I can’t believe it’s been 15 years! That’s 15 whirlwind years with YOU! My amazing community. You have made it all possible!
And because I’m so grateful that you’ve been along this amazing journey with me, I’m doing 15 giveaways, one for every year! 🎁 Keep reading to find out how to enter.
It all began on my least favourite holiday
It was October 31, 2008, 15 years ago. And since Halloween is far from my favourite holiday (I can’t handle horror movies of any kind), it happened to be the day I started this blog. While everyone else was out at a party, I wrote my first post here.
I was 41 years old.
Tough times offer positive pressure to change
The events leading up to starting the blog was the 2008 real estate crash. I watched my designer friends closing up their retail locations and moving their offices back home.
And not surprisingly, my design business had been dead for months. Luckily, I had a client that placed an order for silk drapery for several large windows in her home and that took us through Christmas!
There was a two day online conference that I wanted to attend but it was expensive and I couldn’t afford it. So I borrowed money from a friend. I’m happy I did! It was during that conference where I got the idea to start this blog.
I had no idea back then how it would completely change my life.
In the beginning
In the beginning I posted four times a week and spent most Sundays writing Monday’s post. It was a lot of hard work but I loved it. I had no idea when I started writing that I had so much to say about colour and design.
However, up until this point, I had spent my 20s decorating for my friends and family and my 30s in the design industry, selling furniture, working in a paint store doing colour consultations and running a decorating business.
This was where I lived in October 2008. Terreeia and I had found a super cute rancher to rent, high above the hill in North Vancouver with sweeping views of downtown Vancouver.
The owners were renting it out with plans to tear it down and build their retirement home because the location was so fabulous.
I decided we were going to make enough money to buy it from them with visions of adding an extension to it. The house was a small 50s bungalow with three bedrooms, laundry in the kitchen with this living room and small dining room.
So I was wildly disappointed when we were given notice to move out. I truly felt that my manifesting abilities had failed me.
My first eBook
We found a townhouse that was much bigger but it faced completely North and was super dark with an overhang and large shrubs that blocked out even the tiniest ray of sunshine.
We lived there for two years. It was during this time when I launched my first ebook on the blog, How to Choose Paint Colours; It’s all in the Undertones.
The price back then of my first ebook was $49.00, so I did some basic math and decided to manage my expectations of how much we would make by drumming up some ultra conservative numbers.
Because I had 400,000 monthly readers, if 1% of them bought my ebook, we would make $30,000 a month.
Seems reasonable right?
Haha, wrong.
It was not that easy unfortunately. Our ebook did add approximately $4000 per month to our bottom line and we now had an assistant’s salary to pay for along with all the expenses that go along with running a website with a shop.
And then after two years of living in the dark town house and saving our money, Terreeia suggested we move out to Chilliwack where my family lived. She reasoned we could afford to buy there and also create more content with a renovation. After all, real estate prices in Vancouver are out of reach for the average homeowner
So that’s what we did.
What I asked for but better
When I walked into this rancher which just needed a renovation instead of a renovation plus an addition–plus the fact that that it was two minutes away from my Mom, nephews and sisters–I realized I did manifest that house, the original one was just in the wrong location.
Read more: Window of Happiness
It looked a lot different when we moved out last October:
Read more: See the interior of this house here
We lived in this house approximately four years longer than we should have. It was definitely over renovated and over decorated by the time we moved out. That was another reason we wanted to move, I was finished with this house.
Making our next move
Over the years we looked for a different house but given what I do, everything required major renovations or was just plain unredeemable.
We looked at some property to build but the prospect of building also overwhelmed me because of what I do. Building a house would become a full-time job and I already had one with the business we were in.
Then last summer I unblocked myself. I had been working with a coach for about a year and one day he called me and said “Maria, you can’t build, it would cause too much stress so you need to buy a house, start looking again, NOW”.
When the sign is unmistakeable
So we did and we toured only one house right before the one we bought. And if you’ve been following me for long time you’ll know my goal in this world is to be the Martha Stewart of Colour.
And this house is on Stewart Road. Do you look for signs like this when something major is about to happen?
This house had so much potential but it had been neglected inside and out for four years since the second homeowners had purchased the home. That was lucky for us because I had vision while other people just saw a mess along with overgrown trees in the back and front yard.
What makes this house the most dreamy for me is the oversize Southern living room. I have poured over rooms like this for years in magazines. And this French country house, which is completely my style, only needed paint (on the exterior). Which was another miracle since so many homes not only need paint but structural work as well.
Beyond my dreams
I would not have been able to dream up a space this perfect had I been able to build my own house. I am obsessed with the french doors on both sides and the way the morning light floods the house.
To be clear, other than the custom corner sectional (below) that arrived right before summer, the rest of the furniture in here is from our last house (other than a few tables I’ve picked up on Marketplace).
A dream in progress
I still plan to add coral to this room which means the cream chair will be replaced with a coral one, an oversized ottoman will be custom made in front of the fireplace and coral in the pillows (Using my Colour Balancing Method® I teach in my two day workshops) in addition to drapery on all the windows.
However, right now the landscaping project (below) is priority so that’s where our budget is going!
Here’s Terreeia and I in a photoshoot with the family this past summer.
The sweetest addition
And last but not least our biggest source of constant joy is our mini goldendoodle Lucy. She became ours 2 1/2 years ago and we are completely obsessed with her.
Everyone loves this baby girl she’s so full of love. She’s the biggest proof that just constantly telling someone that they are the best in the world 100% works. I have never once been mean to her (except to yell, ‘enough barking already’, when she sees another dog, haha) and she’s just perfect all around.
This is her “Mom it’s time for our walk” look (left). And she’s never far away from a ball she loves to chase (right)!
Your last chance to take my colour course in 2023!
I hope you enjoyed the whistle stop tour of the last 15 years. This all started with a course I couldn’t afford but I did it anyway.
Which brings me to the course I’ve meticulously adjusted and refined to be the best colour course you’ll ever attend. And if you don’t feel that way by the end of the first day, I will give you your money back no questions asked and you can keep the materials.
We just had 90 people in the virtual class last week and the only regret people have when they finish my course is that they didn’t do it sooner (or, bring a friend!)
It’s a complete game changer for the homeowner/colour enthusiast who wants to make more confident colour choices for everything for their home and the design professional who needs to gain the confidence of their clients by giving them certainty.
Learning the ‘why’ behind colour choices is what make this course a step beyond everything else you’ve ever done.
There’s one more event this fall and it’s in one of my favourite cities, Dallas! It’s going to be amazing and so fun to see each other in person! I can’t wait to see you there!
Thank you for being a part of this journey!
So here it is! I’m giving away 15 prizes for 15 years.
HOW TO ENTER: please post a comment below and let me know the most useful thing you have learned from me in my 15 years of blogging!
ONE seat in my Expert Colour & Design Training course in Dallas on November 15th and 16th – 0r a seat in an upcoming spring session Virtual class if you prefer (Value up to $1,997)
You already know you can’t get this colour training anywhere else! Enter below to win a chance to attend!
FIVE Colour Wheel + ebook bundles (Value $69 each)
The bundle includes both my essential eBooks, How to Choose Colour: It’s all in the Undertones and White is Complicated, a Decorator’s Guide to Choosing Whites. AND the most powerful tool for identifying the neutral undertone of anything.
FOUR Exterior Colour Selection Masterclass online course (Value $349 each)
In depth self guided learning to tackle any exterior project! Learn how to choose colour for a wide variety of exterior styles ACCURATELY to create perfect colour harmony to make your house, or your client’s, the envy of the neighborhood!
FIVE Learn How to Create Mood Boards online course (Value $149 each)
Do you, like most homeowners, spin and delay decorating your room because you don’t know where to start? Here is the essential guide to teach you not only where to begin, but how to pull a room together using mood boards!Plus you’ll learn how to get colour right when shopping online.
Prizes may not be redeemed for cash or exchanged for previous purchases.
Winners will be drawn THIS FRIDAY!
Good Luck!
XO, Maria
White has so many undertones! And i just love the paint colors you suggested for my interior remodel!
Same! I see all the pink and grey undertones now 🙈 Slowly learning how to shift away from the trendy black and white we put in our house 5 years ago. We are having to redo our floor in our house because of a slab leak and I found your information about wood floor colors just in time!!!
I
I love the way the color wheel is so accessible and able to see undertones to help pick better colors. I also learned from you how lighting in a room changes how colors look. So important to bring color samples to the space. Thanks for sharing your experience and expertise.
