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It’s my 50th Birthday and I’m Giving away 50 Gifts!

By 06/07/2017June 6th, 2022934 Comments

The gate to my backyard party!

This has been an incredible year for Maria Killam Inc. so far! We had five sold-out Specify Colour with Confidence events in Austin, Toronto, 2 in Chicago, finishing off our Spring lineup in San Francisco! I’m so thrilled and grateful at the response from participants all over the country!

I just received an email from someone who said he’s working with 2 designers trained by me and he needed a lead on a third designer because he said ‘Colour experts trained by you are the Best’. High praise indeed!

To celebrate my 50th birthday, I am giving away 50 gifts including one ticket to my Specify Colour with Confidence workshop this Fall including hotels and airfare! Stay tuned until the end of this post for all the details!

When Terreeia asked what I wanted for my 50th birthday I said, a garden party with my friends. Since catering and events was what Terreeia did before she became an executive coach and consultant, she was in her element when planning the party.

She went back and forth with the caterer until he was asking “Who the heck is this woman?” until he arrived at our home and then he got it, haha.

It rained all week, but we have a large covered deck so we weren’t that worried, but miraculously, the sun came out on Sunday afternoon, just in time for the party.

It would have been even more amazing if the garden had been in full bloom, but we have had a very cold and rainy Spring, so all the blooms are behind.

Nevertheless, the garden was lush, green and gorgeous because of the eDesign project I did 4 years ago, long distance with my Landscape Designer MaryAnne White.

Terreeia rented chairs and tables for the garden (above). This garden looked very different 5 years ago when we first took possession of this house. For those of you that missed the before & after transformation, go here.

We even had live music (below). It was very civilized to hear a violin playing in the background. This was a brother and sister duo, their company is called West Coast Strings.

Related post: Maria Killam’s White Garden Transformation: Before & After

The Veuve and prosecco was out for the party!

And here is a photo from the other side of the garden (below):

Maria and Terreeia

My lovely client Deborah and her husband Paul (above) arrived just in time for the seafood spread! We are working on their house right now. I helped Deborah with the colours for her kitchen before we started the transformation of the rest of her house.

Anyway, I loved her new hood fan so much, that when it was installed, I decided to get the identical one made for my kitchen this summer. Here is a glimpse of her hood fan on my Instagram page. It will be installed at the same time as my bathroom vanities during the renovation.

The beautiful food was catered by Design by Desire. They did a great job and not only was the food pretty, it was delicious!

The only food item that Terreeia made were the devilled eggs. Because they were a 60s thing.

Maria & Terreeia (pronounced Maria with a T)

The gorgeous daisy cake was made by Wendy at Cakeaters in Burnaby. One layer was lemon and the other was chocolate, it was so good!

Apparently I needed help blowing out 3 candles! Love this picture of the two of us!

I bought the white lace skirt the day before at Joe Fresh because I had no time to shop before this weekend. It also came in Navy.

 

 

Here I am cutting the cake (above), Markus is beside me with Patti, and then my decorator friend Nancy DeVries who is also a True Colour Expert (she lives in North Vancouver) and her husband Brad and my sister Lea on the far right.

My good friend Dale is standing on the left in this pic (above) and there’s my sweet sister Elizabeth (@juicygreengirl)

Here I am with my sweet nephews Markus and William

My Mom and her long-time friend Beatriz hanging out on the sectional.

One of Terreeia’s dear friends Patti!

My sweet friend Amber Welton had everyone in stitches when she told the story of how we first met and how I told her I would mentor her and teach her everything she needed to know about design and colour. Obviously I loved her instantly!

I got Amber a job at both the Benjamin Moore stores that I had worked in (and got fired in) and I had forgotten that she used to call me DURING her consultations, when she would arrive at a house that was decor-challenged and she would have no idea what to do.

She’d tell her client that she was going upstairs to get a ‘feel for the house’ and she’d go into a closet and call me:

“Maria, I need you, I am in this house with pink beige fireplaces and gold ceilings, I have no idea what to do”. I’d give her colours and she’d go back downstairs and say “Well, I’ve taken a look around, and out of the thousands of colours in my deck, this is THE one.”

Amber is one of the funniest women I know and I’m so happy that she is one of my dear friends!

Terry Shein is Terreeia’s best friend (above). They’ve known each other for 30 years and he was the MC at my party.  He created this fun Jeopardy game and ya’ll can guess what the answer is to this question!

Photography by Sarah St. Pierre

Okay here’s the list of gifts I’m giving away to celebrate my birthday and to celebrate YOU:

  1. One seat in one of my Specify Colour with Confidence events this Fall. Airfare and 3 nights in the Hotel is included. Open to North Americans only, and limited to the course of your country. So if you live in Canada, that means you’re flying to Vancouver. (Value, approximately $4000)

2. Two sets of my Large Paint Samples – Core Collection (Value $297 each)

3. Two sets of my Large Paint Samples – VIP Collection (Value $297 each)

4. 15 Renovate (and New Build) with Confidence webinars (which is the closest to my live training)

         Value $497 each

5. 10 How to Choose Exterior Colours with Confidence (Value $297)

5. 10 How to Choose Paint Colours; It’s all in the Undertones eBooks(Value $37 each)

6. 10 White is Complicated; A Decorators Guide to Choosing the Right White  eBooks(Value $37 each)

Prizes may not be redeemed for cash.

To be eligible to win, please post a comment below and let me know the best lesson you’ve learned from my blog, that would be an amazing gift for my 50th birthday!  To be entered a second time, follow me on Instagram too and I will add you in the draw again (or if you already follow me on Instagram make sure you note that in the comments). I will draw the winners on Canada’s 150 birthday on July 1.

I really love my readers, thank you so much for supporting me, posting comments, because of you, my world is so much more enriched!

xoxo

Related posts:

My One Big Secret you Don’t Know (When I introduced Terreeia on the blog)

The First Mistake a New Colour Consultant will Make Every Time (My 42nd Birthday post)

My Favourite Birthday Weekend in June 2013 (my sod got installed–hooray)

934 Comments

  • Kai Jones says:

    I would love to celebrate your birthday and your generosity by winning a prize!

  • Darlene says:

    Incredible how enthusiasm and a wonderful smile can be so evident in your work. So excited to meet you at a seminar and glean knowledge of such an important decision in any design project. Designing for 25 years and still love the opportunity to learn from an expert, change current practices and see the results of new found knowledge!

  • Charlene T says:

    You taught me a lot about under tones and now when I drive through my neighborhood I want to knock on people’s doors and ask them what were they thinking when picking their exterior paint?

  • Happy Birthday! I have been a regular reader for years and have purchased your colour packs which have been wonderful to use with clients. I love your personality that comes through on your blog and your solution-oriented approach to all design problems that we tend to encounter on a consistent basis.

    Happy Summer!
    Kriste

  • Linda Erlam says:

    The best lesson I learned from Maria’s blogs was that I shouldn’t rely on my ‘intuition’ when it came to choosing colors for clients — that if I wanted to be a professional color consultant, I needed to really know how color works and I needed to get the best training from the most professional teacher I could find. Yeah Maria. Could NOT have done it without you. Thank you.

  • Beth Gandre says:

    Would love to attend your workshop! I live in Chicago and tried to convince my husband it would be a good birthday gift but I think he was worried (probably rightly so) that it would lead to me having the whole house repainted. Would love to win it (or otherwise maybe next year)!

  • Carol Frampton says:

    I’m sorry that when I redid our small master bath a few years ago I didn’t go with white subway tiles.

  • Julie S says:

    Oh, Maria! Happy Birthday :))) The single most useful thing I’ve learned from your blog is how to notice and identify the undertones of beiges and grays. I would love to be entered to win either a core collection large paint samples pack, or the Renovate/New Build Webinar. Thank you for your incredible content!

  • Rita Homonnai McBean says:

    I learned why I hate pinky beige!! Happy Birthday!!!

  • Brenda says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! I would like you to know just how much you have opened my eyes to really seeing colour and all those hidden undertones. I will never look at the colour “beige” and think of it as just beige again! Your blog is a wonderful source of information and thank you for sharing it with all your followers

  • Kim Maser says:

    Happiest of Bithdays to you! (Mine was Saturday)
    The best lesson I’ve learned from you has been the Why. Why looking at certain things makes my brain itch, for lack of a better term.
    I’m not a professional and I have your books (which I love), so your wonderful prizes should probably go to someone who can put them to better use, but I want you to know how much, how very much I appreciate you giving us the Why. It’s an important aspect of how I process information and it’s brought a great deal of clarity to my visual interpretations of what I see everyday. Thank you. Hope this year is your best year yet.

  • Fiona Copley says:

    Happy Birthday! Your party looks amazing and everyone looks like they are having so much fun! I have learnt a huge amount about (what for it) undertones. When I first found your site, I had no idea what you were talking about. I also love and tell everyone about your advice that timber floors are like blue jeans – they go with everything.
    Living in Australia, getting a webinar or an ebook would be amazing… Unless you were willing to fork out for international flights for event training?! The renovate webinar would be fantastic as I plan to extend our house soon.

  • Sue says:

    Hi Maria,
    Looks like you had an amazing birthday! Wishing you many more healthy and happy ones!??.. I have been enjoying your newsletters and blogs immensely! I am learning tons, and the one thing that stands out to me is how trends, as fun as they are at the moment, can get dated, and classic is the way to go! I love a beautiful white kitchen and will be looking for that kitchen when we move soon! Thank you for your talents and advice!
    Blessings,
    Sue

  • Mary Jane Sorensen says:

    Happy 50 th Maria! I enjoyed your party photos.
    I really enjoyed your Colour course and it really helped me identify the undertones in colours. Thus has come in handy in reading paint, fabrics, wallpapers etc.
    I turn 50 this year too and would enjoy winning one of your prizes:)
    PS I also follow you on Instagram.

    1
  • Oh, these pictures are just wonderful, Maria! What a beautiful day filled with great people, and I’m so glad the sun decided to make an appearance!

    Ok, I’m going to have to narrow it down…I have learned SO many things from you over the years. Here are a few that come to mind immediately:

    1. Be bossy; the client is hiring me to have an opinion, not go along with what they think!
    2. Only look at tile samples, floor samples, paint color boards, etc. in the correct orientation. (I am so picky about this now, I probably drive my clients nuts!)
    3. Clean and muddy colors; looking at colors in relationship to each other is the way to go
    4. Simple is the way to go with finishes. Always. And white is best. 😉
    5. Let one finish in a room be the boss; all others just support that element visually.

    As far as the drawing- I think the only thing I haven’t done is your actual workshop, so that would be amazing to win!!

    I’m so grateful for your guidance – I wouldn’t be the designer I am today without you. THANK YOU!!! xoxo-Jill

  • Ellie says:

    Maria, you taught me about the horrible relationship of pinky beige and yellow. I once bought gosh-awful pinky-blue living room furniture without knowing how it would look with the yellow undertones of the carpet. It was terrible, and I didn’t know why. Now I do. My husband and I both call attention to their unfriendly relationship when we find it, seemingly everywhere. I, too, would appreciate any gift you see fit to bestow. Thanks for ALL the decorating advice.

  • Cariann says:

    I’ve learned SO much from your fabulous blog and am grateful to have found you before beginning my kitchen and master bath renovations. One of the best lessons that is coming to mind at the moment…most porcelain tile is bossy, blotchy, and just bad and will instantly date your project. YES!!! I stopped the dreaded tile search that instant and have decided to run the beautiful and timeless red oak from the family room through my kitchen instead of replacing one bad tile with another. Would love to be in the drawing especially for #4 and/or #6. I also follow you on Instagram. Thank you and Happy Birthday!!!

  • Diana says:

    You look fabulous at fifty! I love your blog, I have learned so much! I like to arrange flowers and I use your system for my bouquets!

  • Rebecca says:

    The best thing I have learned, well two things, are to see the undertones and to keep things simple. No more busy busy designs with competing pinks and golds!

  • Cathy says:

    Happy Birthday! May you have many more wonderful trips around the sun!
    What I’ve learned from following your blog is how hard it is to see undertones. I’m getting better but it really takes a lot of practice!

  • Gina Kemp says:

    How can I sum up the best lesson I have learned in one sentence? It’s just not possible! I stumbled upon your blog through Google. I was looking for “how to determine the best area rug size” and, there you were. And, I was hooked. I instantly sent a message to my BFF entitled, ” I think she loves color more than we do!” We have followed your blogs for several years now. I would have to say, “Understanding Undertones” has had the biggest impact. Who knew beige was not a neutral??? You did. Your system enabled me to understand undertones too. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design. Yet, I never felt comfortable or confident enough to pursue Interior Design as a profession. I just didn’t know enough about color! I just completed your latest course in Corte Madera. Thank You. After 23 yrs, I may just blow the dust off of my degree.
    Happy Birthday Maria! My gift to you is to tell you how much I appreciate you and your system. My degree and all of the education that went with it has never felt complete until now. Muwah!

  • Nancy says:

    One word: undertones!
    It’s opened up a whole new understanding of colors and how they work together.
    (I’m an instagram follower, since you asked!)

    Happy birthday!

  • Ali says:

    Happy birthday and thanks for the contest! I loved learning the difference between taupe and beige, but my favorite post is the one on pink exteriors because I fell in love with a pink house in Savannah about 15 years ago! I really enjoy following your blog.

  • Dawn alexander says:

    The most helpful thing I’ve learned from you is to take my Muslin large paint sample with me when shopping for hard finishes. It’s so great to have something to compare finishes to. Also I love your Highpoint visits…. seeing what’s up and coming. My clients love it when I tell them the new trends that are not necessarily in the stores yet. I really appreciate being able to do research through your blog when I don’t know an answer to a design issue. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and happy birthday. Following on instagram!

  • Scarlett says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! Wishing you a happy and healthy year and decade ahead. I just turned 40 this week too. It’s a great time of year to have a birthday!

  • Katie says:

    White kitchens and white subway tile are timeless and classic! And I love that you planned your own birthday celebration! Instagram follower.

  • Jessica says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! The best thing I learned from your blog is about color trends – I’ve been able to stay away from trendy grays and stuck with my favorite classic creams and whites! Thank you for all the advice, I’ve been following along here on your blog and your Instagram:)f

  • Janet says:

    Happy 50th Maria. Your party looks just perfect!
    I have learned so much from you that even my husband knows that my next kitchen will have white cabinets and white subway tile backsplash installed up to the cabinets. This, for me, is non-negotiable, especially after he bought a house that has cherry glazed wood cabinets and a pink beige countertop that I have ignored for the past 12 years. House is currently on the market and we just purchased raw land.
    The best thing I have learned from you is that I can have a home that fills me with joy every time I walk through the door.

  • Emilie says:

    Hi Maria, I am one of your happy instagram followers and I read your blog religiously. Undertones play a huge role in the overall design of a room and you have put into words the “je ne sais quoi” of colour. You have become a voice in my head when I think about design every day of my life! Thank you SO much.

  • Kelly says:

    Happy birthday, Maria! I’ve learned so much from reading your blog over the years. My biggest takeaway is that classic finishes are always the right choice. Hardwood floors, white painted cabinets, and subway tile will never go out of style and always look good!

  • Robbin Caskenette says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! Welcome to the club! ?I am thankful to have learned how to talk to my clients about undertones and the relationships between colours with confidence. Also, just a ton of really practical stuff! I would really love to win a spot in one of your courses- that would be amazing.

  • Dianne Thompson says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! I learned that trendy is not a good idea, white on white kitchens are timeless and divine and that white subway tile is the perfect classic in both kitchens and baths. Oh, and because of you, I do my best to notice and obey the undertones! I hope to someday take your color class, however I am not a professional. I follow you on Instagram, Facebook and read the blog…so just to be safe, I’ll post the same comment everywhere! ???

  • tricia duggan says:

    Compare, compare, compare

  • Joni says:

    I must add to my Facebook comment as I have thought of more! I hate pink beige and never understood why two beige choices next to each other could look so rotten. Color can help your home flow and make a space come alive if you choose wisely. Big boards are the way to go! Recently I commented they don’t work. But I’m here today to say what I was seeing is the colors weren’t working. When I finally put up a new color board choice I picked and painted it was an ahhh haaa moment! The right color on the board does work! I knew right away! It is a process you can’t rush!

  • Kelly says:

    Bossy elements can’t be ignored. ?
    And classic and timeless is best.
    Of course I already follow you on Instagram.
    Thanks for all your amazing posts and info. I’m so glad I found you. You e changed forever how I look at color.

  • Melanie says:

    I think the most useful thing I (a rank amateur design enthusiast) learned is to compare colors to one another to get a sense of clean vs. dirty, in addition to identifying undertones. The undertones I still struggle with a little.

  • Mary Cudworth says:

    Just wanted to wish you a happy 50th birthday and may the joy and love you felt at your party be with you always. You and Terreeira make a beautiful couple. You are blessed to have her.
    I’m not a decorator or designer, but have thoroughly enjoyed following your blog for the past few years now. Your colors and designs you share are like looking at art and I get great joy from seeing the beautiful photos. Again, Happy Birthday Maria !

  • Stacy says:

    I have learned so much from you Maria! And my house looks amazing because of our consultations and blog! Boring now is timeless later. No, your kitchen won’t look like everyone else’s. One pattern per hard finish. Find inspiration because your paint color won’t propose to you. How to choose the right white. And so on and so on….happy birthday and thank you, thank you, thank you????

  • Matt Silva says:

    Your blog and ebook changed the way I see color. I can even put an outfit together better now! You helped add so much value to my home. (I get compliments too) I learned ugly costs the same as pretty. A seemingly boring choice for fixed finishes is usually the best. Oh, and undertones matter, a lot! Your advice gave me a home that makes me happy when I walk through the door. I’m so grateful for your advice!

    P.S. Your Instagram is lovely. 🙂

    Happy Birthday!

  • Kathie Oleson says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria! I’ve learned so much from your generous blogs; I’ve been following you since 2010, and it’s been a delight to see you become so successful. The primary lesson I’ve learned from you is that Classic is Classy. I’ll never renovate or decorate without that in mind. (And it’s not easy for me; I’m not gifted that way, but your system allows even me to be successful.) [I also follow you on Insta, and would dig being entered in your give-always.) Love and blessings.

  • louise says:

    Happy Birthday Maria, I wish you only the best. I have been reading your blog since you began and I thank you for the generosity, all the tips and information you share are so valuable. Every time I have a new project I refer back to your blog, I know I will find the answer or inspiration I am looking for. Thank you also for your vulnerability and honesty when you speak about your life. It is so refreshing. I would love to be included in the draw for anyone of the great prizes.

  • Katrina says:

    Happy Birthday! I’d really like to be entered in the drawing. I have been quietly reading your blog for a couple of years. Learned a lot! One important thing: “white paint is white paint is white paint,” isn’t true! Many think a slap of white paint is a cure all. My mother just had ceilings refinished and when asked to pick a paint didn’t go view options, or suggest her own. Saying to them and thinking, “I just want pure white, want it fresh and clean.” The results, to my eyes in beginner training, have the “indeed I am white colored” ceilings looking chalky flat dirty gray – the opposite of clean and uplifting.

  • jane says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria. I’ve learned so much from your blog. The best lesson is undertones – I see them everywhere – especially in whites, beiges and greys. Also lighting!! I bought myself a lamp of happiness for the corner of the dining room. Whenever I turn it on, the room is filled with light and happiness. It’s magic.
    I follow you on Instagram and have bought a couple of your ebooks, which I cherish.

  • Sherri Shokler says:

    Go timeless – and I’m so happy I did. Loving my white kitchen.

  • Darcy says:

    I chose one bossy thing (my counters) in my kitchen and installed a white subway tile backsplash. My husband wanted tile floors and I told him Maria says wood floors are like blue jeans, they go with everything. So happy for the advice! We love it.

  • Jill says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! I stumbled across your blog about two years ago and I just love it. I bought two of your e-books and stayed up all night reading them and pouring through paint and tile samples when we were doing some remodeling. I had pink beige paint all over my house and some busy tile. I didn’t love the paint or tile but lived in ignorant bliss about it for the most part until I read your posts. And once I was in the know, I was sick to my stomach because I hated the pinky paint and the bossy tile and it was all I could see. You opened my eyes and even though it was a rude awakening I am forever grateful to you. So the biggest lesson I learned from you was about pink beige and undertones. But I have learned so much more than that. My most favorite thing about you is how you can take a dated room with a client on a budget and with your talent, know how and a bit of magic turn it into something beautiful. I love how you can still incorporate some of the existing features when someone is on a budget and make the room amazing. Oh and learning about white, off white, cream and griege. That has been an incredible lesson as well. I tell everyone about your blog. Thank you Maria!

  • Stacy says:

    Maria! After a huge search everywhere, I finally found you and your wonderful advice on (it was hard to choose the best lesson!) painting the walls in the kitchen where the 80’s, pickled, beige-pink cupboards live!!! Oh, what a relief it was! Thank you for all of your shared wisdom… thou have saved me from more than one later regret 🙂 hugs
    Sincerely, Stacy

  • Brooke says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! It is so nice of you to give us gifts. I have learned so much from you but the biggest thing I learned was to keep things simple and classic. When we add tile to our kitchen there won’t be any angst over which tile, it will be subway. I have your e-books and read them every now and then and always learn something new. I am learning about your garden now and applying that to my own yard. I follow you on instagram and your lovely sister who is so nice to give juice recipes. Have a great day! xo

  • Tina says:

    Dear Maria,
    I was introduced to your blog by a friend several years ago and have been an avid follower since. I was astounded that you could explain the WHYs of colour-related things that have made me CRAZY as we have slowly renovated our east van bungalow. Why that cream rug was WRONG with the sofa; why I felt like certain colours were at war; and why we could never pick a backsplash for our white kitchen! Hubby wanted colour so it wouldn’t be boring, but I “irrationally” wanted white subway tile. You have given me language and a framework to think through AND communicate about colour. I still have lots to learn, so I keep on reading each new post, as well as going back to past favourites. I’m so thankful for you! Happy Birthday!

  • Michelle Nicholson says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria! You look amazing for 40 years old, let alone 50! How neat that you were born in 1967, Canada’s Centennial Year! One important lesson I’ve learned from you is that blue-whites, true whites and off-whites belong with grays, black and clean colours. Creams belong with beiges, browns and earthy colours. I have already purchased your Core Collection of large colour boards and Renovate with Confidence online course, and would be happy to win any of your lovely prizes (but would be ecstatic if I won your Specify Colour With Confidence workshop in Vancouver, as I live in Victoria.) I faithfully follow you on Facebook and Instagram and have read your blog almost from Day 1. Thank you for sharing your knowledge of and passion for colour with all of us. Cheers and here’s to an amazing year! ??

  • Ellen Schnaible says:

    I’ve learned how to look at color totally different now – your giant paint boards are life changing for seeing undertones & especially for choosing the right white! Boring is classic & subway tiles are my best friend. Thank you, Maria. Happy Birthday from Ellen Schnaible ! I follow you on Instagram also.

  • Nour Enayeh says:

    Happy Birthday Maria!!!
    You opened my eyes to the love of colours! The colour class I took with you at school is the one I learned the most from: Undertones, dirty and clean colours, colour flow in the house and how to compare colours.

    XoXo!

  • Theresa Main says:

    The best thing I leaned from you is there are many shades of white! I just recently renovated my kitchen and your advice was invaluable! I should send the pictures of the end result. Thank you Maria for doing what you do. ?

  • Nadine Carter says:

    I was at your very first workshop in Vancouver. What did I learn?? So very much!! You opened my eyes to the world of colour. I continue to learn from you every month. I truly have confidence when I am out on a design consult. Thank you so much for being a great example and a great teacher. By the way, I already follow you on instagram. i

  • Catherine says:

    Happy birthday! What have I learned? That there is a logic behind my instincts about colour – the undertones, the colour wheel (that’s the BEST way of visualising colour relationships I’ve ever seen), clean and dirty, timeless and classic, the “go to” whites.

  • Päivi J. Aalto says:

    Happy Birthday Maria!
    I have been honored to know you as friend since 1989 when you were yet thinking of color consulting as profession and gave tips to me, what color looked good on me, what didn’t. It has been grate to see your journey with colors, that you love, from the early days to up today and the passion continues.
    – Today you are one of the top leaders in the color field of profession.
    And from your blog; the most important thing I have learned is : to be truth to yourself, follow your passion to be successful professional on the top and contiguously keep learning and sharing more. With Love, Päivi from Finland, Scandinavia/EU

  • Brandy McKinnon says:

    Happy Birthday! The rules of clean and dirty. And if course, the timelessness of subway tile!

  • Feryl says:

    Happy Birthday Maria !
    Terreeia, you didn’t miss a beat! Beautiful fun 50th party!
    I would be honored to receive any of your gifts in celebration of your 50th birthday.
    Maria, may this be your best year ever!
    Always look forward to your next post and learning more !!
    The best lessons I’ve learned from your blog and both ebooks.
    Your system! undertones, where to start, the fixed elements ! that should be classic and timeless.
    Cloud white is not the best exterior trim, a “go-to color” but, an option off-white. Compare compare, compare.

  • Michelle C says:

    I’ve followed your blog for years now but never had the guts to comment. The first time I read the post about beiges and undertones, it suddenly clicked to me why I sometimes knew just by looking, that one beige didn’t go with another or one grey didn’t go with another, but I couldn’t explain why. I recently spent over a year helping my parents renovate their house after a pipe burst in the kitchen, and I always insisted on getting samples of the tiles, paint, carpet, and countertops so that I could set them up as they would be in place (like you do in your blog posts, with a sheet of white paper behind) and took pictures for later reference. I lost count of how many times I went back to reread your posts on undertones just to make sure I was getting it right! Undertones!

    (I had so much trouble narrowing it down to one, that I just have to say, white kitchens come in a very close second.)

  • Linda says:

    Looks like a fabulous party Maria and I believe today is your actual Birthday so Happy a Birthday!! The best thing I learned from your blog about color is how much I didn’t know that I didn’t know. It prompted me to sign up for your very first live color class and it was one of the best decisions I made. I’m ready for a refresher so I would love to win a prize! I already follow you on IG!

  • Angela Jennings says:

    Happy birthday! Your garden party looks so beautiful and full of life! From all of your posts the biggest lesson I have learned is to pick one item (counter, floor, couch, art) as the focal point and let all of the other pieces work around it instead of competing with it.

  • Amanda Major says:

    Happy Birthday! I think my favorite lesson has been about dirty vs clean colors. It has changed so much for me. I also already follow you on instagram. Have a great day!

  • Helen Cottreau says:

    Looks like your birthday party was a delight.
    Have loved reading your blog, as well as Pinterest posts and Instagram, LOL. Have learned lots and reinforced some things I knew instinctively about decorating since I am an artistand a knitter and spend lots of time thinking of colour schemes. This colour knowledge works for all media.

  • Sukeina Jethabhai says:

    I can now look at a white and see if it is creamy vs blue undertone. I actually know there is a difference 🙂 I would love to be in the artwork draw as well as any of the others (especially your course) and I do follow you on Instagram. Happy Birthday and thank you for the giveaway ?

  • Janette says:

    Happy Birthday Maria, I wish you many more happy and successful years to come! I first discovered your blog several years ago while googling “best white paint.” As a complete design novice, following your blog has opened my eyes to an amazing new world. Your lessons on using colour have truly helped me to bring a happy feeling to my home. I’ve also been working on the hubby to paint the wood cabinets white for a while now and am almost there, haha! Thank you so much for generously sharing your extensive knowledge in such a fun and personable way. I would be thrilled to win any of your generous giveaways or a piece of artwork by the amazing James Wiens. Wishing you all the best!

  • Jeni says:

    Happiest of Birthdays, Maria! How to pick one thing … okay it’s how colors relate to each other. We moved into a house with stained wood cabinets around the fireplace that looked very pinkish next to the yellowed oak floors. We refinished the floors to a medium brown (your best advice imho) and voila! the cabinets no longer pull pink at all! My realtor and my husband didn’t think it would work but thanks to your blog and lessons learned, it absolutely and beautifully did!

    Have a great year until the next one!

  • Beverly says:

    Happy birthday! I’ve learned so much from you. I have so much confidence in the colors I choose now. It’s so nice not being stressed about choosing a great color. I even helped my step mom design her kitchen and she loves it! The one thing you teach that stands out the most to me is choosing classic & “boring” finishes. I’m all about increasing value, but when I give that advice to my friends they just don’t get it and choose the trendy option. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge. It has inspired me.

  • Amy Sumner says:

    Two things I’ve learned from you, Maria, are: the power in understanding and seeing undertones (in *everything*, ask my husband!) after reading White is Complicated and It’s All in the Undertones, and I’ve learned to stand my ground when making design color choices even when the interior designer helping us thought my white subway tile in both the kitchen and the bath of our new cabin was boring. I love it! Thank you!

  • Laure S. says:

    Maria, Happy Birthday!!! Here’s to 50 more! I’ve followed you on your blog and Instagram for years. I’d have to say the best lesson has been learning to really look for undertones in existing finishes to pick a great paint…especially in older houses where you might be stuck with the flooring or existing tile. You have wonderful advice on how to choose the right white!

    Xoxo

  • Claire says:

    Happy Birthday Maria!

    I have been following you and your blog for so many years now, and I’m finally in the middle of getting my dream white kitchen installed in my home. I am biting my nails over whether I’m doing the right thing but I’m following your advice and sticking to my guns despite the plethora of people telling me it’ll be too clinical and white.

    Your party looked fantastic and I’m sure that I’ll be reading your blog for many more years to come!

  • Cindy Baiardi says:

    Color used to be so overwhelming to me but now it makes so much more sense. Just what I need when advising my real estate clients!

  • Tanya says:

    As I posted on Instagram, it is your entrepreneurial spirit that influences me most. When I first started binge reading your blog a year or so ago, I came across a blog post from 2015 in which you talked about the importance of taking the first steps towards your dreams and that for you, doing something is always better than doing nothing. So darn true!! While I don’t have a color business, I decided just to start soliciting my services to my friends and acquaintances and while I certainly haven’t left my day job, I am having so much fun building on my successes and helping people choose colors.

  • Marie S. says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! I have learned so much from you including to never underestimate the value of subway tile. Thanks for including us in your celebration.

  • Robin says:

    You wear 50 well! What a lovely day you had for your special celebrations.
    I’ve followed you since the beginning and have learned so much. Introducing a splash of colour in my beige livingroom…that was a big step for me! Now my room makes me happy!!
    Also undertones…I’m deciding a colour on my house for siding and roof. Not an easy task! 😉 But it will be awesome when I’m done!!
    Oh….another is clean and dirty colours…the list goes on!!
    Thanks for all your info.

