Sherwin-Williams' February Color of the Month is an optimistic pastel green paint that nods to spring – here's how to use this transitional shade

February often welcomes the first glimpses of spring following the winter months, and while there are many reasons to look forward to the soon-arriving longer days and warmer temperatures, incorporating spring colors into our homes is one of our favorites.

Sherwin-Williams' Color of the Month for February is the perfect way to do so – a soothing green paint that shifts away from neutrals if you're looking to bring uplifting color into your home to reflect the changing seasons.

Here, we've rounded up all you need to know about this refreshing green paint to bring your spring color ideas to life, as explained by a Sherwin-Williams color expert.

What is Sherwin-Williams' February Color of the Month?

Slow Green SW 6456 has been revealed as Sherwin-Williams' Color of the Month for February, a soothing pastel green paint. Pulling us towards colorful room color ideas compared to its more neutral January Color of the Month, Slow Green adds interest while maintaining an incredibly calming and pared-back quality.

'With blue and green tones on the rise, Slow Green SW 6456 captures the essence of two popular color families within its balanced undertone,' explains Emily Kantz, Color Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams.

'The retro minty hue plays well with a variety of aesthetics thanks to its adaptable appearance, all while feeling fresh, unique, and authentic. While it is a playful and unexpected color, its subtleness also lets homeowners explore color without being overwhelmed,' Emily adds.

Although we're still in the winter months, February brings the promise of spring and this transitional shade is the perfect way to reflect that inside the home, as Emily suggests: 'It can also evoke charm and peaceful comfort in a space and after a few long winter months, that’s exactly what homeowners need. It’s also a great transitional shade to get us ready for spring in just a few weeks!'

How to decorate with Slow Green SW 6456

Slow Green makes for a soothing color choice in many rooms, serving as a step away from neutral paints for a more colorful approach. 'This shade is ideal for thoughtful color-blocking and would pair well in almost any room homeowners would like thanks to its adaptability – from living rooms to bedrooms to bathrooms to accent walls,' says Emily.

Due to its inherently relaxing quality (thanks to its association with the natural world and its soft tones), we'd say that bedroom color schemes and bathroom color schemes would be best placed for this paint color. While you may enjoy a colorful scheme in the main living spaces, it may be better placed in quieter, less focal rooms such as bedrooms (rather than kitchens) if you're somebody who usually prefers decorating with neutrals.

Whichever room you choose to use this pastel green in, adding bold and vintage decor will complete the look, adds Emily: 'I recommend pairing it with vintage pieces, solid bold textiles for an additional pop of color, and decorative treatments to cabinetry or trim.'

Unless you choose to lean into color-drenching, you'll need to find the right paint colors to pair with Slow Green, for which Emily suggests opting for white paints to bring balance and cooler colors for contrast: 'Coordinating colors include crisp whites like White Sail SW 9622, dusty purples such as Dried Lavender SW 9072, deep moody blues like Dark Night SW 6237, and rich teals like Green Bay SW 6481.'

What do you make of this optimistic green paint? Whether you use it boldly for a cheerful yet soothing space or incorporate it in smaller doses, you can be sure it'll have your home feeling ready for spring.