Wednesday, January 16, 2008

KEEN ON GREEN

It happens every winter around the middle of January… I dream about Green.
I imagine lush woods.
I daydream of warm ocean waters where aqua waves are striped with sea foam spume.
You’ve probably heard that color affects our moods—and green makes us feel more peaceful.
(Photographed at the Farrell home)

Adding houseplants or sufficient green in our interior decor can chase away the winter doldrums.
Green is serene. It’s also the color of spring… something I crave this time of year.
Lately, there’s been an explosion of green housewares, fabrics and accents.
(Photo courtesy of Melitta)

Green is the “it” color. It’s trendy because “green” is associated with environmental concerns—and solutions.
(Photographed at the Pirie home)

Keen on green? Not all shades are alike!

(Photo of Chihuly blown-glass at NYBG)

Depending on the greens you choose for your home you can create a comfortable and informal cottage look, a breezy party vibe or a classic country atmosphere.
For example, there’s Spruce
(photo courtesy of Atlas Hardware)

And Chartreuse
(Photo courtesy of Chantal cookware)

Take your inspiration from nature and decorate with Fern Leaf, Moss, or Agave Green.

Or raid the pantry for a Zen-like Wasabi shade, retro Avocado, Mint Julep, Soft Sage, Olive or Tropical Lime.
Of course, you can also choose gem tones like Jade or Emerald.
(Photographed at the Farrell home)

*** BLOG DU JOUR ***
Want to gaze at more absolutely beautiful things? Go to Anna Spiro’s stunning blog. Anna, an Australian Interior Designer, has impeccable taste.

50 comments:

Alison Gibbs said...

Barbara what a wonderful post.
To see so many shades of green - beautiful.
Alison

Siobhan said...

Hi Barbara, I too love green...my walls are the softest shade of green and you are so right...it does make you feel calm...something I really need lol.

Siobhan xo

Unknown said...

Oh I just love this post! I am so tired of snow and freezing cold temps! I am ready for flowers, bunnies, birds, flowers and even bugs, lol!

I love your blog :)

Hugs,
Amy

PAT said...

That kitchen is wonderful!! Green is a favorite of mine.

I love the color chartreuse. I should see where I can use that color, here at home.

Pat

Cindy@Cutepinkstuff said...

Welcome back! Love all the green. Your posts are beautiful and educational. I learn something new each time I visit! Cindy

CIELO said...

I’m with you, Barbara!—green, and sunlight, sunny days, the ocean and the spring coming slowly up its way, sweet spring, full of sweet days and roses, are my thoughts during these long winter days!

Have a happy day!

Cielo

NeereAnDear said...

One of my favorite shades of green is Chartreuse.... It makes such a statement when paired with bright colors... Love this post... its snowing here ... or was .....so this is a wonderful way to visit spring... so much for my robin siteing last week... global warming must be confusing the poor birds now too

HUGS

JO

A Romantic Porch said...

I LOVE green and have it all through my home. What a neat creative post today.

Liz Harrell said...

Mmm... I too crave spring and all things green this time of year. What about the color of money? That might be my favorite :)

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I love green. I love almost every color of green. Except neon....:-)

My guest room is "spanish moss".
Hugs,
Penny

Georgia Peachez said...

Ahhhh, green is so soothing and so are your beautiful pictures! I especially love the glass tile counter top. Just what I want to do to my wet bar. Lovely! xo, suzy

Anonymous said...

Hi Barbara, Oh for some GREEN right now. We have white and dull grey....:) However, your lovely post has reminded me of all the GREEN that will be back again soon. Loved looking at all the pretty shades of greeen. As always, thanks for sharing.....LOVED IT....!!!
Dianne

Susie Q said...

For years I had no interest in using the color green in my home. Now it seems that it is popping up everywhere as an accent. I also have green as the main color in the upstairs guest bath. It lifts my spirit and makes me smile....and, at this time of year, it shakes the Winter gloom!
This was a lovely post!

Hugs,
Sue

Gail McCormack said...

I love green at anytime of the year, thanks for your informative post Barbara.

shabbyfufu said...

Ahhhhhqua~ my favorite shade of green forever and a day! XO~ Janet

sherri said...

Fabulous Photos! Just Stunning - and have I told you lately that I LOVE your writing style? (I know you are a professional, but I still think it's awsome and worth pointing out) - "lush" woods, "spongy" moss, "striped" with sea foam, "dappled" sunlight, "warm" waters.....
I like to "see" in my mind what I am "reading" with my eyes....Your just fabulous. Period. I admire you so much :)
Keep the gorgeous photos and stories a comin' my dear!
xo Sherri

Betty Jo said...

Oh goodness! I long for green this time of year too. I can hardly wait until spring. My fave decorating colors are white, pink, and green, with a little yellow and blue mixed in here and there. Lovely post Barbara!! xoxo

Anna Spiro said...

Hi Barbara - thank you so much for the lovely complement you have given me of being your blog du jour! Very, very kind of you!!
X
Anna

Cindy Garber Iverson said...

I love green!!!!! It's all over my house! Isn't it tranquil and soothing? And, yes, this is the time of year where I crave it as well.

