Turn Your Home into a Summer Retreat

The theme you choose for your summer retreat goes hand-in-hand with your color choices. If you go for a Caribbean kitchen, choose vibrant yellows and oranges with accents of red, bright green and purple. Or, you may choose the subdued tones of nature — soft greens, blues and browns. "There are so many wonderful colors in the garden — from violet, to russet and pumpkin — that make great accents for a chenille throw and pillows in the living room, or a rug and towels in the powder room," says Satterberg.

Satterberg also suggests a splash of cool and juicy fruit colors like lemon, lime, strawberry and cantaloupe. "Vivid hues that are deeper and more saturated are very popular in warm climates," she says. "Be sure to use them sparingly, though, so that they don't overpower."

In this dining room, Jamie Drake (www.drakedesignassociates.com), an interior designer in New York whose celebrity clients include Madonna and Mayor Michael Bloomberg, uses a brilliant yellow-striped wallpaper and citrus-colored artwork to stir up some vibrant energy. He balances these high-octane colors with a subdued blush wall and window treatment. The wood furniture and floors also create a warm and cozy feel for this bright and sunny room.