4 NEW GREENS TO FRESHEN UP YOUR DESIGN

Recently, I shared ideas for using Medallion’s new blues and deep teal paint, Marine, and today we’re going all the way through into the greens.

Just a few weeks ago Houzz posted article “4 Refreshing Kitchens with Green Cabinets” – so if you’re not entirely sure how to feel about all this green – I think this is just one of many highly publicized articles that will hit in 2019 to help you and your client get your mind around the growing trend.

THE GRASS IS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE!

Over the last year, we’ve seen a trend on the European forefront using accents and even full kitchens in green paint. But what is it about green that has gained people’s interest? Along with connotations of being healthy and emoting freshness, green has a history as a long-lasting color; after all, it’s a color found in most everyone’s back yards. Green with hints of blue share a calming comfortable vibe, like our ocean and sky blues, while yellow undertones add warmth and cheerfulness. Green paint is an especially harmonious pairing with wood stains because it’s a combination we see every day in nature! Our collection gives you something for just about anyone seeking green!

1. BAY LEAF

Light green with hints of yellow and tan, emoting warmth and serenity. Feels familiar and grounded. Fits seamlessly as a hint of color within Modern, Arts & Crafts, Farmhouse, Traditional and Transitional designs.

Perfect Pairings for Bay Leaf:

(Bottom left) Warm mid-to-dark brown stains complement Bay Leaf in Arts and Crafts or Traditional designs, while (top left) mid-to-dark neutral stains are great for Transitional or Farmhouse designs. Top right: Neutral/warm grays maintain a subtle color-washed scene and (bottom right) tones of tan offer warmth and character as a neutral in lieu of white.

The first thing that comes to my mind with Bay Leaf is the Mid-Century Modern likeness. However, this style theme doesn’t require a historic bungalow or Frank Lloyd Wright home in order to be implemented. Think about how it works in a Transitional design with elements of décor and styling that make it current:

Platinum Hudson Falls maple Buff with Bayside maple Bay Leaf create a serene color duo against a backdrop of a complementary statement color: Cavern Clay (Sherwin Williams COTY). Organic elements like hardwood scraped flooring and concrete look counters and tile add subtle texture. A contemporary woodgrain infinity pendant and vintage copper handles complete the updated vibe of this style story.

2. ALOE

A light to mid-tone minty green with a bit of a nostalgic 50’s feel. Lends a crisp lighthearted color to a white kitchen in Traditional or Transitional themes and with the right pairings, Aloe works surprisingly well in a Contemporary design, like in this Caesarstone kitchen:

Bella in Aloe with Brava in white matte glass are the perfect pair to create a similar nature-inspired room-scape. White-washed wide plank oak flooring and bright design elements like Intense White quartz counters make this contemporary scene natural and inviting.

But if Contemporary isn’t quite the flavor for your market, we’ve paired several more finishes with Aloe for a wider variety of design themes:

Warm tones (above): Aloe brings a contrasting cool spirit to an otherwise warm palette, while (below) white or gray and hand brushed texture make Aloe a striking complement to a Coastal or Farmhouse theme.

3. EUCALYPTUS

Slightly deeper than mid-tone, this warm brilliant green with de-saturated undertones of gray-blue, make it a wonderfully versatile color for most every style theme.

As shown at KBIS 2019, we paired Eucalyptus with Safari and shiplap accents of knotty alder Eagle Rock for the ultimate Modern and fresh Farmhouse design:

I’m excited to see how you use this color as I think it is a great go-to for introducing a client to green. It works so well with other finishes but can also enhance a design as the primary color; as seen in this Traditional Home article featuring this kitchen by interior designer Bradley Odom. I love how the homeowners changed from their original thought of a white kitchen to green. This was widely due to the scenes that reflected through the window and cast a green hue to the room. So rather than fight it, they chose to embrace it with the advice of their designer. And they love it!

Below, you’ll find more on-trend color pairings for Eucalyptus that work for Transitional, Farmhouse and even Coastal style themes.

As you may have also seen by now, I tend to look for ways to impart a third color in a design, so I pulled together these trios to show how versatile Eucalyptus can be:

4. CYPRESS

Rich and full-bodied, Cypress is a spin off the classic hunter green with hints of blue that bring the color up to par with today’s trends. Bold designs will use Cypress in color blocking, while a more mainstream approach will place it in accents like a hood or an island. It’s classy, timeless and sophisticated for Traditional and Transitional styles; and a bold move for Contemporary or Farmhouse themes.

On the bolder side of color pairings, here’s a glance at what will further draw out the mood using Cypress:

Of course, the classic white kitchen would be anything but basic with a focal point of Cypress! Also on the forefront of trends are subtle shifts away from white; so don’t forget to take a look at Natural Linen as a great alternative that maintains the light and airy feel sought out by today’s white kitchen client.