Talking Greenery With Interior Designer Jay Jeffers

Since 2000, Pantone—a color matching tool used in a wide variety of industries—has named one hue the “Color of the Year.” Earlier this month the color institute named 2017’s color greenery. The color is selected in secret by a group of representatives from various nations’s color standards groups. Generally the color reflects the current cultural climate and influences trends in fashion, design, travel, architecture, and interior design. Pantone describes the shade as revitalizing, refreshing, and a sign of new beginnings. The executive director of Pantone’s color institute, Leatrice Eiseman, says that “greenery bursts forth in 2017 to provide us with the reassurance we yearn for amid a tumultuous social and political environment. Satisfying our growing desire to rejuvenate and revitalize, Greenery symbolizes the reconnection we seek with nature, one another and a larger purpose.” To learn more about greenery, we reached out to our favorite local designer, the outstanding Jay Jeffers. Beside operating a namesake store on Post Street in the Tenderloin, Jeffers latest projects include private residences at The Pacific and the PlumpJack Group’s most recent bar, Wildhawk. Here Jeffers breaks down the Pantone “Color of the Year.”

Why is the color of the year significant?

When designing a home that you want to feel timeless, I tend to stay away from following color trends. However, the color of the year is a benchmark that sparks curiosity and creativity. I’ve worked with greens my entire career, but perhaps not this green, so it provides inspiration to designers to think about something new.

What do you love about greenery?

Bringing the outside in is a staple in California design. Greenery is a fantastic color to do just that. It’s sharp and soft at the same time and blends well in an environment that might be light and airy or dark and dramatic.

Why is green a hot shade now?

Colors come into vogue as an adverse reaction. Tones of blue have been the forefront of design in my world for years so switching gears and focusing on beautiful greens is a fun change and sounds exciting!

What is the easiest way to add the color into your home’s already existing decor?

With a color such as greenery, sometimes a little goes a long way. For example, change out pillows and add accessories such as a cashmere throw or a lacquered tray. In your bedroom, try changing up your bedding for a bold look.