Is Green The New Grey in Home Interiors
Grey has long been the UK's go-to neutral colour for interior design, but it is no surprise that its popularity is waning. The question is, what will take its place? Grey may be versatile, but it can also make a room feel dark and gloomy, but it pairs well with other colours exceptionally well, which is why it has been dominant for so long.
The solution may lie in green, which has been steadily growing in popularity as a neutral colour. At TM Interiors Limited, we have noticed more greens not only in our brands designer fabric and wallpaper collections but including our lighting rugs and paints, and we believe that spring-summer 2023 is the perfect time to go big on green. Green is the ideal colour for spring and beyond, and it complements existing interiors well. It can also be used as a neutral when decorating the home. However, finding the right shade of green can be a challenge.
Sales of green fabrics and wallpapers have been higher than sales of either grey or white fabrics since the beginning of the year. This trend can be partly attributed to the pandemic, which has made many of us crave nature-inspired patterns, materials, and colours.
Green has positive connotations and a calming effect, making it an excellent choice for a relaxing home environment. However, those who are used to the calming tones of grey and off-white may find a whole room in green paint too much of a departure from the norm.
Our recommendation is to introduce green in smaller ways, such as through upholstery and accessories like cushions, throws, and lamps. Adding a bit of green to each room creates continuity and colour flow throughout the home, making it feel connected and considered.
Green is an incredibly timeless colour that will have longevity in the home. You can add a touch of green to your home with something as simple as a tray or a vase, or opt for a statement piece like a headboard or green cushion.
When it comes to using green in your home, there are several factors to consider. One of the most important is the shade of green you choose.
As mentioned earlier, softer tones like olive, sage, and nettle work well as supportive colours, while brighter and cleaner shades like emerald and jade can add a pop of colour to a space.
HOW TO CHOOSE AND USE THE COLOUR GREEN IN YOUR HOME
Green can work in any room of the house, but you can tailor the shade to the style of the space. For example, softer greens would work well in a countryside home, while brighter greens would be a better fit for a city apartment.
To incorporate green into your interiors, consider using it as an accent colour. For example, you could add green tiles, wall lights, and a blind to a black-and-white bathroom to soften the overall look. In the entrance hall, a grassy-green botanical wallpaper can create a welcoming and uplifting vibe.
In a kitchen, pale green walls can balance out the look of dark cabinetry, while jade stools provide a pop of colour. You can even extend the green theme to a downstairs lavatory by adding green tones in the wallpaper, blind, wall light, and tiles.
SHADES OF GREEN
When it comes to choosing shades of green, there are many options to consider.
- Olive
One great option is Olive, which works well as a gateway green for those who may be hesitant to use bolder shades. It pairs nicely with soft pinks and pale blues for a sophisticated look, and deeper olive shades are great for smaller spaces like home offices and utility rooms. - Forest Green
Another classic shade is Forest Green, which has a comforting and nostalgic feel. It's a great choice for evening rooms and looks particularly luxurious in velvet upholstery or as a curtain fabric. - Sage
If you're not ready to completely let go of grey, Sage is the perfect shade to try. This soft, cool-toned green is inspired by the colour of eucalyptus leaves and works well with neutrals and other pastels. It is an easy choice for a wall colour, especially in a light and bright room. - Grassy
For those who are feeling more daring, Grassy Greens can be a great option. This vibrant green works well as a foil for other bright colours and graphic patterns. It can be used as a wall colour in a cosy room with plenty of other colours and patterns or as a vivid accent colour on a dining chair or kitchen stool.
Don't be afraid to be brave with your colour choices or start small by introducing green through paint and accessories.
Trend Or Fad?
As trend forecasters predict the "colours of the year" for 2023 with Magenta highlighting the popularity of red spectrum colours such as burgundy, terracotta and raspberry, it's important to remember the versatility of green in interior design. With its ability to complement and enhance other colours, green remains a popular choice for walls, furniture, and accessories.
While white and grey continue to dominate kitchen design all over home interior websites, green is gaining ground as the fourth most popular choice. This trend reflects a move away from sterile kitchen design and a desire for more vibrant, expressive spaces.
While the return of the avocado bathroom suite may be too much of a fad, the timelessness of green makes it a safe and adaptable choice for any home. Green may be "the new grey" for now, but its ability to work with a variety of other colours means that it will remain a classic choice for years to come.
So, whether it's olive, forest, sage, or grassy green, embrace this versatile hue and bring a touch of nature into your home.