As we move further into the great unknown of 2017, one thing is for sure: We’ll be seeing a lot of Pantone’s always-trendsetting Color of the Year. Greenery is a vibrant, leafy green that the international color-matching company is calling “nature’s neutral.” A dramatic turn from the pink-and-blue pastel combo of 2016, the zesty shade is a cue to embrace the natural world, according to Pantone. “Greenery bursts forth in 2017 to provide us with the reassurance we yearn for in a tumultuous social and political environment by satisfying our growing desire to rejuvenate and revitalize,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, in a prepared release.

It’s a lofty goal for a hue rocked by Kermit the Frog (who was apparently way ahead of his time)—but, hey, it couldn’t hurt, right? We asked local interior designer Leslie Kazmierczak, owner and principal of Level 10 Interiors, for her tips on how and where to go green in Colorado homes and offices. “I think adding color really does impact people’s lives,” Kazmierczak says. “Especially for people used to living with neutrals. It brings new energy to a space and can make people feel refreshed. And coming into a new year, isn’t that what we all need?”

Paint
Often, earthy greens are used as soothing neutrals in home design. Not so with Greenery, Kazmierczak cautions; not many people will see this color and want to splash it on all four walls of a room. However, it’s perfect as an accent, perhaps on the front door or to highlight an architectural detail such as a fireplace mantel. But for those brave few who are ready to go all in, Kazmierczak suggests trying the hue in a powder room, laundry room, or kid’s room. “I love the idea of bold green stripes in a kids’ room,” Kazmierczak says.

Courtesy of Pantone/Neiman Marcus; Haute House Tiffany Damask Chair, $1,899, neimanmarcus.com

Furnishings
OK, so you’re probably not going to go out and buy a giant green sectional sofa. However, a funky vintage settee or an accent chair instantly become the room’s focal point when given the green treatment. If that’s too daring, Kazmierczak suggests starting small with a side table or lamp. For the DIY set, she suggests painting the backing of a simple white bookshelf in Greenery. “Since you’ll have books and knickknacks on the shelves, it’s not going to be as bold a statement,” Kazmierczak says. “But it still makes a huge difference in a room.”

Patio
Bright greens have long been popular for outdoor furnishings, Kazmierczak notes (think: leafy patterned slipcovers for outdoor seating). “This is the place to go wild with color,” Kazmierczak says. “And most people do slipcovers outside anyway, so when the color fades or you get sick of it, just switch it out.”

Courtesy of Pantone/Neiman Marcus; Horchow Kimono Honeydew Green Pillow, $150, neimanmarcus.com

Accessories
Modern white interiors seem to lend themselves to a pop of color, but for those living with more traditional decor, accessories are smart way to bring in Greenery. “I wouldn’t, say, just add a big green throw pillow into your traditional home,” Kazmierczak says. “But look for traditional patterns and textures featuring that touch of green to bring in more color.”

Plants
Probably the easiest way to bring Greenery home is with an actual plant, Kazmierczak says. “And who doesn’t need another plant in the house?” she asks. “There are so many interesting greens in houseplants, which instantly perk up a room.”