EMERALD GREEN- DESIGN FROM INSIDE OUT

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As you may already know the color of the year is Emerald Green. There is so much to do with an intense color tone like this one. As spring is approaching many of you may opt to incorporate this color in your new palette and there are several ways to do it.

First of all my advice is to use this color Not just because it is color of the year but because it is one of your favorites colors. Some may find color green re-energizing, cheerful, a way of self-expression, adding creativity, as well as soothing the nervous system. Green is the color of nature, peace, harmony and well-paced energy. Depending of the shade of green and the color combinations you use for the entire space, green can create some very dramatic spaces!
You have to first think of the influence this color has on you and design accordingly.

Here’s what I mean:

1.    If you need to create an energizing space, it is important to choose the right shade of green (cooler tones and more vibrant) as well as the amount of this color used in your space. It is a balancing act to add color to a space (small or large), though usually when the goal is to create more energy within a space, the punch of color has to be impactful.

 

     You can either frame a linear kitchen as in this white and walnut contemporary kitchen where the “L” feature and the exposed wall behind upper cabinets is creating a true punch of color and brings more energy into the kitchen space area.

 

 

 

 

Few green colors tones from Benjamin Moore that would fall into this category are (you can find them in both the Canadian and the American sample kit).

You can create more soothing spaces with the warm sandy tones and green combo, or more dramatic spaces with the pewter, ebony and green combo.

      2. Adding creativity, a way of self-expression- many opportunities here, from using green in artwork and accessories as in this image from no other than the Pantone Design Hotel inBrussels.

     

     I personally think this is the easiest way to not just create a very personal space but to layer the tones of green to allow for mixing in other colors later on when you decide to infuse other color tones.

 

     Accessorizing the space with small and large easy to change furnishings is one way of introducing color in the most impactful way especially when talking small condo spaces.

 

     From area rugs to throw pillows, vases, light fixtures, artwork, wall clocks,  stools, bedding, when placed in key areas throughout your space, they can help you personalize your space and bring uniqueness into every small detail.

 

 

    














3. Creating dramatic spaces-any bright color and/or contrasts can add a touch of drama to a bedroom, bathroom. The key is to layer colors, patterns and textures.

    

     Here are a few great examples! It’s all about scale, proportions, color and the right décor approach. Take a look at how wallpaper can dramatically create a certain dynamic and vibrant look as in these images of some of the rooms at Hôtel Design de la Sorbonne in Paris.
     
Different pattern wallpaper creates completely different looks, yet as the contrast is evident the dramatic effect is instant.

Here is another example of dramatic spaces using color green- Wanderlust Hotel in Singapore. In fact this space is both dramatic and energizing, sometimes a fine line between the two when designing.

For a calming and soothing design effect, the approach has to consider a warmer hue of green and warm taupes/grays/browns or a lot of white and small green accents. There are many other options, but these two would be the easiest to describe in just a few words.

For example, using white primarily as your design and décor direction, green can be either used for large surfaces (as this lime green wallpaper or this sea green wallpaper), OR if your white room has plenty of natural light, you can even try a green sofa and lots of fresh green plants.

For the ‘all white lovers’, here are a few examples of how white and a touch of green (fresh green plants and outdoors) can create a very refreshing space.

The best part is actually when you can create your ‘green’ design from inside out. Creating an environmentally friendly space can be the best part of your design. From recycled materials like glasss mosaic, to reclaimed wood (flooring and furniture pieces) - yes you can make your own reclaimed wood dining table! to low VOC paints, mixing a “green design” with a green décor should be a win- win design formula!

A green interior is about making healthier choices with the materials you use in your home when building or updating your design or decor.

A green interior is simply about creating a healthier indoor environment.

No matter which green tone you go with, have fun creating your new space just in time for spring!