Candy Colors to Savor

In reviewing our latest pins on Pinterest, we notice a lot of bold, bright color. Maybe it's because we've had a rainy week here in Berkeley, or maybe it's just because we love color -- anytime, all the time. Here's some eye candy to inspire you:

(pinned via Jessica, via Marvelous Kiddo, via solidfrog, original source unknown)

(pinned via Jessica, via smallshopstudio, via rebecca june)

(pinned via Jessica, via Petite Alma, original painting by Cocoa and Hearts)

(pinned via elisangel, via flickr)

(pinned via Jessica, via interiors-porn.tumbler)

(pinned via Jodi McKee)

Happy weekend, and we hope you always color outside the lines!

Design in a Snap!

We just completed a quick interior refresh for a lovely client who wanted to bring more color to her living space. This is an "after" picture . . . .

The "before" pictures are very tasteful as well. Her home was remodeled two years ago, saturated with browns, beiges and off whites -- as seen in the next four photos.

In preparation for spring, she asked us to refresh the rooms with brighter colors. We used her new doormat as our color inspiration:

We set out to find accessories in these key colors -- chartreuse and aqua blue. We visited Lotus Bleu in San Francisco and discovered just the right pillows, plus a throw and a basket. Then we added ceramics and glass accessories from West Elm in complimentary whites, blues and greens. Here are the results . . .

 We also incorporated some items she already had to create new displays for her dining room table and for the window shelf in front of her sink.

This is a fun and quick way for us to work with clients -- bringing a burst of energy to their rooms at a reasonable rate.

Mad about Tangerine Tango

Pantone's 2012 Color of the Year -- Tangerine Tango -- has been making quite a splash in the design world.

Here at Visual Jill, we've always loved this vibrant orange-red -- just look at our logo, above. Last week we were so inspired that we actually painted our dining room wall Benjamin Moore's Orange (2011-10).  It adds such energy to the room!

Of course, our affection for orange doesn't stop there! We restyled our couch with some new pillows too.

(Gold, orange and black/white pillows from CB2, Faces pillow from Erica Tanov, orange side table from CB2)

And elsewhere . . . we've infused some Tango into our entryway via pillows, artwork, a throw and a scarf . . .

(Pillows from CB2 and BoConcept)

. . . and brought the brightness to our kitchen through a new teapot and our favorite barstools!

(Tea kettle from Le Creuset, Jam Lift barstools from KCC Living)

The Tangerine Tango craze is showing up all over the blogosphere and print publications. Last Sunday's San Francisco Chronicle Style section focused on the hue, and the Note to Self blog pulled together a sampling of tangerine goodies too.

We're so glad the world is embracing this sunny, optimistic color. We think it's here to stay!

New Colors from Benjamin Moore!

Last night we attended an event at the SF Design Center premiering Benjamin Moore's newest colors -- Color Stories. According to Benjamin Moore, "Color Stories' 240 full-spectrum colors are clearer, richer and more vibrant than conventional colors."

These color formulas are created using between 5 and 7 pigments (traditional methods use just 3 pigments). The result? More depth, overtones, nuance and luminosity, which means the shades actually change according to different light. They are gorgeous.

Time for a Change?

Is your space feeling a little stale? Wish you had the time (and budget) to completely redecorate? Well, we have some great news: you can freshen up your rooms with minimal investment -- and have fun doing it. It's all about color.

Check out the difference in this dining room . . . we changed the paint color (and some accessories) and completely transformed the space.

And just switching out the accessories on and around our beloved Karlstad sofa is a great way to signify a change in seasons (or mood). What makes it interesting is the mix -- these pillows are from CB2, Ikea, ABC Carpet, Urban Outfitters and the Alameda flea market -- but all fall within the same color theme.

Try it yourself -- grab some color swatches and your paintbrush. Visit your favorite store. Just a small investment in time and money can make your space feel new again.

The Bright Idea

After the last few weeks' features on naturals we thought it would be fun to swing the pendulum to the other side and show you some color. Bright, bold, daring color. It takes courage to go as colorful as these spaces have, but as you can see, taking that chance can yield amazing results. With spring rushing in, there's no time like the present to shake things up and welcome the change of seasons with a daring, new look. So go forth and be bold. We think it's a bright idea.

House and Garden

House and Garden

House Beautiful

House Beautiful

Elle Decor

Bazaar

We're in a New York State of Mind

Fresh off the plane from New York, we're bursting with ideas and energy in a way that only the Empire State can inspire. We ♥ NY! Here are the top trends we saw while exploring the city, visiting our favorite shops, checking out the latest restaurants, and people watching on the street.

BLUE Cornflower, Cobalt, Ultramarine, Teal...deep, rich shades of blue were everywhere
INDIAN INFLUENCE The colorful hues of saris and spices, luxurious jewel-toned rugs and pillows
THE NEW NEUTRALS Saddle, oatmeal, eggshell...reclaimed wood, rich leather, flaxen linen
OVALS Two words: Lady Gaga. 'Nuf said, eggs are In.
CITRUS Lime, chartreuse, neon...green is springing up all over

ABC Carpets :: Bergdorf Goodman

ABC Carpets

Bergdorf Goodman

Design Within Reach :: unknown...!

*Credits: Allie McCoy - Photography, Jill McCoy - Photography

In Full Color

It’s always bittersweet taking down the holiday decorations. Things can feel a little drab after the sparkle and shine of lights and glitter, wreaths and decorations. And yet, they’ve served their purpose and it’s time to move on to what the New Year will bring. So if you find yourself looking for a way to fill the space that the holidays left open, we’ve got one word of advice:  

COLOR

It’s amazing what an infusion of color can do to bring back that festive feeling in a fresh, new way. Here are some easy ways we’ve found to start the year In Full Color...

ADD A POP OF PINK

Pillow - Klassik Living :: Sheepskin, Striped Rug - IKEA :: bookshelf - CB2 :: chair - DWR

It only takes a little shot of hot pink to make a big statement! This felted wool pillow does the trick, while still inviting you to have a seat, grab a book, and stay a while.

CONTRAST ORANGE AND BLUE

Cymbidium - SF Flower Mart :: Pot - Aw Pottery :: Wooden Boxes, Pillow - CB2

We love the color of this big vase, especially when contrasted with one of our Faves, orange. And Cymbidium are a great way to add some color to you home, indoor or out, because they are so hardy.

BRIGHTEN UP WITH YELLOW

Lemons - Berkeley Bowl :: Narcissus, Flowerpot - The Gardener

As we mentioned last week, citrus fruits abound this time of year. This simple bowl full of bright yellow lemons makes a sunny vignette when paired with clean white narcissus in a yellow pot.

So instead of seeing the empty spots where holiday cheer used to be, look at the spaces as an opportunity to introduce some bright, bold color into your life. The answer could be as simple as a bowl of oranges and as lively as a plant. Take a look around. The world is full of color!

*Credits: Kyoko Jackson - photography