The beautiful thing about teaching my True Colour Expert™ training workshops is the amazingly talented people I get to meet and have the privilege of calling my community!
I asked my True Colour Experts what their favourite unexpected decorating hacks are, and they delivered! Enjoy these creative ideas. I hope they inspire you to join us in my Fall workshops! I’d love to see you there 💛
10 Unexpected Decorating Hacks
1. A Charming Kitchen Styling Tip
Kitchen decor
I love decorating the kitchen — even though it’s one of the most functional, high-traffic areas of a home. I treat it with the same level of intention and storytelling as a living room or bedroom.
One of my favorite personal touches is displaying a handwritten recipe card from my late grandmother, framed and placed on my open shelves. It’s unexpected, nostalgic, and always sparks conversation. The kitchen should reflect the soul of the home just as much as any other space — and little moments like this help bridge beauty and meaning.
Taking your True Colour Expert™ training was one of the best investments I’ve made for my business. I came in with a good eye, but your system gave me the confidence and language to explain why color works — and to make decisions with clarity.
I now lead color consultations with complete confidence and use your system to guide every project, whether it’s selecting paint, hard finishes, or styling details. Your course not only elevated my skill set but also positioned me as a color authority in my market.
~Ashley Poe
2. An easy fireplace update tip
Michelle Marceny, Principle Color Designer – The Colour Concierge
Here’s a simple but powerful way to update a fireplace with that plasticky brass trim from the 90’s: I just have clients spray paint the “brass” trim with flat black fireproof paint that you get at Home Depot. It’s a $5 fix that has saved so many of my clients thousands of dollars!
I am so proud to be a True Color Expert! Our entire color design practice is based on Maria’s color principles. Maria’s True Colour Expert™ training is worth every penny, and hands down the best professional course I’ve ever taken.
You will be at the edge of your seat soaking in valuable information every minute of class, and afterwards, you will never see the world in the same way again.
My Associate Maddie and I took the course when we launched our business in 2017, and it gave us a language of color that we use every single day and for every color consultation.
Maria’s method is pretty brilliant, and simple to understand once you go through the course. The class was so valuable, that I’ve taken it a total of three times over the years. Every time was 100% worth it.
~Michelle Marceny
3. Don’t leave outlet placement up to the electrician
Paige White
Do not depend on your Electrician to suggest outlet placements. When I gutted my 1989 home to make it an open floor plan, I overlooked having the Electrician install outlets in the floor. The large living area needed at least three doubles with caps for those not in use. I ended up using rechargeable USB lamps and chargeable light bulbs (a huge waste of my time).
That was one of the biggest regrets especially when I was already bringing the house up to code so the cost would have been worth it!
I took Maria’s True Colour Expert™ training in 2019 while flipping houses. Working with a designer who was doubling her hourly rate from $75 to $150, I realized Maria’s course was a more cost-effective option for my projects and my own home renovation.
I flew to Orlando, completed the course, and quickly gained confidence thanks to Maria’s welcoming teaching style. Her focus on classic, timeless design has had a lasting impact—my kitchen remodel looks fresh and timeless, and I still love it every day.
I also learned to appreciate lamps and vignettes, earning me the nickname “The Lamp Lady” locally. Though I no longer flip houses, I regularly use Maria’s course materials for my own home and to help friends.
~Paige White
4. Keep a whole house digital paint chip file
To maintain a cohesive color palette throughout my home, I record all my paint colors in a simple Canva document. I log each room’s color using its hex code — a digital shortcut to the exact shade. For Sherwin-Williams paints, the hex code is listed right on the product page. When inspiration strikes to paint a new room, I can easily check that my new color choice harmonizes with the rest of the house.
Before taking the True Colour Expert™ training, color seemed complicated. I spent countless hours comparing paint swatches, looking at them in every possible light, and generally obsessing over the decision until I finally pulled the trigger, nervously hoping my intuition would translate well into reality.
After ordering Maria’s Colour Wheel and using it on one of my first big projects, I knew this woman was genius and that I needed to learn her ways!
So, I headed to True Colour Expert™ training, and over the course of those two days, the process of choosing paint colors suddenly became clear. My guesswork had been transformed into confidence. Now, whether working as a decorator or standing alone as a True Colour Expert, I feel fully equipped to tackle any color challenge that comes my way.
