Have you ever thought about decorating with emerald green? The rich shade is the most luxurious, bold, but perhaps the most difficult shade of green to use. But that doesn't have to be the case.
It's true that jewel tone requires careful consideration before bringing it into your home, but when done right, decorating with green in this sophisticated hue can add instant charm, appeal and richness to a room.
Color and I have a long-standing relationship – I've been writing (and constantly thinking about it) for over a decade, most recently for the book I wrote that explores easy – and fun – ways to incorporate pigments of all kinds into a product integrate the home. Below I've explained how to decorate with emerald green, whether it's splashing your walls or adding smaller accents. Here's how to do it.
1. Harness the power of emerald green
(Image credit: Alexandra Rowley)
Incorporating green into our interiors is nothing new – but what is it that fascinates us all so much? The echo of nature that the shadow carries? His inherent calm feeling? The way it makes us take a breath and take a fresh look at everything? Yes, yes and yes.
Emerald green has a very special power. It's deep. It's intense. It's opulent. This richness commands attention, evoking a sense of luxury and mystery while embodying a timeless, never-out-of-fashion appeal.
To harness this power, use emerald green in unexpected design details to create a dramatic yet elegant mood – think emerald doors, staircases and architectural details, or for the tiling around or in a fireplace, where the vibrancy of the color is juxtaposed with a more neutral tone surroundings and makes the viewer raise an eyebrow.
2. Immerse yourself in the feeling
(Image credit: Bess Friday. Studio credit K Interiors)
When I bring a shade into my home, the first element I consider in my decision is how it feels and how the shade affects the atmosphere of the room and beyond. In most cases, green interiors make you happier.
Emerald green combines two emotional extremes – it can be vibrant and bold as well as calm and calming. “Most greens offer relaxation, but emerald is a little more energetic,” agrees Patrick O'Donnell, color expert and brand ambassador at Farrow & Ball. “In the right space, you can still feel calming – with a little mischief!”
Alongside its stimulating and impactful side comes an aura of opulence – there is a touch of majesty and opulence in emerald green, creating spaces that feel pampering and sophisticated.
Conversely, emerald green also evokes a feeling of balance and grounding, rooted in the tranquility of the natural world. While it's a more vibrant tone than you'd typically find while forest bathing, the color's clear connection to nature resonates when you bring it indoors. Decorating with emerald green exudes a core feeling of well-being and serenity that reminds us of walking barefoot outdoors – with a dynamic and modern touch.
3. Consider complementary and contrasting colors
(Image credit: Ater Architects)
Green color trends are an integral part of home design, so it makes sense that the tone would harmonize with many other hues. Because of its natural association, our eyes welcome green color combinations – you never think “that flower clashes with those leaves” – so the list of colors that go with green is happily endless.
Emerald green is a little more difficult to combine – but don't worry, there are still many colors that go well with emerald green too. “Classics that work with emerald green are soft pink tones for a charming, ethereal look, or try a good medium brown to calm it down,” says Patrick O'Donnell. “Combine emerald with a blue of similar strength, something that works.” The same vibrancy – a mix of blue and turquoise would be a pleasure.
“Emerald green is a color of many moods, depending on who she's with,” says interior designer Gray Walker, principal of Gray Walker Interiors in North Carolina. “Navy blue and emerald green create a crisp and clean space with a bold clarity that is fresh and classic. But when combined with black and charcoal gray it becomes very moody and mysterious, and when combined with reds and perhaps a touch of canary yellow it takes on a sophisticated cheekiness.”
There is also crisp white, which creates a fresh and clear contrast and emphasizes the dynamism of the emerald, or ivory for something softer and warmer. Choose mustard when decorating with emerald green for a bold yet down-to-earth contrast, or terracotta for more depth and an organic feel. Apply several shades of green to soften the impact of the emerald – I particularly love sage for a soft and muted contrast, earthy olive green to bring warmth, or an oceanic teal to accentuate the tone even more.
4. Assess your natural light
(Image credit: German Sáiz. Design: Sierra + de la Higuera)
For me, the emerald green color trend belongs in a room with lots of light so that the complexity and brilliance of the color can shine and be appreciated – but there are times when different light levels also suit it. It's important to consider how light affects green color before committing to a color (for this reason, testing swatches is non-negotiable).
A south-facing room with bright, direct light gives Smaragd the oomph it deserves and makes it appear most vibrant and saturated – these are good spaces to bring in big chunks of color to make the most of its outgoing personality. Try glossy finishes to create a reflective, jewel-like effect, or linen to create a striking contrast to the brightness of the room.
Bring emerald into a north-facing room with cooler and more diffused light and the tone will be more moody and muted. This is where texture comes into play – choose emerald fabrics in velvet, wool or bouclé to enhance depth and warmth, or use light-softening matte finishes for a cozy and enveloping effect.
5. Understand the undertones
(Image credit: Cat Dal)
The magic of the enduring fascination of decorating with emerald green lies in its undertones, which change the color impression and atmosphere of a room in which it is located.
Emerald green tones, more heavily tinted with blue undertones, have a cool, calm touch and are reminiscent of the heady hues of the ocean. They appear fresh, modern and sophisticated, adding depth and a sense of calm to a room whilst maintaining a fresh, contemporary feel.
Warm emerald green tones infused with yellow create a richer and more traditional impression, exuding a sense of old world glamour, exuding elegance and timeless charm reminiscent of historic estates and luxurious classic interiors.
How can you figure out which emerald your room needs? Test, test, test – use paint samples correctly by positioning them on different walls at different times of the day to see how certain hues look in your room. I find that painting on A4 sheets works best with moving patterns. You will never regret investing the time!
6. Get involved with the accents
(Image credit: Stacey Zarin Goldberg. Design: District Design)
If you're not in the mood for a full emerald makeover (yet), you're in luck, because the color also works wonderfully as small accents in a room thanks to its stunning clarity.
“Emerald green is an extremely effective accent color,” agrees interior designer Gray Walker. “Art, antique pieces, rugs and fabrics are all key pieces that can be used to add a touch of emerald green to a room and make a big impact.”
Even decorating with emerald green in small accents can be transformative. A single element, be it an accent on a pillow, a vase, a piece of glass or a candle, will inevitably draw attention, creating a captivating focal point and a burst of vibrant energy. Like scattered precious jewels, several small emerald pieces scattered around the room create a feeling of harmonious cohesion. Its deep green hue lends a subtle elegance while radiating a cheerful, expressive energy.
FAQs
What does emerald green symbolize?
Emerald green isn't just a feast for the eyes – it's also full of meaning and drama that resonates through the ages.
Generally associated with nature, emerald green represents growth, renewal and vitality – think lush jungles and fresh, green beginnings. It is often associated with balance and harmony, evoking the kind of serenity that only the power of nature can produce.
Emerald green has long symbolized prosperity, wealth and success as it is associated with the precious gemstone. Coveted for their deep hue and rarity, emeralds have adorned royal regalia throughout history, making them a status color.