Every year around this time the color experts at Pantone predict which color will be popular in the year ahead. For 2017, it's a zesty yellow-green called Greenery. Pantone, which markets itself as a global color authority, says the color is revitalizing and symbolic of new beginnings. If you're looking to refresh a tired room in your home, here's how to do it by using paint that's the color of spring.
"The Pantone green is a darker lime, bringing nature into the home and getting us to think about the beauty of gardens and lush forests," says Erika Woelfel, vice president of color and creative service at Behr Paints. Pantone Greenery 15-0343 is an optimistic, confident color, she adds.
Four walls painted with this color could be overwhelming, so she suggests using it as an accent color. Consider painting one wall in the living room, a piece of furniture, or a door—something you want to become a focal point. Used on a home's front door, the color creates a welcoming environment to guests. Here's what else Woelfel says you'll want to consider.
Get a feel for the room. Colors bring up all kinds of feelings. This green is an energetic color that's better suited for a room where there's activity rather than a room meant for relaxing or sleeping.
Look for ways to coordinate. From the floor to furnishings, what other colors are in the room? If you have neutral-colored furniture, this color will add interest and grab your attention. It works nicely with whites, beiges, and grays. For a retro vibe, pair it with orange; one is warm, the other cool.
Think about the lighting. For a room that doesn't get much light, this shade of green adds energy. Otherwise, keep in mind that the natural light changes throughout the day in a room, and the light cast by bulbs affects how you'll perceive the color. So paint large swatches on your walls, and look at them at different times of the day.
Consumer Reports goes green. Recently we introduced our new look, a vibrant palette with an emphasis on green. It's the universal sign for "go" and a color that conveys growth, and we believe it better reflects the positive spirit of our commitment to improving the lives of consumers.
Get Your Greens
Here's a list of interior paints that were very good or excellent overall in our tests, the price per gallon, along with a shade of green that closely matches (or matches) Pantone's color of the year. You can also ask a retailer to match your paint to Pantone's Greenery 15-0343.
Behr (sold at Home Depot)
Go-to green: New Shoot T14-18 matches the Pantone color. Laser P350-6 is a bit lighter.
Recommended paints: Behr Marquee, $43, and Behr Premium Plus Ultra, $36
Valspar (sold at Lowe's)
Go-to green: Mountain Botanical 6010-9
Recommended paint: Valspar Reserve, $44
Clark + Kensington (sold at Ace Hardware)
Go-to green: Snow Cone 25D-5
Recommended paint: Clark + Kensington Enamel, $32
Benjamin Moore (sold at Benjamin Moore stores and independent hardware stores)
Go-to green: Perennial 405
Paint to pick: Benjamin Moore Aura, $54
Find out how 21 interior paints did in our tests by checking out our interior paint ratings. We bought and tested paints that cost $17 to $105 per gallon. And take a look at the paint buying guide. It offers useful information and it's free, so you can save on the green stuff.
