It seems like the obsession with Pantone’s last year picks – Rose Quartz and Serenity – is finally over, as we head into 2017, which will be painted with the color of spring. Recently Pantone proclaimed that the color of 2017 is Greenery, “a fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring when nature’s greens revive, restore and renew.” This choice, however, wasn’t a surprise. During Fall Fashion Week, green was a dominant color and the hot trend of mimicking nature indoors in interior design. If you like this breath of fresh air in the form of color, here are some ways you can introduce it into your home.
Choose a Color Palette
For a color this bright, Greenery seems to fit in very well with a lot of other shades. Pantone recommends teaming it up with earthy, neutrals, pastels, brights, deep, and last year’s twin colors Rose Quartz and Serenity. Keep in mind, though, that using Greenery as a prevailing color can completely take over the room and swallow all important details, which is not a good thing in interior design. Decorating only one corner, or painting one accent wall with this color will have similar psychological effects (refreshing, optimistic, revitalizing) as completely bathing the room with green, while not being overwhelming for the eyes.
A Nature-Loving Room
One of the most popular design trends for 2017 is escapism, such as home nooks and places to revive and relax after a long, hard day. That space should represent a distraction and tranquility. Greenery is the perfect color to include, and if combined with wood and other natural materials it will look even better. Relaxed furniture (day beds, love seats, etc.) and comfortable fabrics should follow the theme.
A Pop of Color
As we have already mentioned above, Greenery is too bright to be used as a prevailing color. This is especially true if you are planning to list your house. In fact according to realtors from Lifull it can be very hard to sell a house with such a distinct color, so it is best to stick with the neutrals. Don’t worry, though. You can use Greenery as an accent color, with statement pieces of furniture (sofa, armchair, dining chairs…), wallpaper, drapes, cushions, and rugs. Even something as simple as a green vase can make a huge impact.
Dots, Stripes, and Other Patterns
Another subtle way to introduce Greenery into your home and make it spring all year long is to use patterns. Green stripes or polka dots on the living room drapes will instantly make the room appear brighter, while leaves and plants will enhance the spring vibe even more. This is also a very simple and affordable update, since all you need are several new pieces of fabric to pull it off.
Natural Materials and “Nature’s Neutral”
Pantone’s think tank called Greenery the “Nature’s neutral.” Since this is definitely true, maybe the best way to incorporate it into your home is by combining it with natural materials, such as wood, clay, and stone. Unleash your imagination with this step – it can be something as simple as putting a green cushion on a wooden chair or more complicated as a stacked stone fireplace with a green wreath, artwork, or something similar above the mantel.
Try with Some True Greenery
Undoubtedly the most fantastic way to green up your home (and the most trend-resistant) is to introduce real greenery. You can combine this with the previous step and use clay containers for your plants. Other creative ways to include plants into your space are air planting and vertical garden. You don’t have to stick only to potted plants, though. And since “leaves are the new flowers,” you can put ferns, basils, eucalyptus leaves, or rhododendron leaves in a glass vase and use them as a centerpiece on the dining or coffee table.
The power of Pantone’s Greenery isn’t only in its invigorating and self-affirming vibe, but also in its resistance to trends. Only the day when Nature and spring become out of vogue, will Greenery accompany them.
Hope you can take a tip or two and start incorporating these trends into your designs next year.
Image credit: 1; 2; 3, 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9; 10; 11; 12; 13
