Join the green party

From serene and calm to zinging and dramatic, greens can play an important role in your home decorating. Livingetc presents our top six reasons to go green

1. A fresh alternative

Bring some new ideas to the table. We're so used to seeing plain white plates that
coloured tableware often gets overlooked, but green's just the thing to liven up a kitchen-diner scheme, especially in summer. Glassware with a green tinge completes the earthy look. The plates are from David Mellor and the glass bottles are from Sainsbury's.

2. They work with sustainable materials

Green is the natural backdrop for wood surfaces and natural fabrics. A burst of colour injects vitality, such as this feature wall in Green Smoke emulsion by Farrow & Ball. The pendant lamps are by In the Woodshed; and the tablecloth is made from Claude Chameleon fabric by Romo. For bobble fringing, visit VV Rouleaux.

3. They can work in coalition

Pastel-mint greens teamed with white give a sitting room punch. Ruffle a few style feathers by combining slick mid-century lines with froufrou frills. A mix of textures and distressed finishes ensure the look's not too sugary sweet. The sofa is upholstered in Padua Pale Jade fabric from Designers Guild. The cushion is made in Sylvana satin by Nina Campbell for Osborne & Little.

4. They're fair and balanced

This chalky verdant shade gives wood panelling a modern but serene edge - bang goes any notion of tradition or formality. The elegant, Thirties-style silvery bed and furnishings add a luxurious touch and underline that this a relaxing chill-out zone.

5. They promote harmony

Accents of tonal green, such as this Monroe zigzag cushion from Missoni Home, dotted around the place amplify the colour theme and keep the look harmonious.

6. They're zeitgeist

Citrus limes often get the green light in the bathroom, but darker, more sophisticated shades up the drama. Teal is bang on trend. The glossy-finish of these geometric tiles teamed with bold gold hexagonal wallpaper make a decadent statement, while the white classical furnishings and marble floor pop against the dark background. This is the Hicks' Grand wallpaper from Cole & Son; the dado is painted in Canton eggshell by Little Greene. Greens certainly know how to punch above their weight.