Bold Blocks Turquoise at www.japanese-home-gardens.com

Bold blocks turquoise blocks of turquoise have been painted onto the upper walls, creating a dramatic effect - they look like giant works of art. Below, white and softer blue freshens the look, and a thin stripe of pink runs around the room at mid height, creating a modern, dado rail effect. It also helps make the room feel bigger, as horizontal lines draw the eye around it and stretch it out.

Sparkling glassware will always make a room feel brighter and more vibrant as it catches the light and adds sparkle. In this room, Bold blocks turquoise blue and turquoise glass pieces in the window match the walls and help to tie the room together.

GIMME SHELTER: We all know it's not safe to stay in the sun. That's why more designers are creating furniture with awnings, privacy drapes and canopies for protection. Umbrellas are also especially big this year, showing up in a variety of Bold blocks turquoise colors. The Visor, from the Walnut Creek-based D'Firo Design, comes in white, parrot green and turquoise, and was created to block sunlight, not just when it's directly overhead, but throughout the day. "You can protect yourself from the sun conveniently and stylishly," notes D'Firo partner David Lenahan.