  • Lynn Cragg says:

    I learned not to be afraid of colour, for the first time I painted my living areas in a colour not a neutral. I am much happier with my new home than I would otherwise have been. Happy. Birthday.

  • Beth Dolar says:

    Happy birthday! ?
    Biggest thing I’ve learned is simplicity and timeless is often best.
    Undertones I’m still working on learning ?

  • Marsha says:

    Maria,

    Happy Birthday! What a beautiful celebration – thank you for sharing those gorgeous pictures.

    I feel that you have held my hand and personally taken me step by step through demystifying undertones! Your posts that teach, your e-books that enlighten and your enthusiasm for what you do are all sources of inspiration for me as I embrace my inner designer and create the spaces that I love. Thank you!

    Yes, I follow you on Instagram and I have followed your blog since the very beginning – as your images and words feed my “design soul”. To win something would be icing on the cake (and your cake was stunning!), but I’m just happy to be able to express my appreciation for what you do 🙂

    A shout-out to the fabulous Terreeia, whom I met in TO through LM. An amazing coach and a phenomenal person. I hope we’ll have a chance to connect again in BC and I’d love a chance to meet you, Maria!

  • Lesley Kramer says:

    Maria – Ah – I’ve been reading your blog from the beginning – Happy Birthday to you !! – I’ve learned A LOT from you over the many years (where have they gone? LOL) – always in a fun practical way I’ve enjoyed your writing, and I love the examples you provide to support your comments and ideas.

    But what stands out? The importance of perseverance, to grow as a person — you are the reason I’ve realized how important it is to continue to evolve. That is the number one thing I love about you and your site. I refer people to your site (in fact just last night) not just for color knowledge but have sent ‘millennials’ who are looking for some direction, wondering about how to start in life — I tell them to read portions from your old posts, and highlight ones about your personal growth that you’ve shared — to current ones with the awards, travel and growth comments. These are not people with any interest in color or design, but a need to see that growth can happen and helpful to see how one person went about it. Thank you.

  • Pam Helfrich says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria! I was both delighted and dismayed to discover your post about 6 or 7 years ago right after we finished a big remodel. I was delighted because your advice confirmed everything I loved in my remodeled space but dismayed because you explained why I was disappointed with other parts so I knew it wasn’t just in my head and would miraculously start looking better. I also started following Instagram after reading one of your posts on social media. Thanks for all your help via your blog. Pam

  • Mary-Illinois says:

    Happy Birthday young lady!!!
    I’m so glad the weather turned around in time for your party. It looks like everyone had a fun time.
    The first thing I learned on your blog was that white cabinets will live forever. And then Learning about how important it is to have good color flow through your house. And of course the clean vs dirty quality of all colors.
    You are so sweet to have such a generous giveaway. I left a comment on your IG feed also. (Which I follow you on.)

  • Jane osborn says:

    Your undertone system explained so much! And not to paint a dark room white. And kitchens and baths, keep it classic!

  • Donna says:

    Happy Birthday ? I have learned a lot reading your blog. I have learned to hate pink beige ? Buying the large color boards have been a huge help. Thank you.

  • Carol Clatk says:

    I love, love your blog– you have given me new confidence in sticking with the classics! Just put in a white kitchen with subway tile in my own home! Happy Birthday!!

  • Kristin Daley says:

    Your blog has taught me a lot about the way that accents can brighten a room while leaving the hard details timeless!

  • Marguerite says:

    I am an Instagram follower, and Maria I would follow you through the desert and back you have taught me so much about color but about many other important life choices through your blog. You don’t realize how much you share and teach beyond your “specific professional expertise”. you teach how to be a “Mensche”.

    The most important thing you have taught me is To Really Look, and To Really SEE. Only then, can you make a choice.

    (Would love to attend your Color class again, I have all the other products, LOL!)

  • Holly says:

    Happy birthday, Maria! What a lovely party! I think it would be amazing to attend one of your training seminars!

    I have learned so much from your blog. I appreciate that you include such helpful advice rather than merely showing off your design projects (which are always wonderful!). The advice I’ve been able to apply most directly has been how to find undertones and differentiate between clean and dirty colors.

    I happen to love beige as I find it to be warmer than most grays, and, after reading your blog, I realized how quickly it can get you into trouble. Thanks to your advice, I was able to find the best paint color to match my stone fireplace while transitioning from a Tuscan color scheme to something a little more timeless–all on a small decorating budget. Thank you!

  • Franci says:

    Happy birthday, Maria. The best thing I’ve learned from following your blog for years is to follow my gut and tell people that the “boring” choice in things like tile and countertops that they don’t want to make is the one they need in their life. So many times, I’ve read your blog and said out loud to my computer “can I get an amen?” And of course I follow you on Instagram. Thank you for this giveaway option.

  • Cindy Wickizer says:

    Happy Birthday! The best lesson from your blog is probably ‘it’s all about the undertones’. Reminds me of the key to photography, in that ‘it’s all about the light’. Very basic but essential in both cases.

  • Kami says:

    I’ve learned so much from your blog. We bought our house in 2008 and it is the epitome of the horrible tuscan trend. Your blog has helped me be able to slowly transform my house into more of my style. We still have a lot of work to do and I love looking to you for inspiration!

  • Candy says:

    I have learned so much from your blog over the years since I have been a loyal follower since your “colour me happy” days. I appreciate the lessons about undertones and white kitchens, but I think my favourite lesson is about not spending money on trendy items like backsplashes and countertops, but to invest in classics; and to always move forward with design. You have saved me many times over years and I am already a winner because of it

  • Helen says:

    Gorgeous pictures and happy birthday! I’ve loved reading your blog for years now and it’s really helped me narrow down the choices for my own home renovation. I’m a color enthusiast and reading your blog has helped me put a logical explanation to things that I’ve seen/noticed and felt but didn’t have words for! Now I have a master bath that I’m proud of and can live with for a long time. We’ll be doing a kitchen soon and I’m considering your package – very exciting! Your website is always beautiful – Thank you for loving Green (as well as yellow!)

  • Liz says:

    Happy 50th, Maria! Looks like a wonderful soirée!!

    The biggest thing I have learned from your blog is about dirty/clean colours. I used to describe it as ‘muted/more bright’, but understood it more fully with your explanations, examples, photos & tips. Thank you!

    I would love to be entered into the draw. (I have the eBooks already).

    Congrats on your milestone and hope the next 50 are as fabulous!

  • Jessica says:

    Happy birthday Maria!

    What a great opportunity to celebrate you and see the impact you have had on your legions of followers! I have learned so very much from you and am putting it to good use as we build our dream house. Specifically, undertones, classic exterior, white kitchens and only one pattern in kitchen and baths. You have made the selection process one where I am confident in my decisions, thank you!

  • Susan Lee says:

    Happy birthday, fellow Gemini! The best lesson I learned from your fabulous blog is to pay attention to the undertones, especially the white undertones. You also reinforced my preference for white kitchens and subway tile. I also am now following you on Instagram. Cheers!

  • elle says:

    We share birthdays! I’ve learned from you to trust my instincts. If it doesn’t feel right there is a reason and your explanations are the path to enlightenment. I am facing moving to new location/home. I definitely would like a chance to win. Thank you for sharing your gifts!

  • Stephanie Frees says:

    I have only been lucky enough to have found you a few weeks back. Imagine my dismay to discover that you were here, in my back yard, and I was to late to be able to sign up for your conference. Please come to Chicago again! I will never look at taupe the same! I love your clear explanations of white undertones and cannot wait to learn even more.
    Thanks for mentioning this giveaway on Instagram!

  • Karen M says:

    Happy 50th Maria! I’d love a prize – bought your ebook when it came out. I also follow you on Instagram-I’m kjmanoug. What I learned from you is that I’m not crazy! And my instincts about color & design were right. Good thing I found your blog when we were redoing our kitchen from oak to white! So glad I didn’t listen to the advice that I needed accent tiles. Now I love my kitchen!

  • Kim says:

    I have all your books and attended your Renovate & New Build With Confidence course a couple of years ago. All of this has been wonderfully helpful to me. I love your fearless use of color and design aesthetic. My dream would be to attend a Specify Color With Confidence course in person and also to have your entire collection of large paint samples. Thanks for all you do and Happy 50th Birthday, Maria!

  • Torri miller says:

    I’ve learned it’s best to stick with white hard surfaces when redoing bathrooms and kitchens and use color elsewhere?

  • Peggy says:

    Happy birthday. I have been following you for years, and have had a phone consultation with you, read your books, and recommended you to many friends. When looking at colors I am lead by your principles. We are redoing our kitchen this fall…white thanks to you.

  • Teresa Anderson says:

    Happy birthday! The party looked fantastic! You have taught me the importance of understanding undertones and the value of timeless hard surfaces. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

  • Angie says:

    One of the many things I’ve learned from you is about trends — how they often come in ten year cycles and how I can save myself a lot of heartache and money if I choose the classics for the more permanent fixtures instead of the trendy. You’re hard work and straightforward advice is inspiring. Happy birthday!
    P.S. I follow you on insta. 🙂

  • Marilee Miller says:

    Well…you have taught me about undertones, NOT installing trendy flooring, tile etc, that white is classic but white is also very complicated, white on white does not work in many situations, small paint chips are not good colour samples, I need large paint samples (and a true white background to compare them properly)…I could go on but I will stop there. I love your work, I love your advice and I am planning to build a new home this fall and would love to win a seat at your workshop! I have two of your books and have already purchased your Renovate with Confidence webinar 🙂 Happy 50th!!

  • Valerie A says:

    Learning undertones in your Vancouver seminar approximately 5 years ago was certainly one of the best classes I’ve taken given undertones were never taught in design school. The knowledge has transformed my business and confidence in choosing colors for my clients. I would love to take a refresher course and learn even more in one of your seminars.

  • MaggieS says:

    Maria,
    I have learned SO MUCH from your blog! It was the first one I ever found (in 2010) and I went back and read EVERY one of your old blog posts!!

    Of course I learned an incredible amount about color in general and how important undertones are—but much more, about blogging, having an authentic voice when you write.
    Also, a BIG, BIG thank you for introducing me (through your blog) to Kristie Barnett, The Decorologist –I went and took her class and I’m now a Home Stager! Now I hope to add Color Consult to my services someday!! 🙂

    Best wishes! the 50’s are great!!

  • Brenda says:

    I learned to understand (and ignore) my first instinct to go with the ‘warmer’ looking carpet (i.e. pink beige) and go with the carpet that doesn’t have the pink undertones and won’t look dirty. We replaced it 5 years ago and I still love the carpet on my stairs/hallway because of you, Maria!

  • MaggieS says:

    I just followed you on Instagram!!

  • Wilma Longman says:

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARIA!!

    50 is such a wonderful milestone, a passage into the best years of your life (I know, I recently turned 62). I know in my heart that our surroundings have deep emotional power, and I have strived to create beauty in every home I’ve inhabited. I’ve mastered the spacial arrangement of furniture, accessories and art, but until your blog, color has been my evil nemesis. I’ve made disastrous mistakes (the bile color I once chose for my kitchen being the worst!) and I never understood why my until I learned about UNDERTONES from you. Your blog and e-books have given me hope that color can someday be my friend. Thank You so much and please enjoy your beautiful 50th year.

  • marianne says:

    When I walk into a room and for some reason the decor feels off and it often has to do with undertones. I learned to look for them from you.

  • Erica says:

    You taught me that colours are relative to their surroundings. When I stopped testing paint colours together on the wall and started testing them with the fixed finishes in the room – changed my world! Thank you!!!!!

  • Karen says:

    The best thing I’ve learned is that white isn’t…well….white. 🙂 There are undertones to everything and if something looks horrific, it’s probably the undertone. (AND….I’m going to paint my kitchen white; I wanted something more olive drabby…but hubby pointed your essential kitchen whiteness…and I’m listening.). Thank you for all you do!

  • linda says:

    June 7 is also the birthday of my own mum so a special day indeed. You asked what is the best lesson I learned from your blog. I will say this – because of your blog I found the Landmark Forum and though I am 55, and some might say I should be thinking more of retiring, it is making me feel like the future is still full of wonderful surprises. And this colours me happy. (Plus, thanks for all the info on ‘white’). Happy b’day, Maria!

  • Donna Bursell says:

    Happy Birthday Maria!
    You are now entering the best years of your life!
    It’s not everyday someone GIVES a present on their birthday!
    I’ve loved your posts for years which has given me more confidence while working with new home buyers.
    Enjoy your year!

  • Kathleen says:

    Happy Birthday Maria, you look amazing on your special day. I have learned so much from your blog and the books I have bought from your website. By understanding the undertones I have made my house a beautiful place for my family…when someone comments on my home I always give you the credit for helping me pick the beautiful colors… Thank you so much. Have a great day and a wonderful year.

  • Cindy T. says:

    Happiest Birthday! You have been given such a gift and are so generous to share it with others. You have really opened my eyes to color but especially recognizing under tones. Thank you so much!

  • Cynthia Hines says:

    Maria, I can hardly believe you are 50!!! You look so young! I think it is your joyful spirit and your happiness that keeps you so young looking! I wish you the very best in your birthday MONTH and your birthday YEAR!!! As I have gotten older, I descended to celebrate my birthday all month. This last April, Some difficult things happened in my life, so I neglected to celebrate my birthday month. I hope that I will win one of your generous prizes as a belated birthday gift (to me)! I would especially love the Color with Confidence event, if it includes residents of the US, or the webinar or the large paint samples. Or really anything, would be much appreciated. Thank you so much for being YOU and for being so generous. I have been following you for years and purchased your color books. I have learned very much from you, so thank you, countless flowered Thank-yous. ~ Cynthia

  • Marie-Claude says:

    Happy Birthday! I just turned 50 also! Your garden party look fantastic! I’m new to your blog but already i love your work! 🙂

  • Leslie says:

    I would love to be entered! I love your advice on simple subway tile, I installed it for my backsplash and I am happy every day when I see it!

  • Kathleen DeMill says:

    I love your blog! The best lesson I have learned so far, is that you should only have one pattern in the kitchen design. Either the counter tops, tile flooring, or backsplash. Granite does have a pattern, and even the layout of a solid backsplash can be busy.

  • I love your blog, it always makes me smile! Looks like you had a great party…. Happy Birthday! I’ve learned a lot from you and your blog, from undertones, to tablescapes, kitchens and of course, avoiding pink Beige! Winning anything from you would be awesome 🙂 Best of luck and success in all of your future endeavors!

  • Sue Smith says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! I’ve learned the “why” behind color combinations/pairings that make me uncomfortable. I always seemed to “just know” a color wasn’t right, but could never articulate why. This has helped me immensely in my home staging business in explaining to clients my color recommendations.

  • Gail M says:

    Already following on Instagram.

    Best lesson learned: White Ain’t Easy! ;o)

    Happy Birthday, belated!

  • Mary Jane says:

    Happy Birthday! The best lesson that I have learned from your blog is that every time I have a colour query, I know where to go for help. I look through your blog postings to find the answer to my dilemma.

  • WendyK says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria! I am about a month behind you in turning 50. I have come to recognize that I am a person who is very emotionally attuned to color, so what I have learned here has changed my life, no joke! Though I’m not a designer, learning to identify undertones was the key to understanding why I had such visceral negative (and positive) reactions to color combinations, and putting that knowledge into practice has helped me create spaces in my home that I love and also has improved both my wardrobe and my garden! Thanks so much for your blog!

  • Christine says:

    Happy 50th birthday Maria!! I learned so much from you that I don’t know where to start, but if I had to choose one, then it would be a white kitchen.

  • cathy says:

    Considering I already have read/bought/seen/attended all of the prizes listed I don’t want to win anything, just wish you a good ol’ fashioned happy birthday. Maybe the best years still be ahead of you! xx

  • Maria Lofftus says:

    Oh my goodness, what haven’t I learned from reading your blog! I’m not a designer or stylist, but I am a color enthusiast. So in addition to learning all about undertones from reading your blog, I’m also beginning to learn how to style a room – how great is that!

    Happy Birthday – may this be your best year yet!

  • Robin says:

    I had no idea that there were undertones and that they really mattered! It has helped me so much in choosing fabrics for my quilts. Thank you so much! I’d love to come to one of your seminars. And winning anything would be marvelous!

  • Pamela Csatari says:

    Please enter me into your prize contest. I follow you on instagram and love the inspiration. I’ve spent hours sweating the details of color selection. Now I’ve learned to not stress over color selection when I have professional sources I can utilize to help land me in the right spot. Your inspiring and educational blog, along with your professionally designed color packages, will make it so much easier for me to tackle an upcoming total house remodel and re-design! Thank you! So glad I found you online!

  • Cheryl says:

    Happy 50th Maria! The best lesson has to be about a timeless backsplash.

  • Deborah R. says:

    Develop confidence. Listen to your client and partner with them.
    Learn Maria’s color wheel. Be the expert.
    Have fun and inspire!
    Happy 50th Birthday and wishing you continued success.
    The best is yet to come…
    (Wish I could win the large color samples or the webinar training)
    Someday I will attend your SCWC in a fabulous city!!
    Thank you.

  • Nirma says:

    Hi Maria,
    Happy Birthday! What a beautiful party! Please enter my name to win your prizes. The lesson that has stuck with me is the one where you describe that all “whites”have either a pink, green or yellow base. That has helped me to determine the correct white on more than one occasion. Thank you and may you have a great 50th year!

  • Chelsea Pinneke says:

    Hello Maria, my aunt had told me about you this past year and although I’m just a recent follower of your blogs, you have change everything for me. I have always had a passion for design and I choose a different path in college and after college being a little lost and not confident in what I wanted to do I had no idea where to start. My aunt then told me to read your blogs and I haven’t missed one since. You have changed my life and given me a passion to work for and have opened my eyes even more to the world of color. I haven’t just learned one thing I have learned an abundant of things that I hope one day can get me going in life in the right direction. I’m a college graduate looking to start a career in this field some how while I work part time at Sherwin-Williams. I just wanted to thank you for all your amazing insight… I would might the free ticket to a seminar but I will keep dreaming, working hard and following your blog to help guide me! And of course I follow your Instagram!
    Chelsea

  • Sue Eastling says:

    I have just found Maria and her blog. Have been loving it Maria. Would love to go to a workshop or have color charts or anything! We are just starting to build a new custom house so have lots of these problems to tackle. I have already learned about bossy granite and using subway tile! Happy birthday Maria.

  • Sandy Epperson says:

    Once you start seeing and analyzing color differently, there is no way you will ever be able to stop. Your eye automatically looks and your brain automatically analyzes.

  • Karen says:

    Happy 50th Maria! I’ll turn 50 later this year.

    The best thing I learned from your website was about taupe and beige undertones, as well as white undertones. We’ve lived in our home for 10+ years and for a number of years I just could not decide what to paint the downstairs living areas which are all open to each other, with taupe tile and carpet, and taupe tumbled mini tile backsplash, and oak cabinets. I would love to one day swap the cabinets to white ones and put white silestone countertops and subway tiles in.

    But for now… your emails and articles helped me pick a very light beige for the walls that coordinates nicely with all that’s going on in the dining room, entryway, livingroom, breakfast area, and kitchen, which are open to each other. We also picked a lovely white that pops but isn’t blue… hopefully something that will look lovely and fresh with white cabinets one day. Light navy and white curtains freshened up the look as well.

    Hope you have a lovely birthday month!

  • Teresa Tomas says:

    Maria has taught me that white kitchens and baths are classics and are always in style. When you are remodeling less is more as to countertop and tile. Beware of a kitchen or bath looking to busy if you don’t choose the right countertop and tile. Plus, trends usually last about 10 years, so you are better off going with a classic “Maria influenced” look.

    Thanks for all of you work on your blog. Your blog is very educational and I have learned alot. You have helped me avoid some big mistakes in my decor.

  • Debra Rigby says:

    Happy Birthday Maria!!
    I came across your blog while I was renovating my own home. I was considering
    painting it white – so obviously you popped up!! Thank goodness.! As a designer I thought I knew colour
    but after soaking up everything in your course last May in Toronto I have so much more useful and practical knowledge. Most of all I can now explain to my clients with greater clarity the why!

    Your paint chips have simplified my business and every selection I have made has been fantastic.

    I was so disappointed not to be able to volunteer at you Toronto course this spring but am hopeful for next year!!
    Most of all I was happy to find someone else who LOVES colour, as witnessed by my gorgeous yellow floral
    curtain in my chinoiserie dining room!!
    You have inspired me to grow and my business to the next level.

    Thank you so much!!!

    Cheers

    Debra Rigby
    Debra Rigby Design

    PS: I most certainly do follow you on instagram

  • Sally says:

    Happy Birthday! The best lesson for me has been to think differently when making permanent choices – tile, counters, floors etc – vs. temporary choices like paint and fabric. This gave me a framework and “flowchart” for all the decisions I had to make in my recent (almost done) renovation!! I learned not to evaluate tile by how “pretty” the little sample in my hand was, and I didn’t let myself pick wall paint first!

  • Julie says:

    The best thing I have learned from you is that timeless and classic is the best way to go. Happy birthday, and thanks for all the great advice you’ve given us over the years. This is my favorite blog!

  • Deb B says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria! You taught me not to go with the trend in hard surfaces but rather stay classic and let the accessories be the change.

  • Stephanie R says:

    Happy Birthday!!! Thanks for the wonderful giveaways!

    I’ve learned to stick with classic and timeless design choices when purchasing expensive or hard to change items, instead of jumping on the trend of the moment bandwagon (which was my tendency before).

  • Shelley says:

    Undertones! Classic subway tiles! How to create an interior that you love for years (not months)! Happy Birthday to you! Ps I follow you on Instagram

  • Crystal says:

    I’ve been reading your posts for years and am thankful for your classic perspective. I bought your exterior color guide and understanding whites guide and love them. My favorite nugget of knowledge is probably about understanding muddy and clear colors. Life. Changing. My favorite design inspiration is your garden. I planted white pansies this past winter and white tulips to bloom this spring and they were beautiful against my boxwood, yaupon hollies and white azaleas. Are you kidding? I am already an Instagram follower!

  • gary says:

    Happy 50th, with more excitement in the next 50.

    Please include me in the drawing.

  • Joanne Hurd says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria! I’ve learned so much from reading your blog, it’s hard to choose. I’d have to say it’s learning to see pink-beige. Unfortunately, I found your blog a few months after installing new floor tile in my master bath, but at least I finally understood why the yellow beiges I was trying to put on the walls just wasn’t working.

  • Catherine Edwards says:

    Hard to choose the best think I’ve learned from you! I’m drawn to individual elements that make me smile; by themselves I find them highly appealing. Maria has taught me simple is better once it is in place, especially when it comes to patterns and fixed (costly to replace) items. Think timeless!

  • Loren, Blue Door Decor says:

    The most impactful thing I’ve learned from reading your blog is the power of “because”.
    Nothing makes a consultation go more smoothly than when you explain why a design choice is heinous…. in a nice way.
    I’d love to be considered for a colour seminar spot in Vancouver.
    Thanks and happy day to you.

  • Kristen says:

    I have learned so much just by reading your blog! I forward your articles all the time to people who ask for my design or color opinions. Looking forward to one day attending your workshop in person!

  • The best lesson I learned from dear Maria is so basic, so fundamental, so essential to beautiful design, yet so utterly unknown in North America is the primacy of harmonious color undertones in a design composition.

    Until Maria showed up in my life, all I knew is that some colors or color combinations looked good but others were maddening. I figured that color success was just a gift some people had, not a skill I could learn and replicate rather than getting lucky now and then but failing a high percentage of the time.

    Maria’s undertone wisdom has freed me to stop trying to copy other designers’ looks down to the exact paint shade but instead feel confident that with the principles she teaches, I can create a fantastic original look myself.

    Happy Birthday, woman! And thank you for making a massive difference in my eye and my life. XO, Elizabeth

  • Julie Berard says:

    How different lighting affects colors.

  • Karen W. says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria! What a wonderful birthday bash…the pictures made me feel like a guest.

    Your birthday outfit is a clue to what I rank as the number one lesson learned from you…stay with simple, classic choices that are timeless. Then use accessories for showing my personality. I have followed that mantra in clothing choices for 50 years. You taught me it works with design choices, too!

    Best wishes to you and your loved ones as you begin the next decades of your lives together.

  • Kelsey says:

    Your colour wheel! So helpful. Happy Birthday!

  • Lauren Blackwood says:

    Happy Birthday! Looks like a fabulous celebration!
    You’ve taught me to choose classic fixed elements, and that “boring” is often far better than trendy! I feel confident in my kitchen and bathroom renovations because of what I’ve learned from your blog! Ok, off to follow you on IG!

  • Rhonda says:

    My #1 lesson learned from you is only one busy fixed element per room is allowed. You, I’m sure, would not be surprised how many people look at you like you are crazy!

  • Beth Lester says:

    I would love to take a refresher of your color confidence course. After the last one, I stopped at a fabric store and got a couple dozen fabric samples to practice specifying color with. It was a very fun exercise. I was inspired to learn the actual colors, including their names and numbers, like you know. I have a long ways to go, however.

  • Amanda Bell says:

    I have just started reading your blog because I really want to understand color. Not for professional use at this time but for personal knowledge and just knowing what makes certain pallets work. Understanding undertones has been the most valuable information Ive learned from your blog and also what makes a look timeless. I am not into trendy but classic and I love how you make it clear what works and does not. Happy 50th!

  • Christine Trebendis says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! Hope your day is filled with love and laughter. I’ve learned so much from your “How to choose paint colors” book and how important it is to start with a large sample board. Thanks for sharing so much of your knowledge over the years. Love your blog…a great way to start your day with so much inspiration! Hope you enjoy your special day and thanks for a chance to be included in the draw for any one of your great prizes.

  • Diane Stouffer says:

    Wow 50, that’s a big one, but I have you beat by several years:) Happy Birthday, Maria. I look forward to reading your posts and seeing the beautiful pictures you use to illustrate your expertise in choosing colors. I have followed your blog for years and learned so much about undertones and the importance of clean vs. dirty colors. I would love to win one of your prizes, as I have only purchased the online course on undertones several years ago.

  • Lauren Corbyn says:

    Happy birthday! Your blog alone is such a great resource when feeling stuck on a design project! I look forward to taking one of your live courses. I hear nothing but rave reviews.

  • Nancy says:

    What a awesome 50 th birthday Party !
    What I’ve learned from you is to trust .
    When I first started to follow you , I would think why did she recommend that color?
    But once I had you give me a paint color and I used it for my home , never doubted you again .
    That is one of many things Natua I’ve learned from you as you are a book of knowledge .
    Thank you for sharing that knowledge!
    Nancy

  • Alisa Ligrani says:

    Maria,
    I love your enthusiasm for color and design. Happy birthday (late) and I hope it was a beautiful day! I have your undertone book and have read it so many times! It has helped me in my color consultations so much. I would love to win one of your awesome prizes! Thank you!!

  • E. Hughes says:

    I’ve learned that a house exterior should only have 3 or 4 colors max. Now I see houses everywhere that break this rule and it is obvious to me how much busier and cluttered the house looks!

  • Vicki Lyles says:

    Maria, I have learned SO many things, but I think the most important is to keep major hard surfaces classic and let the trends be more easily replaceable (money and labor) things. It looks like you had a wonderful birthday!

  • Lucinda says:

    Happy Birthday Maria:). One of the biggest things you taught me was that there really is a reason why things don’t look right to me! Undertones! You gave me practical tools to work with: understanding undertones, colour boards etc. and through that gave me confidence that I have an eye for colour and can help people. Thank you!!

  • Wizzer says:

    Hi, happy 50th! Would be grateful to be entered into drawing for all of these generous prizes. During a recent eDesign color consult I learned that a reliable way to pick a great white window trim color is to color match it to the biggest fixed white element in space (in that instance, my cabinets)!

  • Patti G says:

    Happy birthday, Maria! I follow you on Instagram and saw your post about the drawing. Thanks to you, I now know why, during the pink-beige era, I had such a hard time finding tile to work with my 1980’s “almond” bath fixtures. You can’t ignore the undertones!

  • Laura says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! I had the very fortunate experience of meeting you and Terreeia this May in your Chicago course. I don’t know if I could pick a single best lesson I’ve learned from your blog, because I have accumulated so much knowledge, it’s like like seeing the world with a whole new perspective. I am gaining the confidence to tell a client yes or no to their choice, with an explanation as to why. Your timeless aesthetic has always resounded with me and I have always found myself saying in my head “Yes, Yes, Yes” while reading your posts. What I have found most helpful is the pictures you post pointing out the various undertones in a room. So I guess my answer would be the importance of comparing one color to another.

  • Lynda Cook says:

    Happy 50th! Love your blog and instragram! I have been a subscriber for awhile and learned why I really disliked my home’s original color scheme –it was pinky beige. That alone has been a tremendous help in making color choices for my home and helping my friends with theirs. (Amateur decorator here :)). Other lessons: boring over trendy for anything “permanent”, you can’t beat a white subway tile, and when picking countertops, backsplash and flooring for your kitchen choose one patterned item only. I would love to win a prize to celebrate your birthday but want to thank you too for the valuable advice I have already received from your blog and Instagram. Thanks Maria!

  • Joanne Michael says:

    The best lesson I learned about kitchen design is “only one busy (bossy) pattern allowed in a kitchen.” Keep it simple for design that is timeless.

    Happy Birthday, dear Maria. You are a white light in my life.

  • Leanne says:

    I, like so many others, love your blog. I’ve always wanted a more creative career, but never had the confidence and instead, chose management. However, I’ve never stopped considering it, and every house I’ve ever lived in and sold, has looked the best that I could possibly make it, based on what I’ve read. My life changed dramatically when I married 5 years ago and adopted my daughter (she’s now 6), and I too will be turning 50 this fall (i know, right?) I feel 2017, and turning 50, should mark the year that I get the proper training (and Maria’s is the best) and go for it! Cheers on your 50th! You are an inspiration to me ?

  • Susanne Croley says:

    Happy birthday!!! You look gorgeous by the way!
    My biggest learning from reading your blog was – I hope you are sitting down – that there are undertones! Wow, right! I had no idea. I just never gave color much thought before. But now that i know, boys have things changed in my color-awareness. Thank you!!
    So of course I would be thrilled to be party of your seminars or win any of your other great prizes!
    I also follow you on Instagram too!!

  • Debra Van Dyke says:

    Hi Maria,

    I’ve learned so much from you in the past few years.
    Your blog posts are the first thing that read without exception, in my mailbox.

