"Lively. Radiant. Lush…

A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony."

What with St. Patrick’s Day, spring flowers and the overall greening in the city and the Vail Valley, it’s not surprising that emerald green is on our collective minds this month. It adds richness and elegance to design and fashion, and is a welcome burst of color after a cold and white winter. Who hasn't had the  daydream of escaping to paradise with misty waterfalls and a verdant landscape?

It’s no coincidence, then, that emerald is the 2013 Pantone color of the year. This lush and bold color evokes images of sparkling gems and malachite—it’s such a rich jewel tone! Chevron patterns seem to be everywhere this year too—skirts, handbags, stairs, even a bold accent wall. Creating the pattern in green only adds fun to the room. It proves you can be bold, current and right-in-style all at once, without a huge commitment. If you are not ready to make that leap, another favorite is to use highlights of color throughout your room: think fun place settings, sharp lamps, special wall hangings or even a chair or two that draws your friends’ eyes to your unique pieces.

Emeralds themselves are chic sophistication that exude an air of confidence. A friend’s engagement ring was an emerald-cut emerald—she received compliments on the stone because it instantly captured everyone’s attention.

Let’s not forget: Emerald is also the color of money. Here’s hoping you find your own pot of gold at the end of the rainbow this Saint Patrick’s Day, and throughout the year.

This month’s blog comes toyou from our Design Associate Shelley Neeley. Shelley received her bachelor of science in interior design from Mississippi College. After interning at Slifer Designs, she returned to school to earn her master of arts in interior design from Savannah College of Art and Design.