At this time of year, when the leaves and grass outside have been replaced by bare branches and snow-covered ground, shades of winter green can bring a bit of sorely missed greenery into your home without being seasonally inappropriate. Incorporating hunter green into decor can be challenging to get right; it can coziness and richness without being black, but it can backfire terribly and be drab and dark.

Hunter green tends to be horribly reminiscent of the 80s and far from popular today. So why are we featuring it? “Nature’s neutrals” – including “Treetop,” a deep green – are being touted as fashionable in Pantone’s Spring 2015 Fashion Color Report. We’ll show you how to use it the right way to make your home beautiful, rather than a bad 80s throwback.

This particular shade of green is not recommended for walls or large spaces as it tends to swallow the light and look blah. When used as an accent rather than the main color in traditional, French country, and rustic decor, however, it’s lovely. Pair it with other earthy neutrals – tans, taupes, browns, beiges, and other shades of green – for best results, and make sure the room is well-lit, preferably by natural light.

Hunter green is still considered best as an exterior color and in indoor/outdoor spaces. It’s a perfect transitional color from outside to inside and harmonizes with the landscape. Use it on shutters, trim, fencing, siding, doors, furniture, and even the roof.

Where will you use hunter green?