    I would say that the most important lesson is that if I design with a timeless focus, that the people who visit my home are so relaxed that it becomes a ethereal experience.
    That in turn makes them, the beautiful art adorning my home.

    Win. Win. For all of us <3

    Happy ..Happy…HAPPY 50th Birthday!
    Hope to meet you at one of the workshops soon.

  • Lorraine says:

    Happy Birthday Maria!
    I just started learning from Maria about colour this spring because of a window/brick colour disaster we had (for which Maria provided a fix!). One of many things I’ve learned so far is that you can’t actually tell the undertone of a colour without comparing it to other colours. Thanks Maria!

  • Ann says:

    Maria, you have encouraged my understanding and learning about undertones. I have a long way to go, but learn something every time I read your blog. One of the things I appreciate most is the honesty you bring in your approach. Happy Birthday from East Texas. Ann

  • Diane Clementi says:

    Happy Birthday! I hope this year is very prosperous, adventurous and fabulous for you.
    I am currently building a home in Tennessee and I’ve very grateful that I discovered your blog. Your design advice is timeless and has directed my numerous design decisions. Thanks to you I’m not as overwhelmed with all the options. I Have chosen white kitchen and bath cabinets, subway tile in the kitchen and will not pick two different patterns for floor tile and countertops.
    Thanks

  • Ulrika says:

    Maria, you are impacting peoples lives by your work. I have learned from you that when colour is selected by a Specify Colour with Confidence-trained designer colors are aligned with nature, mood and energy of the space and it creates miracles for the home and the people that live there.

  • Paula Diekhoff says:

    Maria, I would be afraid to attend one of your seminars because I have no decorating sense. And that is what I learned from your website: hire a designer to help you. I did that back in 2014 and it was the best thing that ever happened. My house looked so amazing and for the first time in 25 years I felt like I was “home”. However, we had to sell the house in 2015. Now we have moved to a different city. I wasn’t able to hire another person to help because we are retired and our budget is reduced. But, I still am glad I followed your advice. Another thing I learned from your blog is: white is timeless and you can never go wrong; use pops of color in the room and change out the colors seasonally, if desired.
    Happy Birthday! Your party pictures were amazing!

  • Carly says:

    I’ve learned a lot from the site but am especially thankful for the lesson in undertones!

  • Martha M Rife says:

    Happy birthday, Maria! How I love waking up to your blog!
    I learned just in time that my $35K kitchen remodel wasn’t going to look good…at least not for long! Thank goodness! Now I’ll be using soapstone and pale cream subway tile with some complicated whites…but with your help, I’m figuring that out!

    Thank you, and best wishes for your continued success!

  • Laura F says:

    Happy Birthday! What a generous way to celebrate! Thank you for the opportunity to win some great gifts!! I follow you in instagram too. The biggest lesson I’ve learned from you is understanding the importance of undertones– such game changer!

  • Leanne says:

    Oh! I guess I should also say I’d love to win a prize, especially the color with confidence seminar. Cheers!

  • Jaye McKay says:

    I have learned so many things from Maria’s blog! White kitchens never go out of style, simple is best, never use a busy backsplash, keep things classic and avoid overuse of the trendy colours in hard finishes. The list goes on. I look forward to every one of Maria’s blogs!! Happy belated Birthday! Thank you for sharing your gift of talent with us!

    • Jaye McKay says:

      Also….I want to attend the Vancouver seminar so bad and am thrilled you are offering one in BC this fall. So winning that would be so amazing!!!

  • Linda Hartford says:

    Happy 50th Maria!!! I learned that there should only be one patterned hard finish in a room, and so much more!!! I would love to be in the drawing for any of your gifts.

  • Kathy K says:

    Happy Birthday Maria!

    The biggest thing I learned from you is that whites are not all the same and color choice is not totally incomprehensible.
    Thank you so much for writing this blog!

  • Mary Riemer says:

    The best Lesson from your blogs are two fold:
    All floors the same throughout and don’t have your counters and black splash scream at you or jump out at you! Great lessons for expensive long term projects.

  • Jen Pobran says:

    Happy Birthday! I have found your blog to be invaluable! I am in the process of building a new home and have learned so much from you. My main takeaway is to pay attention to undertones and to remain classic with main decorating decisions. Thank you!

  • Barb W. says:

    Happy 50th! I’ve learned about undertones and to keep hard surfaces simple. Your lessons are reflected in our newly renovated bathrooms with their white fixtures and subway tile! And I do follow you on Instagram as well. Thank you for this giveaway!

  • anne says:

    Happy 50th Birthday, Maria! This is sure to be the best decade yet! (it has been for me 🙂 )

    There are so many things that I have learned from your blog that have made me understand color more and made making decisions a little easier. However, I love to copy because its a no brainer, so I really loved “Tablescapes for Dummies; The Beginners Guide”. I was able to take what you said and apply it to my room and achieve the look I wanted easily! More posts like this, please! 🙂

  • Dana Tucker says:

    Maria, I know you don’t remember me but we met the very first night of the very first Design Blogger’s Conference in L.A. I started following your blog soon after that. At the time, I was helping my husband market his decorative painting firm and working full time in advertising. Reading your blog has given me the confidence to step out full time into the world of design and color consultations. I work with my husband full time now!! We specialize in kitchen cabinet repaints and kitchen makeovers. I am a true convert to white subway tile!!! Your advice on how to work with bossy granite has really made me an expert in guiding my clients who are trying to update their 90’s kitchens without replacing their granite. I would love to be entered in your contest! I’d love to win the Color with Confidence Class. That would be a dream come true. I also follow you on Instagram, so please put me in for two chances. Thanks so much for sharing all your wisdom through this blog. It’s always the first thing I read when I check my email. Happy 50th birthday!!!!

    xoxoxo
    Dana Tucker

  • You taught me so much about selecting whites! Invaluable information! Especially for exterior projects!
    I’m hoping to take your 3 day workshop when you get back to Texas! I won’t miss it again!
    Blessings……and 50 isn’t so bad. I turned 50 just 3 months ago. So far, so good!

  • Juliette Demond-Standen says:

    White Kitchen! White Kitchen! White Kitchen!
    Yes, Yes, Yes!
    Happy 50th Birthday!
    Thank you for an amazing Blog!

  • denise palisaitis says:

    Happy Birthday Maria!
    The best lesson I have learned from your blog is….
    Your ability to share your talents and knowledge with others is INSPIRING. It’s so important in our industry to be able deliver our messages without cynicism and bias and you do it perfectly! Keep up the GREAT work!
    Cheers
    denise

  • Karen Klassen says:

    The best thing I learned, was to look for undertones when choosing colours. I relied on this when we designed and built our new home. Couldn’t have turned out better! Thanks, Maria

  • allison trimble says:

    Happy birthday! I have learned so much from your blog. One of the lessons that I love to explain to my clients is that the paint colors they select must be chosen in relation to their fixed elements. And undertones undertones undertones!

  • Susan Campbell says:

    Since I was young I have had an instinct about undertones of colors. I would walk into a room and either it would feel right or not but I could not pinpoint the problem. After reading many of your blogs and opinions of colors and undertones I have refined my “feel” and am able to see what needs changing. Most of my clients are choosing neutral colors and I feel like those need the most attention with the undertones. I have not been able to attend one of your seminars yet….look forward to doing that one day!

  • Tammy Granger says:

    Happy Birthday, Lady !! I have learned so much from you, my favorite thing is clean vs dirty. I’m going to be in the 50 club this summer and would LOVE to come to your class ! We’re Insta friends too.

  • Lynn says:

    Happy “50” th Birthday to you !~

    What a fabulous post as usual. You have asked us to give one valuble thing that was learned from following your blog…but honestly there are “tons” of valuble ideas that I have learned from your blogs over the last 5 years!

    So, having to pick only one, I would have to say I’ve learned so much from all of your guidence and expertise on “Getting White Right”…. priceless !!~

  • Jeanne McDermott says:

    Happy Birthday! I learned that understanding “Undertones” is like having a super hero in your colour palete back pocket! (sung to the theme of Underdog….a cute cartoon from my childhood! Thanks Maria!

  • Ruthie says:

    My favorite lesson I have learned and have passed on to friends is to use classic tile. No trendy colors or shapes or materials. Dress up the room with paint, fabric, accessories. Use traditional tiles for walls and floor! My sister is redoing a full bathroom. She was drawn to all kinds of trendy tile, not to mention marble on the floor. I wondered about urine stains on the marble? Since I dont know the answer to that question, I suggested she stay away from that (better safe than forever sorry). Maybe you know?

    All of your birthday presents to your fans look amazing! I would be honored and pleased to be the recipient of any of them, especially the Specify Colour With Confidence class or the the Renovate With Confidence Webinar.

    Wishing you many Happy Birthdays to come!!!!

  • Ad says:

    Happy 50th, Maria. You are being so generous by sharing it with us. I would love to be in the draw for the artwork. Would also love to win any or all (LOL) of the following. I did have some of your e-books from years ago when you first offered them and would love to have replacements. Your party looked so very good; it appears that Terreeia did a fantastic job.

    Specify Colour with Confidence
    Core Collection
    VIP Collection
    Renovate (and New Build) with Confidence webinars
    Choose Exterior Colours with Confidence
    How to Choose Paint Colours
    White is Complicated

  • Bev says:

    Despite the countless “lessons” that are learned on your incredibly practical blog,..I would have to say that the most impactful “take-away” for me has been; …that THERE IS HOPE, in knowing and understanding the mysterious world of Color!! Thankyou Maria!

  • Shirlee says:

    The one major lesson I’ve learned from Maria is to first determine whether the undertone in the room’s current furnishings leans towards the yellow tones or the pink tones. This one valuable lesson has helped me enormously with finally finishing or closing in on finishing many rooms in our home. Thank you Maria.

  • Keely says:

    Happy 50th! I have learned to look at all the other elements in the room before choosing a paint trying to keep the same undertones. I would love to win one of your give aways.

  • Linda G says:

    Best lesson – when I need to chose a paint color for a renovation, I am going to rely on your services to help me chose the right color the first time. So much easier this way!

  • Marilee Kline says:

    Pink beige!! So bossy!! Once I learned this I knew why the colors in my first house were all wrong. When I renovated my bathrooms I used your principles and it was so much better. I now have a new house with more colors to fix!

  • Ruthie says:

    Forgot to mention, of course I follow you on Instagram! You are a real favorite!!!

  • Jessica Neveling says:

    Happy 50th!
    I’ve been so thankful to have ran across your blog last year when we started our new build. I searched for “timeless white kitchens” as this is my empty nester forever home and knew it needed to stand the test of time. My husband and I had varying opinions on what we wanted. Your blog helped me show him why a white kitchen (which is what I wanted from the beginning) was the right choice. While I lost the battle to dark wood cabinets, I did win the battle of white subway tiles with white non-busy granite. Our new kitchen is beautiful and will no doubt make me very happy for a very long time. It’s classy and breath taking without being trendy. I have also used your wise advice for our bathrooms and now the front landscaping. Without your guidance I would have been lost! You make decisions that seem so daunting, so simple. I would love to be a part of your ebook drawings and hope to share in your birthday celebration.

  • Eileen Bradshaw says:

    Thanks to your blog, I found the perfect shade of brown-gray for my bathroom, to match my new tile, and it is my favorite room in the house! I would have totally missed the mark without your expert advice (as I’d never heard about “undertones.”) I also understand more fully about how items within a space should “relate” to one another — never gave it a thought before. Also, corrected my thinking about white walls in dark spaces (yikes), and how various light exposures can impact the wall color (i.e. my northeast facing windows.) Who knew? You did! My home is not a designer showcase, but I look at things now with new eyes. Thanks so much for sharing your expertise!

  • Ashley says:

    It looks like you had an amazing birthday celebration! I recently found your blog through a design podcast I frequently listen to and I’ve been hooked ever since! I have learned so much about undertones and color and how much I hate the pink beige undertone, but still have a lot to learn and any one of ypur gifts would be helpful!

  • Susanna says:

    Well, white to me was white (and beige) until I found your posts….and I learned white is not white is not white…..!

  • Amanda Beyeler says:

    The most basic tip I’ve learned is recognizing how trendy the blotchy tile options are and the advantage of choosing more simple, classic styles. I’d love to win an opportunity to learn more!

  • Bibi Maddox says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria! Love the colors and theme in your pictures!
    What I have learned from you from following your blog, instagram, books, Color Confidence course is FOLLOW YOUR INTUITION and get out of “my” own way! You are so talented at putting into words the thoughts I have had about color but that I am not confident enough to say out loud.

    I love your timeless and classic style and my soul resonated with your comments on making choices so less goes into the trash pile for renovations.

    You are a constant inspiration and delight to follow and read! Thank you for sharing your beautiful life with us always!

  • Lori Richter says:

    Happy birthday – was a wonderful celebration!! Your cake even matches your outfit ?

    I found your blog and site about half way through a five month renovation. I learned I should have looked for you sooner. Even so, your colour advice has been very helpful. I have chosen classic, neutrals for all my hard surfaces but with a modern edge. The undertones of grey blog came at the perfect time and I am very happy with my choices now.

    Thank you for your energy shining through and enjoy your visit with your mom and sister !!! Very special.

  • Melissa says:

    OHHHH great idea and Happy Birthday! Your best advice that has worked so well in my own home is to repeat colors to make sense of a room and create flow! This works so well and it is so easy. I’ve used this tactic in my own home. A few fun examples. I didn’t like how my upstairs hallway (SW Shagreen) looked compared with a bedroom (BM Woodford Blue). So, I put some green plants in the bedroom and got a painting for the hallway that had a bunch of Woodford Blue in it. So easy! I’ve done this on my first floor as well–I have a stain glass window that didn’t seem to relate, so I just repeated the colors in the stain glass in decor and accents, and now it looks fabulous! Thank you for this great advice.

  • Beth says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria – May you have a Magnificent year! I’ve been following your blog for years & have saved many of them. I’ve learned so much about colour & about life from you. Thank You,Thank You,Thank You !!!

  • My friend Michelle Simeoni informed me about you and how helpful your information was to her. After just one read, I was hooked. The large color boards just made so much sense. The next thing I enjoyed was : The many possible shades of white and cream. I considered this information vital. Having made past mistakes choosing white colors – I saw for the first time real differences in whites.
    Thank You. As I am retiring in June ,I have often fantasized about taking your Color Course, but alas
    my new financial situation does not support that dream. Happy 50th Birthday Maria and as much success (or more) in the year to come. Julie Vanstone

  • Eileen Bradshaw says:

    I posted already, but wanted to say Happy birthday, Maria! Your birthday pictures look wonderful, and always love seeing pics of your home!

  • Lori Richter says:

    I also love your posts on instagram

  • MaryBeth says:

    You have given me decorating inspiration for 4 yrs now! Since you did your garden!
    Happy Birthday!

  • Nancy Lippa says:

    Maria – Happy Birthday! My 50th birthday is this month too — I loved the photos of your celebration! It is hard to name one best thing I have learned from your site. My sister is a professional interior designer and I can’t tell you how many of your posts I have forwarded to her because I thought she would be able to use them in her work. In fact, we were having a discussion about how she might build her business to the next level and I told her she should really follow your blog because the way you have built your business and used your website is exactly what she is hoping to do with her design business. Guess what she told me – I was the SECOND person to recommend you to her! Another of her designer friends had done so as well! Anyway, the best thing I have learned from your blog is to trust my instinct to stick to the classics in things that are difficult and expensive to change later (floors, tile, etc.), and not to be seduced into choosing an of-the-moment option that will not stand the test of time. Thanks for what you do, and Happy Birthday! Nancy

  • Christine says:

    I have loved following you, Maria for the last several years! I first found you when I was helping my daughter find the right paint color for the exterior of her home. She had chosen several that I knew were not going to fly. I laugh every time I hear that someone has stopped to ask her what color she used because it is PERFECT! 🙂 The other thing that stands out to me is the concept that you have to choose color first when renovating. Hard finishes are expensive and you have to live with your mistakes a LONG time. Also, BORING=TIMELESS! I have to look at my pink-beige travertine backsplash every single day and dream of subway tile. Sigh…… I would LOVE to come to one of your trainings! That is on MY bucket list! Happy 50th birthday, Maria!!

  • Sheila says:

    Maria! I love the photos of your party!

    I first came across your blog when I was struggling to update my tuscan brown kitchen. Your blog posts described my outdated kitchen so perfectly that I was hooked! Thankfully, you provided some inexpensive solutions (instead of a major kitchen reno) that saved me LOTS of money. I have been following your blog ever since. I have purchased your book and I would LOVE to attending your seminar. Most important, I would love to meet YOU!! I am a career counselor and I find your career story fascinating. I love your posts on IG too (I was one of your early followers @luvmyschnauzer — yes, I am a sucker for a cute face, especially a furry one!)

    Enjoy your birthday month!

  • Marca says:

    Happy Birthday. I have learned a lot from you. My husband once nicknamed me the Queen of Quarts and the paint store finally just gave me a paint deck because I bought so many quarts to try every time I painted. It is lovely to now be able to understand and explain why a color is just not right. All I could say before that I was very “sensitive to shades”.

  • Red in Ca says:

    I actually copied your wording about “bossy” granite and other fixed elements when my realtor showed me her floor samples for her own kitchen renovation. She had a more neutral laminate floor sample and one with varying grays. I mentioned Maria Killam and told her that the trendier sample (her husband fav) could date her kitchen in just a couple of years, plus it would inform every other choice Because it was so demanding. She was thrilled to have specific wording to plead for the more medium brown wood flooring. I’m not a decorator or designer–I don’t always love what you do–but have found that just one truly bossy element is more than enough in one kitchen.

  • Rebecca Tate says:

    Happy 50th Maria! My birthday is not until July, but I feel like I received an early birthday gift by finding you and your wonderful advice this past week on the internet. I have since forwarded 6 or your posts/ideas and one that made a huge difference was ‘White Kitchen Cabinets for the Most Timeless Kitchens’ from 11/18/2008. (I assume you still feel that way :)…After just buying a 2nd home and retirement condo on a lake in NC with the most gorgeous view in the complex, my partner emailed me back and said, “OK, white it is!”…We have to redo the entire place and live and work 7 hours away but we excited about it and the floors, way more expensive than we had planned on, are ordered! I have loved what I have been reading on your blog. Thank you for what you share, and I look forward to using you in the planning going forward. You home looks so warm from the photos and it looks like a great time was had by all. What a gorgeous cake by Cakeaters!!
    Please include me in the drawing in one of the works of art by James Wiens! Loved the peonies! Keep celebrating and decorating!!! Thanks again! Rebecca Tate

  • Nikki Warncke says:

    What an amazing celebration and this give away list is incredible! To narrow it down to one lesson is a challenge. However, whenever I walk into a space nine out of ten times I hear your voice echo in my head, “one pattern only.” So easy and SO TRUE! Being at one of your trainings would be a dream come true. Happy Birthday, Maria!

  • Mary Lou Fritz says:

    Happy birthday Maria, these are wonderful pictures, what a lovely group of friends and family you have.
    You have taught me Undertones! , clean and dirty, and “pinky beige” will forever be on my “ban the color” list.
    When I see white flowers , I think of you. I have a mixed pot of white and whenever I water it , you come to mind.
    thanks for all that you have taught me.
    Mary in Ohio

  • Cynthia Conley says:

    I recently took your on-line Renovate with Confidence course because I wanted to learn about undertones. What an eye-opener. It’s like I walked around with blinders on and now every time I look at anything, I find myself identifying the undertones. The other day my husband saw me looking at a magazine and he commented that the builder kitchen shown was ugly. I asked him, “do you know why?’ “No, he said, I just don’t like it.” Of course I explained the clashing of the undertones and tragedy of too many patterns and clean and dirty colors. Someday I would live to take one of your live courses. Meanwhile, thanks for helping us see the true value of white subway tile! Happy Birthday (and you should celebrate for a year)!

  • Heather says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! What one thing have I learned from reading your blog? Paint and the many colours that it comes in intimidates me more than anything else. I can’t pick a room colour no matter how hard I try. Give me a bucket of fabric scraps any day! I really enjoy reading about your business and your family. Thank you for that.

  • Kristine says:

    Looks like a fabulous party, Maria!! Terreeia did a wonderful job planning all this for your birthday. All your prizes look awesome and it’s very generous of you to give presents on your own birthday! You’ve definitely taught me so much about undertones and acknowledging the existing hard surfaces in a home before selecting the colors. Thank you for sharing your insight with all of your blog followers! I’ve been a follower on Instagram for some time and always enjoy your posts. Happy Birthday!

  • Rebecca Parker says:

    Some key advice I got from you is that a black roof is the answer for pretty much any home. If I was lucky enough to be chosen, I’d love anything that would help with choosing exterior paint colors. Happy Birthday, Maria!

  • Thea says:

    Please enter me to WIN! I already follow you on insta, so please enter me twice!

    Great piece of advice? When taking a photo, line up the viewfinder vertical side with a strong vertical line in your subject. Instant editting…

    Happy Birthday, Maria!

    • Thea says:

      PS- I’d love to win the class in Vancouver, or the Build/Renovate package. I think I have all your other products.

      Thank you!!

  • Joanne Northey says:

    Hi Maria,

    Happy 50th Birthday Maria! I will be celebrating my 60th birthday this fall. I took an interior design course a year ago where I got the basic understanding of interior design. After raising two daughters and working at a mechanical and electrical company for 25 years and a general contractor for eight years I wanted to quench my desires of being creative and work in interior design. Presently I work for a general contractor as a project coordinator but as we were going to design build a 38 unit condo followed by a 92 unit condo I thought I should contribute my knowledge of interior design. Your posts on undertone has been most valuable to me in choosing colours for the common areas of the condos. I will also be working with our new buyers on their units. I love your candid style of writing and take your undertone chart very seriously. I have worked on a century church turned into a banquet hall, our sales office for the condos and some apartment lobbies and nursing home tub rooms since getting my certificate. Reading your posts gives me much needed confidence and your undertone wheel is a life saver. I would love to win an item that would help me with the condo development. I am good at layouts and with my mechanical and electrical experience I can make spaces work well but I still would like some more information on colour confidence. It would be a great 60th birthday present and a great Canada Day present celebrating here in Ontario if I could win one of the gifts you are offering.

  • Carol says:

    As a nondecorator, nonartist, noncolor person, the best thing I’ve learned is that everything has an undertone aaaand watch those pink beiges. LOL I would love to be in the drawing for the art and the large paint samples (to go with the online course I bought). Happy birthday.

  • Jill G says:

    Maria, I have learned so much from your blog! I have noticed for years that many rooms “hurt my eyes”…the clash of colors and patterns. I also let designers talk me into a kitchen with busy granite, tumbled marble backsplash and painted and glazed cabinets. Thankfully we already had hardwood floors, so we did not install another pattern. I seemed to be the only person who was offended by that design! I had several designers over who loved it! I lived with it for 10 years, and then last year I had the cabinets lacquered white, the island countertops and backsplash changed to matching white marble, and perimeter countertops changed to black granite. Then I found your blog, and all my choices were affirmed! I love the way you dig deep to match undertones and your love of classic design. I thought I over-analyzed design, but know I know I don’t! There is a RIGHT way to match the elements in a house or room. Oh, and I hate pinky-beige! Thanks, Maria, and happy birthday!

  • Angelle says:

    I would absolutely LOVE to win anything that you are giving away Maria! The biggest takeaway I have learned from your blog is that choosing color for a home is not rocket science but a system, and it has the most to do with recognizing undertones and how they go (or don’t go) together. Secondly, classic and timeless is a great way to go with design elements that are expensive to change like flooring, backsplashes, and countertops. Finally, sometimes what we love most about a photo is the styling, not necessarily the design elements. I could go on and on Maria. There are so many lessons I have learned. I have been following and reading your blog for several years now and have all of your e-books. I will have an empty nest this fall as my youngest heads off to college and am planning on eventually attending your workshop and becoming certified as a True Colour Expert. I may even start a color consulting business. I will also be 50 next year and am inspired by your garden party celebration. It gave me some great ideas. 🙂 Oh, I live in South Louisiana and would love for you to host a workshop in New Orleans next spring. I would be willing to help with the planning details. I already have a hotel in mind near the French Quarter. 🙂

  • CAThaw says:

    I’ve honestly learned that Maria’s consults can save me from design disaster every single time.

    Consulting with her before moving forward with any design project is money saved.

    With her perfect paint choice, she Stopped me from taking a sledge hammer to my travertine when I was a week away from having a third baby.

    When I was about to have a fourth baby, her kitchen consult walked me off the ledge and instead turned my kitchen into a fabulous, classic, magazine-worthy masterpieces.

    Maria taught me to always trust Maria!

    Happy birthday!

    (I’m an Instagram follower.)

  • Lauren says:

    Hi Maria! Not only have I learned how to properly work with undertones in my new home (re-decorating is coming along nicely!) I’ve actually been able to use this knowledge in an unconventional way.

    I write a blog about hair loss, and I focus on wearing faux hair (clip in topper pieces or wigs).

    Women write in ALL THE TIME to ask about what color hair they should purchase. And wouldn’t you know I can use your teachings to help guide them??

    I look at their skin tone (that’s a big one), their favorite colors to wear and makeup to help them pick out fabulous faux hair – all in a shade that best complements them individually.

    I initially started following you once I discovered my home had a serious pink-beige issue going on. I’m now in a new home that’s beautifully done and using what I’ve learned with my blog readers.

    Crazy!!

  • Tina Jagros says:

    For me your blog has been an inspiration to not take things too seriously while at the same time learning how to cope with the reality of accepting givens and magically changing the focus of a room.

    My congratulations on a well earned career and wishes for continued growth.
    I would love to participate in that co tinted growth.

  • Shelly Wright says:

    I learned that even a professional (Amber) can get overwhelmed and need to call in the big guns!

  • Heather C says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! Other than being a straightforward ray of sunshine in the complex color world, the best lesson I’ve learned from your blog is timeless is TIMELESS and always the way to go. I love telling clients the gospel truth that they should keep their hard surfaces neutral and let color shine in other non-permanent ways!
    Thank you!

  • Shara says:

    Happiest of Birthdays Maria. Thanks for allowing us to celebrate with you. ?
    The lessons I’ve learned from you are many, but if I narrowed it down to one, it would be the benefit of understanding undertones. #gamechanger!!!

  • Nadia says:

    Happy birthday. I recently found your blog – I love the way you classify materials as ‘bossy.’ This is brilliant and fundimental, and I’ve found it difficult to pin point this quality in a material and to explain this phenomenon to clients. I’m excited to try out this way-of-seeing in my projects and with clients. It was the topic of dinner discussion last night with my husband (also an architect) and my mother (color/interior decorating-challenged) and we were all very excited to discuss bossy materials. Thanks for this new tool! We’re in austin – would love to attend a workshop some day!

  • Deborah Young says:

    I’ve learned three key things from your blog: (1) don’t try to choose a color from the fan deck; begin with Maria Killam’s recommended colors first, (2) use a large sample, not a paint chip, to test color in a room, and (3) best of all: I am absolutely fascinated by color and look forward to learning even more–hopefully at one of your seminars!

  • Mary says:

    From Maria, I’ve learned to respect undertones, to adore subway tile and to always be open to self growth! Would love to win anything. Thanks and Happy 50th!

  • Carol Bowers says:

    Happy Birthday Maria!! I am a recent subscriber and the best thing I’ve learned so far is to stick with only ONE pattern for hard surfaces. I am a design consultant at a tile store, and this “tiny” piece of advice has proved invaluable in my work, and the lives of the customers I have passed it along to. The feedback has been noticeable and greatly appreciated. Thank you!

  • Kim derksen says:

    HI Maria!
    I’ve been following your blog for a few years now. I have learned so many valuable tips that have helped me to decorate my home.
    We’ve been doing a lot of renos, and when chosing my fixed and non fixed elements, I always refer back to your blogs to make sure I am choosing correctly.
    Learning the importance of color undertones and choosing classic timeless fixed elements has been the most valuable lessons I have learned.
    I would be honored to be able to attend your seminar and learn from the best!:)

  • Kay says:

    The best thing I’ve learned from you is to put color samples against a white background. So much easier to really see the undertone!! Oh, and always to put the color/counter sample/ tile sample the way it will be installed, not placing them all on top of each other other. 🙂

    I’ve followed you on Instagram for a long time. Love those posts.

    Yes, I’m interested in the art. And one of these years I really will meet you at one of your fabulous color seminars.

    So much love and appreciation to you on your 50th birthday. It just keeps getting better!!!!

  • Enise says:

    Hello Maria! Happy birthday to you! I wish you a magical start in your fifties.

    I would love love love to have a seat in one of the CC courses.

    It is so hard to choose a best lesson as I think everything I learned from you is so valuable! However, there is one lesson that I apply in my life a lot! Repeatation of the colors in a room. When the color is right, repeatation makes it stronger. Sometimes I end up with a wrong shade/ color and cannot return it. Instead of giving up, repeatation of the wrong shade again saves the whole atmosphere.

    Thank you for keep updating your blog besides your busy schedule. Warm hugs to you!

  • Brenda says:

    The best lesson I have learned from your blog?!?! Oh my goodness there are so many!! I think one of the best ones is that it is always less expensive in the long run to hire (good) professional help when decorating/designing your home. That every white has an undertone. That white kitchens and subway tiles are classic. The list goes on and on!

    Happy 50th Birthday Maria! I hope that each and every year ahead gets even better. (Gorgeous cake by the way!)

  • Debra Mason says:

    My biggest and most frustrating decisions involved choosing paint colors for a large remodel that involved a complete redo of my kitchen and a very large great room. I scrutinized your blogs, chose some color options and painted 10 large paint samples. Over the course of two weeks, I compared them to existing features that weren’t going to change and in different lighting. With this method and your lessons on undertones. With your blog information, I was not only able to pick out color for walls but also for kitchen cabinets, granite, wood flooring and fabric for my furniture. The results are stunning enough to be in a design magazine! But now, I need to start the whole color process for the exterior. Yikes!

  • misti m says:

    Happy Birthday Maria!!! I’ve learned many things from your blogs and insta stories! I’m definitely always looking at undertones and how they work – trying to train my eye for that. Of course I’d love to be entered to the drawing of the trip to a Specify Color event. I’d also love the Renovate with Confidence class! And, I definitely follow you on instagram, as well! Thank you for all you teach us!

  • Connie Lawson says:

    Maria,
    Happy 50th birthday!!
    I have learned SO much about color undertones and how making good design decisions will make me happy for a lifetime! I would love to be able to attend a conference! Have a wonderful summer!

    • Connie Lawson says:

      PS.
      I have your two books but otherwise, would love to be included in any of the drawings! And, I’m a follower on instagram!

