The color green is having a moment in the interior design world. Shades of green are popping up everywhere — especially in kitchens — and I am here for it!
After a decade-long run of gray and greige paint colors, it is refreshing to see my favorite color getting some attention. Greens range from light, sage-tinged pastels to deep emerald jewel tones and can embody many moods.
If you want to introduce green into your kitchen without having to completely remodel your home, start with the overall style of your home. There are tried-and-and true color and material combinations that will blend seamlessly with your decorating style, to create a unique, curated, and cohesive space — and I’m here to share this insider knowledge with you!
Let’s take a look at how to create a calm and fresh kitchen that is ready to transition your family into 2022 and beyond!
Earthy Elegance
If you’re going for a Rustic, earth-toned kitchen, look for cool and pastel shades of green. Cool greens work well in kitchens, especially when paired with warm wood accents. The contrast between cool and warm is quite soothing and reminds us of nature. Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog, Forever Green, and Majolica Green are all excellent options. Whether your kitchen currently has white painted cabinets or stained wood, any of these three colors would brighten up a dark kitchen!
SW 9130 Evergreen FogSW 9653 Forever GreenSW 0013 Majolica Green
Gallatin Dinnerware (Set Of 16) | Made by Portuguese artisans, this tableware collection features a rustic yet stunningly decorated aesthetic, bringing color and pattern to your tablescape through unique detailing.
Reclaimed Wood Cutting Board | For regular use or decorative show, these mixed reclaimed wood cutting boards are repurposed into something beautifully unique – and practical.
Andres Leather Coasters (Set Of 4) | The Andres collection takes its cues from the rugged and distinctive motifs of the West with thick, burnished leather, distressed finishes, stitched detailing, and antiqued brass hardware.
Traditionally Classic
Designing a Traditional kitchen is a lot like preparing a great meal. You want it to be luxurious and satisfying, but not too heavy or overdone. In order to achieve this, choose a green color with neutral undertones. Neutral undertones help tone-down colors that are usually thought of as vivid or loud, like green, blue, yellow, and red. If you have lighter-toned or white painted cabinets, consider painting your walls a darker shade of green like Sherwin Williams Rock Garden. Darker cabinets pair well with lighter colors that give your kitchen room to breathe, like Sea Salt and Livable Green.
SW 6167 Livable GreenSW 6204 Sea SaltSW 6468 Rock Garden
Uttermost Cypress Triple Topiary | Wispy sprays of Cypress foliage, preserved while freshly picked to maintain the life-like evergreen quality.
Banquette In Light Sand | Traditionally present. Combining deep hand tufts with soft curves and splayed legs keep this banquette feeling contemporary in a variety of different settings.
Field Guide Herbs I, Set Of 4 | Graceful herbs are double-matted in white. Framed in a sleek champagne gold wood molding.
Globally Inspired
Globally-inspired interior design embraces a wide array of colors and patterns. Rather than matching your furniture, textures, and colors, consider combining items that tell a story, or provide a unique experience. Global decor is a great way to express your love for excitement and adventure! Yellow-toned greens, like Sherwin Williams Cucuzza Verde, Dancing Green, and Paradise pair well with both light and dark woods and enhance the beauty of natural materials like stone, jute, and bamboo.
Seaside Pendant | Thin jute is wrapped atop a natural-toned, metal globe in a pattern intended to let the light shine through and out. It is quite the statement when used over a kitchen island or above a sink.
Organic Live Edge Tray| This handmade tray with a live edge has gaps, cracks & crevices, which enhance the beauty of this one-of-a-kind piece. Natural variations in the wood make each piece truly unique.
Jaru Rope Vessel | Wrapping decorative elements in rope is a skill that is developed over long periods of time, as is illustrated with our Jaru Rope Vessel that is wrapped in natural Abacá rope. The textural surface of this rope sculpture will bring a hint of ethnic charm to a room.
In my next post, we will discuss the recent resurgence of Art Deco design with a 1980s twist, and how you can incorporate it into your home!
Until then,
Laura
You can shop all of my curated looks, including items mentioned in my blog posts, by clicking the button below.
