Become a certified colour consultant so you can grow your decorating business, or start a side hustle.
True Colour Expert Training
This training is for ANYONE who wants to elevate their colour and decorating skills. It's also the first step if you want to break into the world of colour consulting.
Dreaming about a career in colour? This training will get you there.
A True Colour Expert means you’re damn good at choosing colour.
In 2 days, I'll show you how to apply the Killam Colour System to any home project so you can firmly and professionally guide your clients to the best outcome without uncertainty or doubts.
What they don't teach you in design school
After this course, you’ll know how to:
- Find the perfect colour quickly without second-guessing
- Demonstrate it to your client with confidence
- Look at a room and instantly see what needs to be fixed
“The training I received from Maria is right up their with what I learned to receive my Bachelor of Science Degree in Interior Design from an accredited university! After almost two decades of being in this field as a professional interior designer, I can now confidently say that I am a TRUE COLOR EXPERT!”
Kylie L.Interior Designer, Oxford Avenue
Everyone needs help with colour
And, most design courses miss the mark.
I’ve been decorating and styling homes for over 20 years and colour is the hardest thing to get right, even for design professionals. Because most design courses teach outdated and impractical colour theory, making it difficult to apply in real-world scenarios, especially when working with existing colours and finishes.
I know because I struggled to get it right too. That is, until I created and started using the Killam Colour System.
Adding colour consults exploded my business
The same could happen for you.
I’ll teach you everything I did to create a very lucrative decorating business using the Killam Colour System. Not every client will see your vision. That’s why you need the Killam Colour System to show them (and communicate it clearly).
When you have a system that works every time – and this one does – you will have happier clients, more referrals and of course more business!
“No one teaches or explains colour in a way that makes sense and applies to what we do as designers like Maria does.”
Erica D.True Colour Expert
“Maria is always organized and gives you all the helpful tricks she's learned throughout the years. It's worth the money.”
Barbara S.True Colour Expert
“I'm the artist, not the scientist - thank you for saving me from another colour theory course. I've got my mojo back.”
Nicole K.True Colour Expert
Take the first step in becoming a colour consultant.
Every class is a mix of entrepreneurs wanting to start a business and design professionals looking to expand theirs.
Here's what you'll learn in two days
Understanding Colour
- Just enough colour theory to be useful
- A language to discuss colour that makes sense
- How to compare and describe colour so clients will understand
- How to make the best of less-than-ideal situations with colour and also create perfect colour flow from room to room
Decorating & Styling
- How to coordinate the colour of anything from tile to soft furnishings
- The best place to start to create perfect colour palettes for decorating
- The colour balancing method so you know exactly how much colour a room needs
- The best way to distract from mistakes with beautiful decorating and styling
- How to work with tricky rooms without losing your mind or confidence
Understanding Undertones
- The 9 most useful neutrals and 4 gradations of white, and how these categories narrow down your choices
- The right way to create rooms that are timeless and why managing contrast is key to great design
- How to determine which neutral you’re working with and limit the number of different neutrals in a room
- Which finishes matter when you have multiple undertones and which undertones don’t work together
Colour Consulting
- Learning to see and use colour effectively is a critical step for adding online and in-person consultations to your business
- The proper way to use the colour wheel with paint samples to show clients the correct colour choice
- A process to easily help clients choose finishes in the right order for new builds and renovations
- Tips and tricks to steering headstrong clients away from styles and trends that won’t work for their home
What I teach here, you won’t learn anywhere else.
Ready to turn your passion for colour into a thriving side business?
2025 Spring: Chicago Area May 14 & 15
2025 Fall: Dallas Area Oct. 22 & 23
Looking for the virtual class for homeowners instead? Click here.
May 14-15 | Chicago, IL
9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST
True Colour Expert Certification
14 IDCEC Accredited CEUs for Interior Design
May 14-15 | Chicago, IL
9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CST
True Colour Expert Certification
14 IDCEC Accredited CEUs for Interior Design
Still not sure if this course is right for you?
Once you become a True Colour Expert…
whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned professional
This could be your business too!
Find out how these design professionals are using the Killam Colour System in their business.
