Decoration in green: add freshness and sustainability to your project
Interior design is one of the most creative ways to express our personality and style at home. If there is a colour which can add a freshness and vitality touch to any space, this is, without a doubt, green. From the softer and delicate tones to the most vibrant and saturated ones, green is a versatile choice adaptable to any decorative style. It can also inspire emotions of calm, relaxation, positivity and harmony.
Green is not only a beautiful and elegant colour: but it also has a profound significance in nature, psychology and culture. From forests and gardens to fashion and architecture, green has inspired artists, designers and creatives worldwide. In interior design, green is a way to connect with nature, create an energized environment and show our creativity with the purest personal style.
In this post, we will explore the decoration world in green, from its symbolism and meaning to its practical application in different decorative styles and house rooms. We will discover the green chromatic palette and shades, explore its presence in nature, architecture, fashion and paint, and analyse its impact on human psychology. Come with us in this colour and creativity adventure and discover how decoration in green can transform your home into a serene oasis with the purest eco-friendly style, following the last trends.
Green in decoration
Interior design with green can be a way to add freshness, calm and naturalness to the spaces of the home. Depending on the decorative style that it is used, the green tonality would be used in one way or another to emphasize the decorative elements.
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How to use green in different decoration styles?
In a minimalistic style, green can be used to add a touch of colour to a neutral and simple space. It can be used in soft and muted tones, such as a greyish-green, to maintain a sense of calm and serenity in the space.
On their behalf, the bohemian style is known because of its love of nature and organic elements. Thus, green is a perfect option to add nature and freshness to a bohemian space. It can be used in bright and bright tones in textiles, as pillows or curtains, or in plants and interior gardens.
In the Scandinavian style, simplicity and natural light love are key. Green can be used in this style to add a touch of colour to a white and minimalistic space. Soft tones and clear greens, such as mint green, can add a touch of freshness without overwhelming the space.
Likewise, in the classical style, green can be used to add a touch of elegance and sophistication. A dark green, such as forest green, can add profundity and drama to a classical space. It can be used in walls, furniture or textiles such as curtains and carpets.
Using green in the different rooms at home can add freshness, naturality and serenity to the spaces. The choice of tonality and the quantity of green will depend on the personal style of each person and the sense they want to create in the room. Then, we are going to deal with some tips to use green in different rooms at home:
- Living room: you can use green pillows and curtains to give a natural and fresh touch to the space. You can also add green plants in flowerpots of different sizes and forms to create a sense of garden in the interior. Another idea is to paint a wall in dark green to create a cosy and sophisticated environment.
- Bedroom: a pale green wall can help to create a calm and relaxing environment in the bedroom. You can also opt for bedding with green tones motifs to add a touch of colour without being too overwhelming. In addition, paintings and framed photographs of green landscapes can be an excellent way to bring nature indoors.
- Kitchen: green tiles can be an attractive and modern option in the kitchen. You can combine them with stainless steel household appliances and white granite worktops to create a contemporary look. Green kitchen accessories, such as bowls and dishes, can also be a fun way to add colour to decoration.
- Bathroom: a green watercolour is a popular option for bathrooms because it adds a fresh and calm touch. You can use it in tiles or walls, or the shower curtain or accessories. Another idea is to add towels and carpets in green tones to maintain the continuity of the colour in all the space.
These are only some ideas to integrate green in different rooms at home. Remember that green is very versatile and can be used in many ways, from subtle touches to bold statements.
Tiles in green to decorate a project
At Dune, as leaders in the design and distribution of Spanish ceramics, our job is to study trends and create tiles that meet the demands of the market and, for that reason, we have a wide variety of green tiles.
If there is one thing that makes our series stand out, it is their exuberant colours and explosion of textures. And green could not be less. In this case, without a doubt, the Agadir Selva tiles are a clear exponent of the fact that green ceramics make a difference. Whether for a residential, contract or retail project. This collection stands out for its finish and imitation of zellige ceramic.
Likewise, the Tabarca pieces count also with a green tile. This collection is distinctive because of its shade variation between pieces, and its aesthetics, which imitates the handcraft work of potters.