I would love a chance to win one of these! I look forward to your Color Lessons on youtube. I love seeing how to tweak existing spaces without breaking the bank and saving money for other things. So many of us dont have the money for expensive top to bottom renovations so its fun to see how styling and decorating can transform existing spaces. That is what I have learned from you.
What a wonderful look back!
Maria, I don’t think I could pick just one thing. The undertones have been sooo helpful, picking boring means picking classic and lasting decor choices, allowing myself to love colour, the best hardwood colours for flooring…I could go on and on but these have been the ones that I always think about and always tell other people!
You have given me confidence to add the colour I crave to my home. I grew up in a home decorated in white-on-white…on-white and it’s been hard to break the pattern. I’m now super excited that I’ll to be introducing our hot pink sofas to our new home thanks to you posts on how timeless colored sofas are and how colour is joy!
Lighting! Just because I bought a house with trendy ceiling fixtures doesn’t mean I don’t need lamps, and more lamps! Lots of things have stuck with me, but right now I’m on the prowl for some big, beautiful lamps!
My favorite is that when you fail to make the best choice… It’s time to decorate! I love that practical advice that acknowledges we aren’t always working with an unlimited budget or unlimited time to redo. Where others might say “tear it all out.” Maria says decorate, and then your room will be so beautiful, you won’t even notice.
I love it when you say to refresh instead of renovate – spread the money around and spend it on a trip!
Fifteen years . . .so long a span, but one that seems so short. Cannot begin to tell you all that I’ve learned from you, but what a fun journey it has been. The evolution of your site(s) and skills has been astounding and I remain an addicted follower.
Now, I will admit I make mistakes to this day in applying the knowledge, but joy of joys, I recognize them now. Having your website with many back posts to refer to is so helpful as well. Thank you.
And thank you as well for the updates on Terreeia, Lucy, and your family. That love and support from them helps you prosper, and it is a delight to see. Here’s to fifteen more years!
Congrats on 15 years! Gosh, I feel like I have learned so much reading your blog. Don’t be afraid of color. Ugly costs as much as pretty. Timeless hard surfaces. Be yourself and decorate with what you love; trends come and go. Gosh, most importantly, matching (or clashing, as the case was with me) undertones as the biggest reason I was struggling with decorating. As a design enthusiast/hobbyist reading your blog has helped me see my home differently. I’ve learned so much from you. Thank you for sharing so much!
Timeless choices in fixed elements are the key to a longtime satisfaction in your home. That is wisdom. Plus who knew colors have undertones?
The most useful thing from your blog was that I purchased the white undertone color wheel and it changed my life!
I obsessed over what white color to paint the entirety of the interior of my home and made my husband and friends think I was a crazy woman for being so concerned! But seeing the wheel and knowing I knew there was more to white than white–I chose the perfect white for my home.
Avoiding pinky beige.
I took an excellent renovating your home course from you way back-an audio offering. I made hubby listen to it while we were in a road trip. He still reminds me about “identify what is the boss” in your room and work with it if you aren’t replacing ut. Great advice we took to heart.
The colour wheel has saved me a fortune and reduced stress – I am colour illiterate and couldn’t for the life of me work out tones that everyone else could easily see….. but armed with my wheel a whole new world opened up for me. Im in NZ and we don’t have many of the brands of paint that you use but I found a women here whose done lots of your courses and she has matched to NZ paints which is a life saver too. I love how you look for savings and working what you have got and not ripping things out ($$$). And avoiding the trends so your house is yours….. I could go on but I think you are great and practical. And that you love a dog just about makes you perfect in my eyes!! Go well and thanks
Best advice relates to lighting. Get enough lamps! Seven different light sources. I am terrible about going to people’s houses and turning in their lamps.
Your color wheel helped me make the right choices to complement the items that I already had in my home. I learned that paint should be the last choice, not the first choice. Your blog and videos have reinforced that it is so much more cost effective to be classic than trendy. Thanks for all of your advice, Maria. Happy fifteenth anniversary!
Selecting the right undertones for whites and creams has been sooo helpful!
As a designer I’ve always been good with colors, but the color wheel and sample boards make it so much easier to be on pointe and not wondering if I’ve made a mistake. Especially with my own house… its twice the work of a regular client!!
There’s been many a lightbulb moment over the years but I think my most important takeaway is how versatile a timeless foundation can be and the decorating freedom that gives you. So much easier (and budget friendly!) to incorporate trending colors and aesthetics with strategic styling or a bit of paint. And even if your vision is longer term, you can still work magic with what you have.
I’ve learned that understanding color matters. I haven’t mastered things but I take inspiration from your decor, furniture placement, color choices, rugs, all of it. I’m so stunted by my own indecisiveness, I could really use help.
I have to say LAMPS! It definitely creates a cozy atmosphere! Also, nothing else compares to your advice about TIMELESS finishes. Boring = timeless.
Learning to embrace what I love, like when it feels like the whole world is going black and white, color can be just the thing I need! I don’t have to choose what everyone else thinks I should. Having confidence in choosing colors because I now understand undertones has also been so valuable!
I have followed your blog since 2012 (and went back and read all the earlier posts). I have learned so much just from reading it. The biggest impact it has had on me is that I can’t look at neutrals without categorizing them by undertone. But I will say that what drew me to your blog in the first place was that there was someone else out in the world who loved color. At the time I started reading, it was already a gray world. But there was so much more: how to pick a timeless backsplash, what is the most timeless flooring, a timeless sofa, how many lamps do I need (all the lamps), how to create a vignette…the list goes on and on. And always I have appreciated your candor in giving advice and opinions, the design photos that accompany each post, and all that you’ve shared of your own homes and both your professional and personal life. While I also follow and love your Reels and YouTube videos, the blog has always had a special place in my heart. I look forward to the next 15 years.
I’ve been following your blog, and now videos, since you lived in your apartment. This look back is really hitting home for me. I am newly 40, a commercial designer with a corporate job, but I’ve been working from home for a few years and things have slowed down considerably. I’ve been trying to think of some ideas for a side job to keep my creative mind busy (and money wouldn’t hurt) and exploring what I would LOVE doing. You’re such an inspiration!! One of my favorite sayings is “light colors will never come to life in a dark room”. 😊 Congrats on 15 years!
Your guidance and suggestions are too amazing to simply call out 1 thing! I have learned sooooo much from you, undertones being king! Thank you for leading your followers to make smarter decisions when looking at permanent fixtures and surfaces! I am grateful to hear it’s okay to not want to be trendy(redid my home this year, not a lick of black outside1mirror and colorful furniture)! Contemporary timeless for the win! Thanks Maria!
Your color wheel and your talks about finding undertones have been so helpful! Even with a bachelor of fine arts degree from a major university, I still had a hard time finding the correct undertones in things until I got your color wheel. I love watching your journey through your home renovation and love how close you are with your family. And…I’m jealous my spouse can’t cook like Terreeia does, you are a lucky girl!
Always look forward to your design blog Maria, your advice truly inspires me and has saved my reno projects time and again! The Colour wheel is brilliant!
I always look for the “bossy” permanent finish in the room first…..then find the coordinating colors.
Congratulations on fifteen years of blogging. Thank you for all the helpful information on how to decorate timeless.
What timeless design is and how to achieve it. But mostly Confidence!! I found you through my daughter when we were talking about paint colors. I love taking about color!
I bought the color wheel and your two ebooks. I sent you message on Instagram and you responded!!! I follow your blog and love how you break it all down with examples. Fast forward we decide to move closer to our kids and grandson and we buy a 110 year old house. I start rereading your ebooks and practicing the color wheel, I learned all about complex creams from you and it’s time to paint before moving in. An old acquaintance happens to be a designer also moved here a year ago, she recommends a painter and I fear my paint choice may be off as it’s my first time actually implementing your system. Painting trim, doors the whole house is expensive! I hire the designer for an hour consult to confirm my choices. She doesn’t know what my decor is since the house is empty and suggest the colors she used in her last house. White Dove and Pale Oak, I’m sure it would be lovely. I thank her and I go back to the complex cream you taught me about for my more earthy decor and art colors, and the trim and ceiling rules of contrast. Then in the bathroom with white tile that I have to live with, using the undertones that work best with the tile counter. I hire the painter and love the results. It’s perfect!! You have given me confidence! My husband says Im really good at this and have a great eye for color but I need consensus. Your system is teaching me to trust my choice by applying the system. It’s not just a guess, you give the why. I would love to take your 2 day course. The ebooks have been a great m next best learning tool while making a home purchase. Another thing, I’ve learned about from you is lighting. I’m going to be sure to get the amount of lighting you recommend in each room to set the atmosphere. The painters are almost done. Move in this week! Thank you for sharing your gift of blog explaining color and the color system you’ve created.
