There’s something about a new year that invites a fresh start, and PANTONE captured that spirit when it named Greenery its Color of the Year for 2017. After a tumultuous 2016, the vibrant yellow-green of new spring leaves was chosen to symbolize rejuvenation, vitality and a renewed sense of optimism. Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute, described the choice as a reflection of a collective desire “to rejuvenate, revitalize and unite.” Whether you’re an interior designer, a style-minded shopper or someone simply looking to refresh the home, Greenery offers an uplifting, versatile way to bring life into everyday spaces.
Greenery in the Kitchen
Greenery captures the first bright shoots of spring — a yellow-tinged green that feels both fresh and restorative. PANTONE even calls it “nature’s neutral,” a hue that functions as a lively backdrop for exploration, creativity and healthy living. The kitchen and dining areas are natural places to introduce this shade: small touches like a green-trimmed food storage set, a dish towel, or a single potted plant can subtly shift the mood of the room toward wellbeing and mindful eating.
Even modest additions — like airtight containers with a hint of green, a set of green placemats, or an easy-care table centerpiece — reinforce a transition toward fresh, wholesome food and a calmer dining experience. Greenery’s fresh tone also appears frequently in modern product design, making it simple to find pieces that feel current without overwhelming the space.
Greenery also works beautifully as a neutral accent throughout the home. A single houseplant, a green towel or a painted accent wall can lift the atmosphere and create a feeling of renewal. Allow the color to influence everyday choices — from the table setting to the textiles that frame your living spaces — and you may notice a subtle boost in mood and motivation.
Embracing the Green
Green living and the Greenery aesthetic naturally overlap. Choosing eco-friendly textiles and furnishings in this hue can reinforce a commitment to more sustainable habits. Certified fabrics and low-impact materials in green shades not only look chic but also signal care for health and the environment. Outdoors, durable green patio chairs or a well-kept lawn provide daily reminders of nature’s calming influence.
Indoors, you can recreate the feel of a lush lawn with flooring and rugs that echo Greenery’s tone. Some modular flooring options even incorporate recycled content, allowing you to introduce the color while supporting more sustainable choices. The result is an interior palette that feels fresh, grounded and modern.
A World of Greenery
Greenery is versatile across interior styles. It pairs especially well with neutrals like gray for a sleek, modern look, and it can complement more eclectic or bohemian schemes when used on upholstery or decorative accents. From velvet pillows to sleeper sofas, the shade adapts easily, adding warmth and personality without overpowering other design elements.
Beyond interiors, Greenery offers fresh possibilities for fashion and beauty. Whether featured in clothing, accessories, or makeup, the color feels at once natural and striking — a great way to introduce vibrancy into a seasonal wardrobe or a daily routine.
Pantone’s Greenery invites experimentation with pairings and palettes. Use paint samples and swatches to find the right balance for walls, furniture and accessories. Small updates — a mug in Greenery on your desk, a green towel in the bathroom, or a single accent chair — can signal a seasonal reset and help you embrace a brighter, more hopeful outlook for the year ahead.
Whether introduced as an accent or used more boldly across a room, Greenery brings a sense of renewal and energetic calm. Let this verdant shade inspire small changes that add up to a fresher, more vibrant home and lifestyle.