100% happiness guarantee
Not only will you carve out a niche for yourself as the go-to expert in your area, but you’ll also easily transition your clients from consult-only clients to full-on design clients, dramatically increasing your bottom line. How much is that worth to you?
I believe it’s invaluable. That’s why investing in this two-day is more than reasonable for your design business. AND, you make this investment at no risk because you’re covered by my 100% happiness guarantee. If, by the end of the first day, you don’t think this is the best colour course you’ve ever taken, simply turn in your class materials and I’ll give you a full refund!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this course for?
EVERYONE is welcome in this course. But if you’re asking this question, you’re wondering if this course is for YOU.
Our True Colour Expert course is perfect for anyone looking to simply elevate their skills in colour and decorating. Whether you’re a homeowner tackling a renovation or new build, or you’re an aspiring color consultant, you belong here! I can’t wait to meet you.
Already in the design or colour business? THIS is your masterclass in colour.
Mastering colour skills lets you charge more and carve out a niche that sets you apart from the competition. When you become a certified True Colour Expert, you can be selective about your projects, working less while earning more.
If you’re tired of working hard without landing the clients or projects you desire, I’ll help you unlock the potential to elevate your business. Gain the knowledge and systems that drive profit, offer you more freedom, and boost your confidence in the field. And, I can’t wait to meet you, too!
Will Maria have an in-person course just for homeowners?
While I don’t offer an in-person course just for homeowners, the True Colour Expert training is a fantastic opportunity to learn from me in person.
This course is designed for anyone passionate about colour, including homeowners who want to master decorating and design. I’d love to have you join us and experience my expert guidance firsthand!
I promise you won’t regret it, and you’ll have the chance to meet like-minded homeowners who share your passion for colour and design.
My design business is brand new... Will I feel out of place at this training?
Definitely NOT! 🙌🏻
Your instincts are good, but your client still needs to know the “why.” And communicating this can be a challenge for both the new designer and the seasoned one.
In just two days, you’re going to know how to tell a client what’s missing or what’s wrong, and what they need to do to make it better. This is the confidence you need to communicate more directly with your clients – no matter where you are in your design career.
Let’s face it, a colour consultation goes beyond choosing paint colours for a wall. Typically you’re also advising on the colours for furniture and decor in order to create a cohesive colour scheme that flows throughout. You’ll learn how to harmonize both.
And when you apply my timeless design principles to your bathroom and kitchen designs, you’ll have more freedom to express yourself through decorating. Bonus: You’ll create a portfolio that’s truly everlasting.
But you may still be wondering if this investment really worth it?
I’ll walk you through the EXACT steps for making colour and design decisions from start to finish, for ANY project. Imagine what this kind of insight can do for your design business?
Need Interior Design CEUs?
You will earn 14 IDCEC Accredited CEUs (7 for each day)
💰 And, finally here’s how my two-day workshop pays for itself.
First, it’s the cost of one mistake. That’s easy math. For most it has a dollar amount. You never forget what it cost to replace that _________. Believe me, I’ve been there. There’s also an emotional cost – delays, frustration, OVERTHINKING. Been there too.
Second, being able to decorate around a finish your client isn’t changing (that you’re not in love with). Often, you’ll get much more out of decorating and styling a room WELL than by fixing expensive colour mistakes.
Did you get that? You’ll learn the best way to freshen up your client’s home when they can’t replace everything. You’ll learn to solve a variety of challenges with colours and finishes, so you can help them move forward – whether you’re working with a budget that’s basic or luxe.
I’ve been helping clients pull together their spaces with both new and inherited finishes for over 20 years. I’ve seen it ALL. So, I know a thing or two about solving decorating challenges of all kinds. And, you’ll learn the exact same process I use in just two days.
Now’s the time to carve out a niche for yourself as the go-to COLOUR expert in your area.
Soaring real estate costs make colour consulting a necessity. Because when people stop building, they start renovating. If they don’t have the budget to replace cabinets, they paint.
Your colour expertise will be more in demand now than ever before!
This workshop is jam-packed with tangible takeaways and practical techniques that you can use right now in your own home or a client’s home.
I don't have a design business. I'm interested in more of a side-hustle. Is this training for me?
