House Tours: A Colorful Cottage

Karen Bow, an interior designer who worked for Jonathan Adler during her home renovation, says, "When people first come into our house, it's like 'bam!' I just love that feeling of surprise." Her daring decorating style is catching. Even friends with mostly monochromatic homes get inspired to perk up their own place after visiting. "Color makes everybody happy," she says. "I think people get infected by it."

Luckily the whole family was on board with her gutsy vision. Drive down the Darien, Conn., street where Karen lives with her husband Tom, and their 16-year-old daughter, Melanie, and you probably wouldn't think twice about the lovely Dutch barn Colonial. Outside, it's a classic white charmer.

But once you step inside? Whoa! Fuchsia! Orange! Flowers! Everywhere! The Bow's home wasn't always so bold. In fact, the family lived there for 12 years before taking the color plunge. "I wanted my home to make me smile," says Karen. She upholstered the sofas with a fuchsia wool-blend fabric, then ran with a hot pink theme throughout the house. In the family room, Karen balanced the bright shade with brown — in the rug; the pillows; and the curtains, which, if you look closely, are actually made of a large-scale bird-and-floral print.

The ceiling molding pattern was inspired by Karen's past work in theater and set design. "Only later did I realize why it was so familiar," she says. "The design is in almost every theater I've ever been in!" She chose the wood and leather low-back chairs to add some masculinity to the room.