by [Your Name]
Are you familiar with the old saying, “blue and green should never be seen”? Well, let me tell you, it’s time to throw that outdated notion out the window. Arabella Youens delves into the world of color and debunks this age-old myth in her insightful investigation.
Contents
Breaking the Myth
Bluebells, irises, and forget-me-nots have long shown us just how beautiful blue and green can look together. Designer Nina Campbell, the brilliant mind behind Parvani, a fabric and wallpaper design featuring peacocks, flowers, and paisley shapes in a blue and green colorway, is here to set the record straight. She challenges the notion that these colors should never be paired, except on a faerie queen. Just take a glance at the Black Watch tartan, and you’ll see that mixing blue and green is not only acceptable but also stunning. The key lies in finding the right tonality, Mrs. Campbell explains.
A Touch of Acidic Green
For an extra edge, Mrs. Campbell recommends adding a touch of acidic green to the mix. This vibrant addition brings sharpness to any color scheme. However, she cautions that pairing red and green can be tricky, as it often evokes overly Christmassy vibes.
Historical Perspective
To understand the origins of this saying, we turn to Patrick Baty, a historical paint consultant. He believes the superstition stems from a seafarer’s tradition that forbade painting boat hulls green for fear they would become invisible when capsized. However, Mr. Baty dismisses this notion altogether. Looking at the work of renowned architect Robert Adam, we see that blue and green have happily coexisted for centuries. As Mr. Baty so aptly puts it, “Rules are for the guidance of wise men and the obedience of fools.”
Embracing Personal Tastes
Decorators and textile experts Susan Deliss and Penny Morrison share their experiences with the blue-green pairing. For Ms. Deliss, working with color is an instinctual process, devoid of strict rules. It’s all about what feels right for the room, considering its lighting and surroundings. Ms. Morrison, on the other hand, remembers being given the blue-green advice as a child but never paid much attention to it. She believes that color pairings are ever-evolving concepts that adapt to the times. Young designers are fearlessly mixing red and pink or red and orange with stunning results. As a fan of green in all its shades, Ms. Morrison encourages everyone to experiment and have fun with color.
A World of Possibilities
If you’re still feeling a bit hesitant about pairing blue and green, fear not. Mrs. Morrison suggests starting with small decorative accents, such as a rug or lampshade that combines these colors. Christopher Farr’s Carnival in green is a classic design that fuses chintz with 1960s psychedelia, making it a fantastic choice for a blue sofa or a dark-blue painted room. The possibilities are endless, and Mrs. Morrison goes so far as to say that mixing blue and green is almost a must.
So, let’s banish the old adage and embrace the beauty of blue and green. Whether you choose to create a vibrant and energetic space or a serene and calming oasis, these colors are meant to be seen together. Trust your instincts, play with tonalities, and let your creativity flourish. After all, who wants to live in a world where blue and green should never be seen?