Cindy at Rosehaven Cottage

Anonymous said...

Hi Barbara, wonderful post, we too love green and most shades are around our new home in some form or another! It's a soothing fresh colour and as you said, very calming and serene without being cool. Love geen in tableware too. Have a lovely day Barbara :)
Jenn and Jacqui

blah said...

Dear barbara -thanks so much for dropping by my blog

what a fab post you have here - isn't the cactus a divine green! peak of chic just posted on green rooms too!

ABT is one of my all time favorite blogs = you have great taste! :-)

Adla said...

Green is truly a soothing colour1

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

Such a cheerful post! Love green, too! Also the kind in my wallet ;).

xo
Becky

love.boxes said...

I've had a lime green paint chip for over a year. I'm going to paint my main floor lime. I just hope it doesn't make us all look like we're in the tryouts for Wicked or something. :)

Mosaic*Queen said...

Hello Miss Barbara!
My favorite color is green and it shows as soon as you walk through my front door. My living room and dining room are green and so is my kitchen and my loft. When I'm feeling a little overwhelmed, I sit in the living room with something to drink and just gaze out the window. Green is a wonderful mood enhancer!
Hugs!

Michelle

cjan said...

I'm with you Barbara,

This white outside is getting a little much. Although I do love White on white.. Just the kind without the cold with it. LOL

Hugs,
Jan

Donna said...

Loved all the "green" photos! I am craving spring too!
Donna

Vintage Rose Collection said...

Barbara,
What a fabulous post, I love that apple green shade it goes with just about everything...
What I would give to be laying on that beach right now..Think Spring!
Jo

Charlotte said...

I visited your blog for this first time today. Absolutely love the picture in your heading. I'll be coming back regularly to visit. I just started blogging last Saturday and am having a ball. Would love to have you visit my blog.

Sandy said...

I loved seeing all the green, which happens to be my favorite color. This time of year everything where I live is grey and the green was a nice insert of color into my day, thanks!

Thank you for your recent visit to my blog and your kind and ecouraging comments. You really gave me some food for thought and I really appreciate it.

Anonymous said...

I love the color green. Great to see so many shades of it. Your writing is a pleasure to read. Fun post.

Have a great weekend.

Southern Heart said...

What a lovely post...I find myself craving green this time of year, too!

Back Through Time said...

What great photos and I would say you are ALL about green right now!!
Have a cozy weekend!
Michelle

Sandy McTier Designs said...

Just what I needed this time of year when I have the Jan. blues ~ a splash of green to lift my spirits!
Great post - lovely photos.
Have a wonderful week.
Blessings,
Sandy

Free Art Printables said...

Love those green things! I am right there! I just bought 2 vintage 1960's chartruese green chairs for myllivingroom (i'll have to post pics) from HIGBEE's..... Thanks for posting those great bits of eye candy!
Jen R

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

I just love green! Have always had some shade or another of green in my home. So fresh & lively & goes with everything.

Rhoda

Niesz Vintage Home said...

Great post!
I am very much a "green" person. It has always been the common color in every room of my home.
Right now, I'm drawn towards a sea green (with a touch of blue). But that vibrant chartreuse popular in 1940's textiles is, and always will be, a BIG favorite.
Thanks for sharing the lovely photos.

Kimberly :)

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Oh how I would love to have that kitchen with the brick alcove for the cooker - is than an Aga? I dream of such kitchens, and the spruce green is just perfect.

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

I love green because it goes with all my favorite flower colors, such a perfectly natural combo.

Sandra Evertson said...

Great post, I too am looking for more colors to add to my life!
Sandra Evertson

Tutti Chic said...

AHHHH! Is that a green AGA stove I spy in one of those pictures?? SO determined to have one in ANY color someday! Great post Barbara & I'm thinking green right about now too! Florida is so green & lush right now I hated to leave it & the tropical Islands were like being smack dab in the middle of a summers dream! I have two green rooms in my home that I never seem to get tired of so Green IS the "it" color! :) chris

Susie Q said...

I popped back in for another shot of green! It is so cold here today and I need this breath of Spring! I love this post...can you tell? : )
Last night I dreamed of Paris in the Spring...all manner of green everywhere!

*smile* I hope you are well.

Hugs,
Sue

Unknown said...

I always migrate back to green or use it as the underlying theme. Greens in all its schemes!

KJ

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Hi Barbara,
I lost your email address...can you email me?
Penny

Mélanie said...

Green !That is the perfect color above all with the new ecological mood ...
Wonderful post

Anonymous said...

There's just something about lime green that makes me perk up! I am ready for somer green here too - I am SO over the snow!

Barbara said...

All the pics are beautiful and what a variety of greens. I particularly like the blown glass.

Naturegirl said...

Green so much better than grey..skies
that is. Wonderful uplifting post!

Celestina Marie said...

Barbara, I love the shades of green that you featured. It is so fresh, clean and natural. Great pictures!

Celestina.
La Rea Rose

Anonymous said...

Great post, I have always loved green. Even as a young girl I painted my bedroom in a beautiful apple green.

Thanks for the effort in this post, it was great fun!

xo

Melissa