Warmly, Terri
Congratulations on 15 years! Your blog and services helped me determine the undertones of paint colors… and using a piece of white paper next to it all really helps!
Love that I use Color Green and that it is good for my soul!
I’ve learned not to be afraid of colour. I’m slowly transforming my boring grey house into something that brings me joy! I’ve also added lamps in spaces I didn’t realize needed them.
Happy 15 years!
Hi Maria, I absolutely love the method you talk about when choosing color for a room. Looking to bedding, drapery, art or something in the room. I’ve been imploding this method for years without truly realizing it but now it’s a conscious choice! I also love the way you describe the black trend for interiors and exteriors (and black hardware) it’s truly sucking the life out of lovely designs and homes where it is trendy and not the right fit to be timeless design! Thank you for all that you do and share with us. Cheers to 15 years!
I’ve learned to keep the hard finishes timeless and classic although it may seem boring. Also learned that the wall color comes in reference to the rug, favorite fabric, or a piece of furniture and not first so that the paint undertone coordinates with those things. Not the other way around.
I have been following your blog since before you bought the rancher and have learned many, many things from you. Met you in Boston at your course later on which was so very helpful. When you first started writing, you used to say “you spend so much money on your granite (quartz hadnt been the thing yet) do not ignore it. That stuck with me till today. That is still something i immediately look at in peoples homes. It was also awesome watching you progress and evolve over the years.
There are so many things it’s hard to pick just one. But the idea of undertones has been life changing. I absolutely would have just gone to the paint store and just chosen a color I liked without reference to anything else, or would have been overwhelmed by all the choices. I’m also learning not to be afraid of decorating in color rather than mostly neutrals.
I learned all about bossy pinky beige and the undertones. I learned about decorating with black. I love all of your work. I loved your Moms living room painted in BM “Old World’
Where do I start, from that white is a color and it has to relate to the design in the room to a colored sofa is timeless, a neutral sofa is not.
You are my North Star in the design industry. It is just not your color and design insights that I value, but also your example of just telling it like it is with grace and humor has given me the encouragement to share my recommendations with conviction with my clients.
Thank you and congratulations on 15 years!
I’m Ashley, owner of Blue Mist Paint and Flooring in SC! I’ve recently learned that just because my tiny machine calls for a colorant doesn’t mean the color is said to have that undertone. I am hoping to win a prize so I can learn more to be the best in my community!!
Tint
Congratulations on 15 years! As a non-professional homeowner who has worked with several designers over the years, I have learned so many lessons from you that I didn’t from these designers. Often I let them lead me into what they thought was perfect for my home. Many of these choices were costly and not timeless or classic. But now, as I start to make changes again in my home, you have given me the confidence to make my own choices and stick to the classics on the things that you cannot easily change like flooring and tile. I quote you constantly and you have told me that you can reuse and repurpose things, to recognize and look at the undertones in fabrics and finishes, and that lamps will warm up a room. I adore you and love your stories about family and Lucy. And I especially like that you tell it like it is. Cheers to many more years of success!
Avoiding Trendy. Embracing Timeless.
Lamps!
Artwork abounds!
I have especially benefited from your videos on decorating around things you can’t afford to change, such as in kitchens and bathrooms. Also, learning about undertones has been a game-changer, helping me to choose the right complex cream paint. It makes such a difference to get that undertone right! And using art as “wallpaper” is so effective. Thanks for making decorating accessible, Maria!
Hi Maria, You’re first color wheel became my constant companion when we did our renovation three years ago and I have shared it with others doing there’s. Color is THE MOST confounding of all decisions when building or renovating and you have take much of the mystery out of it. Thank you.
The lesson I learned was to use a piece of white paper beside a colour to see the undertone. Your course changed the direction of my business for success, thank you Maria!!
Hi Maria!
I was one of the 90 that just finished your virtual class this last week. I was truly blown away by how fantastic your color confidence class was and how much it completely changed my thinking around design and color specifically.
I learned a lot in two days but you really showed me that color is timeless.
Thank you for giving me confidence in my design business and my own home again.
Can’t wait to keep learning!
Rachel B.
Undertones!!!! While maybe not an original response, it is in alignment with the core of your work. I now see undertones everywhere I go. I am an amateur artist and your undertone education is now a part of my paintings, as well.
When I couldn’t identify our existing tile undertone, you did an e-design consult to determine my bathroom paint color, and we continue to love it.
You pioneered this work, and I am so glad to have been an early follower. Congratulations, Maria, and thank you.
Ann
Congratulations on your 15 years! I loved hearing the story of your evolution. I’ve learned that color can make a room sing and not to be afraid of bright colors and mixing colors. Love your outfits too!
Congratulations! You have persevered with excellence. I was in the virtual class last week. And while it was exasperating at times, you did not let up on teaching us how to find the undertones of neutrals. One of my walk aways from these 2 days was; compare compare and compare some more. Maria didn’t master this in 2 days, give myself some grace”
Thank you for offering this class on line, it made it doable for me.
Maria makes me laugh with her no nonsense approach to color! When someone says “Lighting is blame”… nope! The wrong color was chosen to begin with!!
Common sense blended with a real world approach to specifying color has boosted my confidence when helping clients choose their color scheme. I am so grateful I stumbled upon her blog. Thank you Maria!!
Choose classic finishes over trendy and you will love your house forever!!!!🩷😀 and some stuff about undertones…
I can’t drive by a badly painted, house without thinking that “Maria could fix this and it would be amazing.” I have followed you practically from the start. Besides always looking at undertones now,
I guess your “use more lamps” advice has had the most impact. Five in my living room. Huge mood adapters. Happy Anniversary! Looking forward to fifteen more years of beautiful interiors.
Hard to choose just one thing… but learning about the undertones has been so valuable. I’ve been applying it as I plan our renovation and in helping my friends and family decorate their homes. Using the method for everything from carpet to cushions. It’s a game changer!
Congrats on 15 years.
What an accomplishment!
I have learned many things from your posts and blogs! I love the way your teach.
I am so glad you have taught us undertones.
I love neutrals. I like your opinions on things. I l really admire how you teach us classic design. I am a true fan. Thank you for all you do.
Congratulations on 15 years Maria! I look forward to your advice on a daily basis. I’m most grateful for the undertone color wheel and so happy I followed your advice in our recent ski lodge condo reno to keep with the style of the house, including the flooring and fireplace! There are so many design choices I wouldn’t have considered if I hadn’t listened to your advice. Priceless info and I also enjoy your personal stories, coffee w/mom and sisters and of course the adorable Lucy. ❤️
Hi Maria! I love that you not only share the big ideas on how to update rooms, but you also give practical, inexpensive ways as well. I have been reading your kitchen update posts to help figure out what to do with my dated granite and early 2000s cabinets. I saw how replacing the “bossy” backsplash made a huge difference!
Keeping the hard finished and large pieces of furniture neutral, so the accents can shine brighter.
As many others have said, you have taught me to think about undertones. I still can’t fully distinguish all the different undertones, but at least I know to look for the undertone and that alone can help eliminate colors that will not work. Thank you!
There are so many valuable design tips you have written about over the few years I have followed you and, of course, undertones are a difficult yet essential concept to grasp for the unification of our spaces. I do believe that’s a process of time to comprehend. However, I appreciate your back story of where you began your journey at 41 in 2008. Your story of your experience being primarily designing friends and families’ homes then starting out in the furniture and paint stores to build upon your previous experience to turn into what you have accomplished now is inspiring. It reflects that nothing is really lost, and that the baby steps can produce a learning experience to culminate into success within your field of passion, along with hard work and determination, of course.
I sometimes feel like I am on a bicycle without the chain, turning my wheels but going nowhere. I am happy for your success; you have a lot to offer from your baby steps which are now helping countless others and has become giant leaps. I hope to one day be able to say I could do the same for even the fraction of that. One day I hope to take your color course, but, for now, your blog and amazing photographs will have to suffice.
A sofa in your favorite color is more timeless than the current trendy neutral. That advice felt like permission to buy my blue couch, which I love!
I’ve been following you for almost all of your 15 years. The most valuable lesson you’ve taught me is; just like white’s undertone, always be your most authentic self, even in the sun even in the shade and you will get along with other folks that share the same basic value. Life=Color with a little lamplight thrown in there for good measure!
Best of luck in the next 15!
I have learned the ability to understand color is a skill that can be learned and improved upon like any new education.