    • Hi Maria,

      Happy 50th Birthday! Terreeria went above and beyond, it looked like a fantastic bash. Having followed your blog for about 7 years and just taking your seminar this May in Chicago, I have learned so much from you. I would say number one thing I learned is hard work and dedication pays off. Finding what you love to do and then keep pursing it and learning and growing, and never giving up. Watching you grow and becoming the “Color Rockstar” you are has given me the confidence to follow my dream and taking your course was the icing on the cake. I love that you are so open and giving and truly honest in everything you do and teach. Being a widowed Mom of two great twin boys, it is easy to not always follow your dreams, but seeing how far you and Terreeia have come together keeps me motivated. Thank you for starting your blog all those years ago. You are a True Color Expert.

  • Jeannie Johnson says:

    Happy birthday, Maria! And many more to come.

    The best thing you have taught me is that there is a reason I stood in a room so many times and knew that something was wrong, but I couldn’t articulate what or why. So many times I followed the decorator’s advice and chose neutrals and colors that she said would be beautiful together, against my own instincts, and ended up with a queasy feeling every time I really, really looked at them together. You gave me a system and a vocabulary to name that vague queasiness and choose colors that fill me with delight. Bless you for it!

  • Brenda McCall says:

    I have learned SO much from you Maria !!! But, there are two distinct things that come to mind – one is “Subway tile” – a classic – and the other “Do one pattern in each room for hard finishes – after that – you are DONE. Every other finish should be a solid”. And of course – please enter me for a chance for the lovely picture. Thanks for all you do to educate and entertain . “Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe” — and that is all of us many followers of you. Happy 50th Birthday and I wish you health and happiness for many more years to come !!!!
    Your friend in Colour – Brenda

  • Amy Van Dorp says:

    Happiest of Birthdays Maria! You make turning 50 look so fabulous! Thank you for sharing yourself through your stories and photos on your blog. You have done a great job of EDUCATING and INSPIRING women to excel in their businesses. And you cleared up the reason I wasn’t happy with the new paint color in my girls bathroom!

    Cheers to another amazing year!
    Amy

  • Susan Langley says:

    Congratulations, Maria. Looks like it was a wonderful party. I would love to win artwork. The best lesson I learned from you and put into practice is that white and cream can coexist beautifully. My bathroom has both and it is lovely. Thanks for all the information you provide to us novices. I know it is a lot of work.

  • Kim says:

    The best lesson I learned from you was to hire professionals! I could very well be the poster child for your goal to save the world from all things ugly.

    I took your course in February of last year in Vancouver and I was on a path to be my own contractor and designer for my new build. I had a significant investment in an awful online home design that did not at all relate to our 21 acres with a big red barn in the country (the ah ha moment in your class). I stuck with it for a couple of months and finally met with a construction project manager because I didn’t love it. She gently led me to the conclusion that I needed to throw it all away and start over. She introduced me to an architect and we are now building a beautiful modern farmhouse that is literally the talk of our small town. I couldn’t be happier!

    My amazing project manager is also providing design services and the results are stunning. I’m sure she will be posting houzz pictures when we are done.

    I could go on an on about the other lessons learned and applied through this process – when we’re done I’ll share more. Thank you for saving me from myself!

  • Eliza says:

    Happy Birthday!!!! I have loved your blog for many years now. The biggest lesson I have learned from you is that if it doesn’t ‘feel’ right it probably isn’t. I just need to keep looking to see why.
    I follow you on Instagram 🙂
    Thank you!
    Elizabeth

  • Pamela Roble says:

    Such joy and enthusiasm is contagious. As an art teacher, I appreciate learning so much from you about color that I pass on to my students. Thank you!

  • Erin says:

    An all white kitchen is NOT boring; it’s timeless. Add splashes of color through accessories.

    I’ve been thinking about and planning for the kitchen reno in our 1986 townhouse since we moved in. I always wanted an all white kitchen, but was afraid it would be boring. I kept looking at different pieces of granite and quartz and different backsplashes. Your blog gave me the confidence to pick exactly what I wanted – white shaker cabinets, white quartz counters, and white subway tile for the backsplash.

  • Julia McAnelly says:

    Happy birthday, Maria! When I started reading your blog I had no idea just how influential your ideas would be–and how right. It’s not easy coming up with just one best lesson when there are so many (timeless=boring, medium wood floors, only one pattern per room in hard surfaces, white subway tile ((!))…) but if forced to choose, it would definitely be your epiphany on whites. Who knew? it’s made all the difference in the world in my decorating and even my wardrobe. I no longer ignore that white background in a print when my room is ivory and now, thanks to you, I realized that all off-whites are certainly not in the same family. Mil besos and thank you! j.

  • Joanna says:

    Happy 50th Maria! Your party looks like so much fun. The best ones are when you’re surrounded by good friends and loved ones.
    I started following your blog a few years ago when undergoing renovations. I had never thought of undertones. Now, it is always on my mind. I still can’t always pick a particular undertone but I can tell if they differ from one another. I guess that’s a start.
    Thank you for sharing your talent with us!

  • Jacquie Lovelock says:

    Maria, the first blog I read was the Cloud White.. it was the color I used throughout my home on the advice of an interior designer. Then I watched your video clip talking about how to chose colours. And I immediately signed up for your webinar. Our house burned in a fire on Feb 6, 2017 and we will be doing either a full Reno or build. We lost everything in the fire and the thought of starting from scratch to make our house a home again was overwhelming to me. Now I feel I have a solid base from which to start and a language that I can use to communicate what I want. I even signed up for Instagram so I can follow you! From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

  • Teri Rogers says:

    I have a graphic design degree and background and “grew up” with the Pantone Color Fans! ha I love color and I love paint. I recently decided to switch from Pantone to Benjamin Moore, Farrow and Ball and even Annie Sloan. I started helping others with colors and was amazed that I could see undertones others could not! I discovered my SUPERPOWER!! I could not be happier. I started following you and wished I had met you sooner. I too will be turning 50 soon and would love to learn everything you can teach me to be the best qualified Color Consultant I can. Thank You for offering these amazing gifts and have a Fabulous Fifty Year!

  • Jessica says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! You taught me to avoid pink beige like the plague, to stay focus on timeless and classic choices, and ignore the temptation of new trends especially on hard finishes. You have helped me see things so much clearer and able to be more confident when making choices for my upcoming renovation. For that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

  • Dena Mattox says:

    Happy Birthday and thank you for your generosity of gift giving to celebrate your own birthday‼️
    I would love any of the gifts, they are all very special but to be able to personally meet you and attend the workshop would be life changing for me as I’m sure it would be for others as well.

  • CJ says:

    Happy birthday Maria! I’ve been following your blog for years and love the topics you write about. Definitely makes me pause for a moment when making a decision and think “what would Maria think?” LOL!! I’ve purchased your ebooks over the years and use them as a reference. Would love to get the VIP Collection samples!! I’m also an instagram follower also. Have a blessed day!

  • Charlene Martin says:

    Hi Maria
    I have been following your blog for over a year now! I met an interior designer on a bus to Vancouver and when I told her I just bought a house in Yarrow,she said “a reknowned colour consultant lives in Yarrow..Maria Killiam..you should look up her blog.!!
    I want to redecorate and renovate this lovely 80’s house but I’m still undecided on colours and hard finishes.I have learned so much from your posts but also know I have to decide what I love before I can go with any consultations.I keep looking for a starting point..i.e.wall art ..area rug for living room.
    Three main points I keep in my head which I’ve learned from you are..
    1.”Your floor tile absolutely must match with your countertop”
    2.Hard surfaces..”One Pattern and That’s It”
    3.Choosing colours..Color have to relate to something in room
    Please enter me in your draws..I would love to take your color course?
    Happy 50th!!
    Charlene

  • Jan says:

    The best lesson I learned from you is undertones! I now find myself looking for them everywhere. I was so proud the first time I realized WHY I didn’t like the beige tile I have in a bathroom. It’s not the tile, it was the pink undertone that is all wrong for the room! And secondly, your blog solidified my decision to “fire” a designer who tried to get me to choose a dark busy bathroom tile and kitchen backsplash. What did I choose instead? White hex tile for my bathroom floor and white subway tile in the kitchen of course!! 🙂 Thank you for all you do and share!

  • Miller Shire says:

    The best thing I learned is that no matter how much we love color, design, and our work, nothing is more important than taking time to enjoy being with with friends and family. It looks like a lovely garden party. Happy 50th Birthday, Maria! Here’s to celebrating you…

  • Lisa says:

    Pink beige is not your friend, it will haunt you until you rid your home of it.

  • Gina Rowan says:

    I learned so much about under tones. I look at color samples in an entirely different “light” Learned aboout North and South facing rooms and how that can change coloor saturation depending on time of day.

  • Angela says:

    Happy Birthday!!! The thing that I have learned from reading your blog is how to compensate for color undertone mis-matches in times when a full redo isn’t possible. I already understood undertones (instinctively), I didn’t really know what to DO about it (other than NOT to try and combine pink-beige tile with yellow paint – yowza!!! – learned that one the hard way). Thank you for your blog! ~Angela~

  • Arlene says:

    Happy happy birthday Maria????. The 1st thing I learned from you was about undertones also became very conscious of Color. Then I learned about timeless decorating which captured me totally as that is my style also. I care about what I am passionate about not what is in style. Yes I have had white cupboards in 2 different homes for 30 years and still love them. I finally have yellow and hot pink in a bedroom as you taught me how to put those 2 colours together. Putting books under decore items is classy. Driving through areas of our city seeing shingles, stack stone, bricks, shutters not complimenting Color of the house is irritating after learning how to put it together from you. Maria since I started reading your blog everyone has been a lesson as I am a committed Maria Killman fan.

  • Corinne Koftinoff says:

    Boy this is a tough one! There are so many things I have learned from reading your website and blog. I think the biggest eye opener for me was the undertones. Not to use more than two in a room is the biggest one. Next is pink beige and yellow beige do not go well together.
    Happy 50th Birthday and wishing you many more years of happiness and success!
    Cheers, Corinne

  • Ann says:

    The best lesson I’ve learned from your blog? That’s easy. It’s what you say in nearly every post about undertones needing to work together. When we moved into our new home, we liked the location and floor plan, but there was something very unsettling about the color choices. My husband noticed it right away—the yellowish maple cabinets, the pink Saltillo floors, the muddy orange faux finish walls—he knew something needed to change! It wasn’t until I began reading your blog that I could identify, and thus work to solve the problem. Thank you! And blessings on your birthday!

  • Sibby says:

    ONE of the most exciting things I learned from you is how pillows transform a room. I love the posts that show combinations of area rugs and pillows to change a room. After all, now that I have the medium brown hardwood floors, the white kitchen, and right paint colors, all my future decorating changes will be with pillows and area rugs!

    I would love to be in the drawing for a Specify Color with Confidence event – I already have all of your e-books and Large Paint Samples. I live in the MIdwest, and my spirits droop every time I walk into yet another house with a “safe” beige interior and no color.

  • Love your posts! You are a wealth of information. As a new business, I truely believe your colour training course would give me the education no one else has in my area. Trying to change careers at a mature age is a challenge. Your course would set my business apart not only by transforming how I use colour but how I am transforming myself!!

  • leslie says:

    Happy Birthday Maria!

    The most valuable thing I have learned from your blog is that
    the cost of a consultation is far less than going it alone and making mistakes.

    Thank you for your generosity with sharing all of the content that you do.

  • Jan says:

    Oops, forgot to mention I already follow you on Instagram!

  • Wendy Chadwick says:

    Always check your paint selections at different times of the day and lighting situations.

  • Arlene says:

    Ok I got carried away – the best lesson I learned from you Maria is about undertones.
    Thank you for all your teaching.

  • P. Lester says:

    Happy Birthday Maria!
    I’ve only been following you for a short time; though you’ve helped me get a better grasp of colors complexities, even though I still struggle to see color undertones. For years I’ve read color theory books & articles on color, but I don’t recall in any of my readings anyone discuss color undertones as you do in your blog, thank you, it’s been enlightening. I think understanding how colors undertones interplay in the overall design scheme is huge to the success of the finished project. Maybe someday a light will go on in my head & it will finally sink in. I’ll persist, continue to read your blog posts & with your help hopefully some day I’ll comprehend the advice you offer so people in your posts. Thank you.

  • Margaret says:

    Happy Birthday Maria!! The party looked great and I have to comment on how grown up your nephews looked!

    The most important thing I have learned from you is how timeless a white kitchen is and is something I am trying to achieve as we speak. I have finally convinced my husband that it is okay to paint our orangey oak cupboards!

    I would love to win a prize and thank you for sharing your birthday celebrations with us!

  • Martine says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! You look beautiful in your photos and the party must have been fabulous. I have learned so much from your blog, that I didn’t really hate beige – just badly mixed undertones of beige. Knowing about “clean” versus “dirty” and confirming that I am not crazy, that with a new couch I need to re-paint my walls ? I follow you on Instagram.

  • Jessica says:

    The best lesson I’ve learned from you is that there’s nothing neutral about neutral colours!
    Please enter me in your draw. BTW, I follow you on instagram already 🙂 Happy belated birthday!

  • Alexis says:

    The most important thing I’ve taken from your blog is being able (most times) to identify undertones or know to ask for help with them. By the way, I discovered your blog because I searched using the Canadian spelling of Colour and found Colour me Happy! Been a fan for over eight years.

  • Levie Chustz says:

    First, let me say, HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Looks like you celebrated well with family and friends! Beautiful party! You are deeply loved.
    I’m new to you blog and already I’ve learned so many things. One of the most helpful things was about choosing paint colors, what to do and not to do. I’ve also enjoyed all your decorating tips! Thanks. And like I said before you should have a show on HGTV.

  • Diane says:

    Happy Birthday!

    Oh…the things I’ve learned from your blog. If I had to chose one, it would be a white kitchen is classic and never going out of style. Some phrases I used with my husband during a recent update of our 1996 farmhouse came straight from your blog. Such as…honey oak is never coming back, only white subway tile, and my favorite that- rock wall is BOSSY and must go. I’ve enjoyed your blog for years and I also follow along on Instagram. My words can not adequately express my appreciation for you, and your help thru social media, to make my house my dream home. THANK YOU Maria!
    Fondly, Diane

  • Shannon says:

    Where to even start? I’ve been reading you since 2009, I think, and it’s been so helpful! I used your blog advice to pick sofas, learned how to test colors, and learned about undertones.

    I’ve bought both of your books and the exterior course. Literally yesterday my husband left a note wanting a color for our exterior window trim. I reviewed the exterior go to colors and have just 4 to sample, AND I’m not worrying about it.

    Our last house sold in one weekend for over the asking price, cash. I used your advice on tiles when we renovated the bathrooms and tiled the hallway. I picked the perfect greige and repainted the worst parts of the house, and we had the exterior done in a color that was a huge improvement (I didn’t pull the trigger on trim color, so it wasn’t as amazing as it could have been).

    I’m sure I’m forgetting something. But thank you!! The only reason I haven’t taken the training is because I’ve got two babies under the age of 3, and it would be for me as a homeowner.
    I follow you on Instagram, shannonkh there. Happy birthday!

  • Lorrie says:

    Happy Birthday! Welcome to the fabulous fifty club?
    Thank you for creating your color system and sharing it with us all! It no only propelled my confidence in selecting colors for clients but also allows me to help articulate to clients “why” certain colors will work and why others
    will not.
    Ps I also LOVE the large painted boards, the investment paid off MANY times over!

  • Kari Koob says:

    Maria, I’d LOVE to attend one of your events this Fall! I’ve been a fan of your blog since you began so many years ago. (Wow, has it been THAT long?!) I love your style of writing – it’s open, honest and personal while remaining incredibly educational. I’ve taken your webinars, read all your e-books, and haven’t missed a post. I think the best lesson I’ve learned is from ‘White is Complicated’. It’s been extremely useful to understand the reason why one should use white, or off-white, or cream — especially in how it relates to other elements in the room. Your concise explanations throughout your blog has helped me realize there are foundational truths to using color in a way that had not been explained to me before. **I also love love love your new color wheel** Congrats, Maria!

  • Kristen Wang says:

    Happy birthday, Maria! I have only recently found your blog but have quickly become a huge fan who scours your blog for endless advice and lessons. Not only that, but I’ve also already used your edesign for my exterior (you’re not kidding, that really has filled my life with happiness each and every time I drive up to my house!), and I’ve passed you along to my parents as well who have become immediate fans. Your brilliance is spreading worldwide, and that’s no surprise!
    Anyways, on to my best lesson learned from you, I am newly married, a new homeowner, etc – home remodeling and design are all entirely new to me. When first moving into our house, I assumed I would simply pick paint colors I think I like, paint my rooms, and happily move on. WRONG! I hate the colors that I picked and it became so obvious to me as to why after “meeting” you – I never accounted for any of the existing undertones in the home we purchased. I should also mention that I actually had a local designer help me pick my paint colors as well, and she did not seem to understand the importance of undertones either. Basic as that lesson appears to be, it is paramount in design and unique to you. I’m a forever follower!

    Cheers to #50!!!

    All the best,
    Kristen

  • Gunilla Craven says:

    Happy Birthday! I am a Realtor in Jacksonville, FL and yours is the only blog I have followed consistently over the years. I get very involved with staging homes for sale (I hire stagers), but I also advise customers on remodeling after they’ve moved in. I have found so many great ideas and recommendations from your blog, that I can’t possibly choose one. You’re the best!

  • paula says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! What I have learned from following your blog for years now: undertones! My poor husband has to hear why almost every kitchen we enter doesn’t look right because they got the undertones wrong. And also because they picked their most very favorite granite and their most very favorite tile and then put them together. Surely that will look beautiful right?

  • Fran says:

    Happy Birthday fellow centennial baby!

    The most important thing I have learned from your blog is that I wish I had found you before I picked all the finishes in my new house! I’ve also learned what I did right, and what to do about the mistakes I made.

  • Beth Elliott says:

    Love that you let me in on “the decorators secret.” Forget the deck! Go with the tried and true white. And we did. And it worked! (on my mom’s kitchen with the cream colored Woodmark kitchen cabinets — will send a photo one of these days)

  • Ann Higgins says:

    Happy Birthday & Many more Maria
    Your gift is your radiant smile , & sharing your knowledge.
    I love that you make me believe I too can learn from you.
    I could go on but will just say, your a good way to start a day.
    I Love the color yellow & dislike pink beige as much as you.
    Best wishes
    Ann Higgins
    Florida

  • Marcie says:

    Happy birthday Maria! I look forwarding to attending one of your upcoming sessions!

  • Lynn Norum says:

    I’ve learned to use pillows to pull a room together with color. I’ve also learned that Maria is the Best in choosing a color…even online with her business. Thank you and Happy Birthday!

  • Trish says:

    Happy Birthday !
    I don’t remember how I found your blog, but you opened my eyes to what bothered me about the paint colour in our new to us house. It’s off white, but it just didn’t seem right. Thanks to you and your White is Complicated book, I discovered green undertones that I hate. Our newly painted kitchen now wears Chantilly Lace and the compliments are flowing in. Thank you!

  • Mickelle Van Polen says:

    Happy birthday, Maria! I’m learning SO much from your blog and refining my eye for undertones in the process. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with the world. The lesson that rings in my ears the loudest is that my clients come to me for a reason- they need my feedback. Before finding your blog, I’d let my clients lead, nowadays I listen to my gut and lead my clients. It’s better for everyone! Thank you for tackling the topic of confidence. It’s a gamechanger for me.

  • Tiffany says:

    I have learned so many things from your blog. But the biggest one is “boring is timeless.” I’m so glad I found your blog before I remodeled my kitchen! I ended up with white cabinets, a medium brown wood floor, matte black granite, and a very quiet white marble subway tile backsplash. I love it and I know I will love it for a long time! During the selection process, my mom kept saying things like, “Don’t you want a little more color? Movement in the stone? Excitement?” But now she loves the finished product so much she is copying it in her own kitchen! So thank you!! I would love to be in the drawings for the art work and for the large color samples. Happy Birthday, Maria!

  • Corrie says:

    Happy birthday, Maria! I have learned many lessons from your blogs. I think the most is not to look at paint chips/samples on their own. It is difficult (impossible for me!) to see the undertone without laying colour samples out side by side. I am always so surprised to see the differences in whites, for example, when they’re laid out. Other important lessons I have learned – pick the bossy elements first (my instinct would have been to pick my favourite paint colour first) and that there should only be one bossy element in a room.

    Thank you for making it possible for someone living in a very small town in rural British Columbia to have a beautiful home. It is so appreciated!

    Corrie

  • Jessica says:

    The biggest thing I learned is how to work with the existing elements in my house like my cream marble. I also love that I can understand WHY something doesn’t work- I used to have a sense of something being off or not what it could be but now I know why so I can fix it!

  • CAL says:

    Undertones. Simple concept but so important.

  • My husband, Malcolm, and I were watching an old episode of “Gilmore Girls” last night and Lorelei and Luke were in the middle of renovating her house. The painters had prepped all the walls and were waiting for Lorelei to pick the wall and trim paint. Lorelei was randomly filing through the fan deck of paint colours trying to pick a color she wanted with no luck. She even let her dog sniff the deck to see which one he would choose. Malcolm commented, ” I think she needs to consult with Maria Killam”. LOL. I said, “How about picking a colour that relates to something in the room?” I have been following your blog for 4 years and find myself analyzing everything even TV shows through your colour system. 🙂 Thanks for your inspiration!

  • Lillian York says:

    My husband and I build houses, and I’m the one picking out the paint colors, the bathroom tiles, the fixture finishes, etc. I’ve learned ALOT about whites, beiges, etc from you, and that mixing metal is ok (thank you!) but would love to learn how to better distinguish all the different undertones! It’s hard to do from my computer!
    So please enter me in your drawings!
    Thanks,
    Lillian

  • sandi says:

    I learned about choosing white—a million shades! I also learned about how to choose a counter top/floor to coordinate & not to clash.

  • Heather Schooley says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! Your party looked fabulous! I’m a commercial designer and have learned a lot from your blog, especially when friends and family ask for residential advice, which is not my specialty. One thing in particular is being able to (somewhat) explain in terms of undertones why I immediately know something looks right or not when they can’t quite see it. I always direct people to look up your blog. I would absolutely love to attend your training course, webinar session or win the large paint samples.
    I also follow you on instagram
    Keep doing what you’re doing 🙂

  • Jeannene says:

    HI Maria,

    I learned to see pink beige. Now I can spot it a mile away. I also learned that undertones apply to me and the color of my hair. Now I know what colors to stay away from with my highlights so that they don’t clash with the undertones in my skin!

    I also follow you on Instagram.

  • mairi says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! Well done on turning 50…looks like you were well feted! Would love to be entered in your giveaways, thanks. The thing that stuck with me more than anything, and I’ve followed you from the start in 2008, is that ugly costs the same as pretty. It can never be said enough. It is a game changer.
    Have a wonderful year!

  • Cindy Huntress says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! The 50’s are fabulous, enjoy them. I have learned quite a lot from you over the years of reading your blog and a few consults too! I found you when I first purchased my current home which kept this home in current colors, classic decor and matching undertones. As I am now about to sell this house I know that it will stand out from it’s competitors because of the interior. I have recently taken on the role of Real Estate Agent and have been able to offer knowledgeable advice on paint, carpet, flooring, style and more. You have trained my eye to SEE what is happening in a room and sort out the best solution. Invaluable! Thank you.

  • Hi, Maria! Fifty? Really? Congrats! Looks like a fabulous party (loved the yellow-centered daisies spilling over that cake).

    I could easily come up with fifty things that I’ve learned from your blog…but I won’t here ;-). Big things, like the big ol’ ah-ha light bulb that flashed over my head as I watched you hold the white board behind the others in your video. Little things, like choosing one simple frame style for a massed grouping of photos or opting for wider trim boards on Shaker-style kitchen cabinets. And the dozens of in-between goodies that keep me coming to your blog for more, more more.

    Thank you for helping to simplify so many design choices!

  • Liz says:

    Limiting the number of undertones and repeating colors!

  • When I first read your blog six or seven years ago, I was thrilled to find someone willing to share their depth of color knowledge while writing in such a personal and entertaining style. Over the years, I’ve applied your color principles to my home’s interior tons of times, but never to the exterior. Recently, in preparation for exterior house painting, I have made my neighbors’ eyeballs pop by trying a multitude (14) of grey color swatches to the body of the house. But, when it came to the trim, I only tried three. My neighbor’s were impressed when I told them I recalled a column where a color expert advised matching the trim color to the vinyl window frames. Somehow, my reputation as the color fanatic changed into a color expert! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge in such a warm-hearted way. I wish you a long life, filled with good people who love you and with good health to keep you movin’ and groovin’!

  • Michele says:

    Congratulations all the way from Norway! If I’m ‘eligible’, I would like to sign up for the drawing :)!

  • Melanie Shoaf says:

    Thanks Maria for teaching me to trust my eye and instinct when I know something isn’t right. Don’t rush to paint or buy when you know something is off. You have given me confidence to keep searching and comparing and not to settle for easy, quick or a great price. I would love to have any of your 50th birthday gifts and I already have your ebooks. I follow you on Instagram and get your blog delivered to me. Happy Birthday!

  • Rick Pantel says:

    Happy Birthday Maria!!…..I have learned from you that colour is super important and when we finally get around to fixing up our house I will be paying attention!

  • mary says:

    I love your emails and all your colour information and designs you are working on. You are truly an inspiration and A very uplifting person. Hope to have the opportunity to meet some day, just not in the cards at the moment. Happy 50 Birthday from NL and many more to come. I thought you were much younger. I will be honoured and love to be one of your winners. Thank you very much.

  • Cindy says:

    Happy Birthday! Thanks for teaching me all about neutral whites!

  • Trish Cote says:

    Happy 50th Birthday, Maria!
    I have been an avid reader of your blog for about three years and the single most important thing I have learned is that color is not to be feared, but embraced. For years I have been terrified of making any decision related to color, whether it be paint, flooring, or tile for our home to the color of my new car. Anything related to color choices had me screaming and running in the opposite direction! Reading your blog has given me the tools (I own your ebooks and Core/VIP color boards) to chose color more confidently. It may sound corny but reading your blogs has changed my outlook on life?. Now if you’ll excuse me I need to go play with my color boards. My latest hobbie/obsession. Lol!!
    P.s. I also follow you on IG.
    Cheers Maria to your most colourful year yet!! I also turned 50 this year and to celebrate I painted my powder room Palladian Blue!! (Previously a pink beige bleh!!!)

  • Keira says:

    Happy 5-0, Maria!
    I’m nearly 53 and am really enjoying this decade. 🙂
    My favorite Maria-isms:
    –White in a dark room reads gray. (how I found you originally)
    –Make your fixed elements classic/plain/white/cream.
    Overall, you have given me words to hunches I’ve had for a long time –> confidence in my choices.
    I am one of your Instagram followers.
    Thank you!!
    Keira

  • Catherine says:

    Happy birthday! I’m so happy to have recently found you. We’re getting ready to paint our front door an olive green accent color. It’s definitely a departure from the white door we once had and the black that we currently have. Having some exterior color hand-holding would be great!

  • Stephanie says:

    Wishing you a most wonderful 50th birthday, Maria! I’ve followed you since your Colour Me Happy blog days and have learned so much from you. It’s hard to pick one thing so I’ll pick two: 1) only use one patterned hard surface in the kitchen and 2) a medium brown hardwood floor is timeless. How generous of you to share gifts with your readers. Since I have both of your ebooks and have recently repainted the exterior of my home, I would be thrilled to win any one of the other gifts including the beautiful painting. I follow you on Instagram too.

  • Sherry says:

    I would love to win one of your very generous prizes. The best thing I have learned from your blog is how valuable it is to hire a professional before you begin a home project, not after you are in the middle and hate everything about it. I follow you on Instagram and enjoy the fresh inspiration every day.

  • Karen Downs says:

    Happy Birthday! By reading your blog and becoming more aware of undertones, I now look at photos of rooms online, tile, paint, etc. with a more educated eye. I have started to plan for a bathroom renovation and know that your information and insight will help me from making expensive mistakes.

  • Jennifer Blevins says:

    Thank you for sharing your birthday excitement with us. What I have come away with from reading your blog is the importance of continual learning in order to grow and stay fabulous. Happy Birthday!

  • Kathleen says:

    Happy 50th birthday Maria and welcome to the half century club!!!
    My favorite all time post – Ugly is on sale! I love when you wrote about mixing exterior finishes on a home, I’m still in the process of choosing ours but am much more aware of mixing brick and stone and watch to steer clear of.
    Thank you for all your posts, I love following you:-)

  • Netty says:

    The biggest thing I learned from you Maria, was to hire you!!! Lol

    But seriously, the biggest thing I learned from you, is that if I don’t have the expertise and I really do want a profession result, no matter what it is (interior design, landscaping, fashion, etc…) then hire an expert in that area. It truly is money well spent and in the end you will not only SAVE money by not having to redo everything, but you will be at peace and be able to enjoy it for many years to come instead waiting to redo it!

    Also, thank you for ALL the free content on the blog that educates like no other!

    Happy Birthday Maria from a thankful online client in California!

  • kristin terkelsen says:

    One of the things I have learned is that I love beautiful things, placed well. with intention and with a reason about color!

  • Rhonda says:

    What a beautiful birthday party! Many happy returns of the day, Maria!

  • Nicole Kemer says:

    The best thing I’ve learned: When all else fails, YELLOW!

  • M S says:

    As an artist, I learned from you how to teach my students what an undertone is and its importance to their art which of course translates to every other color in their world. Thanks for organizing color in a teachable form. And Happy Birthday – the years ahead are some of the best!

  • Lee Dickson says:

    Hello

    Love your e-mails and decorating ideas. I think I’ve done everything wrong! I live on the East Coast of our beautiful country in Nova Scotia and am going into hospital on Monday for a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. (Hope there is no cancer anywhere else in my body.)
    I would love to go to your class in Vancouver!
    Lee

  • Ashley Uhl says:

    Before your blog, I don’t think I’d ever even heard of undertones! And a HUGE help has been the idea of using huge painted boards rather than tiny printed paint samples. Changed everything for me! Happy 50th Maria!

  • Lauren says:

    I am an architect that dabbles in interior design. I took one of Maria’s online courses a few years ago and it has really given me the confidence to select colors and materials even though I’m not a trained interior designer. And now I see other interior designers picking colors and saying ‘oh it’s all beige, it will match fine’ and I just cringe because of all the conflicting undertones in what they picked! I am just renovating my new house and I used all of Maria’s advice and “fingers crossed” it will be beautiful, classic, and ‘boring’ and we will love it for many years to come. On that note, my new house has a dated brick exterior with orange-y brown roofing and I have no idea how to update it! I would love to be in the drawing for one of Choose Exterior Colors with Confidence!

