From House To Home

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When the mercury rises, there’s nothing better than a tall, cool glass of lemonade or orange juice. This summer, decor pros are keeping things cool with refreshing shades, taken from nature and bigger than life. While muted neutrals, whites, and grassy greens prevailed in past summers, bold colors inspired by citrus are giving fashionable warm-weather decor a surprising twist.

“When we saw Reese Witherspoon on the red carpet last year wearing what looked like a delectable slice of lemon wedge as a dress, everyone went crazy over her fresh, new look and the color,” notes Gretchen Schauffler, founder of Devine Color, a line of house paints with a fabric-like finish. “Why not try the same exciting color approach in your home with citrus squirts that embody ripe limes, sun-baked oranges, pomegranate purees, and sugary lemon drops? Toss them into your space like a great fruit salad to add zest to the current trends. I recommend starting with a dash of glassware, dishes, vases, and flowers. Think grapefruit-colored candles on black wrought iron with lime-green, cloth napkins on a cherry-wood table or bright lemony pillows with chocolate stripes on chocolate sofas and buttery chairs. If you dare take it up a notch, cover your walls with large amounts of Devine Mango Tango Bean, Devine Lemon Drop Bean, or Devine Bon Vivant, a raspberry red, but remember to balance them against large amounts of icy whites and cool ecrus to maintain the bright distinction that makes them exciting.”

Brooke Ziccardi recommends accessories to achieve a perfect, balanced look with the citrus palette. She also points out creative displays of artwork that play up the citrus palette give the space a sophisticated slant.

“You can contemporize your space with artwork, which can really set the stage for great entertaining,” she says. “Abstract art looks sharp, and you can always update the look and change it for the season, thanks to the fact you’ve got the ability to switch out the artwork. If you like to paint, give it a go with oil painting in your preferred colors and hang the actual canvas on the wall. No frame necessary--just paint out the edges or use a fabulous bright yellow or lime green as background. Also, don’t forget colorful fabrics can also be used as focal art to brighten up the space!”

This summer, décor pros are keeping things cool with refreshing shades, taken from nature and bigger than life.

National TV host Kathy Peterson affirms that although citrusy colors are brighter than some people may be used to, even those with the most reserved tastes should not be intimidated. “Highlight a clean white wall with plush lemon-yellow and orange towels, soaps, and countertop accessories,” she advises. “For the kitchen, punch things up with lime table linens, tablewares such as glassware, napkin rings, and pottery, as well as candles with punches of yellow accents.” She also suggests enlivening your porch, patio, or yard with comfy tangerine, orange, and lemon cushions and pillows nestled in white wicker chairs, a table and chair painted orange, and white plates adorned with citrus-colored place mats and napkins with yellow napkin rings.

But what about the rest of the year? According to Debbie Zimmer of The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, there are a variety of ways to incorporate citrus hues into rooms in ways that work for year-round freshness. “Decide if this is a seasonal look or one that will be longer lasting,” she notes. “For example, a bathroom is a terrific place to bring in these sassy hues with paint and a change of towels and accents. A bedroom can be dressed in a weekend with new, bold bedding, pillows, and perhaps an accent wall of color. By the simple incorporation of fresh and lively color, a space can move quickly from the winter doldrums to a rejuvenated lightness--like spring itself.”

Seeds Of Inspiration

Put the "fun" into functional with a fresh-picked crop of citrusy accessories and appliances.

• While vacuums are not considered decor, Eureka's Capture+ vacuums bend the rule with juicy hues (Copper Sunrise, Limelight Green, and Summer Glow) that disguise real power and performance. The upright vacuum design includes a HEPA filtration system that locks in 99.97 percent of dust, allergens, and small particles for improved air quality and Sporty EZ Roll Rollerblade wheels to easily glide over surfaces.
• Italy's Alessi brings whimsy and mouthwatering color to kitchen and dining accessories that double as conversation pieces.
• "This spring's colors are fearless," says Tracie Butler of Tracie Butler Designs in Los Angeles. "As we are seeing bright color in makeup, ready-to-wear clothing, and shoes, interior design will follow with melons, citrons, and limes--classic colors that will act as neutrals in '08." Make it happen with larger, more dramatic pieces, such as tables, chairs, floor lamps, wall sconces, or a beautiful chandelier.