Don’t miss the recent Redfin article we were featured in: “2022 Home Design Trends to Look Out For This New Year”
While it may be hard to believe, 2022 is officially here. The writers at REDFIN asked Laura Fullow Designs what 2022 home decor trends we expect to see.
So, what’s ahead in 2022?
The past two years have shaped our lives in countless ways, from schools transitioning to online learning and businesses moving toward a more hybrid approach, to a heightened focus on well-being and renewed relationship with nature.
It’s also influenced the way we view our homes, what we need from our homes, and ultimately how we want to live. After all, our homes play a more vital role than ever in our daily lives. The desire for stability and comfort were the driving force for many of the 2022 home decor trends.
This year, expect to see more color and patterns, a blending of old and new pieces, a blurring of the lines between the interior and exterior, and more. While you certainly don’t have to follow trends to a tee, getting a glimpse at what’s to come can be the perfect way to get inspired.
When it comes to color psychology, colors consisting of longer wavelengths are said to be “warm,” and colors made up of shorter wavelengths are “cool.” Warm colors encourage feelings of excitement and energy, whereas cool colors create a relaxing and calming.
As an interior designer, I look to color for inspiration, and it is the starting point for all of my design plans. When it comes to color psychology, colors consisting of longer wavelengths are said to be “warm,” and colors made up of shorter wavelengths are “cool.” Warm colors encourage feelings of excitement and energy, whereas cool colors create a relaxing and calming.
The pandemic has pushed us into our own corners for more than two years and our collective claustrophobia is searching for release — a breath of fresh air — a new beginning. As we move closer to a new year, many of us are longing for a magical transformation that will get us “back to normal.”
As we set our intentions for 2022, let us remember that life is ever-changing, therefore, we should find joy in every moment.
Let’s take a look at my top 5 favorite Sherwin Williams colors, perfect for inspiring a new way of being.
Evergreen Fog
Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog is my favorite offering from the 2022 MODE collection. Evergreen Fog is a mid-tone green, meaning it strikes a balance between both light green and dark green. Mid-tone greens are particularly soothing, which is why they are often used in nurseries, bathrooms and spas.
Green is at the center of the color spectrum and is literally easy on the eye, because the human eye requires no adjustment in order to take in the wavelength. The color green is associated with the natural world, as well as with new life, growth, balance, and harmony.
Evergreen Fog is nuanced but does not command attention, making it a good choice to use throughout the home. It pairs well both warm and cool colors, and has a nostalgic, historic quality.
Some words associated with the color green are: calming, natural, balanced, nourishing.
Beda Wall Hanging The Beda palm leaf wall hangings set can be grouped together or hung separately for a fun Bohemian touch.
Bakelite Gold
Sherwin Williams Bakelite Gold is an energetic, warm medium-light orange that leans more yellow than red. Unlike these two colors, orange doesn’t evoke physical or mental response. Instead, it creates a relaxing yet playful vibe that adds a little spice to cooler, more subdued colors.
Orange promotes feelings of optimism, fosters encouragement, and motivates action. Orange is an especially popular color with Gen Y (folks born in the 1980s and 1990s). Golden oranges, like Bakelite Gold, represent achievement, prosperity and abundance.
Some words associated with the color orange are: happy, friendly, playful, and inviting.
Augustine Sofa Luxurious top-grain leather seating takes on a neutral grey covering with dramatic channeling – for trend-forward texture and sumptuous sit.
Alabaster
Alabaster is a soft mineral rock that is often used for carving decorative objects and has a translucent, soft quality. Like the eponymous mineral, Sherwin Williams Alabaster is a soft and creamy white (or more accurately, beige) that creates a heightened sense of space and awareness.
While most people don’t think of beige as a super exciting color, it’s actually one of my favorites because it is so versatile. It works in literally every room! Beige, like white or grey, is considered a neutralcolor, but it is actually a pale shade of yellow or light orange.
Neutral colors are neither warm nor cool, rather, they are flexible and work well with other colors to produce a sense of harmony. Sherwin Williams Alabaster is a balanced beige that allows your furnishings and decor to take center stage. It is a natural match for earthy elements like wood, stone, and leather. Because Alabaster‘s undertones are balanced, it creates a cozy, homey vibe whether paired with warm or cool colors.
