Against the browns of the earth, green grasses and trees glitter like gems, reflecting the refractive glints of the sun. Beyond to the blues of the seas, green represents the point of return, to home.

With such a dominant role in nature, green represents youth, growth and ultimately maturity. Green is often chosen as the color of money and signifies wealth and elegance, and in some cultures, it has deeply religious significance.

No wonder green is among the most relaxing and soothing of colors, with the ability to calm and refresh our minds and our souls. Studies show that green helps alleviate depression and anxiety, and promotes harmony and well-being.

Green comes in a rich spectrum of shades and tints, serving well as the main color for any décor, or as an accent to other color schemes. With tones of yellow, green grows sunnier and sharper, and with blue tones, it goes cooler, more alpine. Light greens are youthful and springlike, while deep greens are solid and sophisticated.

Many shades of green can go well together in home decor, just as they do in nature, which makes green a terrific go-to color when you're not sure what to choose.

Greens are welcome in kitchens and dining rooms, as many of the most popular vegetables like lettuce, limes, and many beans and peas are soft to deep green. Pale greens are calming in bedrooms and work well with blues and whites in bathrooms.

If you want green to be more dynamic, choose a shade closer to primary green, like the color of green on stoplights or in emeralds. Green means go, so it can also be refreshing and energizing. Keep in mind that energizing colors are best used as accents. Overused, strong colors can be oppressive or overwhelming.

One thing you'll find is that used attractively, green has a healing and nourishing effect, no matter what shade you choose. And that's why it's also in fashion.