Verdant space: rejuvenate and revitalise this summer with pops of green around the home

With the grey days of winter behind us, it’s time to cast off the gloom and burst forth into summer – a season alive with the colour of the year for home interiors: green.

According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the influential Pantone Color Institute, adding pops of green to your interior scheme will “satisfy our growing desire to rejuvenate, revitalise and unite”. Verdant hues, she says, symbolise “the reconnection we seek with nature, one another and a larger purpose”.

International design experts agree. “[Pantone’s colour choice] is a zesty, juicy green that will bring some fun and energy into your home and life,” says Bettina Deda, author of the apartment design guide Downsizing with Style. “Greenery also goes with many other colours and you can use it to create a relaxing oasis or an energising, happy space within your four walls.”

That greenery was “all over” leading industry trade show Maison & Objet in Paris in January, as noted by Kiera Buckley-Jones, interiors editor at House Beautiful, and suggests designers have already cottoned on to its fresh appeal. “If you want to just dip your toe in the trend, go for a few plain accessories as highlights, [such as] introducing a scatter cushion in green on an otherwise neutrally decorated sofa,” she says.

Vogue Living suggests introducing a vibrant kale green subtly into your home interior with an ottoman, cushion or artwork. But Deda also recommends including some living greenery – pot plants or a beautiful glass terrarium – into your seasonal makeover. Succulents have a sculptural aesthetic which works well for a minimalist décor, and they’re low-maintenance as well.

Danish contemporary interiors retailer BoConcept believes that organic patterns echoing nature will be a big drive for 2017, reflecting a more laid-back approach to home life. Key textures and materials running through its new collections are things like warm metals, luxurious, plush fabrics, sumptuous leathers and smooth grey marbles. Pairings could include a mirror edged in rose gold or copper, teamed with a plush rug made from pure wool; or a sheepskin throw over a sofa upholstered in camel-coloured leather with brushed steel trim.

Trend Bible tips the tribal look as a recurrent interiors theme this season, seen in hand-woven basketware and rugs, earthy tones and geometric patterns. Dimitra Protopsaltis of Diamond Interiors says this trend is about freedom of expression. “There are no rules to nailing this look – so, go wild,” she says. “Combine a bright, high energy colour palette with structured patterns, designs and even animal prints to achieve a sophisticated tribal interior decorating scheme.” Draw inspiration from Aztec and Moroccan themes, she adds, to create your own unique style.

The ethnic exhibits at Maison & Objet concur that this trend is not going away anytime soon. Whether pottery, wicker ware or textiles – if it’s hand made by local artisans, is sustainable, fairly traded and has a cultural heritage, it deserves a place in your home.

Specifically for Hong Kong interiors, Indigo Living thinks we’ll be channelling a Caribbean vibe this summer. Described as “cool but never kitsch”, its rich pigments and vibrant hues are in tune with the relaxing rhythms of summertime. John McLennan, founder and executive chairman of Indigo Living, claims this look as a personal favourite. “Balancing big, bold and classic retro shapes with clever details,” he says, “it’s as much about exploration as enjoyment”.

Curios, accessories and metallic touches are a highlight of this look, McLennan adds. “Start with a custom palette by choosing colours that work for your space: pastel blues, yellows and weathered reds work great. Curate shapes and pieces united by colour, shape or finish – such as vases in organic shapes, re-imagined in a gold finish. Arranged on modern pieces such as a round side table, these collections become a dynamic focal point that can be switched around throughout the season.”

The nautical trend is another look that is “part escapism, part summer celebration”, according to McLennan. “It’s a look that seems effortless at first glance, but is created with careful attention to detail.”

Think cool creams, natural materials and earthy tones touched with graphic textures, dark wood, leather, and nickel finishes for an aesthetic that combines both contemporary and classic design elements. Grace light and bright focal points – such as a contemporary white sofa – with various interpretations of traditional nautical designs, such as graphic-print throw cushions in rusty reds and deep ocean blues.