Your advice on kitchens was very helpful to me when renovating our kitchen. Picking flooring and counter material and color was key to the rest of my decisions, particularly wall and cabinet color. I also appreciate your use of color in your home. And clothing! Yay yellow!
Your colour wheel has made picking paint colours and furniture so much easier!! And also using a blank piece of white paper. Congratulations on 15 years!!
Congratulations Maria! I’ve been following this blog for so long now i can’t remember not reading it ~ and always looking forward to it. I have assimilated so many lessons along the way, but as a lover of color I appreciate that timeless design does not mean colorless. I get bored easily with neutral interiors so I love the reinforcement that color is what makes a home personal, interesting and joyful! Thanks for all your hard work!!
By far the greatest advice you’ve ever given that resonates with me daily is to stick with the classics. Avoid trends! As I’ve renovated my 1930’s house I’ve put back the character that previous owners took out. Marble, polished nickel, stately cabinetry, less big box, more curated. I seriously hear your voice in my head when I day dream about the next project I want to tackle. Love your blog!
I have learned SO much from you it’s hard to narrow it down to one. Aside from the wonderful advice on our kitchen reno, I think the favourite thing I’ve learned is to pick boring classic hard finishes…which aren’t actually boring at all.
Thanks Maria and Happy Blogversary!!
Brenda
I have learned SO much from you it’s hard to narrow it down to one. Aside from the wonderful advice on our kitchen reno, I think the favourite thing I’ve learned is to pick boring classic hard finishes…which aren’t actually boring at all.
Thanks Maria and Happy Blogversary!!
Brenda
I have loved learning not to be afraid of color! 🤩
Congratulations! I’ve been a follower for most of those 15 years…I found you in 2010 as I was in the middle of renovating a 1930’s red brick.
The game changer for me is your undertones wheel… I take it with me whenever we are shopping for any finishes -Recently took it to the tile shop and when I asked them for a white tile with blue/gray undertones, they looked at me like I was crazy. Once I showed them the wheel and explained your system, they were blown away and immediately bought a few for their staff.
So hard to choose just one piece of advice! As we plan our remodel, you are in my head saying, “choose boring finishes, they are timeless.” This has helped me tremendously, it is so easy to get caught up in the trends.
I am a new reader of your blog and I really enjoyed reading how you started blogging. The most valuable decorating information I have learned from you is about choosing a rug to help choose colors in my room.
Most recently I loved the post about putting pictures in the corner of a room because I have an empty corner that is visible when I first come into my house. I am collecting pictures to hang there and can’t wait to see what a difference they will make! Thank you for your blog. My house is becoming more beautiful and that makes me and my family happy!
You opened my eyes in 2013 when reading your blog for the first time. You teach the foundation of a beautiful home is timeless finishes in coordinating undertones and whites which contradicts television and magazines that push using the most trendy materials because you need to have your Reno/new build “look current”. From choosing tile to bath towels your system is learnable and invaluable. After all, even if you can afford to use a professional designer for all your purchases you still need to understand colour for a towel or tablecloth (unless you have a colour designer in your pocket at all times!). Bottom line, you make it possible for all income levels to have all the feels of a beautiful home and save the landfills in the process.
I just found your website and wish I would have done so sooner. I struggled with picking colors for my recent interior and exterior painting projects and hope to find a better way to get to the desired look. (What do you do with 30+ sample containers of paint!) Congratulations on 15 years!
Congratulations!
I love your blogs. You have always given me at least one, if not more ideas to keep after following you.
I love PATTERN, COLOR, and COLLECTING. Restraining myself now that I’ve been following your advice.
TIMELESS has now been my mantra. Thank you.
I still feel like a suburban mom who doesn’t quite get color, although I do get under stones now, but can I just tell you thank you for bringing beautiful and classic back to home style and ditching the “farmhouse” black and white trend. As someone who actually lives on a farm, you helped us with our exterior color and garage build and chicken coop colors and you raised boring craftsman to elegant and classic. I simply cannot wait until we can afford to do an interior consult with you. Oh! And I LOVE how you continue to offer options on how to elevate a home without doing a full renovation and say “take that money and go on vacation, don’t waste it in your bathroom”! Not only are you classic and practical, but your priorities in life are correct and that makes me love you even more!
If you have a white kitchen, use the same white on trim throughout the rest of the house (if using white trim) – crucial but seems so instinctive once you know!
Maria, thank you for this fabulous chance to have one of your excellent color tools. I have so enjoyed reading everyone’s comments above about what they have learned from you – you are truly the color maven! The most important tool (among the many) for me is your system of analyzing undertones – it allows one to avoid “design paralysis” and to quickly arrive at the right colors for paint and furnishings, which is 80% of good design. This system is priceless. Many thanks for sharing your knowledge with others.
One of the most important things I’ve learned is how to identify undertones, particularly how pink beige can throw off a color scheme. I recently took your virtual course, and bought the color boards, which will be a huge help as I continue redecorating our new home one room at a time.
Undertones! I’ve learned how that’s the basis for picking everything, from pillows to paint! Your color wheel has been my best friend as before I knew a room was off, but not sure why. The color wheel solved that for me, and takes the mystery out of picking colors. Thanks for all your great content.
What an inspirational story! The most useful thing I’ve learned from you is that you only get one pattern with hard finishes. That wisdom saved my kitchen renovation from disaster. Thank you.
I’ve barely begun, but you’ve taught me to slow down and do some planning. That picking up paint for projects isn’t about my gut feeling staring at paint chips, but requires thoughtfulness and deeper knowledge of under tones to achieve the look I want!
Boring = Beautiful, Lamps, lamps and more lamps, How to identify the undertones of neutrals, paint doesn’t do the heavy lifting, and so much more!!! Thank you so much Maria – Would love to take the course again as a refresh for my confidence level!
Congrats on 15 years Maria-bravo! Thank-you for sharing your story, expertise and family over the years. You are very generous.
Having been with your blog from the beginning and using your ebooks, I feel far more confident now than back then with All things decorating. And I share a love of yellow! I think that’s what first drew me in, no one else mentioned yellow at the time.
So many tips are etched in my mind, learned from you. Many have already been mentioned, but here are a few more-
1. Ugly costs the same as pretty and is what’s on sale.
2. Colour introduced into a room needs to be repeated at least once for cohesiveness, and this includes the mixing of metals.
3. Colour choices for exteriors (and interiors) need to be chosen in all types of light-especially view them in full sun before choosing.
I used you color wheel to choose a new backsplash and paint color for my very dated Tuscan kitchen with a busy granite countertop. Then when I was ready to renovate I used it again to choose all the finishes, with a modern and fresh looking cream, green, and white scheme. You also helped me choose a front door color, a bluish green, for my mid-brown stucco house. I will be likely be getting a color consult from you when I am ready to repaint the exterior in a lighter color. I wouldn’t have the confidence to undertake these expensive changes without relying on your expertise. Even though I live in a different climate (Florida) and have a different decorating style (mid-century modern) I find your advice to be so pertinent, detailed, and easy to put into action that I use it for almost every decorating decision that I make!
Undertones, undertones, undertones!!!! This is the MoST important thing I have learned. I had no clue why some things felt right and some things didn’t. Reading your blog and buying the color wheel has been eye opening. 😀
Maria, I am so glad I took your course in 2017. It has helped me so much in my business. My color confidence and the way I present my ideas has changed since learning your techniques. I refer to the boards and materials I have purchased all the time. The biggest takeaway is to show confidence when working with clients. I love your social media and blog and look for your posts regularly. Happy 15 anniversary!
The importance of undertones when picking a color! I stayed away from the popular white everyone else was suggesting because the undertones weren’t right in my house. And you’ve given validation to my lamp obsession.
I found you in the middle of my new build. Best advice… boring = timeless. I’m so thankful for your advice not to go with trendy tile!
Congrats on 15 years, Maria! It’s hard to identify which piece of advice you’ve shared as the best one … so I will list a few! The power of lamps! Since following you on social media and reading your blog posts, I’ve added at least 15 lamps to our home and I’m always on the lookout for more! Picking a paint color based on the undertones found in the key elements in a room, such as a rug or hard finishes. (The color wheel and large color boards have given me so much more confidence when choosing new paint colors!) And the importance of steering clear of trendy backsplash tile options! When we we’re shopping for our kitchen backsplash, the trendy tiles were front and center. I had to really search to find an off-white, not-too-modern subway tile that would compliment our cherry cabinets and the Santa Cecilia granite countertops that were not being replaced. After stacking various samples up along the wall and using the color wheel whites as my guide, we found the perfect tile that completely updated our dated kitchen! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us! You’ve helped me transform our house into a home we love! ❤️
Since finding your blog I’ve so enjoyed your “straight shooting”advice! You often make me laugh…and I’ve really appreciated your insights on color undertones.
