California Dreamin'

Still in the throes of winter, I find myself craving bright yellows, oranges, and turquoises.  The arid California mountains looming over the sparkling coastline. Sea anemones. Fruit trees. And a Craftsman bungalow with a colorful kitchen.

The kitchen draws mostly on a yellow, turquoise, and mint palette, with a tiny bit of orange thrown into the mix. The decor is eclectic and geometric, with a definite push to mid-century -- the mint-green Smeg refrigerator, old-school radio, starburst juice glasses, Aladdin-style teapot and other Bauerware pottery. Bird artwork is by Edward Lear and outsider artist Justin McCarthy, with some 1940s toucan salt and pepper shakers for a hint of kitsch. Sage and white bentwood chairs, wicker lounger, yellow pendant light, and gray tile table complete the look.