Green is Back and in a Modern Way

Yes, ladies. Green is back. It’s been slowly making it’s way back into decor for the past year and we’re seeing it more and more lately. You may have even noticed the Entri Ways website has gravitated toward using more greens and lots of my facebook posts include it. That’s because green is back and in a modern way.

Photo by Teddy Edwards – Browse kitchen photos

Back in the 1970’s, avocado green was everywhere. Mostly on appliances and sofas. In the 80’s we saw a lot of emerald green carpets. In the 90’s, the dark green imitation marble countertops seemed to be everywhere. Then green lightened up to a seafoam green in the early 2000’s – remember the green & yellow trend?

Today’s green is so different. It’s bold. It’s confident. Yet it’s organic and calming. How is that? How can a color be bold and stand out, yet be subdued and calming? It’s because green in natural.

When you walk into a forest and see the towering, dark green (almost black) pine tree standing boldly on its own or in a group you can barely see through it, but it’s not threatening. Instead it feels safe, like having a guard standing by your side protecting you.

Then imagine the bright red and orange trees of Autumn. They make you stand still because the audacious color takes your breath away, but looking through the sparse branches it’s a stunning but uneasy feeling. A completely different feeling in your gut, correct?

I’ve been using green in my home for a while now. That green office you see in the background is the one room in our house that hasn’t changed color since we moved in close to 16 years ago. As a matter of fact, I also had a similar dark green room in our first home. I still love the color.

Green stands out and blends all a the same time. And the darkest greens (almost black like the evergreens), ground a space. Let’s explore a few…

Photo by Teddy Edwards – Discover kitchen design inspiration

Today’s modern greens are best paired with shades of white and woods. The whites can range anywhere from a bright cotton white to a light gray. The woods range from whitewashed or natural pine to dark stained walnut – similar to the trunk of an evergreen.

Here are a few greens from the Farrow & Ball color line with mostly black and some blue undertones.

Photo by Anthropologie – Look for living room pictures

Today’s green is best used as an accent. That may be from a fiddle fig houseplant or in the form of a bold accent wall. Regardless, it’s the pairing with the natural woods and white that makes it work in today’s modern decor.

And don’t forget to throw in a little black or really dark (almost black) gray. The smallest amount of black in a room will works two ways. It will ground a brighter green and tone it down. Or, if you’re using a really dark forest green, it will make the color brighter, richer and more colorful.

Photo by ae design – Discover bedroom design ideas

Photo by GreyHunt Interiors – Browse bedroom photos

Photo by Kindred Construction Ltd. – Browse family room ideas

If you already have a primarily blue and white room and you’re loving the modern greens, don’t worry. Green pairs really well with blue too. Just remember to balance the green evenly around the room.

Photo by Tom Stringer Design Partners – Discover living room design inspiration

Photo by Kristin Drohan Collection and Interior Design – Discover family room design ideas

Photo by SPACE Architects + Planners – Discover kids’ room design inspiration

Photo by Johnston Home LLC – Discover home office design inspiration

Now let’s talk green patterned walls. Talk about a statement! I’m actually speechless trying to find the right words to describe these. Colorful wallpaper and tiled accents walls have been working their way into modern decor. Unlike a bright red though, the green feels natural while still giving that ‘Wow’ factor!

Photo by Dvira Interiors – Look for nursery design inspiration

Photo by White Space Design San Francisco – Discover powder room design inspiration

Normally these would be too busy for my taste. But, what makes my mind stay at ease in these otherwise ‘active’ and busy rooms is the use of lots of white and a little bit of black to keep the design grounded.

Photo by Cary Bernstein Architect – Discover bathroom design inspiration

If these are still a little too bold for your taste. The small amount of green in this bathroom may be more your speed. Instead, they added a softer green at eye level and a pattern on the floor.

Photo by Pavel Zheleznov – Look for bathroom design inspiration

Remember earlier when I said green pairs well with whites anywhere from bright cottons to light grays? Here’s a perfect example of that. So if you have gray walls, green can work for you too.

Photo by Classic Cottages LLC – Discover living room design ideas

Finally, let’s not forget the exterior. This classic New England barn is stunning in this bright green, but I also think it could be a dark forest green and be just as incredible.

Photo by Rockport Post & Beam – Search shed pictures

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to products I love.