About 15 years ago I wrestled with beiges in my master bath…I knew why they weren’t working, but that didn’t mean I could remedy the problem easily. Your method would have been a life saver!
I’d love to go to your Dallas seminar because I just moved here to the DFW area & have been renovating our home. 🙏😊
I bought your undertone color wheel and it’s been very helpful! Love reading all your posts, I always learn something new!
The whole concept of “undertones” was so helpful. I bought both of your e-books when I was trying to figure out what to do with all of the saltillo tile in my home. They helped me see and think of color in a completely different way. I have loved following your blogs and many times have referred back to older postings for your thoughts on a color problem. Thank you so much and congratulations on 15 years!
Hi Maria, I have followed you a long time and the most useful information you have given me is that there is in fact something called “an undertone “. I didn’t understand this before but you opened my eyes to this and I never see colors now without seeing the undertone. It’s been eyeopening! And transformative! I’d love to be considered for your 15 year celebration giveaway! Thank you so much!! Madeleine
Timeless hard finishes! More lamps! Undertones!
Thank you, Maria, for sharing all of your wisdom with us. Thank you also for sharing your journey with us. It is never too late to start something new and your story is an inspiration to lots of us. Happy anniversary!
Thanks Maria for all the Timeless vs. Trendy advice. It has saved me much regret.
I’m a new follower and fan. I’m looking at my home with new eyes and discovering ways to make use of color and paint to create a home I truly love. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and for your inspiration.
Since finding your blog I’ve so enjoyed your “straight shooting”advice! You often make me laugh…and I’ve really appreciated your insights on color undertones.
About 15 years ago I wrestled with beiges in my master bath…I knew why they weren’t working, but that didn’t mean I could remedy the problem easily. Your method would have been a life saver!
I’d love to go to your Dallas seminar because I just moved here to the DFW area & have been renovating our home. 🙏😊
Oh my goodness, I just realized when I started reading your blog it was in 2009, right after my daughter was born! I can’t believe that was the start of your blog. You had so much valuable information I always tried to just soak it up! The undertones of beiges and all of their complexities is one of the most valuable things I’ve gotten over the years. I’m a “neutral nelly” so making undertones work together has helped me in my own home so much! I’ve purchased two of your ebooks and they were so helpful! Happy Blogiversary!!
My husband and I downsized to a much smaller home last year. At the same time I happened to find your blog, and so glad I did. We have been renovating with an eye towards timeless not trendy. Thank you Maria!
You need to have a plan and a vision before you start! And only buy decor in colours and design that fits with the plan and the era of your home. You can’t just go out and get a mishmash of “things I really like” and think that it will al work together. It has to be deliberate. Love you Maria! Your straight-talking advice on your social media and blog makes me laugh everyday!
More lamps! — it’s just the most recent thing I’ve learned from you. Sowhen we first toured our new-to-us historic house, I was worried when I didn’t see many lamps. Did the house not have enough electrical outlets? We went back to check. And after we moved in, the first thing I did was buy several small lamps—one for kitchen, one for main bathroom counter and one to sit on tall antique secretary in entry foyer—and provide such a warm inviting glow! Thank you for all that share.
Congratulations on 15 years!! I’ve learned so many things – lighting, undertones, different shades of white and probably most of all – classic is never boring! Thanks for all you’ve shared!
I was pretty much a “paint slapper”. Slap on some white (any white) and hope for the best. My biggest paint faux paux? My living room statement wall in SWANS BEAK ORANGE. Oh dear.
You make me pause to think about my next coat of paint. Who knew there were so many legitimate factors to consider?
Congratulations on 15 years. Over these years you’ve given so much guidance; it is truly appreciated. You’ve also linked me up with other bloggers such as Claire Jefford and Laurel Bern whom I also read/consult regularly. I think that my biggest take aways from your course (2017 Toronto) and reading your blog are: Timeless and Classic ; identifying the bossy elements; how elements relate. There are more for sure but these three pop up quite often. Thank you.
I am so thankful to have come across your blog more than three years ago. I have learned so much from you, including that Color is a way more timeless choice over the trendy neutral of the moment. And the second best thing I learned from you is that White is a snob. We are planning a kitchen renovation and I look forward to having you and your team guide me through your kitchen package!
I learn & keep learning. Been evolving as you have & moved and remodeled a house almost every two years of my adult life. Living in dust… 😄😄 Love every bit of this industry. You are visionary and have taught me to layer. Lamps, light, color. In every aspect a form of layering exists. Am I practicing it all? Not yet. A work in progress! 😁 I live in Houston and attending in Dallas will be fantastic. I’d love to move on to working with clients. I need that change in mindset.
Thanks for all the info, sharing & for coloring our lives. Cheers to the next 15 years!
Always go for classic finishes over trendy!
Congrats on 15 years!
Most useful – using something for inspiration, whether it’s the bossy granite or a beautiful rug BEFORE you choose a paint color. That, and telling your builder NO recessed lighting! Thanks Maria.
Congratulations on 15 years of graciously sharing your experience and perspectives! I can “see” color in an entirely new way, with the confidence to choose paint and furnishings that look wonderfully cohesive thanks to you. Here is to 15 ( or many, many) more years!
I’ve gained so much CONFIDENCE from taking Maria’s courses. I’ve taken several online classes and my confidence has soared. Her system for choosing color works and she has a wealth of design knowledge. I found her when redecorating a very dated house my husband and I bought. I have a timeless classic on my hands now, thanks to Maria. My house is full of beautiful colors in all the right places. Thank you Maria.
Congratulations on your 15th anniversary of blog writing! I think you HAVEW succeeded in becoming the “Martha Stewart of Color” –though I think that now people will be striving to be the “Maria Killam of Colour” ! Please enter me into the contest! I would love any of those prizes!
I have learned so much from you, but I think my favorite is “Boring now equals timeless later.” (As a very busy real estate agent whose walked into thousands of homes over the past five years, I can attest to the timeless truth of that!!)
I only wish I had found your blog BEFORE I had renovated my kitchen back in 2010, spent over a year trying to decide on backsplash tile and granite, only to end up hating what I eventually picked out. Shortly after that, out of frustration one day I just googled, “what backsplash tile goes with granite?”, not really expecting to find a real answer out there in cyber space, when, lo and behold– google led me to one of your blog posts, and have been a fan and avid reader ever since! Your willingness to share your knowledge and expertise freely in your blog and (now, in your delightful videos), is so refreshing and appreciated. You have the rare ability to put your design expertise so succinctly into words! Thanks again!!
Hi Maria and Terreeia,
Thank you for sharing your journey into color with us for so many years! I learned so much and I continue to be wowed by how your system works each time I get to apply it to either new builds or renos. I feel really confident with a system that I am able to confirm the undertones for neutrals and whites. It has been such a game changer to be able to explain why a space is beautiful due to the colors that have been thoughtfully selected.
Thank you for sharing with us your learnings,
Sandy
Maria,
The entire concept of the undertones of the “not changing” hard surfaces when first looking to refresh, renew and change up a space has been a game changer! Now I understand and can explain to my clients why and why not! Thank you!
Here’s to another15!
Michelle
Congratulations on 15 years!! The most helpful thing I’ve learned from you is outdoor color selections and not being afraid to use color!
I have enjoyed reading your two ebooks and I’m trying hard to study them and your color wheel. I need to refresh my paint colors in my whole house, do a kitchen remodel, and also our primary bathroom needs a remodel. I would love to attend a two day course with you. Since my son passed away 4 yrs ago, my creativity and decision making skills seem to be lost. I used to love to be creative, plan, design, and make decisions quickly. Maybe with your course, I could find my creative self again. I have loved reading your blog and following you on Instagram and I feel a part of my creative side is trying to comeback. Thanks for sharing all you do.
So glad I saw your renovation series on Instagram! And purchased your ebooks and color wheel! All the information was so helpful in picking countertops, backsplash and tile!
Wait! We can only pick one thing? There are so many useful things, but if I had to only pick one thing it would definitely be learning how to distinguish all the undertones in colors by utilizing your color wheel. Prior to this, if I was told a neutral color had a green undertone I would not have been able to see it, but now I can! Reminds of when I was a cheerleader when I was little, and trying to learn a pom pom routine to a song – I remember them talking about the # of beats in the music, and I was clueless – had no idea what they were talking about – LOL! Us left brained people find so much of what you share useful! But learning about the undertones I find most useful. Thank you for sharing.
