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.
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9 Comments
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!
I would like to paint my livingroom a shade of green and one wall in my dining room a darker shade of green. the floors are dark brown/black hardwood and the trim/baseboards are white. I thouht about HC-113 and HC-112 or maybe HC-111 and HC-109. Could you suggest a couple of shades as I might be way off here. There is also quite a bit of light. I love benjamin moore paint which those numbers are. Thankyou for your help. Debi
I would like to paint my livingroom a shade of green and one wall in my dining room a darker shade of green. the floors are dark brown/black hardwood and the trim/baseboards are white. I thouht about HC-113 and HC-112 or maybe HC-111 and HC-109. Could you suggest a couple of shades as I might be way off here. There is also quite a bit of light. I love benjamin moore paint which those numbers are. Thank You Debi
Hi, this is completely off topic, but I am really loving the couch featured in this pic. Does anyone know where I can purchase this couch or who the manufacturer is? Thanks in advance.
Hi, this is completely off topic, but I am really loving the couch featured in this pic. Does anyone know where I can purchase this couch or who the manufacturer is? Thanks in advance.
I want to paint my spare bedroom green. The room faces east and gets very little sun. The floor is light pine. The furniture is white and the bedding is black and white. I am thinking about using Benjamin Moore pale avocado 2146-40. Is this too strong to do the entire room? What would you suggest for the ceiling? The room has natural wood blinds and natural wood closet doors. What would you suggest for the baseboard and window frame?
According to the decorator I've done it all wrong,a bright yellow green in a north facing kitchen. We have white cabinets,stainless steel appliances and modern touches, everyone including my self and my husband absoutly love it.Sometimes you just have to be daring nad take the leap.
We just painted the spare room stem green benjamin moore with white trim ben moore decorators white(don't know the numbers).The drapes and linens are black and white, the floors a medium shade hardwood, remaining furniture is white,as is the ceiling. We love it, very bright and spring like even in February. Go green, especially with black and white accessories. Beauty of this color scheme for the room is twofold, black and white very classic, and the wall color can focus on the trend of the time. All you need to do is update the color every so often.
Am not positive but the sofa in the picture looks like a natuzzi to me, if it isn't they have some very similar looking pieces. Good Luck!