The Meaning of Color: Green
In the design world as in nature and the spiritual realm, green represents growth, harmony and new beginnings
In this series on the meaning of color, we’re looking at color from a wide range of perspectives: design, psychology, philosophy and nature. So far we’ve examined red, orange and yellow. Now it’s time to delve into green, the color of nature, and, according to one color trendsetter, 2017’s color of the year. From the way it makes us feel to how it’s used in our homes, let’s get to know the color green a little bit better.
The color green and mood. As the hue associated with nature, green is a color that people tend to feel very comfortable around. It represents growth, freshness and harmony and tends to make people feel safe and secure. Lighter greens, which bring to mind the new growth of spring, feel more energetic, while deeper forest greens have a more serious, somber connotation.
The color green in feng shui. This hue represents healing, growth and new beginnings. The relaxing nature of green makes it a good choice for living rooms and bedrooms, and it works well in large expanses.
Feng Shui Basics for a Happy Home
Feng Shui Basics for a Happy Home
The color green in nature. The color of forests, grass and many fresh foods, green is one of the most plentiful colors in nature, making it naturally soothing. Because we’re so used to being surrounded by green, bringing a bit of it indoors is always welcome, whether it’s through paint color or houseplants.
Nature’s Color Wisdom: Lessons on Green From the Great Outdoors
Nature’s Color Wisdom: Lessons on Green From the Great Outdoors
Green and the chakras. If you’re into yoga or meditation, you may have heard of the chakras; in some forms of Buddhism and Hinduism they are considered centers of energy in the body.
The chakras start at the base of the spine and go up to the crown of the head, with the lower chakras being more closely related to our physical bodies and the upper chakras more to our spirit.
The heart chakra, which is associated with the color green, is at the center of the chakras and represents the connection between our body and spirit, joy, love and inner peace. When the heart chakra is balanced, we can let love and compassion flow easily.
The chakras start at the base of the spine and go up to the crown of the head, with the lower chakras being more closely related to our physical bodies and the upper chakras more to our spirit.
The heart chakra, which is associated with the color green, is at the center of the chakras and represents the connection between our body and spirit, joy, love and inner peace. When the heart chakra is balanced, we can let love and compassion flow easily.
The color green in design. The way green is used in design depends a great deal on the particular shade: Lighter greens such as chartreuse and lime look right at home in modern settings, while deeper greens read as more traditional and historic. Add a dollop of blue to your green and you get duck egg — an ideal hue for a kitchen. Or go for a more muddied, earthy green for a modern organic vibe. As far as color pairings go, you can’t go wrong with white and wood. Greens can play well with either yellow or blue (the adjacent hues on the color wheel), or pair them with purple for a more dramatic effect.
Color Guide: How to Work With Green
Color Guide: How to Work With Green
Using green at home. Pale mint and duck egg green look right at home in the kitchen, while soft spring-green walls can make for a refreshing atmosphere in a study, bedroom or living room. And for a traditional library, you can’t beat walls and bookcases painted a rich, deep, glossy green.
How to Pick the Right Green Paint
How to Pick the Right Green Paint
The color green and you. Green can be a relaxing color choice for the walls — but only if you love it! If you’d rather get your greens in smaller doses, try starting with a few houseplants before committing to a wall color.
Exploring further. Deepen your color awareness by trying out one or more of these explorations:
Read more about decorating with green
- Take a walk in nature and simply soak in the green around you, noticing how it makes you feel.
- Browse a gorgeous local nursery, paying attention to the many variations of green on display.
- Go for a neighborhood walk with your camera and snap pictures of all the inspiring gardens you happen by.
- Go on a color hunt in an art museum or gallery, searching for works that use green.
Read more about decorating with green
