be a touch warm for your space.
I love how this tile introduces a dash of purple to the scene, making it easier to create a palette around your green countertop or tile.
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3. ACCENT TILE – SOME FLORAL FUN
I’m not sure what it is about this one that I love, but for some reason, it brings me happiness. But so do wine and Doritos, soooo… Whether you want to jazz up your kitchen backsplash or add some interest to your bathroom floor, this tile has charm and personality galore!
Note that most of the green in this tile is a bit warmer, so make sure your green fixtures aren’t too cool-toned. Although there are some pockets of strong green-blue that COULD make it worth sampling for almost any surface.
THIS ACCENT TILE LOOKS GOOD WITH…
- A bathroom with green fixtures or countertops
- A kitchen with wood cabinets and green countertops would LOOOOOVE this tile!
- White or green bathroom fixtures and/or green countertops, but the green needs to be a touch warmer
- It could also suit a bathroom with almond/bone fixtures
Remember, your green finishes aren’t going anywhere. Would you rather avoid them and potentially clash with them, or give them something to PLAY WITH?!
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4. ACCENT TILE – MINTY MADNESS!
If your forest green bathroom fixtures, countertop, or ‘other tile’ leans cool, meaning it’s a considerably BLUE type of green, this next tile has a modern look for almost any space.
MARIN RECTANGLE ALOE GREEN TILE
I love this look in a darker tile as well HERE.
THIS ACCENT TILE LOOKS GOOD WITH…
- A kitchen with white or stainless steel appliances and green countertops
- The darker tile linked above could work with black appliances as well
- A kitchen with white or wood cabinets, such as oak or maple, would love this shade of green!
- A bathroom with white or green fixtures and/or green countertops
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5. ACCENT TILE – YOU’RE GETTING WARMER…
The previous tile caters to those with cooler green hues – this tile leans warmer, baby! Whether your countertop is a dark, warmer shade of green or features warm green tones, this tile is an amazeballs way to update your kitchen or bathroom.
THIS ACCENT TILE LOOKS GOOD WITH…
- A kitchen with white or stainless steel appliances and green countertops
- White kitchen cabinets
- A kitchen or bathroom with wood cabinets would look GLORIOUS with this tile
- A bathroom with white or green fixtures and/or green countertops – you might even be able to pull it off with almond fixtures if you use a warm, subtle almond grout
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6. ACCENT TILE – SHOW ME THE MONEY!
This gorgeous penny tile is one of the more fun accent tiles to update hunter green, while adding interest and texture to your bathroom or kitchen. Once it’s grouted, the overall pattern is more subtle.
Via Wayfair
Personally, I don’t love the little shiny stainless steel tiles and would probably remove them pre-installation and replace them with non-shiny ones. A glass or two of wine, a few hours, and it would be done (actually, I don’t like penny tile at all, but it’s not all about me)!
THIS ACCENT TILE LOOKS GOOD WITH…
- A kitchen with white or stainless steel appliances and green countertops
- A kitchen with white or soft gray cabinets
- A bathroom with white or green fixtures and green countertops/tile
- As an accent tile behind the vanity or in the shower/tub
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7. ACCENT TILE: A POLITE NOD TO THE ZELLIGE TREND
Zellige tiles are popular on kitchen backsplashes and in bathrooms, and this green Zellige-look tile is one of the most modern accent tiles to update hunter green counters, cabinets, or flooring.
Partner the above tile with soft white walls and some subtle wood tones, and you have a beautiful, organic palette. This is most definitely a COOL, forest green-inspired look!
THIS ACCENT TILE LOOKS GOOD WITH…
- A kitchen with white, black, or stainless steel appliances and green countertops
- A bathroom with white or green fixtures and/or green countertops/tiles
- As an accent tile behind the vanity or in the shower/tub
- Wood cabinets in a kitchen or bathroom would look awesome with this tile
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8. ACCENT TILE – K.I.S.S. KEEP IT SIMPLE…SILLY
When all else fails, there’s NOTHING wrong with white subway tile, assuming it suits the other finishes in your room. Many green finishes and fixtures love the contrast of a nice, simple white…
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THIS ACCENT TILE LOOKS GOOD WITH…
- A kitchen with white or stainless steel appliances and green countertops
- A bathroom with white or green fixtures and/or green countertops
- This tile won’t work in a space with beige or almond fixtures
HOW TO UPDATE A GREEN BATHROOM OR KITCHEN
- If you’re choosing tile or countertop, find a product with a more modern version of your particular green in it, in other words, a green with some gray in it. This will help to transition your green into a more modern look.
- If you want to avoid green, avoid pairing it with its opposites, such as red, yellow, orange, or pink paint colors, furniture, or accents (if possible). If you already have wood cabinets, hopefully, it’s a muted, soft wood stain (not a strong red, yellow, or orange).
- If you’re choosing new cabinets, try to find something more neutral (white cabinets usually work). As for other finishes, stick with neutrals.
- For a backsplash or accent tile, find out what the most popular trends are, then select a product with a wink of green in it.
- Avoid pairing hunter or forest green with olive or warm-toned greens.
So there you have it! I hope these ideas help you get started on updating your space.
READ MORE!
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ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2017, UPDATED IN 2025
So, um, I didn’t know forest green was considered dated. I had dark green stone countertops put in my new kitchen about 6 years ago and I still love them. When you say “accent tiles,” what do you mean? adding a backsplash? Replacing all the flooring? I’m at a loss to imagine where else tiles would go in a kitchen. Thanks.
Hi Nomi! There are definitely some dark green natural stone countertops that are absolutely not dated! It’s really more the laminate/formica countertops that are a challenge 🙂 And these tile ideas refer to the backsplash!
with benjamin moore white dove kitchen cabinets, and one of these tiles, what color do you paint the walls? thks!
Hi Mol! When it comes to personal questions I do need to refer to my E-design packages, this way I can look at photos of your room/exposure, the exact countertop you have and the tile choice that you’re looking it – otherwise I’m just totally guessing! You can check out my article re: the best paint colours for forest green https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/best-paint-colours-update-forest-green/ or check out my e-design so I can spend some time with your room 🙂 https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
~Kylie