The Bold, The Bright and The Beautiful.

It finally feels like summer here in San Francisco - we're late starters, when the fog rolls away around late August. Maybe that's why I've been really fond of bright bursts of color lately, especially pinks, corals, yellows and oranges against a palette of crisp, clean white. These colors feel really summery to me and kind of spicy at the same time. Like sunburned cheeks, striped beach umbrellas and salsa & chips on a very hot day. I found some inspiration for using these colors leafing through the photos in Emily Chalmer's book, Style on a Budget. I've had this book on my shelves for a while now; it first came out in 2003, but the ideas are still fresh and upbeat. I'm dying to paint my entry wall this amazing hot pink! You'll have to wait to see if I get the courage, but I think I'm gearing up. It'll make it seem like summer here all year long, no matter how thick the fog.


In the meantime, here's some fun color to brighten your Monday blues. Man-oh-man, I hate Mondays. But, I think this will cheer me up. I love Emily's stylish use of the mod, retro wallpaper contradicted with the traditional Asian silk pillows. I never would have dreamed of that combination, but I think it looks really great. I saw some metallic lanterns like this one at Cost Plus World Market - inexpensive and easy to spray paint in a bright glossy color. A few of them painted different bright colors would look festive on your garden patio or balcony. Let's make dining al fresco last!


I fold my tablecloths, dish cloths and aprons and display them on my kitchen rack for color. I also stack my books to show off their colorful graphic spines. Little splashes of brightness can come from kitchen accessories tucked here and there in unexpected places, and prints and accessories grouped in a range of bright colors look pulled together and not too knick-knacky.

Rich, orange tones with pinks warm a room up too. I love these slouchy velvet pillows against the tailored neutral brown sofa. My pink lamp really adds a dusky glow to my dining room, which makes it pretty inviting (and good on the complexion). And these soft pink quilts look great against the stark contrast of the steel bed frame made from pipes, and the black metal wardrobes. Bright colors don't have to be girly - they can look pretty sophisticated and cosmopolitan. And improve your mood on those don't-wanna-get-out-of-bed Mondays.