Bring on the Emerald Green (The Color of 2013)

We’ve all heard it: the color of the year 2013 is apparently emerald green. While I don’t particularly take stock in such predictions (commands?) of home decor, I do happen to love this color. If you’re looking for a way to freshen up your space, and you figure you may as well be on-trend in the color department, here are a few ideas to incorporate emerald green into your décor.

Emerald Green Pillows

How about emerald green glassware? It’s a classic-retro glass color (think long-necked beverage bottles), and is not hard to find at flea markets or thrift stores…or maybe your local glass recycle bin, who knows? Although it’s been around forever, emerald glass – on the right piece and styled the right way – looks completely modern and chic. The rope tied around the glass orb here is a fun textural contrast to the smooth and shiny glass.

Emerald Green Pillows

Do you love emerald hues so much that you want to change your name to Oz? Although I can’t necessarily condone that mode of action, I can wholeheartedly endorse fabulous emerald wall panels like these! Rich and luxe, these green walls are the foundation for this entire colorful space. They’re dramatic and interesting and grounding. I love how this color can hold its own against (or with!) other bold colors.

Emerald Green Pillows

Maybe you love the idea of emerald walls, but you’re a little color-shy as a rule. Then this is a wonderfully sophisticated compromise: pair your bold green walls singularly with white. The result is a crisp, fresh, natural, and bold space…all at once. The room, though modern and fairly stark on its own, looks luxurious and energetic, and it has that lovely green wall to thank.

Emerald Green Pillows

At a “medium” rank on the permanence scale, you could consider incorporating emerald into your life via upholstery. In particular, velvet is luxurious in emerald green (and any jewel tone, frankly). This set of Louis chairs is the star of this space, for sure, but the chairs are paired quite nicely with other warm wood tones. The bright yellow and white wall lightens the mood and keeps things from becoming too serious. Because, well, just look at those fantastic emerald chairs!

Emerald Green Pillows

Okay, so say you like emerald green all right, but you’re not sure you’re ready to douse your entire space in the color. As always, throw pillows are a safe and fool-proof method of easily incorporating a trend (be it color, pattern, or print) into a space. This works so perfectly because throw pillows are quite versatile themselves. They can be re-cased or moved or flipped over to create entirely new looks. I happen to love the pattern combination in this photo, a swirly tree print paired with a solid green with navy Greek key trim.