Natures' Neutral
Would you like to know how you could become a whiz at creating unusual color schemes? To be a color pro with impeccable taste, you must first be willing to follow your instincts. The second part of the formula is to discover the tremendous possibilities of working with the restful, refreshing neutral given to us by nature – green.
Green is
nature’s color, from
the pale green of new spring grass to the rich green of the
tropical forest.
Green in
its diversity is quickly becoming a decorating
neutral. The organic nature of green is
appearing in
both yellow and
blue-based versions. Every product
category features a wide variety of
this fresh, alive color. These factors
allow green to become
a
spontaneous decorating
element. A quick mental review of nature fails
to bring to my mind any color that does not benefit from an association
with green. This overriding color of nature has challenged artists of
detailed landscapes to find methods of replicating the freshness and
dimension of this dominant color of nature. 
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Ann UpchurchCharacteristically, green in all of its many ranges from hunter to olive and teal to seafoam, is a soothing, restful, clean and calming color. Nature’s message conveyed by green is one of safety and sanctuary. Greens are known to have healing and regenerative qualities, which make them a desirable color family for health care and learning environments. It has a relaxing effect both physiologically and psychologically.
For the most part associations
with green are pleasant. Terms used to describe green such as lush,
soothing, tranquil, and fresh, conjure positive color memory. The
intoxicating aroma of fresh leaves after a spring rain or the
invigorating aroma of wet pine needles share equal enjoyment with a
great Southern refresher, the mint julep. My personal summer delight,
is chocolate chip mint ice cream.Various shades
of green have
swept in and out of prominence for home and fashion through the
centuries. Pale green was among the favorite colors of the Edwardian
era in the early 1900’s. The impending gloom on World War I stirred a
dominance of olive and grayish green. The colors during the
Great
Depression of 1929-1939 were rich dark wines, bottle greens, and
chocolate browns. Those colors fostered feelings of security in an
insecure age. Moving forward from the 1930’s, we can trace the
popularity and influence of this appealing and livable color
continuously, through to today’s shades of lettuce, lime, pear, grass
and fern. The current
trend is about defined colors – very
straightforward like your large box of crayons. Green is currently a
dominant factor in our surrounding Eco-friendly design.
centuries. Pale green was among the favorite colors of the Edwardian
era in the early 1900’s. The impending gloom on World War I stirred a
dominance of olive and grayish green. The colors during the
Great
Depression of 1929-1939 were rich dark wines, bottle greens, and
chocolate browns. Those colors fostered feelings of security in an
insecure age. Moving forward from the 1930’s, we can trace the
popularity and influence of this appealing and livable color
continuously, through to today’s shades of lettuce, lime, pear, grass
and fern. The current
trend is about defined colors – very
straightforward like your large box of crayons. Green is currently a
dominant factor in our surrounding Eco-friendly design. 
To achieve
memorable color
schemes, strive to feature your personal style. Do not hesitate to be
spontaneous with your color and design choices. Experiment until you
feel a sense of confidence. Remember that green helps to harmonize and
blend other colors in your decorating just as it does in nature. One
quick and easy trick with green is to accent corners and tables with
vibrant plants.As you ponder the possibilities of green in your color scheme, you can feel confident that all but the trendiest shades of green have real staying power. Green will lend itself effortlessly to provide a decorating scheme that remains timelessly fresh and in style.
For more than two decades Charlotte Iseldyke has been a connoisseur of Color – its power, energy and diversity. As a syndicated published design journalist, Charlotte shares her expertise with you through a variety of publications. Check monthly for her timeless and informative color & design articles.
Copyright
Charlotte Iseldyke
