As spring arrives, many of us have a hankering to cast off the winter coverings and enjoy more lightness and freshness. Making use of the colour green is a proven way to get that feel…
In theories about colour and psychology, green is associated not just with plants and trees, but with a sense of renewal and of the balance and harmony of nature. Green spaces are said to promote calm and a sense of wellbeing.
It’s also a versatile colour, sitting in a spot between the warm tones like red and yellow, and the cooler blue hues.
So introducing more green into your interiors – whether through subtle accents or a big showstopping feature – really can make a difference, and get you in the spring mood. Here are some practical ideas for pulling it off…
Why green suits homes in spring
Green is particularly well suited to spring vibes because it feels fresh and new. It can be invigorating or calming (both, funnily enough, very spring-like moods).
Green reflects the world outside as it begins to bloom, helping blur the line between indoor and outdoor living. This makes it ideal for spring styling, particularly when layered cleverly around key furniture pieces …like the sofa, for example.
Green sofa fabrics
There’s no two ways about it, if you want to make a big impact quickly on your colour scheme, without actually repainting the walls, then your sofa is just about top of the list.
As all interior designers know, a sofa fabric can act as a sort of colour ‘anchor’, setting the tone for the rest of the room.
Shades that work especially well for sofa fabrics – whether light or heavy linens or velvets – include:
-
Sage green: Soft and muted, ideal for relaxed living rooms
-
Olive green: Warm and earthy, perfect for adding depth
-
Moss or forest green: Richer tones that still feel connected to nature.
Green sofas work particularly well with warm neutrals like cream or taupe as well as natural materials such as wood and rattan.
Greens and soft furnishings
If a green sofa feels like too big a commitment – and we do understand – then soft furnishings and accessories are an easy way to introduce the colour in sensible doses.
Cushions and throws
Switch out those heavy winter textures for lighter spring fabrics such as cotton, linen or lightweight weaves. Green cushions really will add a sense of freshness, especially when judiciously mixed with neutral cushions or ones with subtle patterns.
Rugs and curtains
Soft green rugs or curtains can bring in the green while keeping an airy feel. Muted green tones work particularly well if your room gets plenty of natural light.
Expert tip: To keep the look fresh rather than heavy, pair green soft furnishings with lighter neutrals and avoid layering too many dark shades together.
Greenery and plants
One of the simplest and most effective ways to add green into your home for spring is through plants. And as a bonus they also improve air quality and, it’s widely believed, enhance wellbeing by keeping you connected to nature. Here are some easy plant ideas:
-
Use a large floor plant to soften a corner near the sofa
-
Place smaller potted plants on side tables or shelves in complementary (or deliberately contrasting) decorative pots
-
Add trailing plants to high shelves to add movement and texture
Many designers use plants alongside green upholstery and soft furnishings, resulting in a cohesive, all-embracing, nature-inspired palette.
Green paint
If you are going for the full paint job, green is well worth considering. Use it on feature walls behind a sofa to frame the sitting area, or in alcoves or shelving for a layered look. If you have a smallish room to paint, a softer green can give it a calm vibe, making it a more comfortable space to inhabit.
Some designers recommend that in spring you should opt for muted, organic greens rather than bright or artificial shades.
Going green…
Adding green into your home for spring needn't be a complete, exhausting overhaul – a little touch here or there is often just the ticket. So…time to go green? What’s stopping you?
How to get more green into your home for spring
As spring arrives, many of us have a hankering to cast off the winter coverings and enjoy more lightness and freshness. Making use of the colour green is a proven way to get that feel…
In theories about colour and psychology, green is associated not just with plants and trees, but with a sense of renewal and of the balance and harmony of nature. Green spaces are said to promote calm and a sense of wellbeing.
It’s also a versatile colour, sitting in a spot between the warm tones like red and yellow, and the cooler blue hues.
So introducing more green into your interiors – whether through subtle accents or a big showstopping feature – really can make a difference, and get you in the spring mood. Here are some practical ideas for pulling it off…
Why green suits homes in spring
Green is particularly well suited to spring vibes because it feels fresh and new. It can be invigorating or calming (both, funnily enough, very spring-like moods).
Green reflects the world outside as it begins to bloom, helping blur the line between indoor and outdoor living. This makes it ideal for spring styling, particularly when layered cleverly around key furniture pieces …like the sofa, for example.
Green sofa fabrics
There’s no two ways about it, if you want to make a big impact quickly on your colour scheme, without actually repainting the walls, then your sofa is just about top of the list.
As all interior designers know, a sofa fabric can act as a sort of colour ‘anchor’, setting the tone for the rest of the room.
Shades that work especially well for sofa fabrics – whether light or heavy linens or velvets – include:
Sage green: Soft and muted, ideal for relaxed living rooms
Olive green: Warm and earthy, perfect for adding depth
Moss or forest green: Richer tones that still feel connected to nature.
Green sofas work particularly well with warm neutrals like cream or taupe as well as natural materials such as wood and rattan.
Greens and soft furnishings
If a green sofa feels like too big a commitment – and we do understand – then soft furnishings and accessories are an easy way to introduce the colour in sensible doses.
Cushions and throws
Switch out those heavy winter textures for lighter spring fabrics such as cotton, linen or lightweight weaves. Green cushions really will add a sense of freshness, especially when judiciously mixed with neutral cushions or ones with subtle patterns.
Rugs and curtains
Soft green rugs or curtains can bring in the green while keeping an airy feel. Muted green tones work particularly well if your room gets plenty of natural light.
Expert tip: To keep the look fresh rather than heavy, pair green soft furnishings with lighter neutrals and avoid layering too many dark shades together.
Greenery and plants
One of the simplest and most effective ways to add green into your home for spring is through plants. And as a bonus they also improve air quality and, it’s widely believed, enhance wellbeing by keeping you connected to nature. Here are some easy plant ideas:
Use a large floor plant to soften a corner near the sofa
Place smaller potted plants on side tables or shelves in complementary (or deliberately contrasting) decorative pots
Add trailing plants to high shelves to add movement and texture
Many designers use plants alongside green upholstery and soft furnishings, resulting in a cohesive, all-embracing, nature-inspired palette.
Green paint
If you are going for the full paint job, green is well worth considering. Use it on feature walls behind a sofa to frame the sitting area, or in alcoves or shelving for a layered look. If you have a smallish room to paint, a softer green can give it a calm vibe, making it a more comfortable space to inhabit.
Some designers recommend that in spring you should opt for muted, organic greens rather than bright or artificial shades.
Going green…
Adding green into your home for spring needn't be a complete, exhausting overhaul – a little touch here or there is often just the ticket. So…time to go green? What’s stopping you?