~Jessica Seaver
5. Free decor finds out your back door
Botany Sustainable Melbourne Florist
Alisa Levy Klein – A Klein Interior Design
For free decorative items, look to nature! A fallen bird’s nest with blue robin’s egg shells under a glass cloche, an abandoned…emphasis on abandoned…wasp nest (not for everyone, but a conversation starter), or colorful found feathers placed on a pretty tray, all add natural beauty and will be unique to your home.
When I’m out on walks with friends I’m always looking around for interesting decor. Once after a storm, my walking buddy laughed all the way home as I dragged what looked like half a tree with me. I had an empty plant pot on my porch and the large branches filled out the corner perfectly.
Just days after completing Maria’s True Colour Expert™ training and purchasing the large color boards I was with a client who was going to re-decorate her entire first floor including the kitchen.
She was anxious to cover her living room window first as it faced the street and passers-by could look in and see them at night. But as Maria advised, I suggested she do the kitchen first and use the finishes from that space to choose colors for the rest of the rooms on that floor, and to wait on choosing a living room drapery fabric.
She pulled out a yellow beige sample of a drapery fabric she was considering and said, “Well I just want to do something neutral so it shouldn’t be an issue.”
Armed with my brand new large color boards I grabbed a yellow beige, a pink beige and a green beige board and showed her the comparison to beige items all around her living room. I asked her which one was “neutral”. She immediately understood that “beige is not just beige”. Needless to say, she agreed to wait on the drapery until we choose the kitchen finishes.
~Alisa Levy Klein
6. Add plants to every room
Erica Deam – Aspen Redesign
House plants are arguably one of the least expensive decor elements you can add to a space, but their value is beyond measure! Plants add vibrancy, color and texture to any room and have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, increase focus and productivity as well as improve indoor air quality!
I have experienced many of these benefits from the plants I have curated in my home over the years. One of the most unexpected benefits though, has been the connection to loved ones that they continue to foster. Many of the plants in my home came from starts that my mother brought to me, some of which were started from plants that her mother gave to her. They bring me joy each day!
Incorporate these low maintenance plants in your home:
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Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) – Shade and weekly watering are all this plant needs to survive and bloom. The Peace Lilly is also efficient at filtering three of the most common VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) found in the air.
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Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata ‘Laurentii’) – Great in the bathroom as it thrives in low light and humid conditions while filtering out air pollutants.
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Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum) – Easy to grow and thrives in cool-to-average temperatures, dry soil and indirect sunlight, filters out formaldehyde and carbon monoxide among other air pollutants.
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Heart Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron oxycardium) – Thrive with indirect light and very little maintenance, trailing vines fall from the container or can be trained to clmb. Philodendrons are particularly good at filtering formaldehyde from building materials like particleboard. Note that this plant is toxic if ingested.
Since taking Maria’s True Colour Expert™ training and Exterior Colour Selection Masterclass, my interior design business has grown exponentially. I now have the knowledge to take on more challenging projects and the language to confidently explain the reasoning behind my color recommendations. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and leading with abundance!
~Erica Deam
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This is EXACTLY why my system for understanding colour is revolutionary. Because it simplifies the complex world of colour into a practical, organized framework that extends far beyond interior design. By focusing on undertones, my approach provides a universal language for accurately identifying and coordinating colours across various materials and industries.
That’s why colour designer is a better title than colour consultant.
Find out more in my Free Colour Designer Masterclass! Sign up here.
Here’s a few more decorating tips…
7. Anchor a focal point with a dramatic paint colour
Dramatic painted fireplace Source
Julie Wagner – First Impressions
Use paint to elevate and anchor a key feature in your home, even if it means covering something “nice” like natural wood.
I was working with clients who had this towering two-story fireplace wrapped in orangey wood paneling. It wasn’t terrible, but it was fighting with the gorgeous granite on the surround. Picture a swirl of earthy greens, golds, whites, and warm browns. The minute I saw it, I suggested we paint the entire fireplace surround SW Tricorn Black which I learned from Maria as one of best black colors.
It might sound dramatic, but that deep black pulled every color out of the granite and turned it into the true focal point of the room. Once we committed to the black, the rest of the design followed: modern black lighting, black-framed art, clean-lined neutral furniture.
It all came together thanks to being a True Color Expert and the knowledge and confidence the course gave me.
