By Stacy Chandler

McCLATCHY NEWSPAPERS

It's not hard to conjure up a vision of emerald, Pantone's pick for 2013 Color of the Year.

It's all around us in summer, dressing up the trees in a hue that sparkles against a blue sky. And the gemstone never goes out of style at jewelry stores.

But it's not always easy to incorporate such a bold color into your home decor. So we asked decorators to give us some ideas for bringing this gem of a color down to earth:

Allan Chapman, Allan Chapman Interiors, Charlotte, N.C.:

"The color emerald green exudes elegance and sophistication, rich in its layers and endless variations."

Upholster your sofa in a rich emerald hue, in a cotton-velvet. It will create a wonderful backdrop for pillows in lighter silks and linens.

Paint your study, library, den or dining room in glossy emerald paint. For a dramatic effect, accessorize with metallic accents.

Update an otherwise neutral room with emerald window treatments in solid silk.

Accessorize with pops of emerald. Try a pair of emerald green porcelain lamps, or malachite green picture frames, boxes and carved figurines.

Andrea Robinson, Andrea Robinson Interior Design and Consulting, Charlotte:

"I associate the color emerald with elegance. It is rich, lush and regal."

To create a bold, striking contrast, paint an entire room in emerald with crisp white trim.

Turn a neutral setting into an exotic space by introducing emerald upholstery and an antique rug.

Emerald green can be incorporated into an existing environment with artwork, lamps and glassware.

If you are just beginning a room, consider an emerald velvet sofa as the inspiration piece.

If you just want to freshen up an environment, add a variety of emerald pillows to existing upholstery for a quick and easy update.

Davetta Moore, Davetta Moore Designs, Concord, N.C.:

"Pantone's emerald is commanding but nurturing all at the same time."

Paint the walls in a foyer, hall, den or library.

Update an old dresser and paint it emerald green.

Paint an antique chair frame emerald, then add new fabric.

Use plants, flowers, fruit or vegetables as a way to include the color green.