  • Paula says:

    Oh wow, Happy 50th Birthday Maria, you don’t look a day over 40.

    I look at a lot of decorating blogs but after reading yours I have come to understand the importance of undertones in making the correct choices; thanks for all your tips.

  • Dena Nitsche says:

    Last year, I built a house. Your blog helped me avoid putting in a trendy kitchen that I love now, but would be tired and dated in a few years. I have a white kitchen that I love now! I also learned to try to stick to one patterned hard surface per room. I have learned so much from your blog.

  • Sheila says:

    Everything I have learned from your blog has been incredibly important, how to pick just one….. The best lesson for me was dealing with the hard finishes already present as they dictate all colour choices. Always look forward to your posts! I follow on Instagram.

  • Elaine says:

    It was helpful to me to learn that its “all in the undertones”. I’ve struggled, and still do, with what color paint to put on the walls. Hope I win one of your great prize offerings, and can really learn more.

  • Laurie says:

    I’ve learned so much from you since following your blog about undertones, the beauty of a white kitchen and timelessness of subway tile!! As a layperson with a love of decorating, hiring a designer is the way to go — you end up saving a lot of money in the long run. I would just want to make certain that person has taken your courses 🙂

  • Alex says:

    Happy Birthday!

    It’s so hard to pick the best lesson I learned from you, but I’ll go with trusting your instincts. If you think the tile may be too busy, it’s probably too busy. If you think the floor tile will clash, it will probably clash. It doesn’t matter what the sales people or the contractors say or suggest, if it doesn’t feel right to you, it’s probably wrong. If you know what you want, like having the backsplash tile go up and around the window rather than stopping at the bottom of the cabinets, don’t let them talk you out of it.

  • Rhonda says:

    Btw, my daughter and her husband just bought a house in Charleston, and even though it is lovely, we are lamenting the original owner’s choice of permanent fixtures. Anna is using her Maria Killam knowledge to try to figure out how to slowly but surely remedy these mistakes! She admitted that sometimes it is a curse — always analyzing the colors people use, and I agreed! 🙂

  • Mireille says:

    I have been reading your blog and your books for years now and I have learned LOTS: a light color won’t come to life in a dark room; always use big paint boards (I have started my own homemade collection of colours I’m considering for my home); cabinet colours count as wall colours to take into consideration when choosing paint colours; you have to have a starting point (be it a rug, couch, cushion, or piece of art); don’t mix pink beige with yellow beige undertones; don’t mix clean colours with dirty colours – except possibly greens; and you can get away with most colour combinations as long as you repeat, repeat, repeat! I haven’t actually decided where to start yet – but I love that you have been able to explain how all these things work. Happy 50th!

  • Susan Heyer says:

    Happy to you… Wishing you the best Birthday! The best way to celebrate, surrounded with family and friends. I especially love the photo of you and your nephews, love those smiles! It is wonderful of you to share your birthday with us with such generous gifts! I have been a regular reader for years and because of you I am more aware of undertones and ‘Not Bossy but Simple’ and ‘White is not boring’… Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

    I do follow you on Instagram also.

  • kay says:

    Happy Birthday Maria!! I have learned so much from you over the years! I found your website 7 years ago when we were building our new home. What a blessing that was! Your advice saved me from making many costly mistakes! I had a sample of the finish I choose for my kitchen cabinets and after reading your blog realized the color had a pink undertone!! GASP!! Called my kitchen guy as fast as I could to change that to a cream that I LOVE and will for years to come! I can not tell you how many things I re-evaluated and changed because of your advice. Our home turned out beautifully!!! Truly much of that was because God gave me a divine appointment with YOU and your blog!! Your influence has spread much more than you even know!! Thank you for sharing your gift with the world!!
    Kay

  • Amy Fitzpatrick says:

    The best thing that I have learned from reading Maria’s blog posts is to use large cards for color selection. Equally as important, is her advice on color relating to other colors and NO BOSSY TILE. I love this blog and refer to it often. Happy Birthday Maria!

  • Laura says:

    Happy Birthday Lovely! Hmmm, let me count the wisdom I’ve gleaned from you that I put to work every day in my design practice:

    1. Yes, that really is pink that I’m seeing in the tile I’m considering for this project – better check the other undertones.
    2. “Need help selecting a white? No problem, I have a curated set of whites and tinted whites, plus hours of training and experience using them; I’m confident we’ll be able to select your paint during today’s design consult.”
    3. “Let’s start with the hard finishes – flooring, cabinetry, stones, other woodwork – our color direction for paint will reveal itself.” (My job is nearly finished at this point!)

    Thank you Maria!

  • Dolores Organ says:

    Happy birthday Maria.
    You teach me repeatedly that simplicity and harmony with the addition of a happy bit of surprise creates a beautiful environment. I also keep learning from you to love life and people is empowering.

  • Kim says:

    Happy 50th Birthday Maria! You sure make “50 is the new 30” a truism!
    I’ve learned many important lessons from you, it’s hard to pick one. But, I think it would be deciding on white or cream as a foundation first and then picking other colours from there. And then also your advice on how to mix them if necessary. Oh heck, I’m going to have to add in going for classics when picking permanent fixtures! It all makes perfect sense and you explain the reasoning behind it for me. Thank you for all you’ve taught me and all I was able to pass on to my friends and family. Wishing you 50 more!

    • Kim says:

      Oh! Forgot to say I’d love to win one of your colour boards samples, or an e-book!! Thank you for sharing your birthday with us!

  • Anna Bradshaw says:

    I’ve learned about “dirty” and “clean” colors and that they don’t go together. That seems easy, but then you also need to know that dirty and clean are relative so that a “dirty” color can be too clean depending on what it is paired with.

  • Cheryl white says:

    I just found out about you and I am so excited! I was looking around for an answer to my decorating delema….what should I do with my 1990 spice (aka orange) coloured oak kitchen cabinets and faux painted walls? I noticed that here are many kitchen trends right now, and I am like a moth drawn to a flame with trends! I ask my self, should I go grey (insert joke here), two tone cabinets, statement backsplash, standout granit countertops…what’s a moth…I mean girl, to do….but I learned with trends you eventually you get burned LOL! After reading your information, I see that classic is the way to go….for me, a white kitchen. Does that mean I can’t have trendy or a little WOW to my kitchen,, oh no not at all. I learned that when you start with classic it doesn’t go out of style, and you can add style in subtle ways with smaller elements, and pops of color. Now if I could just figure out what color white to use!!!! Who knew there were so many different whites? Oh yes, Maria that who!!!. Love our website!

  • Suzanne Davis says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! I agree about celebrating all month long! The best thing I learned from you is recognizing undertones. I am better than than I was but I do need to win the trip so I can become an expert. Have a great year.

  • Pamela johnstone says:

    Maria I have been receiving your blog on my email for years! You were living in North Van I think. Your HAPPY colours, and bright colours made me happy!
    I have really learned a lot about clean and dirty colours from you and all the different undertones in Whites. My friends think I am very smart about colour choices and regularly ask for my ” free” advice. They don’t know I have a secret source in your blog!!
    I am retired,and I am a visual artist…..in my next life I will be an interior designer( don’t know why it didn’t happen in this life?), as I have been interested in colour and design my whole life!
    I live vicariously through your adventures,advise,and your philosophy on your life with
    Terria…..best wishes on your 50 th birthday( I could have had you at 20)…. And another happy , healthy 50 more!!
    Fondly( I feel I know you as a friend), Pamela

  • Julie Richards says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria! I’ve learned so much from you over the years. I now see colors in a whole new way and enjoy being surrounded by color and appreciate the subtle differences I see. I now live in a technicolor world and it is exciting and beautiful!

  • allison says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! I already follow you on Instagram! I have learned so much from you this last few years. The big one being: whites need to match solid surfaces. I got granite installed in a kitchen a few years ago, and I made the mistake of choosing it off a small sample. When it went in it was COMPLETELY NOT what I was looking for. I about cried. But then after a few days, I picked myself up, went to your blog, figured out that I could make it look intentional with paint, and painted the cabinets a coordinating white. It turned out beautifully. I never loved the counters, but because they were the only patterned thing in the kitchen (I installed a white subway backsplash), It made the whole thing look pulled together. Your blog and insight took an “oops” moment and helped me make it into something that was beautiful. Thank you:)

  • Jessica says:

    Happy birthday dear Maria! What a way to celebrate your next decade!
    I have all of your products but my colour boards could certainly use a refresh, after all of the construction sites they’ve seen! Most of all I would love to win your course… I’ve been a fan for years and your work has made me a much better designer, decorator, and stager. Thanks for all you do!!

  • Luanne Funk says:

    I first took maria’s course in Vancouver a couple of years ago and what I learned has been so helpful in our home construction and renovation business – we deal with many clients and always get asked to help out with choices which I love to do and it allows my husband and I to offer something as a team that not very many contractors do – we are the whole package – one of the most valuable tools for me is the colour boards (I have them all) and using them to compare always compare colours in the actual space you are painting along with deciding which undertone you are working with – thank you Maria for all of your valuable advice I follow it religiously!
    Web address is lindanhomes.ca (note the system would not let me leave it in the website section for some reason

  • teresa says:

    The biggest lesson I learned was to buy one’s sofa in one’s favorite colour and go from there! Mine is now a beautiful cerise cranberry velvet and it make me happy everytime I come home! Thank you for that. I’d love to be entered for anything, but I already your colour book, so I’d love the one for whites or anything else. You look even better than when I first started following you, fellow Gemini. Your yard is looking fab; I hope post some more pics of it this summer.

  • Rosemary says:

    Your birthday garden party looks oh so pretty but the best part is to share the joy with your beloved family and friends. Cheers!

    • Karen says:

      Happy, happy birthday, Maria! Have a wonderful year ahead! Like others, I find it difficult to choose just one thing to highlight that I learned from you. But, today, I’ll just start with “trusting my gut reaction” to pattern, busyness, variability in colors, and making whatever they’re on, permanent. The illustration of clean vs dirty colors has to be another big one. A third is learning how all these ugly patterns, colors, and finishes enter our lives and how long they stay and “WHY”. I always want to know *why* something should or should not be used. Now, I *so* get it. Maria, you are a genius!

  • Julie Richards says:

    Oh, and Maria (and Terreeia), I forgot to say THANK YOU, for your professionalism, your wonderful attitude and your generosity to all of your followers and class attendees. We truly think of you as our friend.

  • Diana s says:

    I have learned a ton about beige (too bad it was after I purchased my pinky beige carpeting) and love your advice about whites and classics (white subway tile). Keeping my fingers crossed for any of the awesome giveaways. Happy Birthday!

  • Barb says:

    1967 was a great year, happy to celebrate a common birthday year ! Time flies, but we are only as old as we act, so enjoy the ‘birthday year’ and Sparkling Hills, its amazing.
    Just started reading your posts a few months ago and as the co-owner and ‘office girl’ of our custom home building business, I am asked more and more to weigh in with our clients on the finishing touches. From a previous renovations, I know all about 50 shades of Grey, but from the paint colour side of things.
    Looking forward to getting more involved in the design end of the business and your blogs have inspired me.

  • Angelina says:

    oh my gosh what a fabulous birthday! The most important thing I have learned is about undertones and using your control whites to compare colors! Happy Birthday to you!

  • kig says:

    My favorite lesson is boring now is classic later. And, of course, one focal point per room.

  • Sarah Hacker says:

    I have absolutely loved learning from your blog and so happy to have found it by reading on houzz. I have dreamt of purchasing any of your color or design products and even attending at Specify Color Conference as we begin renovating our 117 year old home. I would be so blessed to celebrate your birthday with you ?
    My husband is also turning 50 this year! Praying your 50th year is all you’ve hoped it would be. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with all of us! It has made me very happy to finally be able to tell why certain designs bother me. Many blessings, Sarah from KS

  • Becky H says:

    I’ve followed your blog for years! I’m in the middle of a stucco redo on our adobe home in Santa Fe. My undertones are spot on!! Happy Birthday, thanks for saving me from so many mistakes over the years!

  • Happy Birthday, you spring chickie! Every other 50 year old should eat their hearts out! xo

  • Sil F says:

    Hi Maria. Happy 50th to you! I really enjoy your blogs – you do wonderful work indeed – thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and expertise! One of the key things I learned from you is that beige isn’t always what it seems. Nowadays when I see something that is “beige”, I am always looking for the pink or yellow or green undertones that lurk within. Thank-you for this great tip, and for re-enforcing it in your many helpful blog posts. I look forward to hearing more from you on this and the many other interesting design topics that you write about. Many happy returns! Sil

  • Mo says:

    Although I am not a designer, I have followed your blog for years and am a fan. I use your advice in my own home and make suggestions to my friends when they are painting or renovating. I can’t believe how much I have learned from you! Would really, really love to win either of your last three prizes as I’m hoping to paint the exterior and interior of my house next year and I really don’t want to mess it up!
    Happy birthday, Maria, and many, many more!
    Please keep up the great work you do with such passion and energy! All the best!

  • Brigitte Hayes says:

    The best thing I learned from the blog was not to fear colour! There is a process for getting it right and ensuring that you will love your surroundings.

  • Elizabeth says:

    Happy 50th Maria! Looks like you had a wonderful day.
    Best lesson from you has been recognizing the undertones in beige for sure! I have referred to the colour comparisons a number of times. I can’t thank you enough for that lesson. I know there’s soooo much more to learn. I would LOVE to attend your course in Vancouver.
    Thanks,
    Elizabeth

  • sharon says:

    Maria, Happy 50th! What an exciting way to begin another year. Your Terreeia is one special spouse! Please enter my name in the draws. I have been following your blog for quite a few years and the best lesson I have learned from you is that white is not one colour but many colours and to have a truly white room that looks and feels right you need lots of light! Growing up I was taught that you paint a room white in a dingy basement to bring light, or a dark room. All we got from that was grey and shadows! Thank you for bringing beauty and joy of colour into our lives!

  • Marta says:

    I’ve learned so much from your blog Maria, that it is hard to narrow it down to just one lesson. Perhaps the one that I come back to again and again is about undertones and how choosing the incorrect pairing can make the colours look dirty and unappealing. I look forward to learning more!

  • Lucy Haines says:

    Maria,. You definitely have become a celebrity and I couldn’t be happier for you. You have more followers and students that adore you including me. You have already given me so many gifts that I couldn’t ask for more! The best gift was being able to take your class and learn to look at color with new eyes. You have taught me everything that I NEVER learned in my college color classes and more. I just wishI had this knowledge years ago because I would have been so much more confident in my whole design approach. Color is the basis for everything!

    What a fabulous birthday bash to honor your 50 years on this Earth. Everything was done to perfection! Loved the picture of you and Tereeia and also that fabulous birthday cake!

    Happy birthday once more and many more successful ones to come!

  • Debbie says:

    I learned that Muslin is a great alternative to white that goes well with travertine floors. I used it for the hallways throughout my house!

  • Jacqueline Hedges says:

    Happy Birthday Maria!

    I definitely have learned A LOT about undertones from your blog and e-books but the best lesson has been that ‘black roofs are best’ and ‘white subway tile is the way to go’.
    It was the best because it was the advice I followed and TRUSTED and when you are investing $12,000 in a new roof, that is no small thing!!!

  • Laura Fliege says:

    Happy birthday Maria! The pictures from your party are beautiful. Reading your posts has given me confidence to install a white kitchen, subway tile, Guilford Green walls. Thank you for your work.

  • Coreen Smith says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! To date the very best lesson you have taught me is to stay away from trends when it comes to kitchen tile (I would apply that to bathroom tile too). This helps keep your kitchen from having an outdated look within a few years, and gives you more long term value for the investment.
    Thank you.

  • Loribeth says:

    First of all… HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

    The best thing I learned on your blog was that subway tile is the bomb! I used it in my own kitchen, and plan on using it our bathroom when we get around to remodeling it. I’ve been following you on instagram forever!

    Hope you’re having a great birthday.

  • Heather says:

    Happy birthday, Maria!
    The pictures are beautiful! I’ve been reading your blog for about six years. Seeing color through your eyes has been a revelation.
    I also learned to keep the look clean and classic and limit myself to one attention getting feature.
    Thanks for all you teach us.

  • Susan Crisp says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! Hard to choose a best since there are so many things I’ve learned from your wonderful blog. One of the best lessons I’ve learned is to ‘think a reno all the way through’. You have to consider the whole house ( or at least all the surrounding area) when you are updating an area otherwise it will look out of place with everything else.
    Oh and keep it simple – you can fancy up with accessories that can be switched out when you tire of look or colour scheme, but keep the foundation classic.

  • Tammara says:

    Happy belated BIRTHDAY! I learned to look at the undertones of each paint strip and compare it to the material (floor, furniture, large item) to ensure no clashes, well more about harmony. After 6 different patches on my wall, I decided I’m missing something. I am currently reviewing your ebook on how to choose colours and white his complicated. Thank you for your iinformative blog, I also follow you on Instagram. Love your cake!

  • Gail says:

    Happiest of birthdays, dear Maria! I have learned so much from you, and so appreciate your teaching me WHY something works or does not. And how to deal with the BOSSY element in a room. And how to look at undertones. Totally saved me this year as we redid a Malibu beach house that had the dreaded pinky undertones. It is serenely gorgeous now with lovely flow. I would be honored to receive one of your prize gifts. I am so grateful to you that I have been so profoundly gifted already by the generosity of your teaching, and loving friendliness with which you share your knowledge. I also appreciate that you model a conscious process of growing your business and share the journey with your loyal readers. Long may you reign, oh queen of color!

  • Pat says:

    Happy Birthday Maria,
    The floors need refinishing and I turn to you, and only you, for classic. Even floors have undertones and I want mine classic and versatile.
    There’s so much more you’ve shared and I love it all. I’ve been hanging out here for a long time.
    May this year be the best yet,
    Pat

  • E.d. says:

    I admit it is hard to pick the best lesson I have learned from Maria: white goes with black, cream with brown when it came to renovating my kitchen. And, to avoid mixing clean and dirty colors together as the result isn’t a pleasing one. And a major third lesson was to use white subway tiles – I put them in my kitchen backsplash as well as my bathroom tub surround and they are lovely. A very happy birthday to you Maria!

  • Heather says:

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY wonderful lady!!!!!!!
    I have leaned from your blogs to be open to new ideas and embrace the challenges, to trust my gut and go for it. Thank you soooooo much!!!!

  • Erin O says:

    I’ve learned undertones and to embrace white subway tile. We did two bathrooms with different versions of white subway tiles and people comment, “wow, you could be a bathroom designer”. I’m an IT project manager but I got secrets from Maria!

  • Lisa Allen says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! You do not look 50. I’m impressed. I’ve been following your blog for about 7 years and purchased your Renovate with Confidence webinar. It was so helpful when we chose fixed surfaces for our new build. I’ve also learned so much about the color White and how to look for undertones. I am constantly quoting you when talking color and paint. I thank you for all that you do!

  • June says:

    Maria,

    What I’ve learned from you–that you are a kind person with integrity….and that if I don’t get “all things color” at first, I should keep trying!

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
    (50 looks good on you!)

  • Marlynda Taylor says:

    What a beautiful Birthday party. So loved seeing your beautiful yard and parts of your home. The really special part of this post was meeting some of the very special people in your life and business. Well done! I follow your blog and frequently also read the suggestions of other posts at the end of the blog. I’ve learned so much.

    AND Yes, I would love to be entered in your drawing for one of the great prizes.
    Happy Birthday,
    Marlynda

  • Viviana says:

    Happy Birthday! What a lovely way to celebrate with giveaways! I have learned that “Blues make taupe look fresh!” which was absolutely crucial for me as the walls in my new home are light blue! I have thus placed our taupe sofas on the main floor and they look divine! Thank you!!

  • Mary Cunningham says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! Your party looked like so much fun!

    I look forward to your blog every day and follow you on Instagram as well. I started working as an interior designer last year after many years in corporate America. I am finally using my design degree and love coming my work!

    I found you when I was looking for an expert on color theory. I learn something new form you every day and would be thrilled to win any of your gifts.

  • Cheryl Downs says:

    Happy Birthday. Maria! I enjoy and learn from your blog with every single entry! I am now understanding undertones so much better. Your color wheel system makes sense! And, your charting of neutral undertones lays it out so understandably. I’m 1-1/2 years in the field as a color consultant, and must tell you what an amazing influence you have had on the way I approach my consultations with clients. Thank you!

  • Nadia Vedelago says:

    Definitely it would be about the classic look and best way to go on backsplash – white subway tile. I have looked at hundreds of kitchens and no matter what, subway tile not only looks fresh but will stay CLASSIC and TIMELESS. Can’t wait to redo my kitchen and get my white subway tile backsplash…..

    thanks Maria!

  • Mary Troxell says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria! I simply adore you and your straight talk advice! I have learned so much from reading your blogs, ebooks, and watching your webinars. One tid-bit that has been very useful to me is how to repeat color in a room with something small, medium, and large. It is such a simple thing, but it really makes the room feel decorated to me.
    P.S. I follow you on Instagram. 🙂

  • Mary Helen says:

    I’ve learned so much from your blog and e-books it’s hard to narrow it down to one best lesson! From a design perspective, understanding undertones (and really being able to see the difference in color) seems the obvious choice given the name and origin of your blog, but appreciating the value of classic and timeless (not bossy) fixed elements such as hardwood floors, subway tile and beautiful white kitchens seems just as (if not more) important! These fixed elements reign supreme over every other design decision we make in our homes always and forever (or at least until we remove them).

    I always felt that I was looking through a lens that was cloudy (I could see that a room didn’t look quite right, but I couldn’t see WHY it wasn’t right). Understanding WHY has allowed me to see more clearly what I couldn’t see before. Thank you for always explaining the WHY.

    On a more personal note, I also love your humility, especially given your enormous talent. The affection you express toward your readers and fellow designers is clearly genuine and sincere. You are a first class teacher and person, and beautiful in both talent and character. Thank you.

  • Ruth says:

    HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY MARIA,
    I love all the information and pictures/ transformations/ ideas that you offer to your viewers. One thing I have learned from you is : it’s difficult or impossible for almost anyone to choose the perfect colour for a space from those tiny paint chip samples. Before finding your website, I naively believed the really talented, artistic people had the gift of being able to imagine their space perfectly from those little samples. Who knew: we all need bigger sample boards in order to have a chance at “seeing” with any accuracy. Thank you for all you put out their in ciberspace for us. Sincerely, ruth

  • Happy birthday Maria! Being a follower of your blog for many years; having done your course; bought your books and purchased your large paint boards, you have given me the knowledge to identify undertones, the words to communicate the ‘why’ to my clients and the confidence in knowing that whatever colours I choose for a project, are absolutely spot on. Not to forget the wonderful opportunity in writing guests blog posts that has helped me gain more followers, increase my credibility and gotten local clients who found me through those posts.

    Thank you for all that you have done, not only for me and my business but for countless others who are baffled by the wonderful world of colour. Xxxxxooo

    And uh, 50?! Shit girl, you look good!! 🙂

  • I’m so thrilled it was so sunny for your birthday! The absolutely best thing I learned from you (amongst 50 years) is to: “compare, compare, compare”. Thank you for your mentoring throughout the years. I am successful because of your education and friendly instruction.

  • Lori Loucks says:

    What have I learned??? Where do I start!!? You cannot pick color in a vacuum – it must be compared to other colors in order to see the undertones. Hard, fixed finishes should be neutral. Only one bossy pattern per kitchen/bath (if it’s your granite, then the backsplash needs to be simple, like subway tile. A white kitchen or bathroom is timeless. Wood floors are like blue jeans, but choose a medium brown wood floor to be the most timeless. The white-washed gray floors are trendy and will date your home to the current decade. Pink beige should be outlawed 😉 I could go on… Thank you for so readily sharing your knowledge and adventures with us! Happy birthday Maria!

  • Marie-France says:

    Thank you Maria for these incredible prizes! The best lessons I have learned from you is the clean and dirty rule, the advantages of making timeless choices in hard finishes and the necessity to be aware of the difficulty with harmonizing with pink-beige undertone.

  • Margaret says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria!

    Long live white subway tile!

  • Naomi says:

    I would love to attend your live training! I’ve been following your blog for years and the biggest lesson was to not mix clean and dirty colours together.

    • Naomi says:

      oops, I accidentally created a 2nd comment further down the list, instead of replying to this one. I just wanted to add, that your new build course would be great too. (I already own your other courses and e-books). And that I registered for your Instagram under the name “Summer Naomi”. Thanks!

  • Kathleen Kutz says:

    I really enjoy your articles on paint colors and how to determine the undertones. It Is still a work in progress for me!

  • Lori Ternes says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! Looks like a wonderful party.
    I would love to win any of the prizes. And I do follow you on Instagram too. The most important thing I got from you was the confidence to stick to my plan – Classic (Boring) white subway tiles for my kitchen backsplash – that I still love 5 years later – instead of being talked into decorative tile. I saw you once in the Homesense store on Cambie and should have told you then – but you were with a client, and honestly, I was a little startstruck. Cheers to another 50!

  • Cynthia says:

    Happy big 50… everyone should look as good as you!
    Thank you for your generosity. I would love to win?
    Count me in. I also follow you on Instagram.
    Best and first thing I learnt from your blog… Paint the oak cupboards white. You even featured that on your blog 10/20/12.
    Bless you Happy B day

  • Michelle Ku says:

    From you, I’ve learned how complicated neutrals are and that they all have undertones. I also learned all colors are relative based on what is around them. As a side note, my fellow interior design student here in Denver, Chris Shields recently attended your Specify Color course and had nothing but wonderful things to say about it and you. Happy 50th Maria.

  • Shawn Liburdi says:

    I enjoyed the lovely photos of your party, family, and friends Maria. Thank you for sharing them with us. One of the things I like about your blogs is the informal writing style. It feels as if you are writing to me as a friend. Biggest take aways have been looking for the undertones in colors not only in isolation, but next to other colours as well. Also the concept of bossy finishes. I am not a designer. Would love to have your ebook or one of the large paint sample packs. Thank you for your generosity to your followers and welcome to the wonderful fifties!

  • N. MacGregor says:

    Following your blog has confirmed my opinion that colour does matter – especially matching the colour of trim to the main colour of a room. Also, your blog has confirmed my opinion on the amount of patterns (1) that should be used in a room etc. Basically, you have put together in a neat tidy package many of my thoughts on decorating and painting into a consolidated format.

    Happy 50th birthday.

    That’s all for now, Nancy

  • Darlene Graham says:

    Best lesson…how to pick the perfect gray that won’t end up outdated tomorrow. Still loving my BM Edgecomb Gray 3 years later. And there is the whole white kitchen lesson….

  • Maria Y. says:

    Happy 50th Birthday, dear Maria!

    I am a huge fan of your work and your blog, and since I’ve found it and started reading it, my world of colours changed forever!! I’ve never written a comment here before, but today is a special day for you and most of all, I would like to thank you! Thanks for sharing your great “Understanding Undertones” system, thanks for teaching us to use large paint samples and thanks for all the tips, advises and examples about how interior design should be done! I am decorating my brand new home right now and you are the best teacher I’ve ever had!

    A big hug for you and many, many happy returns of the day! 🙂

    P.S. I live in Europe and I probably I would never be able to attend any of your Specify Colour with Confidence events, but still I just wanted to tell you that you have readers from all over the world, so please, keep writing here! 🙂

  • Laurel Rear says:

    Hi Maria! Happy 50th Birthday! I turn 50 in August and am looking forward to my second half of a centure :-).
    I already have your ebooks and they are fabulous. Would love to win the workshop! I live in Coquitlam, BC.
    The greatest gift i have learned from you is not only the undertones but how to choose the correct white. Without that my old white cupboards would have look even more yellow. Now they look Crisp and white beside my Simply White walls.
    Hope you have a great day!
    Laurel

  • Cheryl Slow says:

    I can’t help it but I have 2 favorites! The first is the whole white issue because I could always see the different tones of each white samples but my friends couldn’t….and they made fun of me. And then you came along and I felt vindicated! The latest thing that has helped me tremendously was the post about not mixing faux ceramic tile wood with real wood (or laminates). In a few years we will be redoing our kitchen and my (contractor/master carpenter husband) suggested we go with ceramic wood and then you had the blog about not mixing the two and I am sure you have saved me lots of anxietyor $$$$ because, chances are, I would have done the ceramic wood without thinking about it and then realized the mistake and I would have either kept it and been anxious everytime I walked in the room or made him tear it out and start over. Thanks! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

  • Yvonne M says:

    Happy, Happy 50th Birthday, Maria! How generous of you to give your followers birthday gifts, too! I’m strictly an amateur, but have learned so much about UNDERTONES from your posts. And that a medium toned hardwood floor is the way to go – that information helped my resolve when my husband and I changed the carpet throughout our home for hardwood. I would be thrilled to receive any one of the draw prizes!

  • JoAnne says:

    Happy Birthday! I never would have guessed 50! I’ve followed your Blog for quite sometime. My biggest take away is timeless is always in style! I was able to see undertones before but not to the extent I can now. You’re an amazingly generous and talented woman!

  • Jennifer alexander says:

    I would love to win #1. It would be a great opportunity.

  • Maria, your advice on undertones has been extremely valuable to me. I have never looked at colour the same way since. I am a so-called colour consultant through Sherwin Williams, but I can see that course only hit the tip of the iceberg and I need so much more. Ever since I’ve been reading your blog, I’ve seen the evil of pink beige with a vengeance. And years ago, a colour consultant advised me to paint a house I was about to sell with cool grays and a pink beige. In other words, she mixed what she should not have mixed. Can’t believe I paid her. I so badly want to take your Specify Colour with Confidence course (and it’s so cool to see someone spell “colour” the Canadian way). I would love to win any of your prizes and launch myself into a career I love. I’m currently overhauling my home office and it will be stunning, thanks to you.

  • Brie Hays says:

    Happy Belated Birthday!!!! I took your class last year in Charlotte after following your blog for years. I appreciate all of the knowledge you so graciously impart! Perhaps the most memorable thing I’ve learned is the value of Manchester Tan. 🙂

  • Shelley Sunell says:

    Maria, I love following your blog and learn something each and every time. The best lesson would be to follow your instincts and also to stay neutral and decorate around the main design.

    I hope one day to attend one of your workshops!