~Julie Wagner
8. Go bold with colour!
So many people stick to safe neutrals like black, white, or grey, thinking it’s the only way to keep things timeless. But when used intentionally, color can elevate a space, adding warmth, personality, and a spark of joy. Whether it’s a bold wall, a statement chair, or just a pop in your accessories, color brings energy and makes a space feel more alive
In one example from my work, I designed a unit for Airbnb and used a bold geometric wall decal in vibrant orange tones behind the bed. To tie the whole look together, I added decorative pillows and bedding that complemented the color palette, creating a cohesive, cheerful, and welcoming vibe.
Guests still comment on how happy and unique the space feels, and many say it’s one of the reasons they booked!
I also love recommending removable wall decals as a design solution. They’re more budget-friendly than wallpaper, come in pre-made designs that are easy to install, and are perfect for spaces like kids’ rooms, guest rooms, or even a quiet corner that needs a touch of personality.
I want to highlight the incredible value Maria’s True Colour Expert™ training brought me. It gave me a deeper understanding of undertones, color flow, and how to confidently guide clients through color choices, especially when working with bold palettes. The knowledge I gained has elevated both my design results and my clients’ trust in my process. Thank you again, Maria Killam, for creating such a solid, inspiring program!
~Mahshid Soufi
9. Something old, something new
Don’t buy everything new for the space. While it’s tempting (and easier) to buy all new items for your home, a mix of old and new decor creates a sense of timelessness and thoughtful curation and is less likely to date to a specific decade.
Invest in antique furniture. Mass market furniture made today just doesn’t compare to what was made 100 years ago. That’s because old growth lumber from virgin forests pre-1920 were made from wood that had tightly packed rings making the wood stronger, more resistant to rot, and more dense. Furniture made between 1920-1940 may feature old growth wood as well, but there is a possibility its lumber came from a new growth forest.
Today’s furniture market often features mdf, plywood, or even solid wood from new growth lumber which is less durable. Whether you’re buying a dresser, a sideboard, or a dining table, try looking for antique items first. investing in a piece of history is good for the planet and the longevity of your investments.
Maria’s True Colour Expert™ training completely transformed the way I view color and how to work with neutrals.
I knew from my own experience that all whites were not the same and neither were all the shades of beige, but I couldn’t communicate what it was that didn’t work. As soon as I found Maria’s blog I knew she could change that for me. Now I’m able to point out subtle inconsistencies and easily direct others as to why something works or how to fix it when it doesn’t.
Her large painted color boards streamline the process and make it simple to determine neutral undertones. I love being able to use this knowledge to help others with their home design dilemmas and save them from making expensive mistakes. Thank you Maria for putting this out into the world!
~Dianna O’Brien
10. Add a bird!
As a True Colour Expert I have learned many great principles such as balancing clean and dirty colours. For years I wondered why my combinations of colours didn’t work together on sofas, throw pillows or when coordinating patterns. “Just pick what you love” does NOT work. Maria’s Colour Balancing Method is a game changer for my designs. Maria clearly articulates these points and many more gems in her courses. The best business decision I made this year was to attend her True Colour Expert™ training in Chicago.
My most outrageous decorating tip is to add a bird to my vignettes!
Maria says we need accessories! Lamps to be sure! Coffee table books for certain! However I have found adding whimsical birds can bring my vignettes to a satisfactory completion!
~Sherry Gough
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It’s YOUR TURN to become a True Colour Expert!
Ready to hone your colour skills and turn your dream into reality and to learn more? Join my FREE Colour Designer Masterclass!
- Why there’s a growing demand for skilled colour consultants—and how to turn your colour expertise into a profitable business, even if you’re just starting out
- How to use a proven system to make colour decisions with confidence, every time – and how it helps you overcome imposter syndrome and communicate your expertise to clients
- How to use your colour skills or True Colour Expert™ certification to generate $2,000 (or more) from your very first projects
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Great article!! I loved all the different ideas!!
Yes! I’m especially happy to see “Something Old, Something New” — I love the mix of eras too, and am impressed by the respect for better craftsmanship, natural materials, and appreciation for the wood grain instead of painting it.
Note that possession of any feathers or parts of native North American birds is prohibited in Canada and and the US under the Migratory Birds Convention Act. There are exemptions for game birds, and non-protected chickens or turkeys. Permits are available for some purposes.
I love this list of tips! I have been buying more house plants lately and I went out and bought three more today. I also took two of my grandma’s recipe cards to be framed, and I am about to put my paint colours on a Canva board. Thank you for all these great ideas!