Skip to main content
CartClose Cart
Category

Ask Maria

Are you ‘Neutral’ About Neutrals?

01/30/2023
53 Comments

Colour and design trends create real emotional connections. They influence our purchases and colour choices before we even realize it. So, if you’re feeling a bit “neutral” about neutrals, maybe it’s time for some colour. When I started my colour career in 2002, the world was beige. And the default neutral back in the day…

Continue Reading

Designing a Kitchen? Lighting & Hardware is EVERYTHING

01/18/2023
45 Comments

Kitchen designs are expensive, but when you try to go it alone – without designer guidance – it’s easy to make even MORE EXPENSIVE mistakes that you’ll regret. Working with a designer not only saves you from these extra expenses, but also may save your sanity. And when it comes to choosing the right lighting…

Continue Reading

The Posts YOU Loved Most from 2022

12/30/2022
6 Comments

Today I’m sharing the posts you loved most in 2022.  Around this time of year, I love to see all the top lists from the year. For example, Netflix just released their list of most streamed movies and shows. And it’s fun to check the list to see if the shows we watched made the…

Continue Reading

Do Shutters Belong on YOUR House?

05/13/2022
6 Comments

I help clients all over the world, and especially North America, choose the right colours for their home. This means, I’m always looking at houses with or without shutters and giving advice on whether we should keep, add or eliminate them. The general rule of thumb with shutters is that they primarily belong on windows…

Continue Reading

How to Decorate (If You Already Painted)

05/06/2022
34 Comments

I can’t believe I have never written a post on what to do AFTER you’ve chosen a paint colour and now you need furniture. You might have heard me say this before, but you shouldn’t choose your paint colour first. However, maybe you just found my blog or you are feeling stuck now that your…

Continue Reading

Do You Make These 3 Shopping Mistakes?

01/19/2022
19 Comments

Recently, I received this question from a reader and it got me thinking about how most people shop. It’s a common mistake that often leaves your room uninspired. So, here’s what you should do before you even begin shopping and how to fix a room that still feels meh.     I have been reading…

Continue Reading

The Real Reason Your Wall Colour Looks Wrong

12/13/2021
20 Comments

I received a distressed note from a reader recently that I wanted to share with you all because when your paint colour looks wrong, the light continues to be your favourite scapegoat. Despite feeling like I sound like a broken record, I’ll say it again for the folks in the back:   It’s hardly ever…

Continue Reading