    Following on Instagram

  • Sandra Hoffman says:

    I would love to help you celebrate your birthday and of course would be delighted to enter the drawing. I learned so much from your blogs and ebooks. I am building a new home and I think the most important thing I learned is a white kitchen never looks dated, followed closely by how to choose a trim color to blend with my white kitchen. I am now thinking about choosing a patterned pillow and building my room colors around that! I learned so many things! Thanks for sharing what you have learned with us.

  • Cathy says:

    I have learned so much from your blog but two things really stand out. I never go to a client appointment without my large colorboards ( clients try to keep these but no way) and I used to assume the ugly hard surfaces in a room would be negotiable and I wouldn’t necessarily have to coordinate my new color choices.
    For the past several years, I now ask which surfaces are staying and what about this room do you or your significant other love and what do you dislike about this room? I want them to love their new space but have the appropriate undertones throughout!
    Have a fabulous birthday and I would be thrilled and honored to win any of your prizes ?

  • Adeline says:

    I don’t recall how I first came across Maria’s posts but I have been an avid follower ever since that first read. My story of the colour plans that I had planed to use for a house flip made one of her posts. OMG the variety of paint colours, cabinet colours, flooring and granite (lots of granite) because I was going for a “high end” look would have been enough to make your head spin. Thank you Maria for saving me a small fortune ! PS Of course you know I would love to be entered in your draws cause everything Maria is fabulous !

  • Theresa Sheldon-Meyers says:

    happy 50th!

  • LInda Mervyn says:

    Happy birthday Maria. I found your website during an ongoing search for the perfect colour to upgrade my Providence Olive bedroom. I love your fun and informative blogs and look forward to receiving them. After 4 years (seriously) and two colour consults along with a collection of sample cans, I still haven’t nailed it. I would love to win a consult from you or anything that will give me confidence in my colour searches.
    Have fun at Sparkling Hills.
    LInda

  • Ann says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria!
    It’s a broad topic, but your undertones message has changed how I view colors. I see or try to see the undertones everywhere I go, including in nature.

    May your best be yet to be.
    Ann

  • Lisa Gaylor says:

    I’ve learned that hiring a designer/color consultant will save me money in the long run. Thank you! I’m also following you on Instagram.

    • Lisa Gaylor says:

      I forgot to say I’d love to be entered into the drawings as I’m planning a new build. Thank you!

  • Jeanie Boyd says:

    I was introduced to you by my sister-in-law while discussing a kitchen renovation. I looked all over the online decorating places but your rules were just my classic style. I have followed you on Instagram since it began.

  • Lena Williams says:

    I am new to your blog but enjoy the photos, your upbeat tone and of course the knowledge of what a difference color can make in our lives! Thank you

  • Hi Maria,
    When we met at Market last Fall I told you my big Ah-ha moment that I had when trying to figure out a perfect creamy white for a room. The room was flooded with light, but the light source was coming from only one direction. And then your words of wisdom rang in my ears….you need light coming from multiple directions to paint a room white. It made so much sense at that moment. I’ve used that huge piece of wisdom throughout the last few years as I’ve built my business. Just being able to explain to clients how important lighting is in their selection of color is so valuable. I would love to attend one of your workshops, it’s been on my design “bucket-list” for some time. Crossing my fingers for your giveaway.

    Happy Birthday to you! What a lovely party you had.
    -Karen

  • Forgot to mention– I’m a long time follower on Instagram!

  • Stefanie says:

    Happy Birthday Maria!

    The best thing I’ve learned on this blog was that white kitchens are truly not boring. Maria generously gifted me with the feature of my kitchen renovation in one of her “Ask Maria” posts. I was questioning if the white cupboards, white tile and natural white oak floors I had planned for my new kitchen would be boring. Maria told me emphatically “NO!” and recommended black laminate counters, which turned out to be perfect. It has now been 3 years since my kitchen was completed and I love it as much today as I did the day it was done and I really feel like I have Maria to thank for this.

  • Diane says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! Looks like you had an amazing garden party celebration for your 50th. I had always been baffled by color, not just with home dec but clothing as well. I read your blog, purchased 2 of your ebooks, follow you on social media and even had a consultation with you. I still don’t have a knack for color and color combination, but thanks to you, I am much more confident in my selections and understand your color system. Understanding undertones, the clean versus dirty and staying classic not trendy is a huge help to me. I recently remodeled a full bath using all your suggestions and guidelines and I know it turned out beautiful because of all I have learned from you. I would still be at the tile shop trying to find the perfect tile not knowing the subway for the tub surround was the one I wanted/needed. Thank you!

  • Tina says:

    Maria…Happy Birthday. June 7th is a great day as it happens to be my anniversary.!! I found your blog when I was researching colour combinations on the internet. Since I found your blog I have learned so much with regards to undertones in colour, dirty and clean colours, bossy fixtures as well as general design. I have purchased 2 of your e-books as well as had an individual consult with you. I re-read the e-books and your blogs over and over again because as I re-read them I absorb more information. I am not an interior designer so it takes a few times to totally understand. I find when I drive down the street I look for undertones on the exterior or peoples homes. I am always looking to update my rooms and I have learned that I have a lot of pink beige in my house. ARRR. I look forward to your emails as I am always learning new things. Once again HAPPY BITTYHDAY and enjoy your day.

  • Susan S says:

    Happiest 50th, Maria , your party looked divine and Tee outdid herself, but she always does! And how much fun it must have been for a personalized Jeopardy game!

    The best lesson(s) I’ve learned from your blog is undertones and muddy and clean colors. I also appreciate how much you’ve shared with your readers and your honesty.

    So, may your year blossom and unfold all your dreams and desires. Thanks for sharing your fabulous party!

  • Tina says:

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY not BITTYDAY. Sorry for the spelling error.

  • The best this I have learned so far, that is in the two months that I have been following you is the information on to what to know about taupe and the best colors that work with them and how they fall on the color wheel. Given the new trend to gray cabinets, how many shades of gray can one find these days, and then how to work in other color into a kitchen that post was very helpful.
    May you have a wonderful birthday and may this be a very special year for you

  • Sabrina McTaggart says:

    LOVE!
    That’s what I learned from your blog. I adore the way you express your love for Terreeia, and your sisters and mom. You’re honest about not being the perfect couple, or the perfect family — and that is refreshing. I am not a decorator or designer, but I do love to make my home look beautiful, and your blog, packed full of lessons learned from experience, helps me to do that. Coming from Ottawa, Ontario, I would LOVE to win the seat in your Colour Confidence class this fall. Happy Happy 50th Birthday Maria — wishing you a year of excellent health and love with your people.

  • Kristin says:

    The Classic white kitchen–and no trendy back splash!!

  • nataly says:

    Happy Birthday Maria!
    CLASSIC AND TIMELESS!!!!!
    I FOLLOW YOU ON INSTAGRAM 🙂

  • Linda says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! Undertones, clean and dirty just to name a few

  • M Arnold says:

    I’ve learned how selecting colors for the home, based on trends, can really date the home. Elegance never goes out of style! Happy Birthday!

  • Sandy Olsen says:

    I need to redo my kitchen in cream, not bright white. Thank you.

  • I learned about the lamps. Knew not to use the UN frosted bulbs and didn’t like canned lights all over the place. But adding lots of lamps for the atmosphere effect. Like having different types of light in a kitchen.

  • Martha Hughes says:

    Who knew colors had undertones? Not me. I’m not a decorator or anything, but I love color. I think it’s why I love fabric and painting. I can generally tell if something works or not, but I didn’t know why. That lead to a bit of trial and error. I’m still not a color expert, but it”s like the cataracts have been removery and I can see clearer now. Thanks for letting us in on the basic “secret” about color. I love your blog posts.

  • Marla says:

    In the midst of my bathroom remodel this spring, I “stumbled” upon your website, so I purchased both of your e-books and received so many helpful tips! Before reading your e-books, I assumed I needed multi-colored tile and an accent strip for my shower surround, but nothing I brought home (numerous trips) worked. Now I know why. I already have a patterned tile on the floor that is staying put, so your guideline of “one pattern for fixed elements per room” led me to choose a 10 x 14 off-white tile installed vertically for the shower surround, which was the correct UNDERTONE for my existing floor tile, and the result is beautiful! If I had only known this guideline before the remodel, it would’ve saved me numerous trips to tile stores in search of the perfect tile. This is one of MANY tips I learned from you. A huge THANK YOU, and Happy 50th to you, Maria!

  • Elaine Haber says:

    Happy birthday, Maria! I learned from your blog to love the clean simplicity of white subway tile, and to trust my affinity for joyful pops of orange and turquoise.

  • Monica Hart says:

    I learned not to doubt Maria when she says to be careful when choosing colors with stone! I wanted a white exterior but already had pavers in place. I ended up following Maria’s advice and kept my existing greige exterior. Thank goodness! She saved me over 10K!

  • Robin says:

    Happy birthday! I’ve been reading your blog for years, long before the workshops and my style has evolved with your influence. I love yellow too and decorate with National Geographic magazines! But the thing that I stole outright from you was a love of white flowers. I used to think I had to put so much color in the garden, but I just love seeing masses of white blossoms. You’ve given me the confidence to trust my pretty darn good instincts. I still struggle with accessorizing, rugs and my husband’s objections to home changes, but you’ve given me a design backbone to create a home space that reflects me and my family.

  • Cindy K says:

    Oh my goodness Maria I have learned so much from you over the years. I first found you on a google search about BM Cloud White as that was my go to colour. I quickly learned from that not just to pick a random white, but to make sure it RELATES to the hard finishes. I spent the next hour or so going through your blog posts and absorbing as much as I could.
    A few more things that stick out is to pick trendy over timeless, black goes with white/cream with brown, and of course the biggest would be learning all about undertones. Thank you for sharing your gift and talent, it truly has been eye opening for me 🙂 Looks like you had a fabulous birthday!

  • Robin says:

    I already follow you on instagram… of course.

  • Tracy says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria! Thanks to you, I’ve been able to create a white kitchen and laundry room. I love it!

  • Tracy says:

    I also follow you on instagram!

  • arlene (iris) says:

    Those are fabulous prizes Maria!! and I’d love to have a seat in your training seminar. What I’ve learned from your blog… the A-Z of everything white. What I’ve learned from you is to… never stop learning, be an inspiration to others, work very hard and then persevere. Good things will come. Happy Birthday Maria and many many more!

  • Pam Bartholomew says:

    Happy Birthday Maria!
    I would be over the moon ecstatic to win your Specify Colour workshop! I have learned waay too many things to mention here, but undertones, no trendy backsplash, and white subway tiles is a start!

  • Rachael Davis says:

    Your blog has given me confidence to move forward with purchases for my home. In the past I was paralyzed in my decision-making because I couldn’t afford to fix any potential mistakes. Now I am learning what works (and why) and when I need to call in the pros (your team!) to help. I would love to come see you this Fall in Atlanta. I’m working on my husband to convince him that the cost will recoup itself over the coming years of decorating. A very happy birthday to you!

  • Nicola Dodd says:

    I followed your blog religiously while we were renovating our home! I learned so much on undertones and color flow, how to select paint colors (after painting multiple times and not getting it right), not to paint samples on the walls but on large white boards (after having ugly splotches all over a stairwell during months of indecision) how to not end up with pink undertone wall-to-wall carpet, updating kitchen on a budget while creating a classic look (again, I painted cabinets twice…sigh), and finally realizing that the cost of re-doing all my mistakes and the arguments with my husband could be avoided by booking an email consultation on the final reno – choosing the trim color for the exterior and front door! And after all my reading of your blog, I was super excited that you recommended one of the colors that I had short-listed in my mind. The front door looked great and no more arguments about color! Thanks so much for sharing your talents!

  • Anne-Lise says:

    Happy birthday! What haven’t I learned from you? I’ve learned that that undertones are real and vitally important in decorating decisions. I’ve learned to have one spotlight feature rather than to have multiple (and thus clashing) accent pieces. I’ve learned to keep clean and dirty colors separate. I’ve learned that mid-tone wood finishes are the best for flooring. I’ve learned to avoid dirty and patchy, multi-colored floor tiles. I’ve learned that there are gorgeous wood look tiles. I’ve learned to do big paint samples seen in multiple lights before selecting a paint color.

    Beyond the design stuff (which has been extraordinarily helpful), I’ve learned that success doesn’t always come easily, but that persistence and belief in yourself can pay off in the long run. Enjoy your success…you’ve worked hard for it!

  • Heather W. says:

    The best lesson I’ve learned from your blog is the importance of connecting the fireplace surround to the kitchen in terms of color. This saved us a lot of time and money. Happiest Birthday!

    I follow on Instagram

  • Nancy says:

    Happy 50th Maria!! Your birthday party looks like it was a fantastic success…love, love, love the cake!! My bit of decorating advice from you that I always remember is “boring is timeless”. Love that!! I always enjoy reading your blog and find myself searching through old posts for other words of wisdom. Don’t ever, ever stop!!

  • Matilda Luk says:

    Happy birthday, Maria! You’ve been so generous with your knowledge and I’ve learned so much from your website over the years–I think the most important was how to spot the undertones of colors I used to think were “neutral” like white, grey, beige, etc. But the most fun were your pithy sayings! My 2 favorites: “Today’s boring is tomorrow’s classic” and “Only one pattern among all the hard finishes.”

  • Elisabeth says:

    A very Happy 50th Birthday to a very special lady! ?
    You had a wonderful party!
    I’ve been reading your blog for quite a while now and I even reread some of your postings. They are always so informative. What really opened my eyes is your information about the different beiges. Every time I see beige, I try to figure out its undertone. You’ve got me hooked! ?

  • Barbara Rice says:

    Happy Birthday!!!
    I have learned many things from you and I learn something with every new post. But the first thing I learned was not to use that crazy multicolored tile on my back splash and stay with perfectly beautiful white subway tile. I have never regretted that decision. Now about some of those other choices…… all I can say is that I hadn’t found your blog yet.

  • Judy B. says:

    Happy Belated Birthday! I love reading your blog and seeing the before and after photos.

  • Christian says:

    Happiest of birthdays, Maria!! I’ve followed you for years and the #1 thing I’ve learned is:
    Be You. Choose your sofa or a rug in your favorite color. Then you’ll have a color to decorate around that will always make you happy!
    #2 would be that expertise comes from years of experience and dedication. Trust those experts and you’ll only pay once!

    I’m a follower on Insta, too! @ciddydulin

  • Catherine Nelson says:

    Happy Birthday! Thank you for all your informative posts you have written over the years. What I have learned is that there is a methodical approach to color and decorating. I am not always sure just what this is, so I rely on your posts looking for pictures and examples. I almost took your Austin course, where my daughter lives, but since it would be for my own pleasure only, I could not justify the expense. Thanks your your generous drawing.

  • Babs Loyd says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria, and many happy returns. Please include me in the drawing for your 50 fabulous prizes! You are the prettiest 50 year old ever.

  • Patricia Lovering says:

    My fav lesson learned is that when I incorporate neutral undertones that have harmony,
    my favorite colors really pop! Happy Birthday Maria!

  • Margaret Robertson says:

    I just found you and spent a week-end reading all your blogs and exploring your website. Now, I am obsessed with all the pink beige I see EVERYWHERE~! Thank goodness there are some solutions to this huge problem!

  • Arlene (iris) says:

    Those are fabulous prizes! and I’d love to have a seat in your training seminar. What I’ve learned from your Blog and books is the A-Z of white. What I’ve learned from you is to be an inspiration to others, never stop learning, work hard and persevere. Good things will come. Happpy Birthday Marie and many more!

  • Ro Walsh says:

    Hi Maria,

    A very Happy Birthday to you! Your pictures are so beautiful and your party looks like it was absolutely perfect! I think the best lesson I have learned from you is that a room & home can be TOTALLY TRANSFORMED into something beautiful to suite your taste.

    Really enjoy your blog & best regards!

    Ro Walsh

  • Lori Kendall says:

    I learned that whites are not as easy to select as one would think. I can now tell a difference between blue white, true white, off white and creams. I also now know that the ceiling white needs to be a category lighter than my trim white if I want them to look the same. We built a new house with a lot of white and your guidelines saved us!! I’m also a big fan of white subway tile.

    I already follow you on Instagram.

    Happy Birthday!!!!?????

  • Kerri Hart says:

    Happy 50th Birthday! I have learned SO much reading your website! One of the biggest lessons has been discerning between dirty and clean colors (and NOT mixing them) as well as learning all the undertones in the grey/beige family. I am constantly helping friends look at paint samples and quoting your book that I read. Thank you! PS – I am following on instagram as well.

  • Lisa Brand says:

    Dear Maria,

    I have learned many things from your blog. But the 2 that stand out for me is running one flooring type (preferably hardwood) throughout your whole house. You also taught me how to choose a counter top by placing your countertop sample on the floor you have chosen. Such valuable lessons!! I love your Blog!

  • Susan B. says:

    The best lesson that I have learned from your blog: White walls do not brighten a dark room. It was counter-intuitive for me, but I can see now how true it is! Thanks, Maria.

  • Fran says:

    Maria, best wishes for a happy 50th birthday and a wonderful year ahead! It looks like Terreeia hit it out of the ballpark with your party — delicious food, great music, beautiful decorations and good friends. As for the best lesson I’ve learned from your blog, it’s difficult to choose only one. You’ve helped increase my decorating confidence so much with your helpful advice, but I guess the most important thing I’ve learned is to stick with classic finishes and you’ll never go wrong. I’d love to see you in October when you’re in Atlanta!

  • arlene (iris) says:

    You are soo generous. Those are fabulous prizes!! and I’d love to have a seat in your training seminar. What I’ve learned from your blog… the A-Z of white! What I’ve learned from you is to… never stop learning, be an inspiration to others, work hard and persevere. Good things will come. Happy Birthday Maria and many many more!

  • Christine says:

    Happy 50th Maria !!! The biggest lesson I learned has been that simple, classic hard finishes (although not always the most exciting) will stand the test of time far better than jumping on the current trendy item that you’ll end up hating or at least being bored with not long after it’s installed!

  • Alison Alison says:

    Happy Birthday. Alison

  • Molly says:

    I found you when I first started my own kitchen renovation and you speak my love language. 🙂 I am not a designer, but a wanna-be-without-the-vision, so I mostly lurk and learn, but I have learned SO MUCH about my own taste, timeless design, and the value of white kitchens and medium-toned wood floors. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us through your blog and not being tight-fisted with you talents to those of us who never make a living at design, but still love it from afar. Blessings!

    • Karen says:

      Happy Birthday, Maria! The fabulous pictures of your party made me feel like I was there celebrating with you. I have learned so much from your blog and eBooks. The most important thing you have taught me is that my rooms are not a “10” if they do not fill my heart with JOY each time I walk into them! This has been my guiding principle as I make decorating decisions. Thank you!

  • Susan says:

    Happy birthday! So nice to see that our crazy west coast weather cooperated for your party. Love your back yard. Have just started receiving your blog and newsletter and find the info invaluable. I think the most helpful thing I have learned is identifying undertones. Too bad I didn’t know this a few years ago when renovating our house…it would have saved many trips to the paint store and all the money spent on paint sample pots I tried that didn’t go well with the other finishes in the house. Eventually got it right but it was a frustrating exercise. Would love to win one of your prizes although I will be away in Europe in September so wouldn’t be able to attend the Vancouver colour seminar (just in case I won ?). Thanks for all the great info.

  • Tricia says:

    Happy Birthday.

    What a lovely party. Food looks great. Garden looks great. That cake looks great. Hmm, too bad you’re not giving away a thesuarus.

    I’d love to win the art or any of the give-aways.
    Thank you so much for doing that!!
    Are you turning 50 only once??

    I’ve learned so much about undertones. Like so many MK readers pre-MK, I could tell when colors didn’t go together, but couldn’t quite describe or pinpoint what was wrong. And classic is timeless. The kitchen faucet post is especially timely for my kitchen redo, so thanks for that as well.

    Thanks for writing such a great blog.

  • Laura Harsevoort-Heyink says:

    You taught me how to understand undertones and to always do big paint patches when testing paint colors! Thanks you’ve saved me a bunch of time and money that I would have wasted repainting!

  • Cassie (Murphy Shockley) says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! Loved your 5 Rules of Life – especially “be authentic……no B.S.”

  • jeannie casey says:

    happy birthday! I have learned about undertones. I’m struggling at it but its getting easier. I hope i win the color workshop. I’m following you on Instagram now too.

  • Sandy Beaty says:

    Love the cake! Love your mantelscape! Love the picture of you and your nephews! The best thing I learned from Maria Killam is how to choose the paint and finishes for an entire new house without sweating it. It was amazingly painless. The last house I built – I painted 24 boards to figure out the colors. This house only two. It is a crime how easy it was. Thank you!

  • Bonita O'Neill says:

    A late happy birthday Maria. I love James Wiens’ work. I can’t drive through a subdivision anymore without checking paint colours and seeing if “Maria would approve” or what I think you would do to make a badly-chosen paint job better. Although not a decorator, I love colour and I have learned so much simply from reading your posts. Thanks.

  • Becky Lopp says:

    Happy Birthday< Maria. Today (June 7) is also our DIL's birthday and our 48th wedding anniversary. I have been following your blog for at least 5 years and have learned so much about undertones. You are a fab teacher and inspire the excitement of learning new skills. Now my family checks with me before selecting a new paint color, roof color, trim etc. It is just delightful to see faces light up when you can show them the undertones they had not been able to see before. Even have a game with grandkids since they were little to create a "color memory"! I am a retired RN…but love the art of what you do…and would like to learn more!

  • Lisa says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria! 😀 You look lovely in your signature color.

    I’ve already learned so much from your blog, specifically about how to identify “pink beige” (a color I’ve never liked but couldn’t ever articulate *why* not) and how dirty colors will always look less pleasing next to clean colors. Those terms make perfect sense, and now I understand why I can love a color…until I put it next to my favorite clean version of it. (I gravitate to cleaner colors but appreciate the muted “dirty” hues as well.)

    I love your aesthetic and I’m 100% with you on timeless kitchens and bathrooms! Gimme ALL the white subway tiles! 😉

    I would be thrilled to win any of items 1-5 (I already own 6 & 7), but would absolutely LOVE to attend your Specify Colour conference!!!!! Just followed you on Instagram (using my last name / different email address…let me know if you’d like me to email it to you so you’re sure).

    Thanks for your generosity in offering these gifts to your readers!

  • Carolyn Bruno says:

    Happy Birthday Maria,

    Most importantly, your blog has taught me how to manifest a decorating dream within the constraints of reality.

    Thank you so much!

  • CJ says:

    Happy 50th Birthday!
    1. I signed up for the Atlanta color event in October.
    2. Looking forward to meeting you and can’t wait to see what was chosen for my lake house bathrooms through the color consultation.
    3. Best lesson I learned from your blog is “not all whites are white.”

  • Dawn says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! You sure don’t look 50! I have been following your blog for such a long time. You are spot on regarding color choices both interior and exterior. I have also learned to love the timeless classics after watching you remodel your gorgeous home. I can’t tell you the number of times I have gone back to look at all the small details in your house and gardens for inspiration. Perfection!! ????

  • Stephanie Nagel says:

    Maria, I would love to win a seat at your Boston color workshop in the Fall. From your blog, I have learned the importance of undertones in selecting finishes/paint colors, and to only have one pattern in hard finishes and keep the rest classic. Thank you for sharing & Happy Birthday!

  • Jo says:

    Sometimes, no matter how much I squint, I still can’t tell what the undertone is! Happy Birthday girl!

  • Hi Maria,
    I was so pleased to meet you and Terreeia at the Corte Madera Color class last month. I have been reading your blogs for quite awhile and now to have met you they (Blogs) mean more to me. Somehow, knowing you personally helps understand your ideas and system better and of course the class.

    Thank you for sharing your birthday party with us. It was a very Colorful day and party.. Terreeia did it up ‘right’!!

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! AND Many, many more Happy Ones!!

    Going to sign up for your Instagram right now : )

  • Naomi says:

    And your new build course would be great too. (I already own your other courses and e-books). I registered for your instagram. See name “Summer Naomi”

    • Naomi says:

      oops, that was supposed to go under my post further up where I say “I would love to win the live course.” I didn’t mean for it to become a 2nd entry!

  • Jackie says:

    Greetings, Happy Birthday and many more. The best lesson would be the undertones because without seeing the undertone everything else goes out the window, however I’m still having trouble seeing the beige tones. I would appreciate one of your gifts.

  • Pat Thalhammer says:

    I can distinguish clean from dirty colors. When I make the wrong choices, I can usually figure out the problem. Just need to be less impulsive with my purchases.
    Happy Birthday. For me, fifty was a very good year!
    Thanks

  • Leyann D. says:

    The best lesson I’ve learned from your blog is that white is timeless. A white kitchen will weather time and trends better than any other choice. You’ve also taught me about undertones. I always just kind of “knew” when a color wasn’t right and now, because of your blog, I know WHY the color isn’t right.

  • Chandi says:

    I have learned lots about undertones and not to ignore the fixed things your don’t like in your space. I have also learnt that you can’t pick a paint color from small paint chip. You NEED bigger chips in order to pick the right color for the space.
    Already following you on Instagram 🙂
    Happy Birthday!!

  • Kirstin says:

    Happy Birthday! You have totally opened my eyes to undertones and to the idea of creating a timeless look with the fixed elements of my home. Thank you!

  • Kirstin says:

    I forgot to mention that I also follow you on Instagram!

  • Cheryl Coston says:

    Happy Birthday! The thing I’ve most learned is that, not only do I not have an eye for decorating, but I can’t see undertones a LOT of the time so instead of making mistakes, I need to hire someone for this fixer-upper. I’ve wanted to ask for a name or two of people that were in your Jacksonville seminar so I have some confidence, but haven’t had the nerve to do it 🙁 I won’t hire anyone who hasn’t done your seminars!

    You don’t need to enter me for your lovely gifts (unless it’s exterior paint help), because the seminars would be wasted on me.

    I’m glad you had such a lovely birthday party – Terreeia is a gift!

  • Kathleen Phelan says:

    Happy Birthday! Thank you for sharing your beautiful celebration and sharing your wonderful gifts with us! The smile on your face in the photos is priceless! I took your Specify Colour With Confidence course about 2 years ago after reading your books and blogs! I purchased both the Core and VIP Collection boards! They are an invaluable tool for my business! But, the most important thing I learned was the “why” for colour decisions. Now I am confident in my selections for clients and the “why” enables them to have confidence in me! Thank you so much for your continued support of all of us! My sincerest wish for many more happy years for you! Happy Birthday!

  • Brystal Hopkins says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria! I’ve learned so much from your blog. I sort of happened upon interior design as a hobby and it has recently turned into a profession and I am eating up all the information I can get. I especially love all the posts you have that help me translate to clients why what they have is dated, and what choices we can make to go timeless instead of trendy. I’ve also loved your “white” posts…it is a tricky color! All the best!

  • Jane Beard says:

    Go classic! Not trendy — for fixed elements. Trendy if you ant to swap out a pillow. But not on the tile, floors, cabinets, fireplace mantles. Dirty versus clean…HUGE! How the styling can make something that’s just wrong look a little less wrong, if you have a bossy element you’re not able to upgrade at the moment. Even how to spot that pink beige (and it’s in so many places — like a virus went around the western world). To look at the world around me from the POV of color, what works, what doesn’t. If I were a designer I would have taken your class years ago. Probably twice. I think your work is spectacular and helpful and approachable. I’m glad you got fired and started this. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

    • Jane Beard says:

      Oh! Also: That white isn’t white. That there are many whites. Sounds so elemental to you and most people who follow you, because you’re DESIGNERS. It was a gob-smacking revelation to me.

  • Holly Friedman says:

    The biggest lesson learned was about where to start with either an empty house, a major reno, or open concept decor. That being to get the sofa, chairs, etc, (and lamps!) for the living area so you have some pieces you know you love and your family is comfortable. Then build the wall colors from there.
    Very generous of you to offer prizes…on your birthday! But that is the joy of gratitude right?
    Many happy returns!

  • Marise says:

    As a designer I think one of the hardest things is paint (for me anyways). I’ve enjoyed reading your blog and the way you are pairing colors. I would love to win one of the many goodies, especially the class!
    Happy Birthday!!!!

  • Laura Pecoraro says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! Thank you for sharing so much of your wisdom with us. I don’t go anywhere any more without analyzing undertones, thanks to you. It’s a great exercise and has helped me immensely with my home. You and Terreeia are quite the team!

  • Maria!! Happy Birthday, Lady!! You are the Queen of the Undertones. I use your knowledge and experience on a daily basis to sort out the plethora of color options out there. Your system is fool-proof and such an asset to my business. I carry a satchel with your complete set of color samples and one of my favorite books (“White is Complicated” with colored tabs sticking out of it) in my car at all times. I never want to be without Maria! Thanks for your Specify Colour with Confidence (New Jersey class) and all you continue to do to make our world a more beautiful and colorful place. All the best in the years ahead.

  • Carol says:

    Happy birthday Maria!!!! Before I read your blog I didnt even know there were undertones and
    after getting your book on understanding undertones I feel like my eyes have been opened
    and then your renovate w confidence series helped me even more!!!! YOur truely brillant w
    color!!!!!

  • Patti Wudi says:

    Website in the works for Windsong Design

    Best thing I’ve learned is One and only One pattern in the kitchen.

    Thanks and happy birthday

  • Anne Smyers says:

    Basically just knowing the undertones has been so enlightening and clarifying! Helpful in my artwork as well as in my use-what-you-have decorating business. Love your blog and your down to earth approach. And yes, I already follow you on Instagram (-:

  • mrsben says:

    ♫ ♫ ♫ HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, dear Maria ♫ ♫ ♫ and may you have many, many more! Do hope you are enjoying today and it appears that Terreeia did a fabulous job in helping you celebrate it plus its difficult to believe you are now a half a century old as ‘darlin’ you don’t look over a day of thirty. (At seventy years of age, wish I could say the same … LOL!) To conclude; I have been a long time follower of your Blog and what I learned from you was ‘the reason why I saw colours the way I did but never could explain it” which was namely due to their undertones, so I thank you for that and your generosity in offering these wonderful prizes on your special day certainly is to be commended. Sending warm Birthday hugs your way -Brenda-

  • Margy Troje-Meade says:

    After my husband died and the Memorial had taken place my daughter said, it is now time to paint. I thought she was crazy! I was fatigued but she put on her painting clothes and started painting anyway, then my oldest daughter joined her and I said, I can’t do this now, but after watching them talking away and painting, I put my painting clothes on and started painting too. Little did I know that we 3 super women could transform my dark townhouse to a new, beautiful, fresh look. With the use of your paint boards we were able to match the undertone perfectly with the marble in my fireplace. We were all happy with the end results and received so many compliments on the color. During the saddest time in my whole life I was able to change something for the better! I felt like, if I can do this, then maybe, I can just about do anything…..
    Happy Birthday from all of us!

