I’ve been specializing in color design for about 15 years now. (Where did the time go?!?) In 2008 I began training in color psychology and human response to color through the IACC (International Assoc. of Color Consultants.) The training blew my mind and opened up an entirely new portal into color for me. In Interior Design school I learned some basics of color, but this training gave me so much more of an understanding on how color works, what it means, and how to mindfully design spaces that are psychologically supportive, while also being beautiful.

I’ve done quite a few exteriors over the years and have really enjoyed it. After a few projects that left me feeling frustrated and unfulfilled, I took a long break from this type of work. There’s a huge amount of fear that creeps in with color selection for many clients and projects, but exterior color brings a whole collection of emotional challenges. There’s a lot of “what will my neighbors think?” that isn’t as prominent when we select interior colors. And outdoor lighting is much different. And the cost of painting an exterior (unless you’re bravely DIYing) means that a “mistake” will be not be cheap to fix. Many people want “timeless” (imo, this is a unicorn of the color world.) Many people want what’s perceived as a historically accurate color, even if it’s not a color they love. Many people have absolutely zero idea what they want. Many people get talked into (or out of!) colors by a friend, contractor, delivery driver, social media influencer, etc. I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea.

Anyway, after a long break from exteriors, I’m feeling refreshed and am ready to dive into this work again. Color is a huge passion, and I’ll always find me way back to her. Here’s a sampling of some of the exterior color projects I’ve worked on with my clients, and the personalities that each palette embodies. Because color is always something more than meets the eye. Color is a feeling, a character, a mood. She is art. She is life.