Red, yellow, and blue are brave choices in a garden — an exuberant approach to landscape design. But Moshe and Fegie Barkan's 15-foot-wide backyard in Studio City, California, pulls off the feat with style. "Things feel more alive with color," says Fegie, an artist.

The palette's genesis was the imposing citrus yellow fireplace, designed to pop out of a gray retaining wall.

Plantings emphasize lush textures and graceful forms rather than color, allowing hardscape and accessories to take center stage.

The yard is treated as rooms: a personal retreat, a dining patio, and a living area, where the couple can cozy up to the fire in lounge chairs (Gisele chairs, $950 each; Design Within Reach; 800/944-2233).

FOUR INSTANT-COLOR IDEAS

Bring in these decorative touches for a vibrant makeover in minutes

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photo by Thomas J. Story	1.Conversation piece A red teapot may be small, but it packs a powerful punch.
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photo by Thomas J. Story	2. Eclectic trio Grouping items of different styles but similar hues enlivens a quiet corner of the garden.
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photo by Thomas J. Story	3. Bright outdoor chairs Red chairs (Marais AC chairs in vermillion, $250 each; Design Within Reach).
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photo by Thomas J. Story	4. Elegant vessel A single vase (Ovation vase, $13; Ikea) in a more subdued shade of yellow adds depth to the overall color scheme.

HOW TO ADD STRONG COLOR OUTDOORS

Three primary hues, one relatively small backyard. The secret to making it all work? Let one color shine, and repeat the other two sparingly amid soft greenery.

photo by Thomas J. Story	Yellow: The star slayer To balance the sunny fireplace and seat wall, outdoor accessories (like chunky candles, a vase, and a patterned tablecloth) are in the same dominant hue. Red: The secondary splash The home's deep red siding is reinforced by judicious accents (chairs on the dining terrace) as well as plantings (scarlet geraniums and abutilon).
photo by Thomas J. Story	Blue: The subtle embellishments From pale aqua throw pillows to rich teal floor cushions, the shades of blue run the gamut, but all provide a visual counterpoint to the hot reds and yellows. Green: The cooling backdrop Foliage plants — split-leaf philodendron, bamboo hedges, fringes of horsetail, and a grid of grass — act as a tranquil, neutral canvas for the bright colors.

INFO: Landscape design: Rob Pressman, TGP Landscape Architecture, Encino, CA; 818/907-8460. Architecture: Jeffrey Michael Tohl, The Architecture Studio, Los Angeles; 310/652-7890.

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