When it comes to styling your living space, color is a powerful tool for showcasing your unique taste. While neutral tones like creams, grays, tans, and browns have been the go-to choices for years, designers are now embracing nature-inspired blues and greens with excitement. Here are some guidelines on incorporating these cheerful hues into your home, as suggested by our beloved Southern designers.Related: Top 15 Evergreen Paint Colors for Timeless Appeal, Recommended by DesignersGuideline 1: Embrace Color ImmersionC.W. NewellAccording to Anna Still from Still Johnson, a design firm based in Birmingham, Alabama, their strategy involves selecting a base wall color and adjusting its intensity across other elements in the room. For instance, in a living room adorned in Sherwin-Williams’ Dark Night (SW 6237), the designers carried the rich blue shade onto various pieces like a velvet sofa, chairs, and accessories, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. “Blue and green serve as our ‘neutrals’ since they effortlessly complement other hues, anchoring the room’s design,” explains Still. “These colors provide a comforting and grounding effect due to their prevalence in nature.”Guideline 2: Highlight with Trim DetailsMarkus Wilborn of MW ConceptsWhile traditional neutrals have long been favored, Atlanta designer DuVäl Reynolds of DuVäl Design believes that green and blue offer a refreshing twist by adding personality while maintaining a familiar ambiance. Utilizing green for trim, as seen in a dining room featuring Sherwin-Williams’ Rosemary (SW 6187), can provide a natural and calming touch without overwhelming the space. This infusion of color brings warmth and sophistication to the room.Guideline 3: Amplify Impact with Bold ChoicesAnna Routh Barzin”Green as a neutral allows us to layer color harmoniously,” says designer Barrie Benson from Charlotte, North Carolina. In a sunroom enveloped in Farrow & Ball’s Calke Green (No. 34), the seamless transition between interior and exterior through color enhances the room’s ambiance. By painting the entire space in green, Benson creates a connection to nature, enabling the introduction of vibrant accent colors for a lively atmosphere.Guideline 4: Experiment with Contrast and TexturesCarmel BrantleyDesigner Lori Deeds of Kemble Interiors in Palm Beach opted for an earthy palette in an Old Florida-style farmhouse. Contrasting trim in Benjamin Moore’s Under the Big Top (1675) with a Schumacher wallpaper and table skirt adds a playful twist to the classic design in a cozy breakfast nook.Guideline 5: Subtle SophisticationJennifer HughesFor Mar
For interior designer Laura Hodges, a neutral color palette is the foundation of her design aesthetic, allowing her to play with pops of color without overwhelming a space. Embracing the tranquil essence of blues and greens, Hodges sees them as a means to invite the natural world indoors. She believes these hues harmonize effortlessly with various settings, particularly in spaces illuminated by abundant natural light.
In a serene Maryland residence enveloped by lush trees, Hodges sought to create a soothing ambiance in the living room. Opting for a soft, sky-inspired shade (Benjamin Moore’s Silvery Blue, 1647) on the walls, she then introduced accents in warmer red and coral tones. The resulting combination exudes a sense of timelessness and tranquility that fosters a calming atmosphere.
Hodges emphasizes the importance of allowing artwork, decor, and individuals to shine within a space. By carefully curating a balance between a serene backdrop and vibrant accents, she ensures that each element within the room has its moment to be appreciated.
