The Charm of Amsterdam’s Green Doors

I am just back from our travels to Holland, a beautiful country filled with history, architecture, culture, and unique charm. I’m not sure why I have not made the journey there before now, but I definitely will be back.

While there are many things I loved from a design perspective, one thing I can’t help but reflect on was how the streets of Amsterdam were lined with rows of colourful canal houses, many boasting a unique and vibrant feature — green doors!

I couldn't help but be fascinated with the vast number of green doors you see, literally everywhere. Adding a regal pop of colour and personality to Amsterdam's iconic architecture, ranging from deep emerald to soft sage, green was the thing.

But why was green so prevalent in the streets? I couldn’t help but dig deeper into it.

Historically, green has been a popular colour for exterior doors in many European cities. Green was believed to symbolize prosperity, growth, and renewal. In Amsterdam, where the city's wealth was closely tied to trade and maritime activities, green doors became a common sight, reflecting the prosperity of the city's residents.

In the past, there were strict regulations governing the colours that homeowners could paint their doors. To enforce these rules, the city of Amsterdam imposed taxes or fines on those who painted their doors in colours that were deemed inappropriate or garish. Green was one of the approved colours, making it a practical choice for homeowners who wanted to avoid penalties while still adding a touch of colour to their exteriors.

Green is also a practical choice for exterior doors because it complements the surrounding natural environment. Because Amsterdam's buildings are often situated along tree-lined canals and surrounded by lush greenery, green doors blend harmoniously with the landscape, creating a visually pleasing streetscape.

Bringing Green Doors Indoors

You can capture the essence of Amsterdam's green doors by incorporating this timeless hue into your interior design. Whether you paint a single door, your kitchen cabinets, or a focal wall, green adds personality and warmth to any space. If you'd like to try green in your space, look to jewel-toned greens for a luxurious feel or softer greens for a more relaxed vibe. Pair green with neutral colors like white or beige to create a balanced look.

Some of my go-to greens are Black Forest Green, Regent Green, and Caldwell Green, and I also love Black Knight, which has a deep green undertone.

Caldwell Green HC-124

Black Forest Green HC-187

Regent Green 2136-20

Black Knight 2136-10

Get creative with green doors

Green doors aren't just about color— they're also a gateway to creativity in interior design. Experiment with textures and materials to add depth to your space. Consider adding decorative hardware or hanging artwork above green doors to make them stand out. Let your imagination run wild and have fun with the endless possibilities green doors offer!

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Green Door Trend

As we bid adieu to Amsterdam's charming streets, let's carry a bit of green door magic with us. Whether you're painting a door or adding green accents, embrace this trend to infuse your space with energy and character. After all, who wouldn't want a little touch of Amsterdam's vibrant spirit in their own home?

There are no "official" colours for doors in the city, but there are several much-used colours, some of which stem back from the 17th century.

Grachtengroen (canal green), a very dark green colour, is perhaps the most used green in the center of Amsterdam, and that's where it got its name.

The Dutch paint brand Sikkens developed a collection featuring these well-known colours called Authentieke kleuren (Authentic colours). These are the names and colour codes of the greens in their collection:

A selection of greens from Sikkens *Authentieke kleuren* collection:
Grachtengroen Q0.05.10 (canal green)
Monumentengroen N0.15.10 (monument green)
Rijtuigengroen L2.10.12 (carriage green)
Standgroen L0.20.15 (stature green?)

Check out some of my favourite green hues in our SAM projects through the years:

As we bid farewell for now, let the enchantment of green continue to inspire and uplift your days, filling them with wonder and possibility. Until we meet again on our next adventure, embrace the magic of the world around you and let your imagination soar.