Similarly, under the Flat and Exa series, both count with the green colour in different shades, both in the pastel family colour and in the Victorian family colour. This type of tile is very versatile and can be used in a multitude of rooms or projects. Thanks to the neutrality emanated, they are suitable for any decorative style.
On the other hand, following trends in big-size format marbles, all the luxury and sophistication lovers search is the Amazonite collection. Its marble shades in mint green are perfect for designing a porcelain tile that radiates style.
How to decorate with green tiles for your contract or retail project?
If you are a professional in the decoration or architecture sector and you work on contract projects, you can find your great ally in green. Thanks to this colour you will be able to directly connect the leisure space with nature and create a very natural project.
Thus, we offer you a list of ideas for decorating with green tiles a restaurant, hotel, store or entertainment venue:
- The bar
- Zones differentiation
- Space for the DJ cabin
- Boxes zone
- Fitting rooms
Symbolism of green
Green has a wealth of symbolism and meaning in many cultures and traditions, as well as in human psychology. Below we will explore some of the basic meanings of green and their application to interior design:
Green meaning in nature
Green is the colour of nature, and it is associated with growth, renovation and life. In interior design, green can be used to create a natural and relaxing environment. For instance, a wall painted in a soft green tone can simulate the sense of being around nature, while plants and green flowers can add a freshness and vitality touch.
The symbolism of green in the Oriental culture
In Chinese culture, green is the colour of Spring, and it is associated with fertility and youthfulness. In Japanese culture, green is the colour of harmony and serenity, and it is used for interior design to create a Zen and relaxing environment. In interior decoration, green decorative elements such as carpets, pillows, curtains and other textiles can evoke these cultural meanings and create a peaceful and calm environment.
The psychological meaning of green
In colour psychology, green is associated with calm, harmony and emotional stability. This colour is known to have a relaxing effect on the mind and body, which makes it an excellent choice for decorating spaces where a calm and relaxed atmosphere is desired. For example, in a bedroom, a soft green wall or a green bedspread can help create a relaxing atmosphere and facilitate sleep.
The symbolism of green in the Occidental culture
In the Occidental culture, green is associated with nature and hope. It is also a colour that is used for representing health, luck and fertility. In interior design, green can be used in different house rooms to transmit these meanings. For instance, in a kitchen, a green wall can inspire the cooking of healthy and fresh food, while in a baby bedroom, a green cradle can evoke the idea of new life.
Green tones and shades
The green chromatic palette is very extensive, and it offers a large variety of shades and tones, that can be used in interior design to create different environments and effects. Now, we present you some of the tones and the most common combinations:
- Dark green: is an intense tone that can transmit a serious and elegant environment. In interior decoration, dark green can be used in walls or decorative elements to create a sophisticated environment. Combined with neutral tones such as beige or grey, it can make an elegant and classical decorating. It can also be combined with brighter tones, such as yellow or orange to add an energetic touch.
- Olive green: is a more subdued and earthy tone that evokes nature and tranquillity. This green tone is ideal for creating a warm and cosy environment in a room. It can be combined with neutral tones, such as brown or beige to create a rustic and elegant environment.
- Lime green: is a bright and cheerful tone that can be used for adding a vitality and energy touch to a room. This green tone is ideal for children or youth rooms, as well as in work or study spaces where people find a tighter focus. It can be mixed with neutral tones, such as white or grey to smooth its intensity and achieve a modern and fresh decoration.
- Mint green: is a soft and delicate tone that transmits a sense of calm and tranquillity. This green tone is ideal for creating relaxing and fresh environments in rooms such as bedrooms or bathrooms. It can be used with neutral tones, such as white or beige to create an elegant and fresh decoration.
Regarding combinations with other colours, green can be combined with different tones to create different effects in interior design. Some of the most popular combinations are:
- Green and white: this combination is classic and elegant and evokes a fresh and clean sense. It is ideal for decorating spaces, such as bathrooms or kitchens.
- Green and grey: this combination is sophisticated and modern and it is ideal for creating an elegant and timeless decoration in any house room.
- Green and orange: this combination is cheerful and energetic, and it is ideal for decorating youth rooms or workspaces where people found a higher concentration.
Pantone and its recognition of green
Pantone, the leading company in the colour and visual communication world, chooses annually the “Colour of the Year”. Its opinion is very influential in the design and fashion industry. Over the years, Pantone has selected different green tones with this distinctive, what it reflex the popularity and the importance of this colour in culture and society.