  • Terri Wise says:

    Hi, Happy Birthday… Thanks for sharing your garden party celebration. What a pleasant surprise when I accidentally crossed paths w/ Maria’s website. I’ve been in the design field since 2000, truly a gift to do what is your passion. I had developed my own “try & true” theory when picking paint colors… until I read your newsletter. Such simplicity and clear concepts resonated with me. Loved, loved love the “bossy” syndrome when related to clients insistence of 2 colliding surfaces. Simplicity/classic when picking out hard surfaces has always been my preference. Thank you so very much for revealing your simple design tips in picking paint or design elements…I look forward to all your valuable insights to share w/ my clients. Warm Regards, Terri Wise
    My website is currently being re-structured. Should be active by June 20th.

  • Judy Baughman says:

    Me: S-M-I-L-E to save your job & Compare, Compare, Compare!
    Husband: Hmm…I think we both have the same “Undertone”, we just may last another 37 years!
    Looking forward to your Sherwin Williams boards~~
    Happy Birthday to YOU and thank you so very much for your wonderful training courses.

  • Julie C says:

    Happy Birthday! I’ve been reading your blog for awhile and have so badly wanted to attend one of your seminars. (scheduling conflicts) Thanks to you, I now look for the undertones in colors am thankful to know I am not the only one who thinks it is best to stay simple and classic with white! But, I would love to live in a pink house (thank you for that post!)

  • Sue Denomy says:

    Happy Birthday ??

    I loved the cake.

    I would love to participate in your birthday giveaway.

    One thing I have learned from your program is the subtleties of undertones. Unfortunately I can now see mistakes in my home that I have lived with for years and couldn’t quite put my finger on.
    Time for a refresh.

    I follow your instagram as well. ❤️

    Sue

  • Nora Bonner says:

    I was the lucky one to start following your blog before I remodeled my house. I would go through all your posts before making any decisions. It turned out better than I could have ever imagined. Everyone asks me if I hired a designer! I just smile and say no. I own it all to you!!!! I would love to enter your drawing! I also already follow you on Instagram so I’ll go comment there too!

  • jeannine says:

    Happy Birthday Maria!! I hope you’re having the loveliest day. 😉

    My most favorite tip is going with the white/bisque subway tile if you want to be classic and have tile that can allow you to change and update your space without later grief or remorse. I’ve always loved white subway but didn’t realize how important it was to keep pattern/movement to a minimum until you showed me again and again how it’s the most elegant and sensible choice for longevity and flexibility. I used to be overwhelmed with choices but not anymore. There usually are just a couple choices and I amaze myself with how quickly I can now assess a space and get to work without the hesitation, doubt and finger crossing i used to have. Thank you Maria, you’re making the world a more beautiful place.

  • margaret robitaille says:

    Well I have learned many things from your blog about choosing colors, determining undertones, side by side comparisons to determine the true color, a lot about whites etc..but I think the most important thing I have learned is to treat everyone with respect. You are the color guru and have earned the right to tell people their design, choices and/or colors are atrocious but you don’t do that. That is not the Maria Killam we know. You suggest, you educate, offer guidance without a stitch of superficiality. You treat us all like you would like to be treated and we are the better for it.
    Happy, happy birthday kiddo and many more!!

  • Doris Bailey says:

    Happy Birthday Maria. You have opened my eyes about undertones – especially pink beige. We are renovating a house and I am so grateful for your tips and photos! The single most useful advice for me is that you taught me to keep the “hard” surfaces classic and simple which leaves room for colorful accents that are easily changed in the future. Many thanks for everything.

  • Amber says:

    I love that you call colors clean and dirty. We have referred to fabric in those terms for awhile! I have developed a better eye for the clean vs dirty since following your blog, so thanks so much. I do follow you on Instagram, although I never post.

  • Kat says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! You rock 50 like no other! Your birthday party looks like a lot of fun too. Everything is so well thought out and coordinated in every detail.

    Two things you helped me with:

    1) I got 2 big pink floral pillows for my dated sage green sofa – the transformation is amazing! It looks current again! Thank you!

    2) I was putzing around with selecting a quartz counter and fancy back splash tiles and never liked any of the combinations. Then I read what you wrote about keeping the kitchen surfaces boring – that spoke to me! It’s not granite counters and a subway tile back splash, but simple quartz counters with the same quartz back splash (all the way up to the cabinets). I love it!

    Thank you for giving us REAL content that we can put to real use!

    (I follow you on Instagram)

  • Carla says:

    Happy, Happy Birthday, Maria. It looks like your party was fabulous. So happy the weather decided to cooperate. The best thing that I have learned from your website, blog, and ebooks is to keep it classic. I can now spot instantly what is wrong with pictures that I see in real estate listings as far as mixing undertones, it is like a whole new world opened up for me visually. I have also shared your sage advise with my daughter and friends. Keep on with being happy, healthy and it sounds like very busy. Any many more happy birthdays to share with Terreeia.

  • Ann L says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! I am looking forward to attending your 3 day color conference later this fall. I have purchased your eBooks in the past and they have been very helpful. I am more confident in my color choices for my clients because of your help. Thank you for sharing your great knowledge of color with us all! I also follow you on Instagram.

  • Rebecca Headline says:

    I’ve loved learning why I love white kitchens and why a classic white subway tile back splash is the best.

  • Gina J says:

    Happy Birthday! I love, love, love reading your blog and getting your weekly emails! I always get excited to read a new post to see what brilliant insight or fabulous advice you’ll have for me. I’ve told so many people about your blog and about how much I trust and admire your advice and aesthetic! The things that stick out in my mind the most as treasured lessons from your blog are: 1. A classic, timeless design is always best., 2. There should only be ONE patterned finish for any given space (I’m shopping for my first home now, and there are SO MANY kitchens and bathrooms that I hate because of bad combinations of busy tile, busy floor, and busy granite!). I have been dreaming of attending one of your color workshops for a long time, but I would love to win ANY one of the items you’re giving away! Whether I win or not, thanks for being such an inspiring force and teaching your faithful readers so much! Keep sharing and I’ll keep learning! I hope you have an even better year than the last!

  • Annie says:

    After following Maria’s blog for a long, long time, I realized I hated everything in my house.

  • Laura says:

    I have followed your blog for a number of years now. I think the piece of advice I carry around in my head is to just buy the furniture in the colour you like vs what is popular. Knowing you will love the item long after the trend has come and gone has been a very useful tip for me. 🙂

    Happy birthday!

  • Happy 50th Birthday Maria! I hope your day is as special as you are and you’re spoiled by all who love you! Thank you for sharing not only your birthday photos with us, but the knowledge you have accrued over the years in the design business. I love people who share! I learned so much while attending your class. Where to start?

    Not only are there undertones, but there are so many!

    Classic vs. Trendy, Whites are definitely complicated, Dirty vs Clean, Compare, Compare, Compare and you can never go wrong with a timeless white kitchen (just to name a few ?)

    The education you pass on and your insight is priceless!

    XO

  • Rey says:

    I would love to win any of those prizes. And happy birthday!

    Of the many wonderful lessons I have learned from reading your blog, the best is, I think, to forgo using a trendy neutral, unless it is a lifelong favorite color.

  • Lesley Vandas says:

    Happy 50th Maria!
    As I live in Vancouver, I would really LOVE to attend your colour seminar here. Having read your blog for a very long time now, I am constantly observing undertones everywhere but when I need to commit to a colour for myself I freeze. You have such great information each post which I find so useful. Thanks for doing what you do!

  • Carol Hatch says:

    Happy birthday! 50 is fabulous!!

    The most important thing I have learned from your blog is to compare your new color(s) to existing finishes, not in isolation. Clean & dirty colors are a revelation (!) but you must always ask “compared to what?”

    Thanks for your always honest posts and your upbeat attitude.

    (I am also an Instagram follower!)

  • Theresa says:

    Happy Birthday! I have following your blog for years and have purchased your color boards to use on consultations, which always impresses my clients. I’m so grateful to have stumbled upon your blog for I have learned so much! My biggest take away is knowing WHY colors work or don’t work. Thank you for sharing your talent, energy and wit with all of us!

  • Jen Holt says:

    Happy Birthday, beautiful! It has been an honor to attend one of your conferences and walk away knowing and FEELING that it is the best investment I have ever made on multiple levels. What I have learned from your blog-3 colors on an exterior house paint job is enough! Also-white is timeless and their are many many shades of white to choose from. Finally, because I had the absolute pleasure and good fortune of getting to know Tereeia in Austin-we all need a partner as lovely, intelligent, organized, energetic and dedicated as she is! The two of you are an inspirational team and I hope to attend your next conference in Texas-whenever that may be. My very best wishes for an amazing 50th year. You have most certainly earned it!

  • Lauren says:

    Happy 50th Maria! Your party and guests and food all look wonderful. I have been reading your blog since the beginning and finally found a way to attend your training last Fall in Charlotte which I loved! Also it was fun to get to meet you and Terreeria in person! The best lesson I learned from your blog (there are several) is the undertones of course!! I just couldn’t seem to nail that down on my own and knew when it was right and when it was wrong but not able to articulate why. What a gift!

  • Petra Young says:

    Happy birthday Maria! Thanks to you, I now understand why undertones to in different colours and surfaces need to work together. You’ve saved me from myself more than once! I would love to be entered into your draw. Thanks for sharing your expertise with us so generously!

    PS – the 50s are fabulous!

  • Terri Darden says:

    Your blog and e-books really were my go to resource for our recent kitchen and kitchen bathroom remodel. Thanks to you I have a beautiful white kitchen and bathroom that I hope will still look good in 10 years.

  • Barbara says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria! I came across your website after hiring a decorator from he**! She was sweet in our initial interview, but once under contract, she was a nightmare. My husband had been very sick and I want to treat him to a beautiful master bedroom–one that he would enjoy if he were forced to stay in the house and one where he could have visitors. Any time I questioned this decorator about color choices, she said to “trust” her. I knew I wanted happy colors and showed her pictures of my visions. She picked out fabrics for window treatments and bedding. I told her that I could not see the colors going together and no happiness. She took me outside to see the fabrics in the sun and I repeated that I could not see the colors going together. She told me that I was colorblind and told me that this is what “they” do in million dollar homes making me feel belittled and ashamed. Thousands of dollars later of “trusting” her, I never got the master bedroom that I had save for or dreamed of. Then I stumbled on your website. I cried when I read your blog since you had developed a language to express colors and undertones. I ordered your e-books. I am not colorblind. I just didn’t have the words about color to convey my gut feelings. Having such a negative experience, I delayed getting another decorator. Then I spoke with one who listened to me about what I wanted. She said, “There is a Canadian decorator who I think you would enjoy–Maria Killam.” I was shocked. We spoke the same language! She knew what I wanted. I am not colorblind! She is helping me add the color and happiness that I want and that my husband and I need. Your blog made the best difference in my home and in my life. I am grateful for your sharing your knowledge. Thank you for inviting me to tell you what I have learned from your blog and Instagram.

  • Bette says:

    I’ve learned so much from reading your blog! My knowledge of undertones now confirms I’m not crazy when I tell people their car (normally parked in their driveway) needs to match (or at least complement) the color of their house, LOL!

  • Addy Levitch says:

    What a great birthday you had! Happy Birthday year! Everything looked so beautiful and your nephews are getting so big!. I don’t know if I’m too late for the drawing but still wanted to wish you a HB. I’ve done your color workshop and it changed everything about how I do business. I’ve also bought your books and one of the core paint sample collection. I’m not sure if I can choose one thing that I’ve learned from everything I’ve studied with you, but just the undertone color wheel and how to compare everything whether it’s comparing one color to another to determine the right choice or comparing everything in a room as an all together design making sure you repeat the color in the space. To choose timeless/classic finishes on the permanent fixtures like floor, cabinets, etc. There’s just too many. If I don’t win anything because there’s so many people that responded and I’m at the bottom (don’t know if you’ll get to read it before you get tired 🙂 I just wanted to say a simple thank you for your determination in teaching your theory to the world. And I’m proud of you for coming up with such an ahaaaa moment system of undertones ! that’s a big deal and you should be proud of yourself. (just in case – I don’t really want art hihihi)

  • Geri Stevenson says:

    I have enjoyed your wrieupa on white and also how to not mix bright and dull color combinations. It has me thinking about what is right to do for our kitchen under renovation after we have done the adjacent family room. Love reading your articles! Happy Birthday! Geri

  • Becky says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! What a party!
    Wow, choosing the BEST lesson I have learned? That’s a tough one. I quote you all day long, haha, you are so practical! I guess the lesson that did the most toward saving my sanity was keeping hard finishes simple and classic. It meant I FINALLY did my kitchen back splash after 3 years of overthinking it… in white subway tiles, of course. : ) And I LOVE it. My husband and I are doing a garage-to-entry way conversion right now, and choosing finishes is SO easy! I LOVE how much you narrow down the overwhelming options into what will make me happy for years.
    May you be blessed as you have blessed me, with true joy this 50th year!

  • Michele Keys says:

    Just one?! Hmm, pretty much everything I know about paint colours and styling a room, but one thing…. awareness of undertones in paint colours. I LOVE your blog.

    Happy 50th Maria!

    Michele

  • Rachel says:

    Happy Birthday Maria!!!
    I can’t even begin to tell you how much your color advice has inspired me over the last several years! You have been profoundly transformitive in the way that I relate color to designing an environment that creates that “aah” feeling the moment one enters their space. I am not a designer by trade, but rather a color enthusiast that stumbled upon your blog when we first purchased our “forever home” that needed a complete makeover. Fast forward to 3 years later and I am completely smitten with the design world, so much so, that I have slowly been helping my friends and family to transform their spaces solely based on the advice I have gleaned from your ebooks and blog posts. After purchasing “White is Complicated”, (which came with the “Bonus Book of Whites”), and “How to Choose Paint Colors”, I found that the overwhelming world of color suddenly seemed to make some sense, A LOT of sense! I can’t tell you how much I would love to win a spot in your “Specify Color with Confidence” event in the fall. I live in Kirkland, Washington, and would most likely have heart failure from excitement if I were to be chosen for this amazing gift! After many years of trying to find what I want to be when I grow up:), It seems that color, and the passion to help others create their perfect space, has found me! Thank you Maria for sharing your amazing talent with all of us, and Happy, Happy Birthday my dear!! P.S., there is no way that you are 50!!:)

  • Mary O'Brien says:

    Hey Maria,
    Happy Birthday!
    I’m excited that you’re doing a class in Los Angeles in the fall. I’m going to try and make it to that one. I missed San Francisco in the spring. The timing just didn’t work.
    Your tips are incredibly helpful. We just moved into a new house last year, and so are on a mission to re-do stuff!
    Cheers, Mary

  • Pat says:

    Welcome to the fabulous 50’s!! I have learned so many things from your blog over the years. One thing I have learned (if I have to choose one, lol) is that when buying a preowned home, if I can’t change hard surfaces, THEY are the boss, not me. I hope you had an awesome birthday, you deserve it!

  • Peg says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria!
    The best lesson learned from you (both in your blog and at your training)? That it truly is possible to recommend color palettes via e-design. I admit I was a skeptic prior to taking your class 😉 Oh! and I’ve been a follower on Pinterest and Instagram for ages!
    cheers,
    peg

  • Cheryl Radetsky says:

    First of all, a big old huge Happy Bday!!!! Yay you! Quite coincidently, I was thinking of writing you ANYWAY to thank you for the huge contribution you’ve made to me via your quite fabulous blog. So, after living in our new home for almost a year, the dear husband and I finally agreed on a sofa for the tv room. (And I do mean FINALLY). It was made to order, and the fabric I/we picked out looked like it would be perfect. As the days went by, the 8 weeks that we had to wait for our custom sofa finally came to an end… the moment the delivery people placed the sofa down in the living room, I wanted to scream. It was so wrong. The room wasn’t the perfect place of peace and relaxation that I dreamed of. Instead of was a jamble of things that just did not go together. At all. Because the sofa was from a really great company, I could have returned it. However…husband loves it. And, as each day goes by, I hate it more and more. Why? It finally dawned on me, having read this concept so many times in your blog. It just didn’t relate to anything. Yes, that’s why everything seemed like it didn’t go…well, because it didn’t. So, step one. The pillows that I so loved (knock-offs of the John Robshaw mirrored pillows), were the first to go. A quick trip to Pottery Barn and I got the perfect pillows that enlivened the sofa and matched the rug, they even brought out a teeny bit of gold from the artwork. Next victim, the lamp. Bye -bye with a trip to HomeGoods where I got a lovely light fixture that matched the artwork and coffee table edge. I also picked up a little coffee table decoration that further tied together the lamp and artwork. Yes, Maria, thank you for saving my room with the concept of having furnishings relate. You were a lifesaver!

  • Shawna Froese says:

    There were always certain colour combinations that just weren’t right, but I could never explain why. You provided the explanation and the ‘why’ no longer drives me nuts. Because of you, I stuck to white when redoing my kitchen and bathroom. No accent tile, no matter how pretty it was, and neutral counters. I now have the freedom to play with paint colour since all the fixed elements are neutral. So if I ever get sick of my favourite colour, I can repaint.

  • Sandy says:

    Happy 50th birthday, Maria! I’ve learned so much from following your blog over the years. You are the first person to help me understand undertones. Also I took your new build workshop and that has helped me immensely to select the finishes and colors for my new home and yes my kitchen is classic white with an island that looks like a piece of furniture. You were so helpful during the workshop to answer my questions. I do plan to take your training one day. Wishing you continued success and happiness !

  • Julie says:

    Happy Birthday Maria!!
    I have follow your blog for years, and also follow you on instagram.

    I would say the biggest thing I have learned from you is how to keep all the finishes that are more fixed in a home timeless. I have read your advice on this subject concerning wood floor colors to cabinets to tile and countertops. I think your advice is spot on, and of course it all has to do with the undertones present in the Materials chosen.
    Thank you so much for everything you do!!

  • Mighty says:

    Love your blog and what I’ve learned is to have. Positive attitude and be willing to take chances. Thank you!!

  • Sheri says:

    I am a newbie to your blogs; and I am smitten. I can’t stop reading your blog content. Here is what I have learned: “It is better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one than to have one and not be prepared.” -Young. In four days, the blog has also taught me to Read much, Research often, Learn always, and Invest in myself. Can’t wait to read everything on your website and hopefully meet you at the conference.

  • Diane Hanson says:

    I love how you talk about colors bossing you around. To use simple and classic colors on everything that is permanent in your home. Example Sub Way Tile will not date your backsplash like the latest trends. Don’t follow the ever changing design world. Timeless is always in style. Love your blog.

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!11

  • sue miller (Rocky Mountains, USA) says:

    Happy B-Day Maria,
    You bring light and love into the lives of all of us who view your posts. This I hope you will soak up all of the return energy contained in these comments!
    It would be a blast to meet you and participate in the group camaraderie at one of your Specify Colour With Confidence workshops. I am 57 & jazzed to re-enter the work force, attend your professional training and launch a fabulous consulting career.

  • Bonnie Lagerstrom says:

    Happy Birthday!! I love your cake…so perfect!
    I’ve been following your blog for 8 years and the best thing I’ve learned is how to look for undertones in neutrals. Thank you for sharing your understanding of color with the rest of the world!

  • arlene (iris) says:

    What a fabulous gift to give us on your special day! I’d love to win a seat in your training seminar.
    Your blog/ books have shown me the A-Z on the colour white, and you’ve shown me hard work, genuine interest in others, together with perseverance can get you where you want to be.
    Happy Birthday Maria and many many more.

  • Claudia Denholm says:

    Wow, Maria, the photos of your birthday party were fun. Happy Birthday!

    I’ve been reading your blog for several years now, and have loved all the before and after photos and the articles devoted to undertones, choosing colors, and trends. In addition, I love the photos you post of your familly – Terreeia, your adorable nephews, your mom and your sister & her husband.

    I think the best thing about your blog is that there is always a fix! There’s always a way to make something work, and your enthusiasm in finding the right flooring or the right backsplash or just your general observations about what works and what doesn’t work always leaves me amazed at your eye for color and design.

    Thank you for being so inspiring. You rock, Maria!

  • jackie says:

    Greetings, Happy Birthday and many more! The best lesson is knowing about undertones. Wish you the best.

  • Joan says:

    Would love to win any of the marvelous gifts. Happy Birthday to a super talented designer and most gracious sharer of priceless info and tips.

  • Sharon L Oppedisano says:

    Most importantly, I learned about undertones of whites from your blog. A friend who was trained by you has helped me to select paint colors and flooring. We used to try out dozens of paint samples before deciding on a wall color. Your color boards were invaluable. Our first sample was perfect! And colors flow beautifully from room to room. I will be forever grateful, Maria. May you be blessed with a Happy Birthday and good health, and may your expertise be magnified in the coming years, as you train others.

  • Stacy Griffin says:

    Happy 50th birthday, Maria! I didn’t know we were nearly the same age. I’ll be celebrating mine soon as well.
    The most valuable piece of information I’ve learned from you is that white is timeless. There are others, but that one has stayed with me the most through the years of following you. Thanks for the wisdom I’ve gleaned from your blog.

  • Vicki Barr says:

    Happy Birthday Maria?
    Started following your blog to learn about undertones.
    The best thing I learned was to sign up for your workshop. As luck would have it it was coming to Dallas. I signed up ASAP. Learning your system has made a huge impact on me. Thanks. Vicki

  • Phyllis E says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria! You sure make 50 years old look gorgeous! Hmmm…it is hard to decide what is the “best” lesson I’ve learned from your blog because I have learned so, so many great lessons!!! It is so nice that you are so willing to teach us, without holding back your “trade secrets!” I think one of the best lessons I’ve learned is: “boring now equals timeless later”!! Thank you for all you’ve done to help save the world from hideous, gaudy, busy backsplashes, too many competing patterns in fixed finishes, and clashing undertones!
    I would love to win a seat at one of your training courses, (a dream come true), but any prize would be awesome. How generous of you!

  • Rodney Holcomb says:

    I have learned about undertones as well as insuring color and pattern does not clash. The result of your posts are much more peaceful rooms.

  • Kirsten says:

    Best lesson so far: Painting a darkish room white won’t (alas!) magically make it bright and ethereal.

    Reading your blog (and books) has given me a framework to consider how colors will pair with one another, allowing me to make better choices out of the gate. This has helped me choose plants for the garden as well as the paint color I’m putting in my bathroom.

    Thanks!

  • Cherie says:

    So excited by your contest, Maria! I’ve religiously read your blog for 7 years; I discovered it when we moved into our current home, and haven’t missed a post since. Seeing undertones was a revelation!

  • Wendy says:

    Happy birthday, Maria. And welcome to the Mid-Century Club (I joined a couple of years ago). Your birthday party looked amazing as does your backyard. My aha moment happened recently. It was from your 2010 post Colour Books every Colour Lover should Own. You mentioned a couple of books by Donald Kaufman so I purchased them and am planning to start them this weekend.

    BTW – I also follow you on Instagram

  • Meredith Mackin says:

    Happy 50th, Maria! The biggest thing I’ve learned from you is to figure out the undertone of colors. I learn something new with every blog post of yours, though. Thanks for sharing your talent and passion with us!

  • Alice Byrne says:

    I love, love, love your site and would love to win a prize. The most important thing I learned is to ‘keep it simple’ by using whites in the kitchen and bathrooms and pay attention to those undertones. Back in the 90’s when I remodeled a kitchen I did pretty well with flooring-maple, cabinets-white glazed maple, paint BM Dove White BUT then selected a dark turquoise/teal countertop in a busy fakish stone pattern. I hated that countertop from the day it was installed living with it for the next 18 years until I moved last year. The kitchen I’m saving to remodel in the condo is going to get the white, white, white treatment Oak Cabinets painted SW 7004 torque, paint SW 7003 and frosty carinna quartz… simple, simple, simple. Thank you for your knowledge and experience.

  • Pat Dickinson says:

    I love your blog and honestly, every post is a lesson. When I was in college taking Interior Decorating, I wish your course would have been part of the curriculum, as I would have left college with more confidence about colour.

    Happy Birthday, you rock.

    Pat

  • Lois says:

    Happy Happy Birthday!
    You have already generously given many gifts to us, your readers and followers.
    Consequently, it is almost impossible to narrow down to just one important lesson learned.
    But here goes: Though undertones, whites and creams, and your masterful updating of dated places are truly inspiring, I am touched time and again by your drive to look inward, understand yourself, improve yourself and then share yourself with all of us.
    It would be a dream to attend your seminar in the US, but a webinar or books would be fantastic too.
    My hope for your birthday — that you feel deep satisfaction in the personal “interior” work that you’ve done as well as in your great business success.

  • Deborah Fields Holbrook says:

    I’ve worked in the flooring and window covering industry for 20 years before that I was a lighting consultant for 8 years. So in all my time in the home market your blog has been the most informative in helping me help my customers with their own renovations. In Hawaii our market is so very different than the mainland in products we sell.
    It’s my dream to come to your November LA class but it will depend on if I can get that time off as we are short handed.
    We recently had our end of year (May 2016 – April 2017) awards at work and they told of each sales persons percentage of increase they had over the last year. Mine was 49%. Understanding color from your blog and helping my customers get the right product for their home is what did the trick. This is a God send for all who are design challenged…..Thank you, Maria!!!

  • Kristin says:

    I always read your blog and really enjoy it! The best thing I learned if you could call it that are the large sample collection. LOVE IT!

  • Michelle says:

    Happy 50th Maria! I always enjoy your posts! As a long time Interior Designer I always thought I was a color expert. I even told clients that was my specialty. And I felt it was true – even my colleagues would ask my advice about paint colors. I would say, “Yes, this color is gray but it “reads” purple”. So I was seeing the undertones in my own way. I’ve learned so much from you in regards to color and dealing with clients. I would love to win a class from you! Thanks for all your help!

  • Patty Gillespie says:

    Happy 50th Birthday Maria !!!

    The best lesson I have learned from your blog is that colors have undertones. I found you when I painted my ENTIRE house (what I thought was) a neutral beige that turned out to look pink … awful !!!! I have had two online consultations and your advice has always been perfect 🙂 I have bought your e-books and large paint samples and don’t make a paint decision without them. I have turned all my friends and family to your blog. I am not a professional decorator but would love to attend one of your seminars to learn how to see colors more clearly. Thank you for your lessons !!

  • nicole jones says:

    only one lesson? ooo i’ve learned so much classic is best, dirty colors, undertones, to look at wood floors like denim..i think the best thing i’ve learned though is undertones and i have been able to pick colors for my home and my oldish bathroom without making huge mistakes….oh and i recently bought a green sofa because that’s better than in the neutral/beige/brown/gray sofa in the long run….and i just followed you on instagram, why did i not do this sooner? thank you for putting up such great posts, happy birthday!

  • Michelle Shepherd says:

    I’ve been following your blog for years and follow you on instagram too! Love your advice and have learned so much. I’ve learned there is another colour besides “Taupe” and how to match a bossy tile!

  • Dear Maria… first of all Happy Birthday!!! It is GREAT to be 50…. I complained to my Mom when I turned fifty… she quickly informed me, “Those were the good years.” Something to think about. I wandered into your blog when I was remodeling our fifties kitchen two years ago … And I wanted white. Guess what I googled? At any rate, I have never posted pictures of it on my now defunct blog … but should have just for you. You would have criticism because of two known Maria mistakes… even though i was religiously following ALL of your advice. I should probably send you the pictures and let you have at it. At any rate, I ordered your white paint chips, watched some of the videos, ordered e-books and read all your posts. I get lots and lots of compliments… and refer to your blog every single time for the credit. SO THANK YOU and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! And please enter me to win, but not the white chips…. 🙂 Rebecca

  • Courtney says:

    This giveaway is so very exciting for your readers and so very gracious of you. Thank you. I absolutely love colour! I think the most important lesson I have learned from your blog is to leave a white edge on colour boards when testing paint colours. It’s quite surprising how much the background colour can effect the look of the colour you are testing. Thanks for all your wonderful advice 🙂

  • Tina Meyer says:

    Thanks for the birthday pictures, Maria. It was a special day for you with your family and friends and the tables and platters of food look great. Am so glad you had a wonderful day of celebrations with all. Great pics.

  • Chris Rice says:

    Many thanks for teaching me about clear and muddy colors, and of course about undertones. See them everywhere now! I’m just an interested do-it-yourselfer, but I appreciate you sharing your knowledge in such an entertaining way. Happy Birthday from a grateful reader!

  • Erin Bennett says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! I was introduced to your website and blog by a dear friend of mine who had an amazing eye for beautiful things. She told me of you when I pondered about placing cork floors in my home. Betty told me that Maria Killam said “cork has orange undertones”, and Betty most definitely would not ok orange toned floors in my home! Betty and I lived in different provinces, but had been friends since high school. When we would talk on the phone to catch on on the news we would often pull up your website and discuss what was new, what we loved and what we didn’t. Betty had been the general contractor for a house build and a home renovation, and did an amazing job at picking lovely timeless finishes. My dear friend suffered with mental illness for several years. Last year Betty ended her life. I miss her everyday, but somehow when I look at your website, blog or instagram posts (I follow you on instagram), I think of her and remember how beautiful she was on the inside and out. Your photos are lovely Maria and I really appreciate your effort to create beauty for others. Both you and Betty have taught me that it is ok to love beautiful things!
    Blessings to you!

  • Kelly says:

    Simply, I learned that there ARE undertones and they DO matter!! Would love love love to come to your course to learn more!!! Or any of the other prizes. I follow on Instagram too!!

  • Sharon says:

    Happy Birthday! Your garden party looked like an amazing event, and your cake was fabulous.
    Love your blog. I’ve learned that color can transform a space and create an atmosphere. I especially enjoyed learning about clean vs. dirty colors.

  • Karen Gaudun says:

    Happy 50th dear Maria!! Your party looks like it was so much fun 🙂 I have learned SO MUCH from you over the years… It’s hard to narrow it down to the most important . A couple that come to mind are to pay attention to existing whites in a space when you are choosing a white for walls and trim. 1/ A true white like Chantilly Lace can make an off white (ie Cloud White) look dirty when placed close together. 2/ Repeat colours (in a small, medium and large way) to make them look intentional in a space. 3/ Colour is always relative and always about context (i.e. warmer than this colour but cooler than this one..) Thank you Maria!!

