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.

London Shops: Decorated for Fall

by Lauran

I just returned from a week in London, taking in the markets, favorite retailers (and maybe a few pub visits too!).  The weather was crisp and it was fun to bundle up in scarves, sweaters and boots -- a nice change from our own local October heat wave.

The autumn chill set the stage for a trend I noticed in shop windows: dining tables fully decorated for inside, colder-weather entertaining. For example, The Conran Shop (one of Visual Jill's very favorites) carried out a "Dinner Is Served" theme with two very different displays: one more rustic and utilitarian (note the simple wood table, aluminum chairs and crusty bread), the other much more sleek and glamorous in black and white (complete with Saarinen Tulip Chairs and Round Table and white ceramic accents).

Another store in the Marylebone district, Skandium, showed a clean, casual table setting with a great mix of textures, colors and materials. I love the pillows displayed in the big baskets -- as if inviting us to grab one, fill our plates, and enjoy our meal on the cozy carpet.

 And inside Marylebone's La Fromagerie, I spotted this clever presentation of the season's pumpkins and gourds:

With such wonderful displays, it's a shame those Brits don't get to host Thanksgiving dinners!

Using Autumn Colors in a Modern Way

Even though it's close to 80 degrees right now in Berkeley, there's no doubt that Autumn is here. The leaves are changing colors and there are pumpkins everywhere. If you want to incorporate the gorgeous Fall golds, oranges, greens and browns into your home decor -- but dried corn husks and squash centerpieces just aren't your thing -- try these more modern ideas.

On your wall: the classic George Nelson Spindle Clock adds just a pop of orange; artwork such as Homage to the Square 1964 by Josef Albers radiates warmth.

On your floor: the on-trend chevron pattern in rich autumn colors. (From Home Decorators Collection)

Above are our own fall-colored treasures . . . throws, pillows and little accessories that we have collected over the past few years. Notice the modern mix of patterns and textures.

Finally, the October 2011 issue of Elle Decor shows the power of persimmon -- on textiles, tableware and even lamps. You can see these items online at Elle Decor.

Using What You Have (and Love)

Nothing makes your space more personal than showcasing the things you love. Artfully arranged collections of items you already own can make a big impact. For example, we recently styled a client's mantle to spotlight his fabulous collection of bells:

And in this shot from Elle Decoration, various wood and rustic objects are grouped together to form a sculpture-like display:

photography by Debi Treloar

You can also group your treasures by color, as this shot from Apartment Therapy shows:

There are no hard and fast rules for building your displays, but one helpful tip: don't try to cram every single item in a collection onto your ledge, mantle or wall. Select just enough items to be balanced within the room, and then rotate in other items every month or so to keep your collection fresh.

The next time you feel an urge to change up your space, don't buy something new; instead, take a new look at what you already have. Challenge yourself to put together a display that shows your guests who you are and where you have been.

Inspiration: Charles and Ray Eames

Here at Visual Jill, we are fans of many designers, past and present. But the duo of Charles and Ray Eames holds a special place in our hearts. The Eames' core philosophies -- that design should be for the masses, not for the elite; and that good design is important for the commonplace as well as the complex -- are truths that we try to adopt in our own work. We also use the Eames beautiful, functional pieces in our own homes and design plans.

The Eames are famous for their innovative molded-plywood techniques that led to the design and manufacturing of a line of chairs, tables and screens. While these are valuable vintage items today, they were affordable and accessible when originally created in 1945. Below, top is the Molded Plywood Lounge Chair, and bottom is the Leather and Molded-Wood Lounge Chair and Ottoman.

Here we've used the same two chairs in our design work.

Below right, you can see the Eames molded-plywood screen. On the left is another design revolution: the fiberglass-reinforced plastic armchair. It was the first one-piece plastic chair with an exposed, rather than upholstered, surface.

These plastic chairs were eventually offered in vinyl and upholstered versions as well. Below is one of our coveted blue vinyl Eames armchairs, in front of our beloved screen.

When it comes to good design, Charles Eames said, "The real questions are: Does it solve a problem? Is it serviceable? How is it going to look in ten years?" By creating furniture that could be easily mass-produced, was comfortable and still looks good over 50 years later, he met -- and surpassed -- his own requirements.

Note: If you're in LA, be sure to catch the "Living In a Modern Way" exhibition at the LA County Museum of Art, which studies California mid-century modern design -- including pieces from the Eames collection.

Eames furniture images from The Work of Charles and Ray Eames: A Legacy of Invention, published by Harry N. Abrams Inc.

Local Hero: Chez Panisse

Chez Panisse, and its founder Alice Waters, are known around the world for celebrating food (and those who grow it) in an original way. We feel lucky, and proud, that the revered Chez Panisse archway is just around the corner from us. Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, this restaurant and cafe offers a dining experience that is truly intimate, special and pampering.

The history of those 40 years, including celebrations, wine collections, and the sustainable food movement, are well documented in the gorgeous new book 40 Years of Chez Panisse: The Power of Gathering. Featuring photographs and profiles of the various chefs and supporters that make up the Chez Panisse family, celebrity guests, and the beautiful linocut artwork of Patty Curtan, the book is a feast for the eyes.

Pictured below are two pages from the book, featuring  a menu created for the (then) first ladies and some scrumptious food shots.

A First Apartment

Is there anything more exciting than moving into your first apartment? A new start, a fresh perspective . . . but what to do about those bland floors and white walls? Just take the stuff you have, mix in some new accessories, throw in a few vintage pieces -- and you've transformed a sterile, ubiquitous space into a pad that reflects your personal style.

For example, take this living room: it started as a basic box, but styling magic changed it into a comfortable, colorful hang-out spot.

Sources: Ikea lamps and couch, West Elm rug, vintage flea market art, Crate and Barrel Marimekko pillow, handmade leopard pillow.

And in the bedroom, a happy color wall makes the other accessories pop!

Sources: vintage mid-century chair, CB2 bedding and side table, Ikea lamp, wall color: Bali Hai from Glidden.

Since the dining room is also serving as a home office, we chose to paint one wall a warm red to help differentiate the two spaces.

Sources:  Ikea chairs and tables, CB2 clock, wall color: Old Glory from Glidden.

And don't overlook the entryway! This is a great focal point for colorful accessories, as seen here:

Sources: Vintage stool from Mignonne, plexi console from CB2, pop art from Ikea and our personal stash.

Although the results look like weeks of work, we pulled together this apartment in one weekend! Your first apartment can be your first interior style statement -- just try different combinations, mix old with new, and introduce some color to your world.

All styling by Allie and Jill McCoy.

New Lighting from Old Junk

Never before have there been more eclectic choices in pendant lighting. We're especially excited about the trend toward creating fixtures from vintage or cast-off materials. Check out this Jupiter Scrap Light from Graypants (featured in this month's Dwell), made from upcycled cardboard boxes:

Another cool creation: the Mixer Ceiling Pendant (made from -- you guessed it -- a repurposed industrial stainless mixer) from local favorite Omega Too:

And the Workstead 3-Arm Industrial Chandelier is made from repurposed industrial joints and vintage brass sockets (found via Remodelista).

Have an old wire basket or stainless bucket hanging around? Instead of banishing it to your basement, bring it to your local lighting store. Many can turn it into a one-of-a-kind fixture for you.

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.

We're Seeing Spots!

Have you noticed? Leopard is everywhere . . . adorning chairs and sofas . . .

. . . and on some pretty fierce shoes!

You can be as bold as you want to be, but even a touch of this animal print can really make an impact. Check out how Elle Decor incorporated a leopard pillow with a gallery wall, then look at our interpretation:

Meow!