Green is one of the most difficult colours to decorate with. From choosing just the right paint colour to the perfect green accessory, green is one of those colours that you either love or you hate. But now more than ever, bold green can be found everywhere, from the designer runways to the home decor fabric houses. And no matter which colour trend expert you talk to, intense green is one of the hottest colours right now.
So why is it so hard to decorate with green? Simply put, it can be a chameleon colour. Depending on your lighting and your mood, green can seem lurid in fluorescent light and tepid in natural daylight. The trick is to use bold green as an accent colour only — not to paint an entire room, for example. However darker shades of green can be a very restful and stylish colours for halls if you pick the right one.
Artwork: Take abstract photos of green leaves or grass and have them blown up and framed. In an all-white room, this hit of colour adds a natural touch without being too overwhelming.
Throw pillows: As with any bold colour, the best way to bring in an accent (that isn’t a permanent commitment ) is to use a throw cushion in that specific hue. Look for cushions with leaves or other green botanical patterns.
Colour blocking: A simple trick designers will often use to bring colour into a room is to paint one wall in a bold hue. The result is dramatic and very sophisticated, and can add visual interest to a boring space. When using bold green on a wall, make sure that your other walls are painted in neutral colours.
Pattern: If you want to include green in a room, but you don’t want to be overwhelmed, try adding the colour with an accessory. Simply upholstering a side chair in a fabric that uses a green patterned motif can usually create enough impact — green check, green botanical leaves, even a dusty pink and green stripe is a good combination.
Tone on tone: If you love green, work with multiple shades, from light to dark, and combine solids with patterns. A quick rule of thumb for combining patterns is to mix three types: Solid, geometric, and floral. Those three will always complement one another as long as the colours are the same.
Painted furniture: Another easy update is to simply paint a natural wooden side table or bench in high-gloss green. What works so well with paint is that it is easily painted over when you tire of the colour. You can simply brush the paint lightly into the furniture if you want to obtain a more natural distressed look.
Lampshades: An unexpected way to bring in a shot of colour to a room is to switch your existing lampshades for intense green shades. Fabric shades work well, but a lacquered paper shade would look even better. The light from green shades is often not the most flattering so I would suggest you line the inside of your shades with a pink fabric to give you the best skin flattering light.
Lighter shade of pale: If you can’t commit to a strong green, there are lots of lighter shades that may tempt you.
Lacquer: Go bold and paint your whole room in high gloss green. This look works well in small spaces (such as bathrooms and hallways ) and creates instant drama.
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