Make your home glow with emerald

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It’s not hard to conjure up a vision of emerald, Pantone’s pick for 2013 Color of the Year.

It’s not hard to conjure up a vision of emerald, Pantone’s pick for 2013 Color of the Year.

It’s all around us in summer, dressing up the trees in a hue that sparkles against a blue sky. And the gemstone never goes out of style at jewelry stores.

But it’s not always easy to incorporate such a bold color into your home dcor. So we asked decorators to give us some ideas for bringing this gem of a color down to earth.

Allan Chapman, Allan Chapman Interiors, Charlotte, N.C.:

“The color emerald green exudes elegance and sophistication, rich in its layers and endless variations.”

c Upholster your sofa in a rich emerald hue, in a cotton-velvet. It will create a wonderful backdrop for pillows in lighter silks and linens.

c Paint your study, library, den or dining room in glossy emerald paint. For a dramatic effect, accessorize with metallic accents such as gold picture frames, sconces or a vibrant chandelier.

c Update an otherwise neutral room with emerald window treatments in solid silk. Simple, pleated panels hung from a gilded rod will add instant glamour.

c Accessorize with pops of emerald. Try a pair of emerald green porcelain lamps, or malachite green picture frames, boxes and carved figurines.

Andrea Robinson, Andrea Robinson Interior Design and Consulting, Charlotte:

“I associate the color emerald with elegance. It is rich, lush and regal.”

c To create a bold, striking contrast, paint an entire room in emerald with crisp white trim. Ground the space with a graphic black-and-white rug and neutral upholstery.

c Turn a neutral setting into an exotic space by introducing emerald upholstery and an antique rug.

c Emerald green can be incorporated into an existing environment with artwork, lamps and glassware.

c If you are just beginning a room, consider an emerald velvet sofa as the inspiration piece.

c If you just want to freshen up an environment, add a variety of emerald pillows to existing upholstery for a quick and easy update.

Davetta Moore, Davetta Moore Designs, Concord, N.C.:

“Pantone’s emerald is commanding but nurturing all at the same time.”

c Paint the walls in a foyer, hall, den or library.

c Use the color on an upholstered piece of furniture.

c Update an old dresser and paint it emerald green.

c Paint an antique chair frame emerald, then add new fabric.

c Use plants, flowers, fruit or vegetables as a way to include the color green.