Chartreuse, the colour that sits perfectly between green and yellow, combines the best of both worlds in terms of its psychological effect and uses in the colour wheel. Chartreuse took its name from a French liqueur called green chartreuse that was launched in 1764 and made with alcohol distilled with 130 herbs and flowers. 

A pop of chartreuse can inject a playful personality into a neutral or dark colour palette and add a little contrasting acidity into a sweet or feminine colour palette. Small home items like vases, cushions, candles, or picture frames in solid chartreuse can invigorate a colour palette.

Eternel Ette Exotique wallpaper from Pierre Frey

“Varying from an electric bright lime green that pops, to soft pastel shades for a more relaxed, natural look – think new foliage among timber brown – this colour will brighten up and bring character to any space,” says Wong Liangyuan, colour specialist at Haven Lifestyle. “Chartreuse is a cheerful, happy and energetic colour, the shade of summer cocktails and freshly made guacamole.” 

“Chartreuse is a cheerful, happy and energetic colour – the shade of summer cocktails and freshly made guacamole.” 

wong Liangyuan, haven lifestyle

Intrepid homeowners may opt for a broad swathe of chartreuse as a feature wall to electrify the overall feel of the room. Those who favour pastel colours can tone down the intensity by mixing a little white to reduce the saturation of the colour to blend it with the surrounding while still retaining the refreshing effect.

“As the main colour, I would put this shade on several elements in the space – it goes great on walls , either solid or as part of a wallpaper pattern as well as on furniture, and accent the space with the complementary shades of reds, pinks or peach,” suggests Liangyuan. “As the accent in the space, I would limit it to several decorative items or accent pieces, among a neutral or even colder colour palette.”

Jasmine and Serin Symphony wallpapers from the Seville collection by Cole & Sons

The amount of lighting, both natural and artificial, also plays a vital role in how chartreuse will affect the room. Seen in this picture is an ottoman upholstered in solid chartreuse that looks more green in the subdued lighting.

Paired with salmon, terracotta, and the darker green of the Eternel Ette Exotique wallpaper from Pierre Frey, and the Jasmine and Serin Symphony wallpapers from the Seville collection by Cole & Sons, the chartreuse reinforces the freshness of the botanical motif of the wallpaper.