If you’re dealing with physical and emotional stress, your environment could play a key role in your well-being. Experts advocate that green is the ideal color for promoting health.
Representing nature, vitality, and growth, green is a popular choice in interior design. Whether it’s a bold accent, a striking pattern, or a soft backdrop, incorporating green into your home can help alleviate anxiety and foster a sense of peace.
Ruth Mottershead, creative director of Little Greene, suggests that selecting room colors can significantly transform a space, adding distinct personality and charm. However, it's crucial to steer clear of overly harsh colors that may exacerbate stress; focus instead on relaxing shades while avoiding colors known to induce stress.
Experts in color psychology and design share insights on why using green in decor can relieve stress, along with tips for crafting serene green spaces through thoughtful color combinations and accent shades.
Why is green the best color for health?
Green is widely recognized as a soothing and tranquil color. It embodies nature, making us feel uplifted and positive. Francesca Wezel, founder of Francesca’s Paints, notes that Goethe regarded green as particularly beneficial.
From olive to emerald and sage to seafoam, various shades of green can instill calmness in living areas and bedrooms, promoting relaxation, as stated by Jane Rockett of Rockett St George. These hues not only create a serene atmosphere but can also make small spaces appear larger while enhancing overall well-being.
Among the cool colors, green stands out for its versatility. According to Jane, it connects us to nature and evokes balance. Judy Smith from Crown Paints adds that greens with a blue undertone can be striking when paired with soft clay whites and light greys, creating a balanced, calming vibe.
What does green represent?
Color psychologists describe green as a welcoming hue, symbolizing tranquility and calmness. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to ease anxiety.
Fresh green shades bring a peaceful ambiance to any setting. Charlotte Crosby, head of creative at Farrow & Ball, emphasizes the importance of matching your chosen hue with complementary colors to maintain a cohesive flow in a room.
“Remember, there’s no universal rule for selecting healing colors,” advises Karen Haller, a color psychology expert. Cultural backgrounds and personal experiences can greatly influence how individuals perceive color.
Observe how green affects your mood and thoughtfully decide if it’s the right choice for enhancing your home’s health benefits.
Ways to incorporate green for health benefits
Using green prominently can create a peaceful and serene atmosphere, as it falls on the cooler end of the color spectrum.
Before establishing a green color scheme, consider the natural light in the room. Is it a warm or cool light? This will help in selecting an appropriate shade—warmer greens for cooler spaces and cooler greens for warmer ones. Here’s how to effectively use green to boost health and positivity.
1. Embrace green in your decor
Veronese Green soft touch matte for 118ml, Century collection, Benjamin Moore.
Incorporating green walls brings a slice of nature indoors, fostering a calming atmosphere regardless of the activity level in the space. This color suits a busy living room or a tranquil bathroom alike. Greens can also spark creativity, making them ideal for home offices.
In an east-facing room, Benjamin Moore’s Veronese Green adds a refreshing touch in the morning and a cozy feel in the evening.
2. Brighten your entryway with green
Green works wonderfully in entryways, especially those with views of greenery outside. Emma Deterding, founder of Kelling Designs, highlights how green harmonizes with outdoor elements, creating a vibrant entrance that sets the mood for the entire home.
Pairing it with whites and creams keeps the area feeling airy. A lively green can invigorate the senses, but be cautious not to choose overly dark shades, which might create a heavy atmosphere.
3. Combine green with calming blue
Tricia Guild, founder of Designers Guild, believes that pairing blue and green is a classic and comforting choice, reminiscent of nature’s landscapes.
Designer Susan Deliss dismisses the notion of avoiding blue with green. It’s about what feels right for the room and its surroundings—no need for strict rules.
4. Blend green with natural materials
Green kitchens are trending for those who wish to reconnect with nature. This earthy hue pairs beautifully with natural materials like stone and wood, enhancing any room's calm vibe.
Green also looks stunning with white, perfect for cabinetry and backsplashes, especially in modern rustic or country-style kitchens with low ceilings.
