GO GREEN: HOW TO DECORATE WITH VERDIGRIS
Taken straight out of nature, this charismatic hue will help you turn over a new design leaf, say the experts
‘Derived from the oxidation of copper, this rich and striking shade is enjoying a renaissance due to the vibrancy that it brings to a setting,’ says Peter Gomez, head of design at Zoffany studio. ‘Not for the faint-hearted, it is definitely a choice for a colour-lover’s home.’
A minty fresh verdigris feature wall energises a space. Balance it out with a pale floor and contrasting white walls.
Verdigris green feels vibrant when teamed with lighter tones and more sober when partnered with darks.
Verdigris Green modern emulsion; Snow White estate emulsion (on ceiling), both £46.50 for 2.5L, Farrow & Ball.
‘I love pairing verdigris green with deep, warm reds and terracotta,’ explains Annie Sloan, founder of Annie Sloan.‘The key is to make sure the colours balance. Generally, green is a cool colour that recedes into the background. However, the more yellow it is, the warmer it looks and therefore the more attention it attracts.’
HOW TO USE VERDIGRIS GREEN
THE BEST VERDIGRIS GREEN PAINT COLOURS
BEST FOR CREATING A BOHO FEEL IN A SOUTH-FACING ROOM
Florence chalk paint, £19.95 for 1L, Annie Sloan.
‘It usually has a copper green base, so although this colour appears to be happy and lively at first glance, it still retains a reassuring feel and underlying elegance,’ explains Joa Studholme, colour curator at Farrow & Ball. ‘In north-facing rooms this colour will feel more “green”, less dynamic, but more connected to nature.’
BEST FOR EAST OR WEST FACING ROOMS WITH FLUCTUATING LEVELS OF LIGHT
Green With Envy interior paint, £23 for 1L, Benjamin Moore.
‘Verdigris is a versatile shade that can work all around the house,’ says Judy Smith , colour consultant at Crown. ‘It comes to life in natural light, so is perfect for a sunny living room. It also lends character to somewhere with little light, like a hallway. In this case, it is important to bring in warmth with terracotta and mid-tone wood.’
BEST FOR HIGH-TRAFFIC ROOMS WHERE A WASHABLE PAINT WILL GUARD AGAINST FINGERMARKS
Poison elite emulsion, £49 for 2.5L, Zoffany.
‘Green is a fantastic hue to match with neutrals as it sits in the centre of the colour wheel and can be paired with both cold and warm undertones,’ says Helen Shaw, director at Benjamin MooreUK.‘A chalky, blue-toned grey can be combined with verdigris green to create a cool, calm scheme, whereas pairing it with a warmer, yellow-toned beige will create an earthy, outdoorsy feel.’
BEST FOR ADDING A POP OF COLOUR TO A FEATURE WALL
Palm Springs matt emulsion, from £14.50 for 1.25L, Crown.
‘To create a colour statement, team verdigris green with vibrant pink soft furnishings to build a striking interior,’ says Rebecca Craig, head of design at Sanderson. ‘Crisp whites also work perfectly alongside verdigris green to give a fresh and defined look while bringing out the natural beauty of this elegant colour.’
BEST FOR FAST DRYING AND A BARELY THERE ODOUR
Eucalyptus active emulsion, £45 for 2.5L, Sanderson.
‘Vibrant, teal-toned verdigris is brimming with energy and it’s perfect for kitchens and bathrooms,’ says Colin Roby-Welford, creative director at Fired Earth. ‘Verdigris can be subtle and restful, too, so it’s also ideal for bedrooms and study spaces.’
BEST FOR CREATING A FABULOUS BACKDROP FOR WARM METALLICS
Ultramarine Ashes matt emulsion, £42 for 2.5L, Fired Earth.