For instance, in 2013, Pantone chose emerald green (Pantone 17-5641) as the "Colour of the Year", describing it as "luminous and radiant, a seductive shade of green that draws us into its intoxicating spell". In 2017, the "Colour of the Year" was Greenery (Pantone 15-0343), which was described as "a refreshing and revitalising yellow-green hue that evokes the first days of spring".
In the choice of the “Colour of the Year” of Pantone, different aspects such as cultural trends, societal mood and the influence of colour in the different design and fashion areas are taken into account. Green is a colour that can convey a wide range of emotions and feelings, from calm and serenity to vitality and energy, which is why it has been selected several times by Pantone.
Green in psychology
At this point, we are going to analyse the meaning of green from the psychological side. In this area, green is widely known for its capacity to transmit a sense of serenity, calm and balance. The exposition of this colour can be positive effects on the state of mind and the mental health of people.
Then, we detailed the most relevant psychological effects that green causes:
- Relaxation: green is a colour that is associated with relaxation and tranquillity. This association is largely due to the connection between green and nature, which evokes feelings of calm and harmony. Therefore, exposure to this colour can help reduce stress and anxiety levels.
- Renewal: green is also a symbol of renewal and growth because it is associated with the rebirth of Spring. It can transmit a sense of hope and optimism, which can be beneficial to these people going through tough times.
- Balance: green is a balanced colour which combines the blue calm effects with the yellow vitality. This combination makes a sense of balance and harmony, which can help to balance emotions and moods.
- Health: green is also associated with health and wellness, which can have positive effects on people's mental health. For example, the exposition of this colour can help to reduce blood pressure and heart rate, and it can improve the quality of sleep.
As a result, the exposition of green can have a lot of beneficial effects on the state of mind and people’s mental health. That is why, frequently, it is used in therapeutical or healing spaces, such as hospitals, health centres, pharmacies or mental health centres. In addition to this, we have to highlight that green is an excellent option for interior decoration because propitiates tranquillity and harmony to any space.
Green in nature
Green is the king of colours in nature. This is partly because green is the colour of chlorophyll, the pigment that allows plants to photosynthesise. The presence of the colour green in flora and fauna is very wide and diverse. Here are the most representative examples of the colour green in nature:
- Flora: green is the predominant colour in the leaves of plants, but it can also be found in other elements, such as stems, flowers and fruits. In nature, green appears in different tones, from the dark green of the forests to the soft green of the meadows.
- Wildlife: in wildlife, green is present in the skin of some animals, such as lizards, snakes, frogs and, and also, in the sea plumage, such as parrots and parakeets. Furthermore, there are insects, such as grasshoppers, praying mantis and caterpillars that have an intense green as camouflage to merge into their natural environment.
In this sense, the presence of the colour green in nature can be a great source of inspiration for interior decoration, as it evokes feelings of tranquillity and harmony. Furthermore, the concept of biophilia in interior design should not be overlooked, as more and more interior design professionals are including the concept of sustainability in construction.
Then, we give you some tips to integrate green natural elements in interior decoration:
- Plants: integrating plants in interior design is an excellent way to add natural elements to the space. Plants can also help to improve air quality and reduce stress levels.
- Accessories: accessories inspired by nature, such as glass jars with branches and sheets, pillows with floral printings or carpets with artificial grass, can be an excellent way to integrate natural elements into interior design.
- Colours: integrating green colours in the decoration, whether in walls, accessories or upholstery, can transmit a sense of calm and balance in the space.
- Materials: opt for natural materials, such as wood, wicker, stone or bamboo in decoration, which can help to create a sense of warmth and emphasize the connection with nature.
Green in gastronomy
Green in a table is a very interesting decorative element, as well as food in this colour, is a synonym of healthy food. Fruits and green vegetables are rich in nutrients and vitamins, which are excellent options for any food or table decoration. Do you want ideas to make your table brimming with health thanks to the colour green? Then take note:
- Spinaches: are a perfect green vegetable option for decorating tables. They can be used as a base for salads or for decorating dishes with intense green. They can also be used as the garrison of the main dishes.
