REFRESH YOUR SPACE WITH POPS OF GREEN
Five ways to reflect fun, fresh spirit of spring in the middle of winter
Greenery may represent the fresh start we all crave for 2017, said Pantone, the self-described global authority on colour, in claiming the springy greenyellow hue as its colour of the year.
“Satisfying our growing desire to rejuvenate, revitalize and unite, Greenery symbolizes the reconnection we seek with nature, one another and a larger purpose,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.
The vibrant shade is certainly appealing in the midst of winter. It brings to mind fresh foliage, the first green shoots bursting through the garden or that cheerful green found in a bouquet of spring flowers. But how do you take a colour traditionally associated with spring and make it work for you year round?
It’s easy being green if you happen to love the colour — in which case there’s no rule against going bright and bold till next December. But if you’re going for a look that’s a little more subdued, the key is to use it as an accent, a pop of colour that can easily be switched out — think a pillow or a patterned textile. Alternatively, you can use Greenery as an inspiration but go a few shades softer and more serene, such as a mossy tone, that may blend more into your other decor.
Whether you prefer to add just a pop of colour or to fully commit with a painted wall, we’ve pulled five fresh finds to reinvigorate your space and bring the outside in.
In living colour
For the commitment-phobe, add a pop of green by mixing in a little living colour. Go with fresh plants and flowers or go faux if your thumb is more black than green. This lucky bamboo plant works in a small space, and the majesty palm can be moved outdoors when patio weather arrives. Dracaena (lucky bamboo), $1.99, ikea.com. Ravenea (majesty palm), $19.99, ikea.com.
Furniture
Not for the commitment-shy, investing in a piece of furniture, whether it’s a sofa or an accent chair, is not within everyone’s budget or comfort level. But if you do dare to go green, go big with this sumptuous, velvet sofa. Sven sofa in grass green, $1,299, article.com.
Textiles
Soft textiles — decorative pillows, bedding, throws or drapery (if you are more daring) — are other ways to experiment with colour, along with adding pattern and texture to a room. A touch of green within the pattern on a pillow or a cosy woven throw lets you add green with a moderate level of commitment. Layer on all the greens in this Japanese paper-inspired pillow. Windsor Park palm pillow cover, $46.95, tonicliving.ca.
Walls
On the scale of commitment to bold colour choices, painting or wallpapering can be significant. Try painting an accent wall in this year’s hue — it’s easy to swap out with a new colour when the mood strikes — or commit to a pretty wallpaper to make a stylish impact in a small space or on a feature wall. You’ll be dreaming of this whimsical wallpaper available in rolls or removable, reusable wallpaper tiles. Julia Rothman Daydream (Green) Tiles, $58 (U.S.) for set of two 24-by-32-inch tiles, hyggeandwest.com.
Everyday objects
Accessories are often inexpensive ways to satisfy your desire for an on-trend colour. Stack vintage books in tones of green on a shelf, look for pretty shallow dishes to hold spare change or keys in the front entry or fill a pretty faceted glass vase with fresh flowers and double the dose of greenery. Hasani Angular Vase by Eightmood, $24.50, indigo.ca.