Bedrooms and other rooms that are "quiet retreats" can be good places for greens.

With spring around the corner, all shades of green will start magically appearing in our landscapes. There is no need to limit the color green to exterior plants and grasses. Green can be used in any interior color palette, whether in small touches or as a big color splash.

The range of green is as expansive as its positive and negative associations. Negative associations bring to mind things slimy, while positive greens are most commonly associated with regeneration and renewal.

For the ancient Romans, green was considered the most restful color. Today green is still known for bringing harmony to a space while adding balance. Even just including some fresh plants or trees will be a simple solution.

Shades of green can be used throughout the house, although some shades work better than others depending on the end use of the space. For instance, if you are trying to project an image of prosperity, then a deeper green is the primary color you want to use in your entry as well as living room.

Pictured above is a living room that includes several shades of green mixed with neutral cream colors. The green palm motif of the ottoman fabric adds interest, while the solid green window fabric and tie-backs add drama on the wall. Tying the room’s color scheme together is the green trellis pattern in the area rug. Subtle accessory touches such as the plants and sofa pillows add a darker shade of green into the space, varying the intensity of green as you would see outdoors.

Rooms that are quiet retreats, such as bedrooms and dens, are also good places to use green because of the calming, restorative feeling it gives. In these rooms look to pale shades of green for the best results to relax after a stressful day. If your wall colors have been soft neutrals and you are unsure of using color, then a soft green is the first color you should look to. Green will subtly change the feel of a space without making a strong statement. Since it is a familiar color we see outdoors every day, it is a color that we do not tire of.

Even in the middle of winter or on a cloudy day, a room with green elements in it will be a room that beckons you to spend time in.

Teal Michel ASID, is a licensed full-service interior design firm specializing in residential interior design and renovation-remodeling design throughout the Carolinas. Teal has won awards from ASID for interior spaces and furniture design and from the Home Builder’s Association of Charlotte Excellence in Remodeling for remodel design and interior renovation. She has participated in HGTV’s “Designer’s Challenge” and her work has been featured in several books. www.tealmichelasid.com.