2013 Color of the Year: Emerald

(Vase by Moretti)When I think of emerald, I envision grassy rolling hills, shamrocks, and endless summer - all things fresh and hopeful. So with maybe hope in their sights, Pantone has declared emerald 2013 Color of the Year and not a moment too soon.  Despite winter blues and fiscal cliffs, we are going to have a rich array of greens to enliven our interiors.  Here's a couple of ideas to add emerald into your homes.

The glass vase above shows off from dark to light a range of emerald hues, courtesy of Italian glass designer, Moretti. Below is a porcelain version of emerald, the Happy Temple Jar, from Global Views.

(Happy Temple Jar from Global Views)Designers Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec took the same emerald and swirled it to a fun and functional storage/coffee table in polycarbonate, called the Panier table. 

(Panier table from Kartell)For quick and easy decorating, add these beautifully patterned Addison and Maya pillows from Joss Gold.  The leafy sheets, Magnus Kelly, will add a light touch of nature to the bedroom, available from Dwell Studio.

(pillows from Joss Gold)

(Magnus Kelly sheets from Dwell Studio)For a stroke of true emerald greens, Viva Terra, takes fern and moss to an art form, literally! Designers shaped and preserved fern and moss to a verdant, graphic wall art.

(Fern and Moss Wall Art from Viva Terra) 

Interested in learning more about accessorizing?  Take a look at Sheffield School's Complete Course in Interior Design.  At Sheffield, you will learn how to transform a space, create color schemes, and select furniture, lighting, and accessories. 

Top Ten Accessories

One of the questions I get frequently asked – how can I perk up a room without spending too much money?  My answer? Accessorize!  Find something you really love and see if you can work it into your room. 

Now, this doesn’t mean you should bring home that life-size taxidermy trophy of your favorite wild animal or the blinding multicolor needlepoint wall hanging that doesn’t go with anything.  You should take a snapshot of your room first with your digital camera before you head out to the stores and find that special accessory.  This will prevent any buyers’ remorse later on. 

Here’s my top 10 accessories – I picked a favorite in each category of accessories. 

1. Afghan Pillow from Wunderley - The pattern on the pillow is from an old Afghan pattern but it's been modernized with a bright pink pop of color - great for brightening up an old tired sofa or bed.

(Afghan Pillow from Wunderley)

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