I have just given you a magic wand. Cool, huh? Step outside and wave it over every bit of greenery you see. Say, “Abracadabra — I change you to beige!” Now peruse the result of your handiwork. All the life, vitality, joy and color have vanished, haven’t they?

Now wave your wand again and restore the green. Does this make you think any differently about what constitutes a neutral color?

Nature’s lavish use of the color green exhibits no regard for the need to match hues. See how she mixes lime green, forest green, yellow-green, blue-green, spring green, sage green and avocado green? There are simply no rules, only a cheerful and riotous surrender to any and all shades of green — nature’s neutral color.

Next consider sky, sand, flowers and even vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, beets, eggplants, pumpkins and lemons. Nature shows an equal lack of restraint when it comes to what colors work with green. Which is why I consider green a neutral.

Anytime a room feels dreary or lifeless, consider adding green. Green knows no style boundaries. Whether your design tastes veer toward traditional…or contemporary…or eclectic, green just works.

Article published on Houzz.com

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