Absolutely! Our in-person training sessions typically consist of 50% professional designers and 50% aspiring designers. If you’re considering a career change or dreaming of starting a colour consulting business, this is the ONLY training you need to level up your skills and learn a system you can use for your business.
I’ll also share how I turned my passion for colour into a lucrative online colour consulting business. You won’t find another course that offers the same depth of knowledge directly from someone with proven success in eDesign.
What does the VIP ticket include?
As part of your VIP package, you’ll attend a private breakfast with Maria before class on Day 2 of your True Colour Expert Training. More details about room/time will be shared closer to the event.
The intimate setting of a VIP breakfast allows for personalized interaction, networking opportunities, and the chance to ask Maria specific questions, making it a highly enriching and memorable event.
In addition to this exclusive semi-private time with Maria, you’ll receive extra swag and surprises!
Will I receive True Colour Expert™ certification?
Yes! This is the ONLY training where you’ll be certified as a True Colour Expert™ after two days. This also includes a digital badge for your website and social media accounts as well as a printable certificate.
I never miss a blog post. What else is there to learn?
If you’ve already consumed all of Maria Killam’s blog posts, books, and online courses, there’s still plenty to be gained. Most importantly, the energy you get from learning directly from Maria!
But also, critically, you’ll get all the teachings in the right order which allows you to gain a much deeper understanding of the content.
Attending Maria Killam’s live workshops either in person or via Zoom offers a unique and energizing learning experience. The content feels different, and the implementation and understanding are enhanced.
Maria has over 20 years of experience helping clients with their spaces, dealing with various finishes and decorating challenges. In just two days, you can learn the exact process she uses to make colour decisions, solve challenging colour situations, create a more styled and beautiful home, make decisions for new builds and renovations, as well as identify and fix issues in any room.
Enrolling in this workshop not only saves you money but also helps you stop overthinking every decision and follow a simple and organized process. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn from Maria Killam directly and transform your home with the benefit of her timeless aesthetic, her years experience and her simple to use colour system.
What sets this training apart?
This is the ONLY colour and design training experience led by the world’s top colour expert, Maria Killam. Her real-time guidance will revolutionize how you SEE and USE colour.
Plus, most colour courses are missing the mark. Because no one is showing you how to turn the not-so-great into something beautiful.
Maria provides exclusive colour resources as well as hands-on exercises with real client examples to enhance your learning journey. She’s trained thousands of designers just like you. And she understands the unique challenges of communicating with clients on projects.
That’s because she invented a simple and organized system for choosing colors that works seamlessly for any project.
This isn’t colour theory. It’s a practical and applied system you can use over and over again to effortlessly harmonize colours or solve any design challenge that comes your way.
Should I make this investment if my business is struggling or just getting started?
You know, sometimes we all face challenges when it comes to our businesses, whether they’re struggling or just starting out. But guess what? There’s an amazing opportunity right in front of you, and I don’t want you to miss out on it.
By investing in this two-day training, you will acquire practical knowledge that will enable you to elevate your expertise and expand your service offerings in the realm of color and design. This will give your business a distinct advantage over your competitors, allowing you to carve out a unique niche in the market.
One of the key benefits of this training is the implementation of a reliable comparative color method, which will instill confidence in your abilities. With this newfound confidence, you will be able to attract a larger client base that specifically seeks out your expertise in color.
True Colour Experts can attest to the tangible results they have achieved, such as commanding higher rates and working with ideal clients who highly value their advice.
What if I already have the eBooks, neutral colour wheel, or other guides that are included with my ticket?
Choose the package that is best suited to your needs. The bonus material such as the eBooks and the exclusive Timeless Flooring Guide, or Neutral Colour Wheel for example are not refundable for cash value within any of the packages.
What if I have to cancel?
If for any reason you need to cancel your registration for True Colour Expert in-person live training, we will issue you a refund less a $125 non-refundable processing fee up to 30 days prior to the course start date.
Cancellations less than 30 days prior to the course start date are not eligible for a refund.
If you need to cancel less than 30 days prior to the course start date, your registration is eligible to be transferred to a future True Colour Expert Training workshop held within the next 12 calendar months. A $500 non-refundable transfer fee will apply.
I have a specific question not answered here...
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