Color Commentary

Back in the day when retail chains still had a heartbeat and a style office, our friend James Sullivan was the fashion impresario of the now-defunct Jordan Marsh, a large department store in downtown Boston. James was enamored with bold color and delighted by its power to transform a hapless shift into a hot number. Always one to walk the walk, James never left home without a brightly colored pocket square peeking out of his suit jacket, matching socks beneath his trousers. Lately we’ve found ourselves borrowing a page from his rulebook, adding strong color—crayon, jewel and rainbow hues—to every room of the house. This fall, we’ll be welcoming shorter days and darker skies in bright style.

Photo descriptions, left to right, first row:
Orange Crush What happens when you take a traditional wing chair and upholster it in a decidedly untraditional way? Love at first sight. The Jackson Chair Crazy (also available in green/blue and, for the faint of heart, in gray/black) has wool fabric, great lumbar support and a high-density foam seat. 27″W × 36″D × 44″H. $4,725 AS SHOWN. LEKKER HOME, BOSTON, (877) 753-5537, WWW.LEKKERHOME.COM

On the Move Nada Debs is an Iraqi-born, RISD-trained, Beirut-based designer. Her newest piece, the elegant and versatile Pebble table, expands and contracts depending on the setting, with tops that spin and colors that can be switched. (A good fit for a girl on the move.) This version has brass legs and Tapis d’Orient tops, but custom colors are also available. 94½”W × 22″D × 21″H EXPANDED, 59″ × 33½” × 21″ CONTRACTED. $12,000 AS SHOWN. BG GALLERIES, HINGHAM, MASS., (617) 901-4333, (781) 749-2411, WWW.BEYONDGORGEOSITY.COM

A Great Fit Vibrant color meets clever design in this stackable six-piece food-prep set. The dishwasher-safe Nest 6 from Joseph Joseph includes two mixing bowls and four measuring cups. $36/SET. BLACK INK, CAMBRIDGE, MASS., (617) 497-1221, AND BOSTON, (617) 723-3883, WWW.BLACKINKBOSTON.COM

Blue Heaven Long day? Stretch out on Jonathan Adler’s down-cushioned Templeton sofa. With its Louis XVI–inspired base and clean lines, it’s pure paradise. It comes in a rainbow of colors besides this luscious blue. 78″L × 35″D × 32″H (ALSO AVAILABLE IN A 91″ LENGTH). $3,700 AS SHOWN. BOSTON, (617) 437-0018, WWW.JONATHANADLER.COM

Photo descriptions, left to right, second row:
Color Wheel It’s called the Rings cutting board, but you can also use this tempered-glass disc as a serving platter or trivet. The super-hygienic surface is nonporous, odor repellent, easy to clean and won’t get marred by sharp knives or hot pots. 11¾”D. $28. ABODEON, CAMBRIDGE, MASS., (617) 497-0137, WWW.ABODEON.COM

Trade Secret In Texas Hill Country, just outside of Austin, Kyle Bunting and his team have been redefining the use of hides in interior applications. A favorite of designers and architects, Bunting’s designs have helped create unique spaces for nearly a decade. The herringbone Mr. Crowley, shown here, is available in a host of sizes and colors for rugs or upholstery. PRICED ACCORDING TO SIZE. WEBSTER & COMPANY, BOSTON DESIGN CENTER, (617) 261-9660, WWW.WEBSTERCOMPANY.COM

Roll With It FilzFelt carries German-milled 100 percent wool felt in fifty-four colors and five thicknesses. The goods are biodegradable and renewable, as well as water resistant. Offering both thermal and acoustic insulation, felt is great as a floor covering, place mats, wallcoverings—and that’s just the beginning. $74.50–$161.50/YD. FILZFELT, BOSTON, (617) 391-6230, WWW.FILZFELT.COM

Good Day, Sunshine When company comes and the living-room seating gets tight, pull up a Moroccan leather ottoman with a filling of kapok (a natural plant fiber) and Dacron. If school-bus yellow’s not your thing, it’s available in twenty-one other hues. 20″W × 14″H. $295. JOHN DERIAN, PROVINCETOWN, MASS., (508) 487-1362, WWW.JOHNDERIAN.COM

Photo descriptions, left to right, third row:
Secret Garden Inspired by children’s fairy tales, the Meander Garden pillow from the Swedish duo Adam and Viktoria will brighten up any sofa with shades of orange, peach and pumpkin. 18½”SQ. $275. TRILLIUM, NANTUCKET, MASS., (508) 228-4450, WWW.TRILLIUMNANTUCKET.COM

Hot Seat The Atlantic Lowback chair in Persimmon from O&G Studio was an instant hit at the 2011 International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York City. It comes in seventeen other finishes, too. SHOWN, 271/8″H × 20½”W. $515. WARREN, R.I., (520) 247-1820, WWW.OANDGSTUDIO.COM