Today’s Riddle:
What’s beautiful, refreshing, neutral, celebrated, healthy, supporting, exciting, and the theme of the week?
Here’s a clue…
…alright I’ll tell you…it’s the color GREEN!
How can it be all of those things, you ask?
Well, it’s magical! 😉
You see…one of my favorite classes as an interior design student was Color Theory. We learned about each color, the effects they have on our well being, what they represent in different countries and cultures, their characteristics, and more.
That class is where I fell in love with the color green. {sigh}
So, I wanted to share a few reasons why GREEN is one of the coolest colors there is. Literally.
First off…it’s a neutral color. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s true!
Think about a bouquet of flowers. What is the underlying, backdrop to all the pretty petals? The greens.
It’s the color of the trees, the grass, the weeds, the patchwork quilt of fields, and mountain sides. Because it is one of earth’s neutral colors, it can be considered a neutral in other aspects of our lives as well!
FASHION
One of the funnest places to play with color. Green can be worn with other neutrals allowing it be the “color” or it can be worn with other colors letting it take a more subtle role. There is a long history of green in fashion. I know some people don’t like wearing green, but when it is worn away from the face, it’s a great color anyone can pull off! Colored jeans are a huge trend right now and a great way to incorporate green into your wardrobe.
Green can also be considered a gender-neutral color. Both baby boy and girl things are made using the color green.
Pantone recently released the Fall Fashion Colors for 2012…an Ultramarine Green is included! 🙂
Interior Design
Another great place to have fun with green! It can appear in the accessories pieces, but also in cabinetry, paint, furniture, ceiling colors, flooring, and more. Green is one of the few colors you can use all different hues and tones together in the same place, because they never “clash”. Here’s a virtual board using many greens for the same room.
{Click on the name to find item: corner shelf unit, floral art piece, sofa slipcover, mirror, lamp, side table, rug, coffee table, left pillow, right pillow.)
One trick to pull off an analogous color scheme is to have at least one piece in the room that combines all the colors. The art piece in this design board does just that. To keep it from being too overwhelming, it is good to balance the color with black and white pieces.
Another design tip: “Bring the outdoors in”. One of my favorite ways to do this is by adding green vegetation. Whether it is a real plant, a silk arrangement, or a bouquet of flowers, the appearance of nature in a space instantly warms and brightens the atmosphere.
Psychology & Symbolism of Green
You’d be surprised, but adding green to different rooms in the house will have different affects on a person, because each room is designed for different tasks. For example, green in a living room encourages contemplation whereas green in a bathroom encourages relaxation. {More here}.
It’s a lush and alive color as well. In western culture, it is a symbol for life or renewal. After a long winter, green buds are one of the first signs of new life.
I knew for years that I wanted to include green in my wedding colors. I found it pleasantly ironic that it was a symbol for new life. 😉
Last but not least…
FOOD
Have you noticed that fancy meals are usually served with sprinkles of green parsley or a fresh leaf on the side?
After what we’ve talked about today…why do you think that is? 😉
Green Smoothies are a big hit these days. We’ve recently introduced them into our diet and have already has some great results. Greens like Kale, Collards, and Spinach have some of the greatest nutrients per calorie of any food! {More here}.
Quick Green Smoothie Recipe
Add 3/4 to 1 cup of water, a handful of spinach, a leaf of kale, a leaf of collards. Blend until smooth.
Then add the fruits. I like adding a banana and then a few frozen berries. Those make it cold without having to add ice. It’s a good idea to start with more berries or a sprinkle or stevia to help with the leafy taste. Gradually add less over time.
Missy turns hers into popsicles for breakfast for her kids. Such a great idea!
Hope you have fallen more in love with the color green just as I have!
Enjoy celebrating and decorating with it this month…especially in honor of St. Patrick’s Day! Don’t miss our collection of printables, decor, games, activities, and leprechaun traps for that special green day!
{linking up to these parties}
Alison says
FUn Post Caley. Your pictures are beautiful!!
Nesleirbag says
I have always known it and all of my kids know it – GREEN is my favorite color! Now I know why! Be-u-ti-ful pics!
Caley says
Thanks you! …Yay for green lovers! 🙂
Claire says
I knew there was a reason why I liked green so much! I actually just professed my love for chartreuse green in my St. Patrick’s Day mantel post!
Thanks for the tips 🙂
– Claire @ alittlesomethinginthemeantime.blogspot.com
Caley says
Very cute Claire! I love all the ideas you come up with using paint swatches! So fun! Thanks for sharing!
Shelley says
I LOVE that you covered GREEN in so many areas. It is a nuetral and I never really thought about it like that!! Brilliant. I also used green (and white) as my wedding colors. great minds think alike. 😉 Great post Caley.
brenbren says
I have been having issues getting to your web page lately. Recently on certain posts I click to come over and instead of being directed here I am taken to http://www.totsy.com the 50% off post is one that does it. IS this normal, am I the only one experiencing this.
Missy says
I didn’t think I liked green that much, but I found myself agreeing with everything you said. I guess I like more than I thought I did! Gorgeous photography Caley!
Talana says
Love this post! Green is my favorite, too, for all of the reasons you said! I have green cabinets in my hope. Yep, green. I was a little worried at first with how that work year-round, but I figured I could always repaint them if I hate them but they’ve been green for five years now and I don’t plan on changing them any time soon! I have found that the green I chose(grasshopper wing from BEHR)really work with every season. It goes with the pumpkins in fall, the berries in winter, and all the fresh plants and flowers in spring and summer.
Caley says
Ohh! Your home sounds gorgeous! I love someone who isn’t afraid of a little color! 😉
Susie says
I have been a fan of green for years now. I’m glad everyone finally got on the bandwagon. It is calming, vibrant, sophisticated, and homey. Thanks for making everyone else realize what a wonderful color green is.
jen says
Love green and “greens”. We also love green smoothies and have found that the best cover of the green taste is to squeeze a lemon or lime into the mix. Use half or whole or more depending on your quantity and taste. Really yummy with any fruit and green mixture.
Caley says
Thank you Jen! I’ve been looking for ways to switch up the flavor so I don’t get tired of it! I’m definitely trying this today! Have a great weekend!
Stephanie says
LOVE green! Having a nice pop of green in decor makes an interior instantly feel more alive and fresh. I’m itching to add more now to help it feel like spring around here!
Kellee says
That dahlia flower is so beautiful!!! I love the two tone colors!
Ashley says
Love green. Love your pictures!!