Wow-15 years!! I think I found your blog shortly after you started it. Best thing I’ve learned from you – white subway tile is timeless and the best choice. Thank you!!
Maria, Thank you for sharing your gift with us. I have learned far more than color selection from you. I’ve learned about color, decorating, fashion, landscaping, blogging, writing, travel, family, forgiveness and so much more. You have given me confidence to try color in every aspect applicable and trust your tools and the process.
I would be pleased to accept any one of these gifts and put them to practice.
There are many blogs available to read and yours is the one I find most enjoyable and eagerly anticipated. Please go continue your awesomeness. Thank you.
Congratulations!! I have learned so much from scouring your blog while planning my new build, and now I never miss an Instagram story. By far the best thing I learned from you, simple though it is, is how to place samples when making choices. I brought my own white posterboard to my design consults for the new build before making selections and it helped so much. Thank you for sharing all your wisdom over the years and especially for compiling here in this blog which has been a constant resource for me.
Hi, I have been following you for about 6 years, have all your e books and taken all your courses. I love how you have been able to break down colour in a way that is easy understand and see. Breaking down white into the 4 graduations has been a game changer!! My only regret is that I was not able to take your course in person. By the time I had the funds to take it covid had hit and you were only offering the online course. My dream is to someday take the course again in person! Your story gives me hope that I can make a small living doing something that I love and get to use my creative side to help people turn their houses into homes!!!
So many things, but number one is to keep hard finishes timeless! Thanks
Congratulations on 15 years Maria! It was great to hear how you got started. I’ve been loving your posts where you work with the existing finished, like bathroom makeovers. As others have said, not everyone can afford to renovate every room. These rooms always look amazing when you are done and you see that the room is totally livable afterward. No need for a full reno! Keep up the great work.
I have followed you for years and love learning from you. One tip from your blog that I implemented in my own home is a lamp in my kitchen. It is on 24/7 and makes the kitchen so cozy.
I’ve always liked decorating for myself but my finished product never seemed right. I’ve learned so much about undertones and the rule of accent color throughout the room 3; one large, medium and small Thank you!
There’s so many pearls of wisdom where do I start! The biggest for me is understanding whites, color and understanding their undertones. A huge one that I help all my friends with is to choose “boring” classic fixed elements and add flare elsewhere. I’m not a designer but I have friends ask me for decorating help often and I stick to your principles! Also, choose what goes in the room first and then pick a paint color. And you don’t have to demo everything to make it look beautiful 😍 thanks for all you do Maria! Congratulations!
That all neutrals have undertones. I thought the fact that they were “neutral” meant they went with anything, lol. TY for this giveaway and all the knowledge you so kindly share!
I’ve learned that if you are renovating to work with the colors that can’t be changed (like flooring or tile) instead of working against them. Some of the before and afters that you show are just unbelievable – work with what you have when you don’t have the budge to start from zero. Thank you for all that you do!
I don’t remember how I found your blog, but I do remember that something “clicked” when I read your posts. It’s like all the things I knew in my soul that I couldn’t put my finger on were there in clear, articulate print. Most importantly… more is not always better. And eye catching details are fine, as long as not *every* thing in the room was chosen to be eye catching. The eye needs a place to rest.
I know it’s a basic principle, but the undertones have helped me see color so differently! Being able to see undertones has helped me so much with my own paint, decor, etc, but also ordering online, clothing, helping friends, and watercolor painting! Thanks, Maria!
Choose the green sofa(or whatever is your favorite color) then decorate around that favorite, paying attention to undertones. Seems so easy once you’ve been given the go ahead to choose what you love!
Wish I knew exactly when I began following you, maybe not too long after you started your blog! We have been in our (mostly honey oak) home 17 years. I’ve had an obsession with black & have (sadly) considered it a neutral & need to thank you for ending this horrible personal flaw! Although, I did cheer when you said “the only instance when black knobs & pulls are appropriate is when the countertops are black.” That gave me such joy, felt like my 1st win. I continue to consult my Whites Are Complicated & How To Choose Paint Colors, as well as my “original” Color Wheel! Congratulations on your recent milestone, and again thank you Maria, for sharing your wealth of color and timeless decor knowledge with the world!
Maria, you have shared so much practical information on your blog & videos through the years. Lighting, refreshing a room & using a mood board are awesome advice! thank you!
Hi Maria, et al.
This is a great post. It is impressive how open you are with your journey’s story. Thank you for sharing.
After taking your courses I not only have the confidence to recommend colors but I find I am much more equipped to explain why something won’t work in a particular circumstance. Recommending is important but being able to “pull someone back from the ledge” of color mistakes is super important too.
Continued success!
Susan Campbell
I have followed Maria since around 2010. She’s rescued color for me a couple times. Now I have the confidence, with her color boards, to choose updated finishes for my current home. Learning how to create mood boards and shop online helped me ‘sell’ my husband on our master bath update.
Choose the green sofa(or whatever is your favorite color) then decorate around that favorite, paying attention to undertones. Seems so easy once you’ve been given the go ahead to choose what you love!
Bonding with your color wheel for a many of the choices I’ve made while remodeling our Greek revival home. Understanding the undertones of neutrals and whites has been immensely helpful! There’s so much more that I have learned from reading your blogs, and even some of the simplest affirmations, i.e. Subway is timeless, not boring!
The most useful thing I’ve learned from you, so far, is that neutrals have many undertones! With the help of your blog posts I was able to take my kitchen cabinets from a dark espresso to the right complex cream. The new color draws the best out of my orange beige countertops. It fixes all the expensive problems that my kitchen had; the dated countertop, the dark closed-in feeling, the need for bright fluorescent lighting. Now I just have the fun of adding some copper, straw, and/or terracotta elements. Thanks for all you do!
I loved readying about your story. The most beneficial for me has been to grasp a full u estranging of undertones. I have always known things “didn’t look right” but I didn’t know what to do about it. I use to find color scary, but wow does it make me happy now that I feel empowered to use it. You have transformed how I decorate.
Congratulations on15 years! I have learned many things, mainly to look for undertones and to decorate with small, medium, and large color repeats. Also how to avoid looking dated for flooring and tile!
The most important thing I’ve learned is keeping your hard surface boring and simple, which makes them timeless. It’s great not having to worry about a reno going out of style.
Congratulations, Maria, to you and your entire team! Each post either informs me of a new perspective to consider or reinforces my thoughts. You won my heart when you championed colorful sofas. I lived with a beautiful green sofa for years and never tired of the color statement. Thank you for sharing your gifts.
I’ve learned so much, but the bigger picture of the more you know and practice, the further you can go with what you can confidently recommend. I can explain why something is the right answer. I have confidence in that, thanks to you! Congratulations!
As a newbie in the world of decorating, I have found your blogs and IG posts informative, inspiring, and entertaining all in one. I have learned so much from your articles, especially regarding undertones in neutrals that I didn’t even realize existed. Now I am beginning to understand why a room seems off when the undertones do not coordinate. Your little nuggets on styling have been extremely helpful in designing a “look and feel” for a room, especially when I’ve already made so many design mistakes in my own house! Lol Decorating feels like a lifelong project but a fun one. I could probably be my own client forever!! So truly happy to have found you over the web! ☺️
Here’s to the Queen of Colour🥂. I believe you will achieve your ultimate goal and we are witness to what you have taught us, are teaching us, and will continue to teach us. Thank you for sharing your life, personal and professional. You are an inspiration 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
You taught me that my vision of color and timeless are spot on. But the undertones are what I still struggle with. And the fact that I can never make up my mind. Your products have been very helpful. But I still need help.
BTW, in your 15 year look back blog today, I noticed that most of your original furniture is still with you today. Proves, buy the color you ❤️. Your new home is gorgeous. I am into landscape design, so your current outdoor project speaks to me.
I absolutely love and admire everything you do! I’m so glad you came across my for you page. You’ve added so much joy and colour to my life.
My husband is a contractor and we’ve flipped multiple homes. Some have looked perfect and some have been a little off but I couldn’t understand why. Now I know! Too many undertones, specifically white undertones. I really struggled with communicating what bothered me but now I can.
Undertones have always been my weakness, now I can’t “unsee” them! I definitely have more confidence in my color choices and my choices for finishes.
Timeless = boring. White is VERY complicated (until you read Maria’s book and use her tool!)
