Decorate with Green

Natural wood and white accents balance this bright shade of green and keep it from becoming overwhelming. To keep the room light and airy, paint ceilings and trim white.

Paint: Bella Mint (SR708) by Valspar; valspar.com.

Vibrant shades of green have just enough pop to be used minimally while still making a dramatic statement. One bold idea is to paint the ceiling and leave the walls and trim white.

Paint: Dill Pickle (2147-40) by Benjamin Moore; benjaminmoore.com.

• See the rest of this Pre-Fab Coastal Cottage

Pull inspiration from a favorite fabric when selecting wall paint to create cohesiveness in your room.

Paint: Lush (AF-475) by Benjamin Moore; benjaminmoore.com.

Exaggerate the overall hue of the room by varying the shades on the wall and trim to create a lasting effect.

Bold colors give rooms instant personality. The bright shade of green in this bath is cheery and lively.

Paint: Pale Sea Mist (2147-50) by Benjamin Moore; benjaminmoore.com.

Nothing adds vintage, cottage appeal to a space like beaded board. Pair with warm wood, dusty green, and crisp white to complete the look.

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By selecting a dark green for the base cabinetry and island, the space is grounded with an appropriate connection to nature. Pale gold upper cabinets bring a welcomed lightness to the scheme. Interestingly, the units with glass-panel doors reveal that the same shade of green is used within.

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This kitchen achieves a clean, crisp look with Shaker-style cabinets, a tile backsplash, granite countertops, chrome hardware, and stainless appliances. The green wall paint gives a splash of color and makes the white pop.

• Get all of the design secrets for this Eat-In Kitchen

Created with the feel of a warm and cozy den, this entertainment room contains rich upholstery and textiles and dark-stained furniture, which pair well with the mint green shade.

• Tour the rest of the 2010 Georgia Idea House

The splash of green is just enough to give this kitchen a pop of color. The white subway tile, vintage-style hardware on the cabinets, and mahogany top on the island are classic touches.

Paint: Sherwood Green (HC-118), by Benjamin Moore; benjaminmoore.com.
Pendant lights: Large Isabella Column Pendant by Juliska; juliska.com.

• Tour the rest of this Merry and Bright Family Home

The vibrant green in this office space gives a modern touch to this charming coastal cottage.

• Tour the rest of the 2010 Louisiana Idea House

This master bath evokes a serene green escape. The connected screened sleeping porch continues the calming effect.

Instead of painting your walls one shade, get creative and paint a horizontal stripe pattern with vibrant shades of aqua, green, and pink.

Paint: (from top): Lake Country (5003-5C), La Fonda Mirage (5003-5B), Deep Pink (WV35016), and Jalapeno Jelly (6005-6A), all by Valspar; valspar.com.

• Tour the rest of the 2009 Texas Idea House

A bright shade of green pairs well with antique white. The light blue and antique white frames in this office space create a modern edge.

The green hues in this gray wall paint come through with the graphic floral window treatments and artwork.

Paint: French Gray by Farrow & Ball; farrow-ball.com.
Curtain floral fabric: Chardon (NCF3825/03) by Nina Cambell through Osborne & Little, available through Decorative Center Services; 713/961-1271.