Oh, the elusive Color Factory. And you probably wonder why I am using that word to describe it, but it’s because it has posed a huge challenge for me over the past few months. I had been trying to go for-ev-er and it just was not lining up! As luck would have it, Alaska Airlines invited me to a special VIP reception a couple of weeks ago and how could I resist? My friend Christie (of Christie Spencer Photography) and I headed down to SF the afternoon, barely hit traffic, and found a street parking space within 10 minutes, so it would seem that our luck had continued through it all!

After grabbing a cocktail at PCH, we made our way across the street to begin our evening of color! Had the Color Factory been without its bright, bold stripes, it surely would’ve been missed. The building itself does not have any distinguishable characteristics, and it’s in the busy area of Lower Nob Hill. The 12,000 square foot space has caused quite the blitz on blogs and social media. Their Instagram account has not disappointed if you want to catch up!

 

Once we made our way down the rainbow staircase, we were delighted by the light fare prepared by Bi-Rite and tasty cocktails thanks to Rye on the Road! Some SF staples right there…

After Christie and I chatted some and I stuffed my face with crostini’s (and snuck two desserts in my purse), we made our way to our start point, which was at the Olfactory wall. Here, we started scratching and sniffing our way across the room.

By this time, you think you’re getting to the end. Not the case. There’s a second floor, and a few more colorful surprises await after you go upstairs.

It was such a great time and I’m thrilled that I had the chance to go when it wasn’t so crowded! I think the underlying enjoyable part of the visit for me was seeing an ordinary space – an office building, be suddenly transformed into a colorful wonderland. It never ceases to amaze me how creative some people can be.

Getting ahold of Color Factory tickets may be as hard as finding a unicorn right now, but I said that before, and they extended the opening and released more tickets to the public, so fingers crossed if you have yet to go, or to secure tickets! If you’ve had the chance to go, share your favorite part in the comments!

-Kachet

 

Photos by Christie Spencer Photography