Some words associated with the color beige are: tranquility, simplicity, flexibility, and welcoming.
Double Date Wingback Settee This settee is specially designed for making a statement. Its winged high-back design provides an embracing comfort. Distinctive wood trim details the elegant shape of this piece, finished off by delicate ferrule tips.
Iron Ore
If you’re looking for a counterpoint for Alabaster, you will love Sherwin Williams Iron Ore. It is a cool, luxurious charcoal black that strikes a perfect balance against neutral and warm colors. Grounding and intense, it is a more sophisticated alternative to pure black and looks great in both interior and exterior applications.
Before we talk more about Iron Ore, let’s talk about LRV, or Light Reflectance Value. The LRV scale measures the amount of visible and usable light that is reflected when a surface is illuminated. Simply put, LRV ratings identify how much light a color reflects or absorbs.
The LRV scale is measured from 0% (reflecting no visible light) to 100% (reflecting all light). For reference, the darkest blacks have an LRV rating of 5% while the whitest whites average around 85%. A color that has a low LRV rating — like Iron Ore, which is rated at 6.5% — it will appear rich and deep.
Low LRV colors can be used as an accent in any space. If you’re planning to use Iron Ore as a wall color, however, it works best in a space with ample lighting (either natural or artificial) in order to reveal its true depth and luxury.
Some words associated with the color black are: timeless, rich, grounding, and sophisticated.
Aurum Console Table The sleek style of this metal console table needs no further adornment. The T shape and sharply drawn lines are clean and bold. Each is artisan-crafted and minimally finished to celebrate the idiosyncrasies of the raw material.
Woven Wicker
Sherwin Williams Woven Wicker is a warm-neutral tan with yellow undertones. Like other colors in the brown family, Woven Wicker evokes a sense of security, stability, and earthiness.
Some words associated with the color tan are: organic, dependable, crisp, and accessible.
Lansing Leather Daybed Top-grain leather seat and backrest are channel-stitched, creating a plush, luxurious aesthetic. A streamlined, natural wood base is accented with brass supports for added style and contrast
Hygge―pronounced Hoo-ga―is a Danish word that evokes the idea of enjoying life’s simple pleasures, and there’s no better time of year to be reminded of the joy of simplicity than the hectic winter holiday season.
Hygge is the feeling of snuggling on the sofa with a warm blanket or sharing a comforting meal with your favorite people. It is an atmosphere that is welcoming, safe, and comfortable. Hygge makes you feel at home.
According to New York Times Best Seller, The Little Book of Hygge, the Danes are the happiest people in the world. Perhaps it is because Hygge is the cornerstone of Danish life, making it possible to embrace and celebrate the beauty of simple, everyday moments.
Although Hygge is Danish, it originates from the Norwegian word for hug, which I think is just perfect. Hygge = Hug! Keep that in mind as we explore the many ways to bring Hygge style into your home using some of The Little Book of Hygge‘s top tenants:
Get comfy. Take a break.
Be here now. Turn off the phones.
Turn down the lights. Bring out the candles.
Build relationships. Spend time with your tribe.
Give yourself a break from the demands of healthy living. Cake is most definitely Hygge.
Live life today, like there is no coffee tomorrow.
Get Comfy
The first step in enjoying the Hygge lifestyle is just as easy as it sounds. There are no memberships to buy, no books to read, and no plans to follow. You just do whatever makes you feel comfortable. That might mean lighting a fire or wrapping yourself in a fluffy throw. Using items that have a very tactile finish help add to the cozy feeling. Knotted, chunky blankets and faux-fur pillows automatically take the “…ahhhh,” factor up a notch.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget about your walls! The Sedona woven wall hanging (below) adds a layer of warmth to an otherwise cold wall.
The Sedona woven wall art Is made with cotton and wool and blends beautifully with any décor.
This soft, shimmering faux Flokati pillow lends a luxurious touch of comfort to a variety of spaces.
Be Here Now
My favorite aspect of Hygge is that the word can be a noun, a verb, or an adjective. All that is required is to be in the moment.
