Pair different shades of this flexible neutral for a colour scheme that is both striking and soothing.
Calming, confident, the colour of nature – it’s no wonder that green is staging a comeback, given our increasingly urbanised and always-on digital lifestyles. There’s a reason green was the best-selling carpet colour for years: quite simply, it grounds us. As Marianne Shillingford, creative director of Dulux, explains, ‘Green works in modern homes because it connects us to the fields, forests and open spaces that we lack in our indoor lives and gives us an energy that is fundamental to human existence.’
Green is a true neutral, meaning it’s your flexible friend when it comes to creating a colour scheme. ‘It sits right in the centre of the spectrum and works with every other colour and material you pair it with,’ says Marianne. ‘Try it out for yourself: place a green plant in any room and in front of any colour you like and it will never look out of place. Green is the “go to” colour when everything else isn’t working.’
Because the spectrum of greens is so broad, running from pale minty pastels to rich peacock, it has something for everyone. However, when pairing up greens, do take heed of paint expert Annie Sloan’s advice: ‘There are so many greens – and some have little in common. When combining different shades, stick to using either yellow-based or blue-based greens. Otherwise you’ll have a very uncomfortable scheme. The closer together the greens are, the better.’
Jewel hues
Vibrant emerald adds a shot of energy to a living space.
Get the look: For a similar wall paint colour try Enchanted Eden flat matt, £26.90 for 2.5L, Dulux. Skirting in Black Blue 95 estate emulsion, £45 for 2.5L (only available in stores), Farrow & Ball.
GENTLY DOES IT
Move over grey! shades of green from the softer end of the spectrum work well in practical spaces such as the kitchen.
Get the look: Suffolk kitchen hand-painted in Cactus, from £12,000, Neptune.
nature’s palette
Muted tones create a relaxing mood.
Get the look: Upper wall in Aquamarine; lower wall in Ambleside; back wall in Aquamarine Pale, all £43.50 for 2.5L absolute matt emulsion, Little Greene. Nadia rattan bed, £550, Habitat. Beata light, £550, Pinch Design. Picardie Ecru bedlinen, from £30 for a pillowcase; fringe linen throw, £145, both The Linen Works. Amelia cushion, £125, Jennifer Manners.
HOW TO USE IT
BEST FOR A DRAMATIC STATEMENT
Forest Festival flat matt emulsion, £27.56 for 2.5L, Dulux
BEST FOR A RELAXING VIBE
Myrtle Green marble matt emulsion, £46 for 2.5L, Mylands
BEST AS YOUR NEW NEUTRAL
Into the Wild matt emulsion, £34.95 for 2.5L, Victory Colours
BEST AS A BACKDROP TO YOUR ART COLLECTION
Uluwatu matt emulsion, £38 for 2.5L, Graham & Brown
BEST FOR TRANSITIONING FROM GREY
Opal Green matt emulsion, £39.50 for 2.5L, Fired Earth
