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Maria Killam

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True Colour Expert Spotlight: Success Stories from Certified Graduates

4/08/2025

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Hi, I'm Maria

I'm the creator of The Killam Colour System® and the pioneer of virtual colour consulting since 2010. I've trained thousands of design professionals and guided more than 10,000 colour projects. Here, I teach homeowners and design professionals how to choose timeless finishes and decorate the home they actually want to live in.

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I’m always delighted to see my True Colour Experts thriving in their careers. And today I have the privilege of sharing two fabulous success stories that demonstrate how mastering the Killam Colour System can transform not just spaces, but entire design careers.

These talented designers have taken what they learned in my training and applied it to create stunning projects while building thriving businesses that align with their passions.

Kylie Lockett of Oxford Avenue Design

Kylie Lockett of Oxford Avenue Design

Kylie is a fabulous True Colour Expert and designer of Oxford Avenue Design working out of Indianapolis, Indiana. She had this to share about her experience with my True Colour Expert training:

“Before Maria’s training, I had never charged over $150/hour. At the time, I struggled to explain why clients should choose me over other designers. Now, as a True Colour Expert, I confidently charge $350/hour (minimum)!

Within two months of taking the course, I mastered Maria’s system to show clients exactly why a color works (or doesn’t work!) in their space. They love watching me solve their color challenges live—it turns doubt into excitement!

Many designers chase big projects with clients who want to be hands-off. I prefer small-scale design consultations where I can work with clients through a hands-on, collaborative approach. That’s what being a True Colour Expert has allowed me to do. Saying “no” to time-consuming jobs has allowed me to earn more doing what I love: solving design challenges fast.

Clients now happily pay a premium for my time and they can see the transformation instantly! With a degree in Interior Architecture Design and 20+ years of industry experience, I lacked the training to show how and why a color was right or wrong. Once, I made an expensive color mistake for a client and panickedthat’s what prompted me to look for help! Maria gave me the tools, understanding, and confidence I needed to get color right the first time, fix color mistakes, and prove my color decisions. I now shout from the rooftops—telling students, realtors, and fellow designers in Indianapolis to take Maria’s True Colour Expert Training. It has literally changed my life and career!”

Here are some of Kylie’s beautiful projects below.

Kitchen by Oxford Avenue Design

Kitchen by Oxford Avenue Design

Bathroom by Oxford Avenue Design

Living Room by Oxford Avenue Design

Living Room by Oxford Avenue Design

 

Cate Holcomb Interiors

This is Cate Holcombe, a fabulous designer and True Colour Expert in Raleigh, North Carolina. She had this to share about how my training changed her career.

“Maria’s course laid a strong foundation for my color knowledge, and I have leaned on her principles and tools in every project I’ve worked on since. Her approach is so practical and applicable to any space, and makes the right color simple to specify.”

Here are some of her stunning projects.

Cate Holcombe Interiors

Cate Holcombe Interiors

 

Cate Holcombe Interiors

Cate Holcombe Interiors

Cate Holcombe Interiors

Cate Holcombe Interiors

Ready to Transform Your Design Career?

These success stories aren’t outliers—they represent what’s possible when you master a systematic approach to colour that most design schools simply don’t teach. In just two days at my Chicago True Colour Expert training, you’ll gain the same practical, applicable colour knowledge that has helped thousands of designers like Kylie and Cate command premium rates and attract ideal clients.

The colour consulting industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with many professionals reporting they can recoup their entire training investment with just 2-3 client projects. Whether you’re an established designer looking to add a specialized service or someone dreaming of starting a colour consulting business, this training provides the framework, confidence, and community to help you succeed.

 

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Hi, I'm Maria

Maria Killam is the leading authority on practical colour for real homes. Through her proven Killam Colour System®, she teaches homeowners and design professionals how to choose timeless finishes and get colour right the first time.

eDesign

Timeless

Neutral Undertones

Colour Trends

Bathrooms

Kitchens

Decorating Advice

know what works
and why

Life’s too short to live in a home you don’t love, and it’s too expensive to start from scratch when you don’t have to.

 Let me help you make confident colour decisions for every project in your home.

About Maria

Maria Killam pioneered virtual colour consulting in 2010, long before the industry caught on. She's trained thousands of design professionals since, guided more than 10,000 virtual colour and design projects, and is the creator of The Killam Colour System® and the Understanding Undertones® Neutral Colour Wheel.

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