Why Green is Trending & How to Use it in Your Home
Every year, major paint brands select their “Colour of the Year”. Their winning hues usually include a number of different colours, but this is the first year in ages that these major brands have reached a consensus. In fact, I’ve also seen this colour trending in fashion and furnishings. You guessed it… Green.
Today, let’s talk about why I think you’ll love the colour green, along with some ways you can easily incorporate it into your home. (P.S. I’m sharing a ton of ideas here, so you may want to save this post for reference later!)
Reasons to Love the Colour Green
Why is green taking the industry by storm? Green evokes the same sense of calm found in nature. It can lower stress levels, improve your mood and clear your mind for productivity. Green also symbolizes growth, harmony, and peace.
It isn’t really surprising that we’re seeing this shift two years into the pandemic — our homes have become our sanctuaries.
Green is also a unique colour in that it has the most variations of any colour on the colour wheel. Even better, each shade of green works harmoniously with the next. For example, have you ever looked at the colours in a forest? Some trees have a blue-green colour, like the blue spruce, and others appear more yellow-green, like a pine tree. They all look beautiful together.
In this diagram, you can see a wide range of greens, from breezy to earthy, warm to cool, and light to dark. All the shades work together in a collective camaraderie. Which also gives you the ability to confidently pick and choose the ones you love best.
I’ll share some ideas for using green in your home below, but first, here are a few ideas from the winning paint Colours of the Year:
From left to right:
Benjamin Moore’s October Mist is a soft sage green with an earthy, relaxed vibe.
Sherwin Williams’s Evergreen Fog is a more muted grey-green that is slightly deeper in tone, promoting a cozy and secure feeling.
Behr’s Breezeway is very light take on green, with cool, calming, and crisp vibes reminiscent of beach glass.
Glidden’s Guacamole is a more saturated green, making it feel energizing and lively.
PPG’s Olive Sprig is similar to October Mist but slightly warmer in tone, giving it a touch more playfulness
How to Use the Colour Green in Your Home
Whether green is your favourite colour or it has just now piqued your interest, you can easily incorporate green into your home for a fresh new look. Here are some ideas:
Idea 1. Select a green based on your prefered colour palette.
To find the right shade of green for your home, use the neutrals you prefer to guide your colour selection. For example, if you’re attracted to an earthy palette with brown, beige, and cream colours, I’d recommend Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog. If you prefer fresh neutrals in a palette that includes black, white, and grey shades, I’d suggest Behrs Breezway.
Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog (top) and Behrs Breezway (bottom)
Note: There are some shades of green that are better avoided in homes. I suggest steering clear of any greens with yellow undertones (like chartreuse and lime). While they do look fabulous in fashion, they can be challenging to pair with neutrals in your home.
If you’re unsure where to start and would like some help selecting the perfect colour for your space and style, I’d be happy to support you with an Interior or Exterior Colour Consultation!
Idea 2. Start with smaller spaces first.
If you’re open to exploring green in your home, you can always start with a smaller space to try it out. Your powder room design is a great place to bring in colour because it's a space you don’t spend a lot of time in. You could easily add a dramatic green while still keeping the rest of your home neutral. If there is no natural light in the space, I like to choose a deep shade of green, like a hunter or forest green, to create a moody vibe.
Idea 3. Bring Green into the Kitchen
Lately, I’ve seen a shift from blue to green kitchen cabinets. Of course, this is always up to your personal preference, but if you’re looking for a refresh and you love green, this is a great way to do it.
One of my favourite applications is to highlight the island. A green island with natural wood-toned perimeter cabinets looks stunning. What should you pair it with? Green cabinets often look best with marble counters and warm metals, such as brass or gold, for cabinet pulls and lighting.
Idea 4. Freshen Up a Bedroom with Green
In bedrooms, I suggest choosing a green with a blue undertone because it creates such a calming, serene vibe. You can use it as a wall colour or bring in some beautiful new bedding. If you just want to add pops of green, you could select small accents instead, such as art, decorative pillows, or a beautiful throw blanket.
This bedroom wall is brightened up by Glidden Guacamole green.
Idea 5. Paint Your Dining Room Ceiling
Painting your ceiling may sound counterintuitive, but there is a science to it. A deep shade can give the illusion of distance, making a ceiling feel taller while creating a cozy, intimate feeling. Likewise, a lighter shade can mimic the natural feeling of the sky, opening up the space. Both of these are good options. Just steer clear of any shades that are too saturated.
If you paint the ceiling, I also suggest repeating the same colour in an area rug, dining chair upholstery, or wallpaper to create a cohesive design. (Again, if you need help, booking a Colour Consultation is an easy way to make sure you select the right shade the first time!)
Idea 6. Add Curb Appeal
You can make your front door really pop with a versatile shade of green. I prefer muted greens because they coordinate well with the beige or grey exteriors we see around here. However, an eye-catching lime green can look incredible with a mid-century modern home. The choice is yours!
Are you ready to explore the colour green in your home? As a designer and True Colour Expert, I’d love to help you narrow down your choices to select the shade that will bring you joy and comfort each and every day.
Book a discovery call with me here. I’d love to hear about your vision for your home and see if we’re a good match!
Warmly,
Adrienne