For instance, warm and cozy socks are called “hyggensokker.” Your favorite pair of old sweatpants? “Hyggebusker.” You can also spread comfort and good cheer by being a “hyggespreder.” If you’re planning a lazy family day in bed, you can call it, “familiehygge.” Hygge is a beautiful concept, isn’t it? If you’re comfortable, you’re Hygge.
There is no better place to be present than from the comfort of a cozy bed. The Graham California King bed is large enough to be “home base” for a lazy day in bed.
The Vance chair features a scooped seat and supportive wing back — the perfect place to unplug with a book and a fluffy throw.
Poufs and other flexible seating options turn any space into the place to be. This cylinder pouf is made of thick strands of felted wood yarn and invokes the perfect Hygge vibe.
Bring Out The Candles
According to The Little Book of Hygge, the object that Danes associate most with Hygge is candles. Flickering candles are found in homes, businesses, and even schools, year-round. This makes sense, as lighting is used to make spaces feel warm and relaxing. Candlelight, specifically, is not too bright and brings a feeling of comfort.
Sculpted in Spain out of a single block, each candle in the Alabaster Collection is one-of-a-kind: the alabaster’s veins that run on the surface are unique by essence.
This hand-blown Mercury glass container is created in Georgia, USA, and filled with natural, soy wax that is infused with a complex fragrance of vanilla and bourbon.
Add warmth to your home with the Retreat candle collection. A simple glass container is complemented by an antique brass base for a timeless finish.
Spend Time With Your Tribe
The winter holidays are focused on gathering with friends and family, but you don’t have to wait for Christmas to create a welcoming, intimate gathering with the ones you love. The dinner table is the perfect place to bring everyone together for comforting food and conversation, or a family game night.
A perfect place to spend time with your tribe is at the dinner table. Inspired by clean, simple Scandinavian styling, the Cypress dining table creates the perfect atmosphere for conversation.
Company coming? No worries, with two 20-inch leaves and an extended length of 124″, the Geo trestle dining table ensures that no one is left standing.
The Amare dining chair embodies the aesthetic of Scandanavian design with a shapely, open frame. The chair is constructed of top-grain leather and solid ash wood and looks great with a variety of decor.
Live Life Today — And Have Some Cake
From the Danish perspective, Hygge is about taking time to enjoy the process of making and eating food — specifically, pastries, sweets, and lots and lots of cake, or “hyggeligt.” In fact, the average Dane consumes 8 pounds of baked goods per person annually, which is double the European average. There is even a meal tradition called sønderjysk kaffebord, which is a multi-course meal of various types of cake, served with coffee — naturally.
For those moments when dessert is the star! The ceramic cake stand No. 219 is made by hand by craftspeople in Peru from the highest quality clay, and it is high fired and so durable it can go from cupboard to oven to table to dishwasher.
Inspired by antique place settings, the Slate flatware collection was hand-forged to capture a rustic appeal. Polished finishes add dimension and a multi-tonal appearance to stainless steel, while small creases in each handle add an extra hint of handcrafted detail.
Create a timeless tablescape with the antique-chic Bela mug set. Made in Portugal by stoneware artisans, this tableware collection is beautifully decorated with an antiqued, creamy, off-white finish. A reactive glaze adds a subtle sheen and makes any meal look that much more delicious.
In my next post, we will discuss the Sherwin Williams 2022 Color Mix Forecast, and how you can use these fresh, popular colors to update your home or office.
Until then,
Laura
You can shop all of my curated looks, including items mentioned in my blog posts, by clicking the buttons below.
There’s nothing quite like refreshing your home for fall. I love this season the most, probably because of the emphasis on warm, bold colors and cozy, plush textures. My vision of fall decorating is a little different than what you might expect. On the other hand, if you do know me then you know I don’t do “traditional,” anyway. I like to keep people on their toes!
Keeping my eclectic taste in mind, let’s take a look at a few of my favorite ways to embrace the fall season without turning your home into a rustic pumpkin patch.
