Decorating & Design

E-mail It

All about green

Send to a friend

* marked fields are required.

All about green

By
Colleen Tully

Take your urge to emerge and express it with a fresh palette of green.

So exciting is the sight of fresh green buds poking through the snow in spring -- nature's finest signal that winter's long spell is over. You can't help but rejoice that the world will once again be green.

Interestingly, we also have a unique relationship with the colour green: our eyes can detect more shades of green than any other colour, which may be why we use it so much in our homes.

Interior decorator Faye Longhurst says green is the most popular colour for wall paint next to shades of white, and predicts we're going to see even more of it. "Green will continue to be a favourite in the next few years, mainly because of the focus and concern for our environment," she says.

While green is generally a relaxing and soothing colour, it is possible to go overboard and Faye cautions against its overuse. "Too much green in a home not complimented by warm colours such as pink, red, orange and yellow can have a depressing effect," she explains.

Where to use green
Green is so versatile it can be found in both warm and cool shades, but finding the "right" green for your individual rooms can be very difficult. Here are Faye's recommendations:

For the kids: "A strong lime green, because of the yellow content, can be quite stimulating so wouldn't be good for a child's bedroom but could work in a playroom," she says.

Entrances or dining rooms: "Green is a wonderful colour for a hallway/entrance or dining room providing the right shade is chosen for the room's direction and the amount of lighting in the room," she explains. For these rooms in particular, homeowners should seek the guidance of a professional for the best results.

To compliment room features: "Most greens are very complimentary against stained wood, and beautiful beside white trim," she says.

Faye cautions that choosing green for a north room may make the room seem cold. She also warns against green in the kitchen with too much yellow pigment in the tint.


Faye Longhurst is an interior decorator with over 20 years' experience and owner of Faye Longhurst Designs in Newmarket, Ontario since 1990. For a consultation, call 905-895-2755.

 

1 Comment

  • by
    ruthaskew
    on 2008-10-15
    Reply to this comment

    Hi, I have painted my kitchen green the same green as your number 9 handle on the purse, I feel like I have gone to dark with this color what should I do? or what other acessories can I use to bring out this color. Please Help!

Leave a Comment
Leave a comment

My Style At Home network

  • Login to account

    Login

  • Sign Up

    Sign up now to receive exclusive access to the My Home & Garden network!

Sign up for the StyleAtHome E-Newsletter

Get free decorating and design tips delivered straight to your in-box! You’ll also receive recipes, entertaining advice, and contest notifications for your chance to win fabulous prizes. Sign up now to get all this and more!

E-MAIL ADDRESS

Contests

Latest Contests

more contests