Victoria Beckham's impeccable style just convinced me to decorate my whole house in this foreboding color – I can't get enough

The majesty of ancient forests has long inspired interior design. Whether the grandeur of an oak tree or the enchanting shape of an acanthus leaf, rich, velvety dark and mid-tone greens offer homes a nurturing connection to nature. So, it was no surprise that Victoria Beckham used this calming color to drench her London flagship store, designed in collaboration with Rose Uniacke. Using a custom paint shade and velvet-upholstered furnishings, the luxe and livable space has a decadent yet intimate feel. The final result is a masterpiece. But why green?

Green is in general a relaxing color. Being the color that represents nature, it’s one that makes us feel good and positive. ‘The poet and philosopher Goethe used to describe green as a useful color, a good color to have around,’ explains Francesca Wezel, founder of Francesca’s Paints.

‘Decorating with green reassures us on a very primitive level. We know we can find food and water, which means green equals life. Using dark green paint and furnishings in our home, brings in these feelings of reassurance and rest,’ says Karen Haller, color and design psychology specialist and author of The Little Book of Color, available on Amazon. It is a mood-boosting color that I would argue is the best color in the world.

Many people struggle with how to create a predominantly green room, but the ideas and color combinations are vast.

For a soothing and comforting ambiance, layer lighter or darker tones with tactile fabrics like linens and velvets. Rich greens work well with antique dark woods and in period homes that are blessed with architectural details, such as beams and exposed brick. Neutrals offer a fresh contrast to dark green as well as colors including blush pinks, turquoise and copper. For a more cocooning effect, consider giving a room a green canopy by painting all five walls in the same shade. This is my favorite way to decorate with green.

‘I use a lot of green because it is very calming,’ says interior designer Sarah Vanrenen. ‘I also love using patterned wallpaper in green. I don’t think space is a barrier to going bold – don’t be put off by using strong colors and patterns in even the smallest spaces and use it on all four walls. The effect is dramatic and green works with so many other incredible colors, too.’

For the perfect green scheme, be inspired by the colors and textures of the forest landscape. Green never disappoints, and Victoria Beckham's green Dover Street store in London is a testament to that.

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