Green is a highly emotive colour that speaks to us symbolically on many levels - culturally, socially, naturally and futuristically. We have seen a huge growth of importance of all greens in recent years - from soft citrus tints, attention grabbing natural tones to hi-tech futuristic shades.

Green represents the close alignment of nature and science in order to create a sense of harmonious and sustainable living. It reminds us of the critical importance of fresh water on our fragile planet, the technology of LED lights and the complex monitoring equipment of the laboratory - all essential to our wellbeing and progress.

Currently and in the past, cool jades have been associated with healing and natural protection. Celadon and the ceramic greens popular in the East, put over a sense of beauty, peace and calmness whilst similar tones were much used in the West for clinics, hospitals and 'green rooms' - where actors and musicians rested before performances.

The psychological acceptance of cool green comes from its association with the herbs and plants used in both culinary and medicinal contexts. Green tea, eucalyptus, mint, aloe and willow have calming, healing and reviving aspects that we seek out when under stress or in the midst of emotional trauma - they have the ability to work in harmony with the body's own healing mechanisms.

In both exterior and interior decoration, jade green has an important part to play. In modernist terms it works with glass, steel, concrete and combines with a cool palette of grey, soft blues, taupe and chocolate whilst for a softer and more domestic look it can be combined with warmer tones like plum, terracotta, peach and nude pink.

This green is balanced and wholesome - a contemplative and soothing shade that speaks of community care and social responsibility - a nurturing colour for an emotionally hungry world.