40 SHADES OF GREEN
Get set for St Patrick’s Day with the season’s latest interior hues
MANY of us will see more green than we’d like over the coming days — oversized hats, glittery shamrock headbands and garish green tutus will line the streets, but there’s so much more to the colour than the twee leprechaun paraphernalia that will take over Temple Bar next Saturday.
Emerald green, a rich, luxe hue, is a fresh, ontrend shade that’s popping up on everything from rugs to wallpapers. As the Emerald Isle, we’re perfectly poised to make it work in our homes, albeit in a much more modern way.
Emerald green’s popularity has been steadily rising for several seasons, ever since back in 2013, Pantone named it the colour of the year, describing it as ‘lively, radiant and lush’.
Greens were given a further boost when Greenery was named 2017’s shade of the year, showing that our appetite for verdant hues isn’t abating any time soon. “The colour is nice and rich, and, more importantly, it works well in an Irish environment,” says Emily Maher, founder of interior design practice Lost Weekend (lostweekend.ie).
THREE’S A TREND
Green is described as ‘nature’s neutral’, and pairs beautifully with two other hot trends of the moment, blush pink accents and warm metal tones like copper and brass. “Even though they’re all quite on-trend at the moment, it’s a classic colour combination, so it will stand the test of time,” says Emily. When paired with other jewel tones or on textiles like velvet and silk, it adds a luxurious feel.
GREEN SPACES
The more time we spend indoors, the more we seem to crave nature, and look for ways to bring it closer to us. The colour of growth and renewal, green accents can create a sense of being connected to the outdoors, and are restful on the eye.
“More and more, we’re working with properties with larger windows that are opening out on to green areas and courtyards,” notes Emily. “Though you’re sitting indoors, you’re right beside lots of lush green planting, so it’s nice if you can tie that in to the interiors too.” For a fresh, invigorating feel, go for softer, more yellow-tinged shades.
ROOM WITH A HUE
Emerald green works well in most spaces, so long as you’re clever with how you use it. For example, statement pieces like sofas and chairs can be a little overpowering in smaller rooms, but work well in properties with high ceilings.
“It’s quite a luxurious look, so large pieces work really well in period buildings, as opposed to contemporary, minimalist spaces,” says Emily. “The trick is to try not to use too much of it – a small accent works great.” Words of wisdom that our St Patrick’s Day revellers could do with heeding…