Nurturing Green

The Design Avenue has been transformed into a blaze of colour – and a message of thank you – with a rainbow-themed installation that celebrates the moment when the sun breaks through the clouds.

As a symbol of peace and hope, the rainbow has taken on a greater significance in 2020 as an emblem of thanks to NHS and other frontline staff in the face of coronavirus. The Design the Rainbow installation is an expression of gratitude on a giant scale, and it also recognises the design community for the way it has come together over the past few months.

The defining interiors trend of the moment is how to bring the outside in. Biophilic design seeks to harness some of the health and wellness benefits that we get from being within nature – from reduced stress to increased productivity – and the colour green has an important part to play. Studies show that even images of nature can deliver some of the benefits that living plants can, and green, botanical-themed decor, from lush tropical leaves to delicate trellis designs, is on the up.

Because of its link with nature, green is associated with growth, balance and harmony.  Overall, it has a calming, nurturing effect on interiors, and is one of the most versatile colours in the designer’s toolbox. Tones of lime and teal can also bring a zingy freshness that’s more stimulating, while olive, sage and forest green have a grounding effect.

With thanks to our showrooms for their contribution:

Paint: ‘Poison’, Zoffany
Outside wallcovering: ‘Sari’ (VP89561), Elitis at Abbott and Boyd
Inside wallcovering: ‘Chifu’ (BW45087), emerald, GP & J Baker
‘Seychelles’ chevron border (BT-56854-16), leaf, Samuel & Sons
‘Esamarine’ tiles, green, Tonalite at Artisans of Devizes
‘Pavilion VI’ club chair, wicomico white, McKinnon and Harris
‘Tini IV’ table, white dove, Oomph at Nina Campbell
Printed vintage design cushion, green, Livio de Simone at Miles x Bookshop
‘Painted Butterflies and Fish’ decanter and tumblers, Lobmeyr Crystal at Miles x Bookshop