WINTER REFRESH: HOW TO DECORATE WITH GREEN
By Livingetc
Calming, confident, the colourof 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 wasthe 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.
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.
nature’s palette
Muted tones create a relaxing mood.
HOW TO USE IT
BEST FOR A DRAMATIC STATEMENT
BEST FOR A RELAXING VIBE
BEST AS YOUR NEW NEUTRAL
BEST AS A BACKDROP TO YOUR ART COLLECTION
BEST FOR TRANSITIONING FROM GREY
-
-
Design experts share their 5 essentials for creating an outdoor kitchen in a small city garden
The summer of al-fresco dining is fast approaching – this is how to get involved in the most stylish way possible
By Megan Slack •
-
5 interior tips to steal from this contemporary Beverly Hills home
This Beverly Hills home is enormous – but its design savvy is applicable to homes of all sizes
By Anna Cottrell •
-
The best paints for kitchen cabinets - the expert guide to getting it right
When choosing the best paints for kitchen cabinets we've edited colors, the finishes and even the best paint brushes to use
By Alison Davidson •
-
5 garden style tips you can use to get your outdoors ready for a weekend get together
There’s never been a better time to think of your garden as the place to get together with friends. Here are a few quick fixes to head into the weekend with the garden set-up of your dreams
By Sarah Wilson •
-
Ask Athena: how to source and style the perfect area rug
Athena Calderone is here to answer your questions, and this week she advises on sourcing and styling the ideal area rug
By Athena Calderone •
-
Studio McGee's simple style secrets to decorating every room in the house
Shea McGee of Studio McGee offers advice for styling the kitchen, bedroom, living room and bathroom, while also revealing her go-to paints
By Alyssa Bird •
-
3 secrets to displaying art in ways that make your home feel happy by Kit Kemp
Interior designer Kit Kemp knows a thing or two about gallery walls, and here are her secrets for making your home feel happy
By Amy Moorea Wong •
-
The decor secrets to making your home a happier place to live by Martyn Lawrence Bullard
Interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard reveals the final flourishes that elevate a home and boost your mood, too
By Amy Moorea Wong •
-
5 biophilic design ideas that can make your home a happier place to be
Expert ideas from Oliver Heath about how bringing the outside in can truly boost your mood
By Amy Moorea Wong •
-
How to decorate to make your home feel happy by Yinka Ilori
Using paint and pattern to feel good is second nature to Yinka Ilori. Here's his advice for embracing that spirit yourself
By Amy Moorea Wong •