When I told my friend Anna that green is a new gray, she raised her eyebrows in disbelief.
Is this one of those new designer fads? I’m staying with white, black and gray. Green decorating ideas is way over my head. I love bright colors but only in other people’s homes, mine not so much. I can see it as a small something or a plant. But paint my walls bright green, and finally, I’ll go crazy in a week
Anna declared.
What is Your Comfort Level When You Use Color?
If you are like Anna, you’re not alone. Many people feel more comfortable with neutral or earth-toned color schemes because they love only splashes of bright accent colors, such as green. Personally, I always liked most shades of green. To me, it’s all about new growth, balance, and spirituality. Moreover, you can freshen up a dull living room, create a restorative vibe for your yoga practice or invigorate a forgotten corner of your workspace with just a bucket green paint.
If you’re ready to say “Yes!” to some color, read on. You’ll discover some of my ideas that vary from adding pops of color to Hollywood Regency style objects.
How To Add In Pops of Green
It is usually better to use two or three objects instead of just one to have a dramatic pop or a splash of color. Think about using two bright colors, instead of only one.
For example, the image above shows one bold purple pillow, two green cups, sitting on white and purple napkins. The large bright pillows help to create a transition between all gray sofa and brightness of the green cups.
It always looks best when two objects are one color, and the third object is a different color. Look at the difference between these two table sets above. One of them is all green, and the other has a contrasting color. Obviously, the set with the orange and white pattern looks more interesting.
Painting Furniture with Green Colors
A great way to add a pop of fun green decor to your home is to paint a single piece of furniture green, like this dresser by Julie Paterson of Simple Redesign. She transformed an ordinary brown desk into a playful and cheerful piece of furniture.
How about adding a small pop of green paint instead of painting the whole piece? Consider just painting the face of the drawers. After that, just change the cabinet hardware and you’ve got a new item, suddenly.
Wake up a traditional wood headboard with a happy splash of color for a guest room or a kid’s room. For the headboard above use Sherwin Williams Overt Green (SW6718) for the headboard.
Adding Green Accents
If you have a room with lots of neutrals, like grays or whites, add a few bright green pillows and throws.
Another way to add a fun pop of energetic green is to paint your front door green!
Green Plants
Decorating with green is easy! Textured accessories and accents best capture the freshness of the green color.
Obviously, the easiest way to add green decor is with a lush green plant in a stylish vase. Try simple glass vases for lightness and reflections.
Create contrasts of textures and sheens. For example, use a shiny plastic planter with the natural texture of the greenery.
Pairing apple green with orange and lime colors looks fresh and uplifting.
Bold Green Decorating Ideas and Hollywood Regency Style
Green lends itself best to the “Hollywood Regency” style. Hollywood Regency style is attributed to Dorothy Draper and is my source of inspiration for decorating with green.
Dorothy Draper was to interior design what Chanel was to fashion. Draper liked a room to have a statement piece.
For example, “España” chest has been a staple of classic decorating ever since she designed it. Combining green and gold is the perfect way to capture the Hollywood Regency style, and gold is an excellent accent color for green.
Another great way to decorate with green and to tap into the Hollywood Regency style is to upholster a chair with a charming green print.
It’s fun to use different fabrics with similar hues for the front and the back. Finally, try a pattern and a solid with the pattern on the back and the solid on the front.
Tips for Green Walls
Hands down, green looks great on a large scale! A green accent wall can liven up your workspace or add some spice and style to the living room. Moreover, with a versatile color like green, you can do both, an accent wall and the main wall in one room.
Why not wake up in a rainforest since you’re ready for all the adventures of the day? Consider wallpaper for the bookcase and a different shade of green for the walls and furniture fabric.
Another way to introduce green colors is to create an inspiring bright green spot for a workspace.
Finally, don’t forget to tell me if you actually used any of the tips or tried some of the green color schemes. Please post your questions here below. I’ll be happy to help you!
