In 2017, the color of the year was announced as Greenery, a bright yellow-green shade designed to evoke the feeling of new beginnings and connection with nature. This vivid hue aimed to bring a sense of calm and optimism during a time of shifting cultural and technological landscapes.
Greenery served as a visual reset, encouraging designers, brands, and individuals to incorporate a lively, plant-inspired tone into everyday creative projects and lifestyle choices. Its fresh character resonated across industries, from fashion to interior design, reinforcing a shared desire for renewal.
| Year | Color Name | Hex Code | Symbolic Meaning | Primary Inspiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Greenery | #68C0A2 | New beginnings, harmony with nature | Biophilic design and botanical tones |
Cultural Impact of Greenery in Design
Brand and Marketing Reactions
Brands quickly adopted Greenery to refresh product packaging, digital campaigns, and in-store experiences. The color helped communicate sustainability, health, and a forward-thinking mindset in competitive markets.
Digital and Print Expression
Designers used Greenery to balance screen-based glare and printed material depth. Its luminance worked well in web interfaces, social media graphics, and editorial spreads, creating an inviting visual rhythm.
Interior Architecture and Lifestyle Trends
Residential and Commercial Spaces
Interior architects incorporated Greenery through accent walls, textiles, and furniture upholstery, aiming to blur the line between indoor and outdoor environments. The result was spaces that felt airy, alive, and restorative.
Material and Texture Pairings
Natural materials such as light woods, matte metals, and woven fibers complemented the cool undertones of Greenery. Layered textures helped the color feel grounded rather than overly cheerful in residential settings.
Fashion and Personal Style Influence
Runway and Retail Adoption
Fashion houses translated Greenery into flowing dresses, structured coats, and statement accessories. Retail collections emphasized versatile pieces that could integrate the shade into existing wardrobes with minimal effort.
Seasonal Coordination and Styling
Stylists paired Greenery with neutral beiges, soft grays, and subtle metallics to maintain year-round wearability. This approach allowed consumers to experiment with the color without committing to full seasonal overhauls.
Historical Context and Color Evolution
Comparison with Previous Colors of the Year
| Year | Color Name | Emotional Direction | Design Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Marsala | Grounded, comforting | Warm, earthy stability |
| 2016 | Rose Quartz | Compassion, calm | Balanced, inclusive tones |
| 2017 | Greenery | Renewal, optimism | Biophilic and fresh |
| 2018 | Ultra Violet | Imagination, creativity | Artistic and expressive |
Applying Greenery in Modern Projects
Strategic Color Planning
Design teams evaluated Greenery alongside accessibility contrast ratios and long-term brand alignment. This ensured the shade remained effective across diverse applications, from signage to digital onboarding flows.
Consumer Engagement and Feedback
Surveys showed strong positive associations with nature and well-being when Greenery was used thoughtfully. Brands that listened to audience preferences refined palettes to avoid overly saturated implementations.
Future Directions and Lasting Influence
The popularity of Greenery accelerated the integration of biophilic concepts across branding, urban planning, and product development, encouraging more organic palettes in subsequent years.
Designers continue to reference this shade as a benchmark for nature-driven color strategies, proving that a single color can shape visual culture far beyond its initial season.
- Use Greenery to connect with natural themes and signal renewal in brand storytelling
- Balance the shade with neutral tones to maintain sophistication in both digital and physical spaces
- Pair Greenery with organic textures and materials to enhance tactile warmth
- Monitor accessibility and contrast when applying the color to interface and signage design
FAQ
Reader questions
Why was Greenery chosen as the color of 2017?
Greenery was selected to reflect a collective need for renewal and a stronger bond with nature, especially during a period of rapid technological change and global transition.
How did interior designers incorporate Greenery into homes?
Designers used Greenery as an accent through textiles, finishes, and statement furniture, often pairing it with natural materials to maintain a balanced, organic atmosphere.
What types of brands benefited most from using Greenery?
Health, wellness, lifestyle, and sustainable-focused brands gained immediate visual relevance, as the shade communicated freshness, growth, and environmental awareness.
Did Greenery influence digital product design in 2017?
Digital teams employed Greenery in user interfaces and marketing visuals to soften bright screens, guide attention, and add a calming layer of visual interest.