At the beginning of the year I love to introduce you to the new “color of the year” as decreed by Pantone, the leader of color forecasting for almost 50 years.  This year – Emerald.  Last year I introduced you to Tangerine.  The previous years reflect a lively range of colors from Honeysuckle pink in 2011, to Turquoise in 2010, Mimosa in 2009 (a golden yellow), Blue Iris in 2008 and bold Chili Pepper in 2007.

from Pantone.com

The color selected each year is first and most frequently seen in fashion trends.  But, we all know that what is popular first in fashion often ends up being the hot trend in home fashion soon after.  So you’ll be seeing delicious emerald accessories showing up in your favorite shopping sources this spring.

HGTV has weighed in on the color for home decor with the comment, “One of the hue’s best qualities is its ability to be both luxurious and casual, both modern and classic.”

What Works With Emerald?

Associated with the gorgeous gemstone, emerald is a deep jewel tone green with blue undertones.  According to Pantone, “emerald is the color of growth, renewal, and prosperity. Symbolically emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world.”  Emerald is a sophisticated and elegant color that is comfortable in any room of your home.

Photo via HGTV.com

Designer Andrea Schumacher shows a basic white kitchen getting a big punch of color by painting the island base beautiful emerald – and it’s paired with a bright blue wallpaper.

Photo via HGTV.com

This photo shows the best way to integrate emerald into your current home decor – find a fabric that has a range of colors you like that also includes emerald.  Then you can pick out the emerald with a couple of well placed accessories to bring a little added attention to the color.

Photo via Pantone Pinterest board

Brightened with lots of white, this extensive use of the jewel toned green shows its sophisticated side.

Photo via Nostalgia and Now.blogspot.com

Painting a wall vivid green sends a bold and dramatic message – you’re a leader, not a follower!  This room shows that black and white and gray work beautifully to calm the brightness of emerald.

Photo via Tobi Fairley Interior Design

Green is a very livable color as it reflects the shades and tones we see in nature every day.  The softer tones of emerald and organic patterns above make a more casual, inviting room.

Photo via Robin Bond Interiors.com

If you’re not ready to paint walls or replace major pieces of furniture using emerald green, consider a quick update of some bright pillows, a couple of vases, an ottoman, or a piece of artwork.

Photo via ETSY, Schulman Arts

Add a pretty print like the one above from the ShulmanArts ETSY shop – filled with a range of greens, this soothing image would be a great way to introduce green into your room.

By the way, you will be able to add that pop of emerald color to your home with Pantone bedding, pillows, bath towels and accessories available exclusively at JCPenney stores and on jcp.com beginning February 1, 2013.

How much emerald green will you add to your home this year?  Will you start with a pillow or a small piece of art or are you ready to get out the paint brush?

If you’d like a little help working green (or any other color) into your current color scheme, YDH has a couple of ways we can help.  Our e-book is 100 pages filled with tips and tricks about choosing color ($14.99) or we can help with a personalized color consultation for only $30.  Contact us for more information.

 

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