Highlight With Bronze, Copper, and Gold
Bronze, copper, and gold metals are evocative of cool, fall weather. There is a warmth to these metal finishes that play well against cooler colors like blue and gray, as well as neutral colors like black and white.
Falling Feather Art Beautifully crafted Gold feathers float down, resting gently on the bottom of a 2-inch gold-framed shadowbox.
Birch Leaf Copper Wall Art This example of the waning season of fall has been hand-cut from metal sheets and dressed in a copper patina with a satin finish.
Fall Leaves Champagne Sculpture Inspired by falling leaves, this sculpture features cast aluminum leaves finished in an antiqued silver champagne finish.
Cool Things Down With Blue and Gray
My favorite blues and grays for the fall are cool, moody, and rich. By using dark, saturated colors you create the feeling of warmth, especially when paired with gold, orange and yellow.
Cabaret Fringe Chandelier in Peacock This piece fancies up any living room or bedroom for an accent you just can’t take your eyes off of. Three layers of fringe make for great movement and add dimension to this statement piece.
Uttermost Behind The Falls Abstract Art This refined, transitional abstract on canvas showcases expressive brushstrokes with rich fluidity and soft texture. An antiqued copper bronze gallery framed completes the artwork.
Tuttle Porcelain Vases A peacock and bronze reactive glaze creates a devastatingly beautiful aesthetic. These short and stout vases rest atop a circular platform and are watertight — perfect for fall greenery.
Accent With Brown, Camel and Tan
Leather is the perfect choice for fall decorating. Though it’s used all year long, there’s just something extra special about a leather chair and a warm throw on a cool evening. Vegan-based leather is also quite beautiful and comes in a variety of colors.
Small Ottoman In Buff Leather A beautiful combination of leather, natural hide, and white hide finishes make up this lovely little ottoman. It works for a variety of styles, including rustic, modern, lodge, urban, or country.
Lansing Leather Daybed The top-grain leather seat and backrest are channel-stitched, creating a plush, luxurious aesthetic. A streamlined, natural wood base is accented with brass supports for added style and contrast.
Brooks Lounge Chair This take on the classic Adirondack emphasizes comfort with thick, top-grain leather cushioning. Wire-brushed oak is finished in a golden tan and hand-distressed for a naturally weathered patina.
Add Some Warmth With Yellow, Orange and Red
Yellow, orange, and red are the ultimate fall colors. They remind us of the changing leaves and serve to brighten even the most dreary day. Use these warm colors throughout your home to create a bold, cheerful impact.
Layan Accent Chair The Layan Accent Chair is the retro-inspired chair you didn’t know you needed until now. A plush mustard yellow seat rests atop of slim steel legs. Pair with the Layan Accent Chair Left Yellow to show off your smart style.
Midcentury Canyon Colorpak Take your design to a new level with the Modern Canyon ColorPak from Booth & Williams. One linear foot of authentic midcentury hardback books in crisp and blended orange undertones.
Maximalism By Sig Bergamin A self-described “maximalist,” Sig Bergamin collects treasures from around the world. He seamlessly blends 18th and 19th century French and Italian furnishings with modern pieces from North and South America, for an exquisite mélange of chic.
Create A Soft Touch With Cream, Ivory and White
Think of neutral colors like cream, ivory, and white as a way to soften your space. Where black grounds a space, white brightens and lightens. Using shades of white in the fall is also an easy way to transition from fall to winter without much effort.
Hanly Accent Chair Natural long hair sheepskin makes sitting in this chair feel like a dream. An iron base and top-grain leather make this a stellar addition to your home.
Elizabeth Throw This nubby throw will have you wishing it could be cozy fall weather all year round. It features a snuggly cream white look that feels akin to a warm hug.
Precious Metal Island Splashes of copper leaf over terracotta and neutral burnt orange add excitement to the antiqued cream background.
In my next post, we’ll talk about how to integrate the Hygge style into your home. Hygge is a Danish word that evokes the idea of enjoying life’s simple pleasures, and there’s no better time of year to be reminded of the joy of simplicity than the hectic winter holiday season.
Until then,
Laura
You can shop all of my curated looks, including items mentioned in my blog posts, by clicking the buttons below.
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