Sorry, Kermit, but it's easy being green

Make your bed a statement piece and brighten up the room at the same time with an eye-catching pattern. (Handout/TNS)
Make your bed a statement piece and brighten up the room at the same time with an eye-catching pattern. (Handout/TNS)

Green is the color of tranquility, a soothing hue of spring. And regardless of Kermit the Frog's hit song, it actually IS easy to be green. The color pairs so beautifully with blues, black and white, violets and pinks. Green is appropriate any time of year-it can enhance freshness in the spring and add a deep richness during the holidays. Seeing all the different ways the rejuvenating hue has been incorporated into our decor has inspired me to share a few ways you can bring it into your home as well.

Experiment with different tints and shades. There is no shortage of variations of green. There's seafoam, kelly, emerald, jade, sage, pinethe list goes on. Whether earthy undertones or bright jewel, there is a shade of green for every home. Start small with pillows and accessories to find the vibrancy that works for your space, then build from there. Don't be afraid to use multiple shades and patterns.

Use a variety of textures. From rich velvets to light cottons and seemingly endless patterns, fabric combinations are limitless. And when it comes to green, it's hard to pick a favorite. Thankfully, you don't have to. While some might stay away from big statement pieces, the bold go big. A deep, emerald green velvet sofa brings elegance and depth. We have paired it with contrasting white and soft green floral printed pillows to add spring flair for the season. Come winter, switching those pillows out for gold or plaid accents will transition the piece into the holidays. Velvet can be a year-round textile.

photo

AP

Prayer beads in hand, a man watches the strikes on Kobani from a vantage point on the outskirts of Suruc near Turkey’s border with Syria.

Freshen up with greenery. We love florals, but there is something to be said for a beautiful bouquet made up entirely of greenery. It is astonishing how much depth and texture you can create with a handful of different stems. It can be a high impact design that is surprisingly simple. Dress it up with a fun container for extra flair.

Incorporate color at all levels. When done strategically, it is hard to have too much of one color. If you work at creating focal points and use these tips, you will be able to continue building on your favorite color. One of our current rooms displays just that. We have paired a lovely light kiwi wicker table with a deep jade bud vase and rich stems to demonstrate how hue and texture make all the difference. The natural element brought by the wicker acts like a neutral, making the rest of the scene blend beautifully. We also love using green as a wall color, either with paint or a green-themed gallery wall of delicate botanicals. Just be sure to mix in the texture and patterns that the room needs to draw your eye.

If green isn't your scene, these tips and tricks work with all colors. It is all about creating a visual feast that keeps the eye well fed. You might be surprised at how your home changes with just a few additions of a new hue. Happy decorating!

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