4 Homes That Use Green To Delightful Effect

Introduced to St. Patrick’s Day festivities in the 18th century, when the shamrock became a national symbol of Ireland, green is a soothing, refreshing hue that brings to mind rolling meadows, leafy groves, and idyllic forests. A welcome reminder of the long, warmer days ahead, it provides any home with a sense of cheer and optimism.

Handsome Houston Heights Home

Custom-designed and constructed with the finest materials and finishes, this four-bedroom, 4,484-square-foot residence in historic Houston Heights exudes warmth and charm at every turn, beginning with a covered front porch and a wood-paneled façade in a natural evergreen hue. The heart of the home is a great room that includes a dining area, a kitchen with handsome green cabinetry and an island, and a family room opening to a covered patio with an outdoor kitchen, verdant walls, and a view of the lush backyard.

Noe Valley Charmer

This colorful Noe Valley duplex has been cherished, maintained, and updated by the same family for nearly four decades. The lower level is dedicated to a full-floor pied-à-terre with living and dining rooms, an eat-in kitchen, and a bright bedroom overlooking the south-facing garden. The two upper levels feature living and dining rooms whose walls echo the greenery of the surrounding magnolias and other thriving trees, an updated eat-in kitchen, three bright bedrooms, and a sunny private patio affording picturesque views.

Modern Comfort and Style

The classically charming streetside presence of this single-level three-bedroom residence belies its open, airy, light-filled modern interiors. A dining area and multiple living spaces accompany the recently remodeled chef’s kitchen, which boasts custom cabinets, quartz countertops, a farm sink, wine storage, and a large island finished in an invigorating green hue fitting for this leafy, tree-strewn setting. The backyard is a peaceful retreat for outdoor relaxation and entertaining or gathering harvests from fruit trees.

Santa Fe Gem

Painstakingly remodeled, this bright, elegant 2,552-square-foot condominium residence is a delightful getaway just steps from Santa Fe’s historic downtown Plaza. Cooks of all skill levels will appreciate the kitchen’s top-caliber appliances, and the primary bedroom, the two guest bedrooms, and a bunk room with an adjoining recreation room can accommodate 10 or more residents and guests. Exterior accents and details in the open-plan living and dining area recalls the leaves of the trees that envelope the home and its private patio.

This article was originally published in Sotheby’s International Realty Extraordinary Living Blog in March 2024.