While I’m not usually one to follow trends, I actually like the philosophical stance behind Pantone’s annual color pick. It’s not necessarily meant to be the color everyone should run out and paint their bathroom (though maybe you should – check out the *adorable* bathtub below!) but rather a symbolic “color snapshot of what we see taking place in our global culture… an expression of a mood and an attitude.”

This year’s color pick is “Greenery,” a joyful, zesty new-growth green that signals the end of winter and the start of spring. Why pick that color for 2017? Well, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but it’s a little crazy in the world right now. Families are at odds with each other politically, countries are picking sides and drawing lines in the sand, and everything feels just a little bit scarier and fragile, especially if you spend any time watching the news (not recommended).

Greenery symbolizes new beginnings. It’s about taking a big, deep breath and trusting that we are going to be okay, that we can start again. And of course at Rebecca West Interiors we are all about new beginnings, so I give this color pick two thumbs up. I mean, it’s really about choosing a positive attitude and challenging all that stress and fear, right?

But can you really use a color that bright in your home’s interiors? You betcha!

Kitchen by Rebecca West Interiors and Ten Directions Design

See, green is actually a neutral. Think about it – it goes with every flower, in every garden, in every part of the world!

Bathroom by Rebecca West Interiors and Jackson Remodeling

Even at it’s most intense, green will never scream at you the way a vivid orange, red, or yellow might. It’s juicy and fresh, and when added to an otherwise simple room adds just the right amount of playfulness to make the room fun, without toppling over into kid-room territory.

But the real power in Greenery comes from the fact that it brings nature indoors. That matters because, simply put, the more chaotic, stressful and political our lives become, the more we need these little subconscious connections to the natural world and what it symbolizes –  the fact that we all live here, together, on this tiny blue and green ball floating in space.

So this year, no matter where you live, who you love, or what you believe, enjoy a little Greenery in your life and celebrate how awesome it is just to be alive!

May your home (and life) always be happy!

*This post was inspired by the Greenery Project spearheaded by the folks who sell homes at Elliman Real Estate. You can see what other people have thought about Greenery here and here, (more to come).