Green Area Rugs Bring The Outdoors Into The Home 

Say "green" and many people think of Ireland, the fabled "emerald isle" noted for its "forty shades of green." But did you know that it was an American country singer who started the idea of those forty shades that today inhabit everything from paint to green area rugs?

That's right. American country legend Johnny Cash – known as "The Man in Black" for his monochrome wardrobe -- was so taken with Ireland that in 1961 he recorded an entire album of songs in praise of Ireland. Among them was a sentimental ballad, "Forty Shades of Green," that has become a catch phrase for Irish tourism. While it's entirely likely that Ireland sports forty or more shades of green thanks to its wet, temperate weather, there are definitely more than forty shades of green when it comes to today's area rugs.

What's even more exciting for home decorating is that all those shades of green come in an amazing variety of fabrics that range from soft and satiny to rough and rugged. In fact, you will find that texture exerts as huge an influence as color when using modern green rugs.

For example, a wonderful type of soft sheepskin rug known as Flokati, can be dyed a vivid green for use in children's rooms. A green Flokati rug in a child's room gives a comfy place to play and a cheerful color to brighten up dreary days.

Serene rooms that are meant for studying or relaxing, often benefit from the deep blue-green of a shade known as Hunter Green. This jewel tone is frequently combined with similar rich tones in formal patterns for a stately traditional look. Another green shade good for a den or study is a deep evergreen, which gives a sense of stability.

Moving on to rooms such as a family room or a bathroom; lighter shades of green work well with natural fabrics such as cotton, jute, sea grass and linens. Here softer shades of green such as silvery sage, soft new spring green and pastel olive convey a sense of home, peacefulness and family. Moss greens, especially in the bathroom, can make it feel as if an island of serenity has suddenly appeared in a frantic world. Combined with the sound of water flowing, one might almost expect to see a fairy or a leprechaun caper about the room!

Bright green adds an energetic feel to any room in the house, from kitchens to living rooms. A green area rug can reflect the shades of tiles in kitchen or it can complement vivid reds and yellows to give a boost to lagging appetites.

Modern green rugs come in an amazingly endless array of shapes and textures, making it possible to create just about any mood you desire in any room of the house. While there are the traditional rectangles and squares in all shades of green, you will also find ovals and circles as well as an assortment of odd shapes including hearts, leaves and even footprints.

The late Johnny Cash probably had no idea how much decorating fun he'd set off when he wrote about those forty shades of green!

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