A fresh way to look at green

Dark and masculine, classic and countrified: Green is often used to create a traditional English feeling. But this versatile color is not just for the horse set, nor only for wood-paneled libraries. Pick the right shade and green can be sophisticated, spirited and sexy – or natural, eco-inspired and, well, green. Just take a look at these gorgeous green rooms by color-savvy designers.

When New York designer Sherrill Canet was invited to create a living room for the 2006 Kips Bay Show House, she custom-blended a malachite green paint with a mahogany glaze finish. The result was deep, rich and elegant.

"I wanted a punchy contrast to my black and white Ellipse rug for Stark," she says, explaining her bold choice of wall color. The ceiling is covered in a golden-hued metal leaf, which makes the glaze on the walls look even richer, and lends the room a sophisticated, urbane look.

"This room is the perfect place for relaxing and entertaining," Canet says. "It is ideal for cocktails, after dinner brandies, conversations or catching up on some quiet reading."

Just about any green can look sophisticated, says this color-savvy designer. "It is all about how these colors are presented, and in what doses they are applied. While pink and green is very traditional, there is nothing clichéd whatsoever about bright pink and chartreuse! Even the most predictable and favorite combinations can be made to look fresh and new when applied correctly and with confidence."

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