Design Trend: The Green Kitchen
Introduction
If you’ve ever even opened Pinterest recently, you’ve likely seen photo after photo of green kitchens. They’ve been popular for a few years now, and for good reason: they look amazing! Let’s take a dive into the world of green kitchens, and see why exactly this trend has taken off so spectacularly.
Why you like it, and examples
1. It makes minimalistic spaces cozier
Minimalism has the frequent problem of looking too sterile. While certain genres of minimalism have ways to combat that (see Scandinavian design), many styles still tend to look staged and lifeless. Here’s where the green kitchen comes in.
Most greens keep with an elevated minimalist feel, but their connection with nature and earthy tones lend an air of comfort. A light sage can make an airy kitchen feel more like a country cottage. Emerald accents can ground a more classic, high-contrast look. Green’s earthy undertones add depth and natural comfort to a more minimalist look while not feeling over-colorful.
2. Goes well with most metals and accents
Many shades of green have the ability to pair with most types of metal accents. Brass, copper, nickel, or black-painted metal all pair phenomenally with nearly all shades of green.
That extreme versatility allows it to pair well with either light or darker accent pieces and colors, creating entirely different moods, even with the same base paint color. A dark green shade can either make an elevated, hypermodern kitchen, or a cozy vintage kitchen with copper pots hanging from the ceiling. This versatility makes green a great base to play off different accents and styles.
3. Adds natural undertones to any look
The plant-filled, botanical look has been all the rage recently, and for good reason. Botanical styles look simple, cozy, and classy all at the same time. The style is defined by its earth-toned paints, thick fiber textures, rattan, and of course, plants. It brings an earthy hominess to any house it touches. Even if you don’t want to go full-on naturalist, one simple way to add that simple, earthy undertone to your home is an earth-toned paint, particularly a shade of green. The simple touch evokes the botanical style (and that calming, cozy feeling) without going extreme with the look. Even a very pale tint adds depth and warmth, and that undertone pairs with almost every style.
4. Pairs well with nearly any style
Because many green shades fall under the umbrella of “earth-toned”, they can almost function as neutral colors, allowing them to fit into nearly any decor style. Minimalist? Farmhouse? Cozy cottage? Mid-century modern? Yes, yes, and yes. The vast array of shades and tones of green makes it a natural fit for almost any style. Do you want it as a subtle color hint? A bright accent? A subdued and moody undertone? A classic and elevated complement?
The versatility of green’s diverse shades really shows its hand here, making it an amazing option, no matter the design style.
Will it stay in style?
Likely, no. Trend cycles are shockingly quick and things go out of style quickly. There are absolutely kitchens that age better than others, and there’s a lot of good to be said about timeless looks. Personally, I think a lot of these green kitchens will hold up well over time, but ultimately, the stylistic pull of a kitchen is the welcoming, hospitality, and familial love that the space represents. That sentiment is timeless, regardless of style.
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