Summer brights look so right!

I was a colorful kid, sometimes to my mom’s dismay.  I spilled orange snowcones on everything, wore way too much purple and came home in a fire engine red coat the one–and only–time Mom trusted Dad to buy me a sensible church coat. Now as a grown-up, my home proves what everyone has long suspected.  I’ve never met a color I didn’t like, especially when it comes to summer brights.

That’s why my favorite designer will forever be New York’s Jamie Drake, whose savvy use of vivid hues has earned him the nickname, “The King of Color.” Nobody spins the color wheel like Jamie who says, “Beige on beige is not for me.  I like brightness and vivacity.  Strong color endows each space with a thrill–and a treat.”

And how. Look how fab the foyer by Drake looks wrapped in fuchsia in the photo above.

Drake sets the stage for lively gatherings in this dining room of tangerine, hot pink and bright blue.

Lime looks luscious mixed with rich brown hues in Drake’s living room creation.

Never underestimate the power of red. And surprise! It looks terrific with hot pink, yellow and lavender.

This room makes a stylish splash, diving head-first into Caribbean hues of turquoise.

Long to step out of the neutral zone (yawn!) and embrace the technicolor life, too?  Here’s how.

Bold tangerine and raspberry blossoms give the Burke wing chair from Sam Moore Furniture its sassy strut.

If you like classic furniture silhouettes but love color, try a splash of color on a familiar form.

The Melange Spring Garden chest is a perfect example of a traditional silhouette that has been contemporized with bright color And look how the lime finish makes the chinoiserie-style patterned drawers pop.

Or you can start a buzz with the Twitter sectional from Bradington-Young in lipstick red leather.

If you’re a bit shy about going all-in like Jamie Drake (and me!), try the Melange Tyfani accent console in a turquoise finish from Hooker Furniture.

Tyfani perks up a favorite chair, dark corner or small space like a foyer, hall or bathroom (where it doubles as a pretty perch for bottles of colorful bath salts and soaps). And turquoise tops the list of favorite bright colors for many.