Joanna Gaines and Victoria Beckham love this gorgeous forest green color
Calming, creative and with intrinsic links to nature, dramatic forest green is a versatile, mood-enhancing color that can work in many schemes.
The majesty of ancient forests has long inspired interior design and color trends. Whether the grandeur of an oak tree or enchanting shape of an acanthus leaf, rich, velvety greens offer homes a nurturing connection to nature.
Forests are inherently calming spaces. The Japanese practice of forest bathing is an increasingly popular mindful activity that involves simply being in a forest and noticing the elements in aid of relaxation. The same feeling of calm can be replicated in the home by decorating with green. Dark green, in particular.
It’s not just designers who share our love for this popular color. HGTV star Joanna Gaines and esteemed fashion designer Victoria Beckham have recently used green in their latest projects. Joanna in her impressive Lake House renovation and Victoria in her London showroom are outstanding examples of decorating with dark green paint. It is a mood-boosting color that many color forecasters would argue is the best color in the world.
(Image credit: Courtesy of Magnolia Network)
‘Green reassures us on a very primitive level. We know we can find food and water, which means green equals life. Using dark greens in our home, brings in these feelings of reassurance and rest,’ says Karen Haller, color and design psychology specialist and author of The Little Book of Color, available at Amazon.
Several studies, including those by Won Sop Shin and Grahn and Stigsdotter, have proven that even just a few moments in a forest – or, simply just looking at the color green – can make us feel less stressed. It’s human nature: ‘Taking things back to our primitive roots, green forest equals food, which equals survival,’ says Karen Haller. It’s no wonder that we’re so drawn to this particular shade. Our instincts tell us that forest green is good.
Victoria Beckham’s Dover St store
(Image credit: Megan Slack)
And this is supported scientifically, too. ‘Green falls in the middle of the visible color spectrum, meaning our eyes require little to no adjustment to be able to see it,’ says Karen. When faced with green, our eyes don’t have to work hard, so our response is calm. When incorporating forest green into our decorating scheme, then, we should use it in rooms where we want to relax and unwind.
‘Forest green works really well in bedrooms because its darkness absorbs light to blur hard edges,’ says Rob Abrahams, co-founder and CEO at COAT Paints. But I also like to use it in other spaces where I like to relax, such as the bathroom, dressing room and the snug room. It quiets the mind, and brings just the right amount of calm without being too foreboding.
Shop the look
Allmodern Edgar 100% Cotton Throw Pillow
I’ve been searching for a throw pillow cover in this exact color for a little while, and this one is quite perfect for my green scheme. The cover is made from cotton with a solid hue and a velvet-like texture for an inviting look and feel.
Hardware is oft-forgotten about, but it can completely change up the look and feel of a room. These days, interior designers and decorators are opting for playful colors and delightful switch plate designs to add interest and character.
Fluted Taper Candles, Set of 4
Add intention to your everyday routine with a beautifully hued pair of taper candles. A staple for dinner parties and everyday entertaining, tapers can also bring an element of mindfulness to daily meditations, yoga practices, or evening bubble baths.
Dolma Hand Loomed Wool Rug
This area rug is my new go-to for adding a splash of my favorite color to a living room. Made from wool and hand-loomed, it features a bold color-blocked design that catches the eye. I suggest using a rug pad to keep it in place and add extra comfort.
Italian Marble Round Vanity Tray
Made from real marble, this vanity tray is the ideal way to display pretty trinkets, florals and jewels. Stone has been used as a decorative material for centuries, yet with a fresh approach, it can feel surprisingly contemporary and relevant in a modern setting.
Editor’s choice
8′ Faux Gypsophila Leaf Potted Tree – Hearth & Hand™ With Magnolia
Add a flourish of green to your home’s aesthetic with this Faux Gypsophila Leaf Potted Tree from Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia. With a vibrant green gypsophila leaf tree housed inside a ceramic pot, this faux arrangement brings a touch of nature indoors without the hassle of any maintenance.
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