The most helpful information I have read is about the colour wheel and looking at undertones. I think this should be considered a life skill! It does take some practiae however and I am working at it. Thank you and congratulations!!!
You have taught me about undertones, which means you have helped me understand how the underlying colors can affect the overall look of a space. How to identify undertones in paint and decor, and how to use this knowledge to create harmonious color schemes.
Thanks for sharing your history. And congrats on 15 years! Your love of all things beautiful is inspiring and contagious. Your explanations of undertones is invaluable!
Boring now = timeless later! You saved me from choosing a wood floor with gray in it three years ago–medium brown, it is! Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us, Maria!
Maria, I’m moving out of a 4500 SF home and into my parent’s 1900 SF, 3 BR ranch, built in the 70’s. The 70’s home has never been updated, and I am bursting at seams with excitement because I will be using some of your practices with the renovation. I’ll use your color wheel to ensure that I keep the undertones consistent throughout the renovation, as well as keep all hard surfaces timeless! Thank you for you blog! You’ve taught me alot about decorating! I enjoy you and your content!
My favorite advice you have is that when nothing seems to be working or you can’t fix the color yet….decorate! It has been a game changer to help me love my house now while I wait to make the changes that will help me love it forever.
Happy 15th Anniversary, Maria! The take aways from your blog are too many to list. The one that stands out the most is that when it comes to hard finishes: “Boring now, means timeless later”. Twelve years ago, I was in the process of renovating my kitchen, when I discovered your blog. Unfortunately it was already too late for choosing the right countertop, but just in time to pick the right backsplash. You can only guess what they tried to push on me at the tile store as the “perfect” match for my Sienna Bordeaux countertop. Accent tile, of course! But I always loved subway tile, and when that confirmation showed up in one of your posts, I was so relieved. Then I learned about the whole world of undertones, pink and yellow beiges; how to read, distinguish, and avoid clashing. Or how to “hide” mistakes by implementing patterns to cheat the eye. I read every single post you wrote, Maria. You sparked my curiosity in the world of color and undertones, that never faded to this day. For this I am forever grateul.
Congratulations on 15 years! The biggest thing I have learned from you is that decorating – particularly styling – can solve almost any problem that might seem like it can only be fixed via renovation. Thanks for all the great lessons!
It has been a privilege to be part of your journey. I have enjoyed your blog for years and hope you continue for many more!
A whole new world was opened up when your blog became my favorite regular read. Who knew there were so many neutral undertones and that certain ones work with certain others? Clean and dirty colors? No wonder things didn’t look right! While I had defaulted to decorating with neutrals out of desperation to get it right, I’m now excitedly coming back to color with new eyes. My husband and I are starting a business which includes color discernment and I’m so pleased to encourage my clients to use both neutrals and colors in a timeless way. I’d love the thorough education from your course, Maria!
Undertones! Who knew! I am the one that takes 3 years to pick out a paint color! Understanding the undertones certainly helps! Also lamps! We just moved and I’m in search of some new lamps for the living room to warm up the space.
I’ve learned so many things! The one that stands out the most is how to mix metals by alternating them. I’ve also stopped using my overhead lights and switched to lamps and, suddenly, my home feels so much cozier. Thank you for that!
Congratulations on 15 years. I have learned so much from you about undertones and colour. For me that means getting rid of my pink beige sofa. Now I am looking for a blue sofa, which is my favourite colour.
Just discovered you this summer- and you have changed everything! We are building a home and I am devouring your blog, lists, everything I can. Would love the chance to take your course. I’ve already nixed the black windows my husband wanted on the exterior 😉. So much new and fabulous information
I’ve learned so much since I first started reading your blog. “White is Complicated” and “boring” now equals classic/timeless later have changed how I see things. I’ve watched many friends update their kitchens with trendy tiles/colors and within a few years they already look dated. When we updated our own kitchen I felt confident in my choices, knowing they would stand the test of time
Congratulations on reaching the 15-year mark of blogging. You have taught me so many useful and important things. It’s difficult to just choose one. The boring=timeless really resonates with me. The other, and maybe THE most useful to me, is learning about undertones. I’d always wondered why it was so hard to explain what was bothering me when it came to putting colours together and how to achieve harmony. Thank you!
Your mood board class gave me the information and confidence I needed to furnish and entire house with furniture, rugs, pillows, lamps, etc.
I’m just an average girl who had always been afraid to pick anything, but decided to jump into real estate and buy a short term rental. This put the pressure I needed on me to learn, so I dove head first into your blog reading everything I could. When I took the mood board class using your color wheel things clicked and my house came together. Thanks to your blog and classes I am determined to expand my knowledge to decorate my own home and other rentals I will purchase. Who knows… maybe I’ll become the short term rental go to girl for furnishings and color. A girl can dream, right?
I’ve learned so much in my 10 years following you that it’s hard to capture just one thing. While undertones are key, perhaps the most surprising thing is the value of a good half dozen lamps.
Hi! Congrats on 15 years! I found your blog when you did the “how to screw up your renovation” series on instagram and I’ve been hooked ever since!! I would love to lean more!
If I have to choose just one it would be “Buy a sofa in your favorite color.”
I still have the green velvet sofa I bought in 2011 and I love it! ❤️
I think my biggest takeaway is to have fun with color. While there are many guidelines to consider to create balance and beauty in a space, color doesn’t have to be intimidating. Thank you for continuing to share your expertise Maria!
Congratulations on 15 years! The top thing I’ve learned from you is the best verbiage to communicate to clients why this color works and not the other. The language of undertones makes sense to them and when they can see it, via your fabulous color wheel, they have confidence in the specification as well. Even better, the skeptical husband understands the science and appreciates getting it right the first time! Continued success to you!
We are building a new home and have a designer that we are working with for the interior and exterior. A friend referred me because I was frustrated that I couldn’t express what I didn’t like about the exterior elevation in the design plan. I took your exterior master class and the advice about stone, tall slender windows, and all the suggested undertones with SW paint colors have been so helpful. I am wanting to take your mood board class. Best advice is that boring now, will be timeless later! That one phrase has encouraged me to tell our designer that I don’t want trendy and I have been able to choose timeless classics. Thank you!
What a great recap of the last 15 years. I love all your designs, your designs and of course, meeting Terreeia! Following you has given me insight on undertones and how that affects color choices. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and your life story. You truly are the Martha Stewart of color!
One of the best thing I have learned from you is your most basic lesson: understanding undertones. Early on I knew different colors didn’t look good together, and I just didn’t understand why – now I do! Another good lesson that I learned from you is freedom to express joy of color in the home (and even in my choice of clothing).
Really appreciate your blog site, love the more recent color rescues.
I started following Maria after a visit to a Benjamin Moore paint store . The employee told me she follows you on Instagram and that I’d enjoy her . So I did . Maria is knowledgeable AND funny ! I was trying to make my Tuscan trend kitchen better without changing the expensive existing backsplash and countertops …. A challenge. It’s so much easier to start with a clean slate than trying to make existing elements work . I bought the e books and wheel , read and read and read Maria’s posts and then chose paint colors for kitchen cabinets, walls and carpet. Maria’s system helped me with my confidence to make good choices . I’d love to take the 2 day course to continue learning.
I have learned so much from you over the past years. I wish I had started sooner, when I was designing our house. Probably the most important lesson is to consult a professional when the stakes are high (renovation, landscaping, major painting projects).
What an amazing story, Maria. The “before and after” of your new house looks like a dead house brought back to life and living color!
Happy 15th Anniversary!! Thank you for sharing such generous gifts with your readers. I have only been reading for less than a year here but I have learned so much already: undertones, decorating instead of full on renovating (wish I would’ve heard about you before we purchased our current renovation project), lighting and lamps!! I love your approach that is not wasteful and focused on quickly evolving trends but making the best timeless decisions to help you “love your house forever.” Cheers to many more years of success for you!!
I’ll never forget going into pottery barn and feeling overwhelmed, not knowing where to start. The salesperson started helping me and we soon learned that we both follow you. We talked through some of your concepts and came up with a plan.
I just bought my first home so I still have a lot to learn from you as I tackle each room.
There’s too much to write here. Thank you for the design advice. Congratulations on 15 years!
Congratulations, Maria! Have enjoyed being part of your journey for more than a decade. Way to manifest!
I think the most important thing I learned from you is in the realm of light, specifically how different directions of sunlight change color. Truly, there gave been so many things.The “language’ to explain why things work/don’t work … Ooo … That’s a biggie, too!