- Avocado: is a green fruit ideal for decorating tables and dishes. It can be sliced thinly and placed in salads or on toast as a garnish. It can also be made into homemade guacamole and used as a dip to accompany any dish.
- Green apples: green apples are a delicious and decorative fruit that can be added to table decoration. They can be cut into thin slices and decorate desserts or pies, or simply serve as a snack.
- Kiwi: kiwi is a green fruit with a unique flavour and a very attractive aspect. It can be cut into thin slices and served in salads or decorate desserts. You can also make Kiwi skewers for a more original presentation.
- Cucumbers: cucumbers are green vegetables used for decorating salads, main dishes and appetizers. They can be cut into thin slices and served in a source with other vegetables to serve as an appetizer or garrison.
Therefore, to introduce these green elements to tables decoration, we give you some tips to add a plus to the interior design of your home, as well as the freshness is boosted:
- Use fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure an attractive and healthy presentation.
- Use light colour containers or dishes to highlight the green colour of fruits and vegetables
- Use techniques of cutting and presentation to create interesting and attractive shapes with fruits and vegetables.
- Combine different green fruits and vegetables to create a more diverse and attractive presentation.
Green in architecture
On the other hand, green is also present in architecture for many centuries. In Antiquity, green was used frequently in the decoration of temples and palaces. Egyptians, for instance, used green in their temples and monuments, such as the famous obelisk of Queen Hatshepsut. In Islamic architecture, green is used for representing life and fertility, thus hope and good fortune. The iconic green dome of the Prophet's Mosque in Medina is a prime example of this.
In modern architecture, the concept of sustainability and biophilia is flourishing and, that is the reason why green is used as a referent element in office buildings and public spaces to create a relaxing and calm environment. The use of green glass is also common in the construction of modern buildings, as a way to reduce the quantity of solar light and the heat that enters the building.
In interiors, green can be used in a variety of ways, from painting a wall or putting up green wallpaper in a room, to using green accessories and furnishings. One way to integrate green into interior architecture is through the incorporation of plants, which not only add colour but also health benefits such as air purification. Another option is the use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials, such as bamboo floors and walls or green linen curtains.
Architectural references using the colour green
Thus, there are a lot of architects that have included green in their buildings and space designs. One of the most highlighted is the architect and Italian designer Renzo Piano, who has used green in some projects. One of her most emblematical buildings, the Pompidou Center in Paris, has a bright green pipe outdoors which serves as a ventilation system. He has also used the colour green in other buildings, such as the New York Times building in New York, which has a green roof garden.
Another architect who has used green in his designs is the Swiss architect Peter Sumthor. In his project Thermal Baths in Vals (Switzerland), he uses green in natural stone walls, creating a relaxing and harmonious environment with the natural environment of the mountain.
In Spain, the architect Antonio Jiménez Torrecillas is known for using green in many of his designs, using sustainable and low-environmental impact materials in his buildings. In his project Casa Luz, in Cordoba, the walls are covered by green moss, creating a natural and cosy environment.
Green in fashion
Fashion does not escape the use of the colour green either. Its use can vary according to the period, the trend and the designer's style. Green is used in different shades, from bright and vibrant green to a softer and more muted green.
Nowadays, there are a lot of designers who have included it in their collections. From haute couture fashion designers to the cheapest fashion designers. For instance, during the New York Fashion Week, the designer Christian Siriano presented a dresses and suits collection in green tones, from lime green to green moss.
Another designer who has used green in his designs is the British fashion designer Christopher Kane, who has added green to his collections with different tones, from neon green to darker green. The Italian designer Giorgio Armani has also used green in his collections, using softer and muted tones on his night suits and office clothes.
Regarding how to use green in fashion, it can be used as an accentual colour in an outfit, such as a green bright blouse combined with a skirt or neutral pants, or as a complete outfit with green tones. It can also be used on accessories, such as shoes, bags or jewellery. The limit is on the creativity of who wears the clothes. Thus, green use in fashion design is a way to add freshness and vitality to an outfit. Its use will depend on the style and personal taste of each person.
To sum up, discovering the importance and green shades is fundamental if you want to use this colour in decoration. Positivism, freshness, serenity, concentration… All these things and more irradiate this tone! Take advantage of our advice and create a unique project.
