7 interiors that prove green is the new grey

Green - love it or loathe it - is a great way to introduce a touch of nature into your home. It's leafy, botanical connotations help to create spaces that feel fresh, open and inviting, while more muted, paler tones can be used as a warmer alternative to white. The grey walls of yesteryear, which once dominated contemporary homes, trendy bars and industrial office spaces, have given way to more forgiving (but slightly more daring) green tones. Sarah Massouh, founder of Willow & Hall, shares her tips on going green...

What's the best colour to take me from season to season?

Green is the perfect transitional colour, it's a great alternative to neutrals so many of us opt for. Its soothing shade evokes the outdoors and adds warmth to any colour scheme.

What shade of green would you suggest?

I would suggest a deep green for those looking to inject a burst of colour. Alternatively, sage green sits perfectly alongside more neutral shades.

Want to create the look? Get going with these 7 inspiring spaces...

A great way to introduce the colour into your home is by upholstering furniture in different patterns of the same hue, contrasting bolder prints with more subtle designs. This sofa has been upholstered in 'The Wave' by Schumacher at Turnell & Gigon and is complemented by quitter fabrics from Rapture & Wright (armchair) and Camengo (ottoman).

Alternatively, use green as the starting point for your space, covering an entire wall and even floorboards with the colour. Where grey or white would once have been the natural choice, a muted green tone brings a modern twist and looks great against metallic surfaces and wooden furniture.

Green can be used to create the feeling of a magical, secluded woodland, bringing a touch of nature and a sense of calm to your bedroom. A wide-width wallpaper with an oversized print (this is one by Lewis & Wood) will achieve this and evokes a typically country-style feel.

Eschew the trend for all-white bathrooms and instead opt for a soothing, light green tone. Zoffany’s Mint is the perfect match for both the wooden floorboards and white walls in this smart bathroom, and helps to bring a sense of warmth to the space.

Use matching fabrics and accessories to create a cohesive scheme. Cream curtains and cushions break up the colour and soften the look.

Layering tactile materials, such as warm-toned oak, bamboo and seagrass, with green fabrics and upholstery helps to create an inviting feel. Keeping
walls plain focuses attention on the patterned designs.

Dare to go green outside too. An extension or conservatory pained in a sophisticated shade (try Farrow & Ball’s Card Room Green) will help create a connection between the building and your garden, while creating a charming country-style look.