I have been following your blogs, Instagram and You Tube channel for years now and not only do I keep returning to your words and videos time and again but I tell EVERYONE I know who’s thinking of redecorating to listen to and follow you! Best advice? Choosing timeless hard finishes and using the color wheel to do so to avoid mistakes. It’s easier to repaint a wall than pull up a floor or backsplash if you do make a mistake. I look forward to continuing to learn from you for many years to come.
I’ve learned so much from you and so enjoy reading every post and watching each video! I found you when I was searching “timeless flooring.” Your advice resonated. We shouldn’t have to constantly change out hard finishes and chase trends. So my favorite thing I’ve learned is boring now equals timeless later!
What a journey! What grit it must take to make this happen. I have learned that I can keep my cream molding and only touch it up (as opposed to what my designer neighbor suggested which was to paint it all white which would have cost us a few thousand dollars!) I have so enjoyed your advice for real people in real houses! Thank you!
UNDER TONES!!!!! and as a landscape designer I often referred to your advice to designers about how to deal with clients.
A few years ago we bought a small home close to where our son and his family live so we have a place to stay when we visit and can stay longer. We hired a contractor to do some remodeling and updating. I had never had to make all of the decisions about a house at once and it was at first overwhelming. I don’t remember how, but I stumbled upon your blog and became obsessed with learning about color. A few years ago everything was gray, black and white and that is not appealing to me. Your blog gave me the confidence to go with the color that I really wanted (SW Silvermist and Indigo Batik). I love how it turned out and have had no regrets about any of the choices. Also learning about colors that relate to something else in the room. (I have had to convince my husband that certain things he wants to do won’t relate to anything else and would not work.). So thank you and congratulations on 15 years.
Widowed unexpectedly in 2020, I moved to a fabulous open concept condo two years ago. Since then, I purchased a gorgeous light navy blue sofa. I also learned how to style my mantle; it looks great! Finally, I chose the right paint colour throughout my 1500 sq ft space that relates to ALL the existing hard finishes including a very bossy Tuscan countertop in the kitchen. Thanks Maria! You’re the best!!
Maria,
I love reading your story of success and hard work. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us! Understanding classic vs trendy interior finishes has been my biggest takeaway. I found you at just the right time during our bathroom renovation in 2021. Because of your insight, we have a bathroom that we will love forever.
Maria, I sure am glad you are not a fan of Halloween and decided to write a blog instead! You have helped me SO much over the last few years. I used your new build package for a house we built in 2017. We just sold the house for way over asking in large part because of the excellent advice you provided on choosing finishes for kitchen, baths and paint colors. Our house stood out from the crowd because it is so beautiful and fresh. I will be using your kitchen and bath refresh packages for our new home (I am so glad you added those!) and I know the advice I receive will be perfect again.
A lightbulb went off for me learning about undertones. I can’t not see them in all the neutrals I work with. Yours is a great system for understanding this. Thank you!!!
Timeless or Trendy advice is always very helpful! Also, don’t panic decorate helped when I thought I’d made a color mistake. You reminded me that you can’t look at a color on the wall and decide it’s wrong until you add your furnishings. Thanks for all the great posts!
Hi Maria,
When I decided to paint my tired orange oak kitchen cabinets many years ago, google brought me to you. Ever since, I have faithfully read your blog, bought your color wheels and e-books, and savored your words of wisdom. I never knew the world of whites were so complex, but thanks to you, I now have an understanding of undertones.
Thank you for all of your help and congratulations on 15 years! Sending hopes for many more.
I’ve been following you since 2012 & you have taught me the language of color. While I am not fluent (yet), I have loved everyone of your e-courses and each has contributed to my depth of knowledge. You continue to inspire me and I’m ever grateful for how beautiful you make the world. The color course is what I want to do most!
Congratulations! I have enjoyed reading your posts for a little while and I really appreciate your wisdom and advice on how to love a home forever! The enlightenment about undertones is an eye opener and the advice to be careful with trends is invaluable.
I had no idea there were cool colors amd warm colors. In addition, the difference lamps make in a room. Plus, expensive fixed features of a home should be neutral. I’ve learned so much amd yet will learn more.
The most important thing I’ve learned is that boring is timeless. And also – if you choose a color you love, that is also timeless.
I’ve learned so, so many things from you, Maria. The one that’s relevant right now, as we renovate an inherited house, is to work with the brick and roof color when choosing paint and a new trim color.
“BORING EQUALS TIMELESS ! ! ! “. Your advise has become my mantra since I started following you in 2011 when i was designing our home from scratch. And even though I mistakenly installed a few “bossy finishes” during our build your advise about decorating and using colour, when renovating a newly built house wasn’t an option, has helped me get past those bossy elements and love my home.
Your blog has been a source of joy. Thank you for years of fun!
I have been following since 2010, I think! It feels like a long time and even though I don’t follow a lot of blogs anymore, this one is my true constant. I also refer back to it fairly frequently. I have bought all your books, your colour boards, the virtual Colour course, the mood board course… and next up it will probably be the exterior course. I can’t pick just one thing I have learned; over the past few years I have renovated my house using your principles. We decided to list it because we found a different house and guess what? My house sold in 3 days and had multiple offers. I received so many compliments on how pretty it is. So much of that is because of what I have learned through you, Maria. So now I am going to move into my new place and apply the principles I have learned from you, there. I feel very equipped to handle this new house, there really won’t be too much trial and error. And I plan to buy a bunch of new lamps. Lots and lots of lamps. Thank you, Maria!!!!
Undertones! how to see them and relate things in a room. Lots more too….lighting, timeless decorating, bossy hardscapes 🙂
The most useful things I learnt are 1) to place the painted cardboard sample on top of white cardboard instead of directly on the wall, and 2) the hard surfaces that are difficult to change should be neutral.
Lamps, lamps, lamps. And that I really do need to get the colour wheel and ebooks because I definitely chose the wrong undertone for the last two rooms painted and I want to get it right for the next one. Also, thanks for the tip to decorate when it’s not perfect and that will distract. Need that so much because once you see it, you don’t ever not see it.
Love your blog. It has helped me in so many ways already. I redid my floors in 2020 and used your advice and put down reclaimed elm hardwood throughout. Repainted during the lockdown in a complex cream – BM’s Collingwood, and just remodelled the kitchen last November and went with one of the whites. I plan to add a deep navy as my accent and I still working little by little to make our home what we want. It is coming along beautifully and have learned so much from you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I would love to take your virtual course as I have purchased your ebooks and colour wheel already.
So many great things from you blog, but most importantly to add lamps and keep the most expensive finishes and furnishings timeless and boring and add personality throught art and accessories! I Love everything about your style and tips!
You taught me not to be afraid of color. I never used to be but I got caught up in all the neutral trend but it’s not me! Which brings me to the other thing I learned…you don’t have to follow the trends…do what you love..trends will come and go! Thank you Maria
BORING IS TIMELES$… Have reminded myself to KISS many times over the years, and when working withy my real estate clients…some listen, some have still bought into grey streaked trendy floors!! ugh… BTW, I am still in love with your leopard staircase! I have learned so much over the years, kicking myself for not signing up for your NJ class a couple years before the pandemic but God has a reason for everything : )
I have learned so much; undertones, lighting hacks, and making bold color choices, bringing my home to life, makes my creative heart so happy! Thank you!
I am so happy I found you! I’ve always been afraid of color because I had no idea how to use it! Now I’ve started filling my life with colorful decorating and know how to work with the hard finishes I’ve got before we move again. There’s too many good things to mention, but those are the best ones. Happy 15th blogaversary!
Congratulations on 15 years! Unfortunately, I found your blog after I had installed some very bossy, earthy granite in my kitchen! Thanks to your blog I am learning how to live with it. I really like that you aren’t like many designers who rip everything out, but instead help us save money by giving options to work with expensive mistakes!
I am a new reader of your blog but I learned not to paint my interior white as it will look like its primer. I was considering White Dove but I’m going a different direction after reading your advice.
I’ve learned SO many things from you, Maria. Undertone analysis was a total game changer (I have the round wheel and seemingly use it all the time). So many ah-ha! moments regarding color. Lamps! One bossy element. Boring = timeless. Being somewhat color phobic (I call it conservative, but po-tay-to po-tah-to), your advice has allowed me to branch out not only in my own home and streamline the decision-making process, but also to help those I care about in their homes. Can’t thank you enough.
Reading your blog has given me the language to use to explain to my husband why he can’t pick that paint color/pillow/sofa. Before, if undertones weren’t right, it would bug me but I didn’t know/couldn’t explain why. “Because I said so” only works so many times with another adult (probably with kids too)
Save money for decorating!