Green's charm is undeniable; its boldness and versatility can breathe life into any space. This month, interior designer Nina Campbell shared her insights on embracing green in decor, along with key missteps to avoid.
Interest in green decor has surged recently, influenced by the past year's circumstances. Ruth Mottershead, Creative Director at a renowned British paint company, notes:
'As we lean towards warmer natural stone shades like Travertine and Clay, green remains a favorite. From vibrant deep greens to subdued earthy tones, we find ourselves yearning for colors that connect us to nature.'
See: Green room ideas – explore colors that make a statement
While green's appeal is vast, its vibrant nature necessitates a careful balance to achieve the right atmosphere in your home.
Nina Campbell: 3 Ways to Integrate Green into Your Home
Enter Nina Campbell. This esteemed designer gained prominence in the late Sixties by transforming the iconic London club Annabel's. Today, she's a leading figure in interior design.
Who better to guide you on incorporating green into your spaces, whether it's your living room, bedroom, or bathroom?
1. Mix Shades of Green Through Furniture
'Most shades of green harmonize beautifully, as long as the overall design remains cohesive,' Nina suggests. She encourages adding a splash of chartreuse to energize the space, stating, 'A cushion or lamp in this hue can invigorate the entire room.'
2. Pair Green with White for Freshness
Nina advocates for the timeless combination of green and white, calling it a 'winning pair.'
'In fact, I believe green pairs best with white over any other color,' she remarks.
- See: Green kitchen ideas – inspiration for cabinets, walls, and beyond
3. Use Green as a Statement Accent
Nina believes green shines brightest when applied as a striking accent on a piece of furniture or in a specific area. 'Consider a lacquer finish on dark green walls,' she advises, recommending Invisible Green by Edward Bulmer for an exquisite touch.
Nina Campbell: 3 Common Mistakes When Using Green
1. Avoid Overdoing It with Green
Though green can transform a room into a contemporary oasis, too much can overwhelm. Nina warns, 'Avoid combining green walls with green carpets. It can be excessive.' Instead, she suggests one room painted green, flowing into others with accents of the color, creates a sense of continuity.
Pair bold green with neutral tones, like wood or stone flooring, for balance.
2. Steer Clear of Bright Greens
'Choose greens with a sophisticated undertone rather than harsh shades like vivid emerald,' she advises. Nina suggests grounding the space with a bold rug or a piece of black furniture to provide contrast.
3. Don't Use Solid Green in Bathrooms
Despite its durability, Nina recommends against solid green walls in bathrooms, as they may not be flattering to skin tones.
See: Nina Campbell's interior design tips – as inspiring as you'd expect
Alternatively, she notes that 'green and white wallpaper' can add charm to your bathroom walls.
