Northern New Jersey Interior and Landscape Designers Share Their Tips on Incorporating Greenery into Your Home.

By Sarah Emily Gilbert 

The design world is going green. If you haven’t heard, the 2017 Pantone Color of the Year is Greenery. The bright, bold, and earthy hue is in stark contrast to the airy pastels of 2016’s choice(s): Serenity and Rose Quartz. The new color, described by Pantone as a “zesty yellow-green,” is reminiscent of nature, regrowth, and trends in sustainable living. It also gets us psyched for spring. On the Pantone website, Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute says:

“Greenery bursts forth in 2017 to provide us with the reassurance we yearn for amid a tumultuous social and political environment. Satisfying our growing desire to rejuvenate and revitalize, Greenery symbolizes the reconnection we seek with nature, one another, and a larger purpose.”

While the color was intended to represent unity, it led to some divided opinions. After the color was announced, self-proclaimed color aficionados took to Twitter to report that the color was reminiscent of Kermit the Frog and slime. Even big names in the design world found the color disappointing such as David Haynes, the Editor of HGTV, who referred to the color as split pea soup. Regardless of dissident opinions, Greenery is in for 2017. The color has made its way onto the runway, into stores, and all over the design world. Not sure how to incorporate this confident color into your life? We asked three of the leading interior designers from northern New Jersey to color the way. Here, they share their tips on going Greenery:

Marisa Lafiosca, ML Interior Designs, Chatham; 908.955.8400

"I love to bringing the outside in, whether it be potted plants, trees, flowers.  The ‘Green’ compliments any interior design scheme, it's the finishing touch!"

Pictured here is an example of Marisa’s use of greenery in a Modern Farmhouse project. (Photo by Christian Garibaldi)

Jessica Reilly, Jessica Reilly Interior Design, Mendham; 646.338.5671

“As a designer, I am always looking for unique pieces that add a certain ‘wow factor’ to my interiors. Go modern, vintage, or antique, and find that statement piece you love! A side chair is a great choice to update. Do a little DIY or have your painter spray lacquer the frame in gorgeous ‘Greenery.’ Another option; reupholster with fabric in the favored shade. The result: fun and fresh without too much stress.

A side chair featuring the spring hue. (Photo courtesy of Joanna Henderson)

 Jo Ann Alston, J. Stephens Interiors, Far Hills; 908-375-8288

“I can visualize this color in the base of a Murano glass lamp, or alternately, a custom pleated lampshade on a clear glass lamp base. The color could be used in a powder room with gold, silver, or wood accents. It can be used as pillows on a neutral sofa or one contrasting chair in a room. I would use it on one wall in a large room or paint the back wall of a bookcase in greenery. It would be great in the kitchen as glassware, cookware, dishes or napkins.”

This glass lamp adds a splash of greenery into a home. (Photo courtesy of musa.md)