  • Zanne says:

    Happy 50th, Maria! Thanks for sharing your special day. Learning about the undertones and working with large colour boards and comparing them has really helped me choose the right colour. Still struggling with working different light sources and how they influence the colour differently in the same room.
    I would Love to attend your Vancouver Specify with Confidence Event!! As I live here, it would be perfect!

    .

  • Victoria Kennedy says:

    Maria – happy birthday!!!!! I wish you the most amazing day. We’ve never met but I feel like we’re friends! I was so excited to see your home on the cover of style at home that I called and left you a message on your phone like we knew each other – but other strangers probably did that too!. Still so happy for you and all your successes. Now for the best lesson. That’s tough. Hmm, loved your post abut creating a vignette using with books, candle, tray, flower……Loved learning that the safe choice may seem BORING, but another word for boring is CLASSIC…….loved learning about the counter jut out behind the toilets in a bathroom is called a porkchop (I have no idea why I remember that post)…..too many favourites to remember. Overall I think my favourite thing is listening to you Maria, speak as you do with your ha ha’s (I do that too now) letting us know that you’re not perfect with your hot temper but you’re trying your best to be the best version of Maria there is. You have succeeded. You’re awesome. Happy birthday xo

  • I have always had a knack for selecting color but reading your blog and thoughtfully applying your advice regarding undertones has honed my skills. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with the rest of us. Let’s make make the world more beautiful, one home at a time!

  • Pat says:

    I love and prefer “clean” colors which make me happy.

  • Maria, I’m getting pretty excited thinking about being in your class again….with all new material!
    I think the 2 strongest lessons I’ve retained from you are the important concept that #1–Color is ALWAYS considered IN CONTEXT! I’ve come to realize that so much of design and LIFE itself is context!
    #2–A light color will NEVER come to life in a dark room.
    Ok, I’m primed for new challenges to my old brain in October!!!
    Love, Paula

  • Ann Crutchfield says:

    Happy 50th, Maria! Hope your 50’s are the best decade yet. I would love to be in the drawing! (although I’ve already purchased “How to Choose Paint Colors; It’s all in the Undertones”.

    Best thing I’ve learned from your blog is small, white subway tile in the bathroom. We remodeled our small upstairs bathroom last year. Pulled out the tub and installed a walk-in shower. White subway tile on the walls and small white octagon marble tile on the floors. Wall a bright yellow. It looks fabulous!
    2nd best thing I’ve learned from your blog: Don’t take decorating advice from contractors, handymen, tile-guys, plumbers (maybe you only said ‘contractors’…I knew you meant the rest).

  • Connie Kilkenny says:

    I have learned so much from your blog it is difficult to list just one. One thing I learned from you is to never give up and to keep learning and growing. Your passion for color is contagious.

    Happy 50th Birthday!

    Connie

  • Sherry says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria! I only found you a few weeks ago and already I’ve learned so much! I even almost signed up for the Chicago course after only a few days of reading your blog. Called my BM store and said “who IS this woman?”! I’ve learned to steer clear of pink beige and yellow/gold beige (have always HATED pink beige). That you only get one pattern in a space and that anyone can figure out color when your samples are large enough, you hold them the right way, and get them next to the action. Please put me in your drawing!! Sherry PS I’d follow you on Instagram, but don’t have a smart phone…

  • Mineral says:

    You taught me that white is not the solution for dark rooms!

  • Barbara A. says:

    Happy Birthday Maria!

    The best lesson from the blog: Choose fixed elements and hard finishes that will maintain their appeal far into the future. Changing these elements (tile, flooring, fixtures, cabinetry, etc.) is both expensive and time-consuming. Classic, timeless styles and colors will stand the test of time, whereas trendy choices can look dated within a few years. It is best to introduce trendy touches through inexpensive, easily changed elements, such as a coat of paint, throw pillows, accessories, and rugs, etc.

  • Karyn Meadows says:

    Happy 50th Birthday Maria!! Your pictures look happy and joyous and look like you are all celebrating your happy day!!

    The best thing I learned from you was to understand color undertones. Before I started reading your blog, I was completely hopeless with color. I would pick up tons of paint strips, and stare at them forlornly, hoping one would reach out and literally tell me that it was the right color. But alas, none did. So I’d paint my walls taupe…but they would be greenish-tan. Or blue…but they would be grayish-green. Or white even, but they would have indiscernible bits of color that made no sense to me. Once I started reading your blog, I was able to see undertones more clearly. I still make mistakes…a LOT of them. But I make less, since I can at least out what the color really has offers. I see them everywhere now! Houses, restaurants, strip malls…thank you for your blog and all the wonderful information you share with us!!

  • G. G. Richards says:

    Happy 50-Nifty Birthday! XOXO
    SO much I’ve learned from you, but, hands down, my favorite is that colors need to evaluated/compared in relation to other colors. And, of course, I’m already an Instagram follower!!!

  • Heather says:

    I learned too many concepts from your ebooks to pick just one or two! A couple that come to mind instantly are: clean vs. dirty colors – how they often don’t mix well, AND the idea that most of us need to start our search for the right white by determining whether a space calls for more of a true white (fresh palette) vs. cream (earthy palette). Though there are always exceptions to the “rules” it really helps novices like myself to start with a framework. Thank goodness you are here to help! Happy birthday, Maria. Here’s to another year of happy interiors!

  • Dawn says:

    I have been following your blog articles as well as on Instagram for probably 9 months now. I have gone back to read all of your posts/articles and recently ordered your ebook How To Choose Paint Colors. I’ve learned a lot about undertones but feel I need to learn more. But I have to tell you 2 weeks ago when I walked into a neighbors newly remodeled kitchen with white cabinets and she said she hated the way the cabinets sometime looked lavender–I was pleased to say I saw why immediately– the wall color. I’ve since helped her choose a better wall color and the cabinets look lavender no longer. So thank you and Happy Birthday!!?

  • Stacy Wiegman says:

    Yes, please put me in the drawing for the free course and for the painting! I like the one you show of the jewelry box. What did I learn from you so far? That would be to limit the patterns in fixed elements in a room. While you say 1 pattern, I can sometimes appreciate 2 if they aren’t super busy and do not touch each other (i.e., don’t have patterned backsplash and countertop, but I can sometimes accept a patterned bath vanity top and also patterned floor tile as long as both are not too busy). And I also firmed up my previous love of subway tile, which I have in my kitchen and bathroom.

  • Trudy says:

    Oh Happy Day to you Maria!
    I work in Design & Sales and I have recommended your website to many, many clients. The lesson that has resounded with me the most is that “only one can be a star”! I have repeated this phrase over and over to clients when they are trying to decide on countertop and backsplash choices.
    Timeless white subway tile was installed when I recently renovated 2 baths, and the paint colour I chose was found on your website. Large’ boards were painted in many shades and colours, and after discarding most, I found the one! I think that any of your prizes would be wonderful, but I will cross my fingers for your workshop! Thank you!

  • Nicola says:

    One best lesson? Only one? 🙂 I love your blog and have devoured all your advice so it’s hard to pick a stand out, but in the top 10 it has to be “boring now is classic and timeless later”.

    Happy birthday Maria. X

  • Jayne says:

    I’ve learned to have the courage to use colours you love and make you happy, and that classic always works.
    Enjoy the next chapter in your journey.

  • Tamra Daw says:

    I learned how to compare colors to one another and identify their undertones. Everything has an undertone and comparing in context equals success. I have learned so much about letting the fixed elements in the space help you find harmonious colors that are pleasing to the eye. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and love for color. Wishing you a very happy 50th birthday and many more to come.

  • Chevonne Woolley says:

    So far, the most useful thing I have learned from reading your blog is for hard finishes, 1 pattern is enough. I am a newish designer and working in my field I use this valuable advice daily with my clients! Happy Borthday, you have made such a difference in so many lives. I hope to meet you in person one day soon!

  • Elizabeth Alvarez says:

    Happy 50th, Maria!

    I started to follow your blog a few months ago and I love it. You taught me that I need to learn about undertones to create a design to love for years, (I had no idea that there were undertones or dirty colors) I have so much to learn from you. I would love to be in the drawing! although I’ve already purchased “How to Choose Paint Colors.”
    Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

    Elizabeth.

  • Beckie says:

    The best thing I learned was to install a white subway tile backsplash and white cabinets in my new house.
    Love them.

  • Kristin says:

    I have learned so much from your posts! A few that come to mind are ….all solid hard surfaces with only one “patterned” surface and go classic with a white kitchen!

  • Melissa says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! I have learned so much on your blog that I could not possibly list it all out. I’m currently enjoying my newly renovated WHITE kitchen which was inspired by many of your blog posts. Stay classic Maria! Thank you for all that you do!

  • Sharon C says:

    Maria,

    Happy Birthday!! I found your blog just in the nick of time!! Your great posts and photos absolutely saved me from making a wretched decision with my kitchen backsplash tile. Your blog explains so much about undertones – and I had no idea that undertones even existed! I will never look at color in the same way, again. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I always look forward to each new post! Please keep them coming!!

  • Joyce Fowler says:

    Hi Maria,

    Happy Birthday!

    I have enjoyed best the blogs about your Mother and Sister’s homes, also the one about your neighbor. She was so inspiring in how she decorates her home. The blogs about decorating outside to make your exterior look better have also been a favorite for me. Thanks for all the good information.

    Sincerely,
    Joyce Fowler

  • Glenda Isaac says:

    So many things I have learned, but the one that everyone can benefit from is picking paint last, and making sure it coorindates / relates to something in the room. Please please please!

    Thank you Maria, and happy birthday. #50srock

  • Noni says:

    I only heard about you this year and have literally devoured your blog (at the risk of sounding too stalker-ish!). I spent a good portion of my Maui vacation on my phone reading all your amazing ideas and suggestions. It has literally clicked with me- so many things you suggest resonate with how I have felt when giving clients design advice, but now I know why! Because you’ve told me! You’ve also showed me not to be afraid of colour, so this spring I even upholstered a Karlstad chair for my living room in burnt orange. I love your instagram too- always inspiring. I have been busy saving up for your Vancouver course and hope it’s not sold out before I can pay for it! Thank you so much. It’s been a blast getting to know you.

    • Noni says:

      Maria’s wisdom that I won’t let go of- subway tile for a timeless look and only one hard surface gets to be bossy- I love that! Oh. And of course, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

  • Trish C says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! Your party photos are amazing and you look so happy celebrating with your family and friends.
    Reading your blog for three years now and have learned so many inspiring things, but the lessons that stand out for me are:
    1. Compare colors in context
    2. Clean and dirty do not mix
    3. Boring = timeless
    4. Pink beige = run away screaming
    5. Long live white subway tile!!!
    I already own your ebooks and two sets of large color boards, but a seat at your workshop in Vancouver this Fall would be a dream come true!

    Thank you for sharing your wonderful expertise with us on your blog.
    P.S. I also follow you on Instagram

    Cheers!! 😉

  • Sandra Warren says:

    I’ve learned so much about undertones and simplicity and hope to implement my new knowledge at some point this summer or fall.

  • Alisa says:

    Happy Birthday Maria, The fifties are the best!

    I would love to attend a seminar. One of the most useful things I learned from the blog is to stick to my guns when clients are worried that subway tile is boring. It is so tempting to use the latest and greatest tile trend, but I explain to them, just like you explained to us, why subway is best.

  • Angela says:

    HB! Just starting out on designing. Still have a lot to learn, my instructor suggested us on following your blog. It’s fab. As I was remodeling my own bathroom , I came across the article on choosing white or cream colors to keep your bathroom looking timeless! I chose white. The tiles match the floor, one pattern use! It looks beautiful!

  • Heather says:

    Dear Maria,

    I read your every blog and love your aesthetic!!!

    The best two lessons I learned from your blog are:

    1) I’m not crazy when I find exterior home colours generally poorly coordinated , and now I understand why—it’s the undertones!!

    2) bathrooms and kitchen renovations—where so much money is spent—are often so unsatisfying! Thanks to you, Maria, now I understand why—too many competing patterns, and the wrong undertones!

    Over my years in design, paint colour specification has been an ongoing challenge, sometimes requiring some repainting! Even when I’m pleased with the combinations I recommend, I want to stop the agony of choosing and start really enjoying!

    Nowhere in my education was there any chance to learn what you teach. Clients are relying on me and I don’t want to let them down!!

    I would love to attend your Vancouver Specify Colour With Confidence workshop!!

    Heather Dawson

  • Jean says:

    The best thing I have learned from you is to understand why colors sometimes just didn’t seem to go together. Before, it just bothered me that sometimes paint and carpet (for example) did NOT look good together, but I couldn’t explain why. Now I know the reason is that the undertones are different and not a good combination. I feel much more confident in choosing colors after reading your White is Complicated book and blogs. We are preparing to renovate our 27 year old house and I now know how to choose fixed items that are not bossy and will be classic. Thank you!!!!

  • Johnna says:

    What a beautiful garden party, Happy Birthday Maria! I have actually just recently discovered your website and blogs, so I am new, but feel so connected to you already! I am also a design professional, and do understand undertones. However I love your complete confidence and the fact that you already have so many “tried and true” colors already identified. I have only a couple of those, and would love to compare with yours. I also believe in the classics. The biggest “aha” moment I got recently from your blog is your genius idea of using painted boards instead of paint samples. I have always used the large paint samples, however using the actual paint (without actually painting so many colors on the wall itself) makes so much sense but it had never occured to me! I love you already!

  • ANITA MARK says:

    What I have enjoyed is seeing how you have flourished with your talent. And that you and Terreeia are married. Congratulations to you both. And Happy 50th.

  • Linda says:

    Happy Birthday. Your party looks amazing. The best thing you’ve taught me is to COMPARE, COMPARE, COMPARE.

  • Christina McLellan says:

    Hello Maria and Happy Birthday! I would have to say that one of the most important facts that I learned from your blog and webinar is about undertones and not mixing yellow beige with pink . I would love to attend one of your colour seminars!

  • Shari says:

    Happy Birthday! This is a great opportunity to thank you for teaching me to see undertones, dirty vs clean colors, the timelessness of white kitchens and baths and so much more. The best lesson I have learned is to be more thoughtful and intentional regarding an upcoming new home. Thanks to you, Maria, our future choices will not be based on what is trending or on things we “love”. There will be knowledge behind our decisions and where it is lacking we will seek professional advice to save time and money. Yes, please include me in your 50th birthday celebration draws.

  • Kelly H. says:

    Hey, Happy 50th Birthday Maria-you look smashing!
    By chance I came across your blog several years ago and I’ve enjoyed following you ever since.
    Thank you so much for sharing all your valuable knowledge-even though I’m not an interior designer (yet!)
    I’ve often used your advice and colour expertise in my work as a sign painter.
    Reading your blog and e-books has been so inspiring to me-someday I hope to be a True Colour Expert.
    I’ve always worked with colour and I was excited to discover that your system for understanding undertones and colour/design information can be applied to other art forms. One of the best lessons ( there are many!) I’ve learned from you is recognizing clean/dirty colour problems. Also I’ve learned I still have lots to learn!
    Your blog is so well written-always clear and concise, giving us the answers to WHY something does or doesn’t work.
    So, thank you-keep up the good work!
    (from another B.C. girl!)

  • MLH says:

    The decor tip I liked the most was to repeat a color at least 3 times and in a large, medium, and small size item. I had known to repeat the colors but I was clueless on how many times and what sizes to use.

  • Sandy says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria! You do NOT look 50! I think all that happiness keeps you young. I’ve learned so much from you and have even had the pleasure of hiring you for a consult years ago. You are so generous with your knowledge. I think the most valuable thing I’ve learned from you is that you don’t have to spend a fortune in renovations to make the colours in your home work together. Some well chosen paint and a few accessories can go a long way. Thank you for teaching us how to make great colour choices!
    Sandy Wittenberg

  • Mary Simmons says:

    I am learning so much from your engaging blog that I don’t know where to start! I am also taking your Renovate with Confidence course right now. From the blog, the best thing I have learned is to stay with medium brown floors in my new build, and have them carry throughout the house, instead of going with the trendy farmhouse grey look. You are right…in ten years, it is going to date the house! I love your blog and the course…don’t know how I haven’t driven the car off the road looking at housing paint colors to see pink-beige, yellow-beige, etc., clean or dirty, and colors that are too trendy! Happy Birthday and hope you have many, many more! One day, I would love to attend one of your workshops in person!

  • Leigh Card says:

    Maria, congratulations on your 50th birthday! I have followed you for years and I have learned so much from your books and your blog. I have always loved color and you have provided a foundation and answered the “why does this look like __________”! I am more confident in seeing how undertones relate to each other and the big picture of a home. I follow your ideas on Instagram and I look forward to your posts. I so enjoy your honesty and your generous, fun spirit! May you be blessed with many more years of laughter and joy!

  • Connie says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! What a beautiful birthday party!
    I have been silently following you for years! The best nugget I have learned from you is the concept of muddy vs. clean colors and the horrors of pinky beige. Unfortunately I had already bought the wrong tiles and had been stalled in finishing a bathroom because the colors just weren’t working. Once I understood it was the pinky beige I knew how to finish it and it’s gorgeous. (I couldn’t afford to rebuy tiles, but I could pick the right colors to go with it!). Thank you for sharing your knowledge! I have been wishing I could attend one of your classes since you began them! Thank you for giving to others to celebrate your special day!

  • Cathy says:

    White subway tiles and shaker cabinets!!

  • Nancy says:

    Your blog , books (and hopefully some day your workshop) has been instrumental for me. Choosing paint was always an expensive adventure with multiple sample pots. Now I understand why something isn’t “quite right” Close but troublesome. Thank you Maria & happy birthday

  • Margaret McDonald says:

    Happy birthday!! looks like a fabulous party. my biggest secret wish is to take your colour course. I don’t think in my 50 plus years I have ever been truly happy with a paint choice. If I won the trip to Vancouver I could visit with my niece and nephew too.
    I have learned so many things from your blog but most recently- that it is ok to paint oak wood!! oh and also to have only one ‘star’ in the kitchen, everything else should be solid.

  • Jackie H says:

    Happy Birthday! My favorite lesson is the simple design rule of boring=timeless. I always leaned towards more simple design but couldn’t articulate it until I started reading your blog. It gave me the “why” to explain my hatred for my bathroom with a vintage pink ceramic shower which someone updated to add pink marble flooring, and pink granite countertops!

  • Joan says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria! I’ve ordered and read your e-books and your advice has been spot on! I get especially frustrated looking at the whites and I hear your voice in my head, “undertones….” Then I feel so smart when I walk into the paint store and I comment on the pink undertone. They look at me as a decorator!!! Thank you!

  • Denise Wall says:

    White subway tile! Best advice ever. I am redoing my bathroom and kitchen and was poised to do something trendy. Maria, you (almost literally) saved my life. I started looking at bathrooms, online, magazines, etc., and realized that you could not tell the age of the ones with subway tiles. They could be 100 years old or just one year old. And they are all sparkly and clean and smart. If I had gone with current trends, I probably would have been sick of the tile in only a year or two. Now, I am confidently moving forward with my choices. Also, am buying your books on How to Choose Paint Colors and White is Complicated.

  • Happy Birthday Maria! After attending your colour workshop, I look at color a totally different way. The undertones make a tremendous difference in my selections now.
    After meeting you and Terreeia, I can really connect with your blog posts. I can hear you talking as I read it. Love your honesty! Would have loved to have been at your bday party! What fun!
    p.s. Love your instagram posts too!

  • Vickie says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria! 50 is going to be great for you!

    As an artist, I love color. In my home I gravitate toward a neutral white background because that lets artwork be the focus. You’ve taught me that classic is better than trendy: get the bones of the house right and then “update” with eye-catching stuff that isn’t permanent.

  • Maureen says:

    Happy Belated Birthday Maria!

    You look stunning in your yellow top and skirt. Love your hair too. The event looks amazing, done to perfection.

    You blog has been a huge go to for me. Using white and grey undertones a biggie for me, and sticking with the white subway for the kitchen when others designs were calling to me.

    Thank you so much Maria, I will be calling you to help with outdoor paint before long, not something I wish to get wrong.

  • Sharon Jackson says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria! I’ve been following you for some time now, and I’ve learned so much it’s hard to put down just one thing! But the fastest trick I’ve learned from you is this: if you’re having trouble deciding if there’s an undertone or not, put your paint color next to a piece of white paper or something ‘true’ white and the undertone will show itself!
    Keep the goodness coming!
    Sharon Jackson
    Salisbury, North Carolina, USA

  • Angela J says:

    Maria, I found your website a few years ago when I decided I wanted our master bedroom to be “neutral”, thinking it would be easy to find décor that would work in the room. I started out by picking a lovely paint color from Home Depot called Parisian Taupe and painted my bedroom walls. Then, I went to our Homegoods and picked out some nice “neutral” framed art work to hang on the walls. You can probably see where this is going… I got the pictures home, excitedly brought them into the bedroom, and I was shocked. Somehow the art was clashing with the walls.
    I started searching the internet to try to find some understanding of how 2 neutral colors could clash. This is when I stumbled upon your blog. You were the only person I found who understood and explained why my pink undertone walls were clashing with the yellow undertone art that I bought. I promptly returned the art, and then read all of your articles and bought both of your ebooks. Your undertone system is 100% the best lesson I’ve ever had about color.

    Happy belated birthday, and thank you for the opportunity to win a prize.

  • Ivan Everitt says:

    Learning about undertones has been invaluable to me, for confidence in recommendations to clients and in my own home. Thank you for the education and Happy Birthday!

  • Jean McEachern says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! How generous of you to give away gifts on your birthday!! I have subscribed to your blog for ages, LOVE your style! I also live in the Fraser valley…. Biggest lesson I have learned from your blog is recognizing undertones. Wondered why I used to look at my spaces at a loss as to what exactly wasn’t working. Now, the undertones are so obvious to me!! Now my renovation choices of hard surfaces aren’t a disaster (although I still do have a backsplash in my ivory kitchen that screams pink!!) Haha… one day

  • Carlyn Marron says:

    There are so many things I’ve learned from you – undertones, color flow, classic decor. The most important thing is to do your research and then stick to your idea and not let contractors and sales people persuade you to do something that they want instead. Please enter me in the give-away! Thanks!

  • Jill Jones says:

    Happy 50th birthday, Maria! What a fabulous birthday party you enjoyed. I would love to help you celebrate by telling you that you helped me through my kitchen update several years ago. I successfully selected the appropriate white for the cabinets to coordinate with the rest of my house, a countertop, subway tile backsplash and finally a brown wood floor and I LOVE IT! Thanks for your blog and all of the advice you freely share with us, the readers. Thanks again, Jill

  • Donna Richards says:

    I have learned that one of the reasons I am having difficulty in decorating my 1st floor is because I have pink-beige cabinets and tile flooring. I have remedied the floor with a wood tile replacement in my kitchen. I am contemplating painting the cabinets. I also learned that if I ever move, I will be wanting white subway tile in my kitchen. Looking forward to that day! Thanks for all you have taught me. Happy “50th” Birthday and many more!

    Donna Richards

  • Valerie says:

    Wow! Happy birthday and how generous of you! The greatest thing I’ve learned is undertones!!! That has been a game changer for me! I love that there is always something new to learn in design.

  • JENNA Johnson says:

    Oh, Maria, I love your blog. It’s so addictive… You can’t read just one! The idea I’m thinking about the most (as I try to replace my sage green sofa!) that I learned from you is the idea of the “trending neutral;” I’m hoping to avoid that this time around. I would LOVE any more of your education. Going to your Color with Confidence class would be a dream! Happy birthday!

  • Mary Anne Schubert says:

    It’s all in the undertones! I’m looking right now at sheer curtains that are blue white paired with drapery panels that are cream and gold. [In my own house, mind you]. The sheers will be changed.

  • mary says:

    Best lesson learned from your blog is that every neutral has an undertone, as I was looking at a grey oven mitt last night and noticed that the main part had a violet undertone and the trellised design on it had a green undertone. All of the food from your party looks so good, but especially the cake and the deviled eggs (love food pictures). I would like to be thrown into the drawing as well, for the 1. prize (I have everything else).

  • Lauren Bishop says:

    I have never won anything. Let’s break that streak, as these are some seriously awesome prizes! I already follow you on instagram (citrusglitter).

    As an overreaching theme, you’ve given me the theory and knowledge behind why I like certain design choices and am driven mad by others. Here are some specific standouts:

    1. White kitchens / bathrooms are boring and therefore timeless
    2. Pick a sofa in your favorite color and it will be classic
    3. Neutrals like charcoal, tuscan brown, etc. that feel classic in the moment are really a part of a cycle and will eventually date your house
    4. Repeat a color more than once for it to look intentional
    5. Clean and dirty colors do not mix
    6. White subway tile is your friend
    7. White is complicated!
    8. Go timeless for fixed finishes. If you want an updated look, turn to your throw pillows, art, drapes, and decorative elements.
    9. Avoid trends
    10. It’s easier to have fun playing with color when the undertones get along!

    Thank you for giving so many gifts… not talking about these birthday gifts, but rather your presence in all of our lives.

  • Linda says:

    I have learned so much. hard to chose one thing!! Probably the story of undertones, as well as compare, compare, compare.

  • Gayle L says:

    I’ve been “watching” MK evolve over several years – thank you for sharing your talent with us! I’m not a decorator, but bought a new-old house and have been renovating and decorating room by room using your eBooks and posts. Now I face my biggest challenge: a dark kitchen with dark cabinets and black granite counters – and flooring, walls and trim in not-so-happy colors – so I’d wish for a renovation consult. Honestly, there’s something to be said for ignorance is bliss … 😀

    PS – do you mind if I snitch some of your ideas for my next big BD? Green with envy!

  • Lindy says:

    Happy 50th! Your party looks fabulous. What a way to celebrate!
    What I have learned most from your blog is about timeless interiors. You frequently incorporate that theme when you are talking about woodwork, wood flooring and kitchens. When I start getting sucked into trendy trends I think of your blog validates my core design conviction that in most cases timeless is the best choice for permanent fixtures. Color-wise your posts on kitchens have been most valuable to me since there is so much interacting with each other in flooring, cabinetry, countertops, backsplashes and paint.
    (It asked for website, I am working on mine for my design business and hope to have it up and bug free by this fall!)

    P.S.: I’m going over to IG now to follow you. : )

  • Gina says:

    Maria,

    Belated Happy Birthday! From a single post on your blog you had given me awareness on undertones and how colors matter. I would love to meet you in person in Vancouver (also gives me an excuse to see my high school best friend in Burnaby!). I’m also following your Instagram posts. We are in the process of rebuilding our home (just waiting for permits) so I’m thinking of signing up for your help on colors and design. Will stay in touch. Thank you!

  • Katelin Ray says:

    You taught me the timeless, classic looks to go for when building my house. Hence why I have a WHITE kitchen! And I love it. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with everyone on such an easy to digest platform. I follow you on Instagram and Pinterest!

  • Brinly Nearon says:

    First of all Happy Birthday! That is so generous of you to offer gifts. I’m turning 40 this year and I when I think of what I want, I really just want to be surrounded by good friends and good food and I’m trying to find something I can give them too! However, a winning your giveaway would be amazing!! I already follow you on Instagram and Pinterest. I think the best piece of advice when it comes to renovating is that you can’t ignore the fixed elements and what you can’t change. Like my emerald green tile and counter and the limestone floors in my downstairs bath! I really need to repaint that room and I’d love to just ignore that awful combination, but I think I can come up with something great if I follow your advice! I have both the color confidence books, Understanding undertones and Whites are complicated (boy are they!). Seriously I’ve learned so much from those! I’d love to come to one of your Specify color with confidence events (that is so generous of you) but we are also going to be renovating and doing an addition and kitchen remodel starting in August and that task feels so overwhelming, so winning your renovate with confidence webinar would be awesome as well.

  • Donna says:

    Happy Birthday! You validate my reasoning for disliking pinky-beige! I also follow you on Instagram.

  • Sue says:

    I have learned so much from your blog and your October 2016 Vienna VA Specify Colors with Confidence that it is hard to choose. But I think not mixing clean and dirty is the bomb!

  • Monica says:

    Happy Birthday!
    I’ve been following your blog for a few years now. Your explanation on undertones is the best I’ve ever read.
    Makes it much easier to pick paint and fabric colors. Thank you!

  • Lynette Cronin says:

    I am a design enthusiast and also a landscape designer.
    Since finding your blog, I have learned to look for undertones, have come to appreciate classic wood floors and tile and see my 20 year old interior in a whole new way. I know, you only asked for one!
    I have purchased you’re e books and diy color course and am currently unable to decide if I want to remodel with clean or dirty colors.
    Thanks for all your perspective and Happy Birthday!

    Lynette
    PS-I must sign up for instagram so I can be double entered in your drawings ?
    PSS-(not interested in the pictured art)

  • Roberta says:

    Happy 50th Birthday Maria!! I’ve been following you from the very beginning and use so many of your design principals and colour ideas daily. White Subway Tile…my mantra and of course that whole pink/beige issue which appears in just about every house on Cape Cod that I stage! I’m super excited that you’re coming to Boston and I’d love to win a spot there!! Thanks so much for such a great giveaway and fantastic blog!! Hope to see you in Boston!! xo

  • Laura Rollman says:

    When I was renovating my kitchen I came across something you said about just because you love 10 things doesn’t mean you have to use them all. In the end, that won’t work. And it really helped me decide on the one thing I love most and build from there, creating the rest of the kitchen around that inspiration piece.

    • LBarlow says:

      That is a well-stated truth that I’ve never quite heard articulated before and it is perfect to describe my personal difficulty in styling my own home.

  • RAQUEL C. says:

    Happy birthday Maria! I came across your blog over 3 years ago and have been following you since. I have learned sooo much from you, but above all the absolute MOST valuable thing I learned was to invest in hiring an interior designer. I am now living in my dream home and LOVE every single detail and the best thing that I did while constructing our home was just that, hired a wonderful interior designer, Lori Caldwell from San Antonio, TX. I now share that with all my friends and family doing any remodeling or new construction, spending top $$$ on material, flooring, paint, furniture, etc. without hiring a professional interior designer definitely doesn’t make any sense, an investment very much well worth it!!! I am so thankful to have stumbled across your blog. My kitchen is a timeless white and I couldn’t be happier, anyone that visits our home is always in awe. Everything flows, it’s just perfect!

  • Lorri says:

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Maria, you look great and Terreeia knows how to throw a party!

  • Nancy says:

    Happy, happy birthday!!!

    I have learned it’s okay to have a sunny yellow sofa (in fact I have 2!) Renovating now and am feeling so much more confident after having purchased most of your resources. Really need to attend your workshop, so I simply must go to Vancouver in September since you won’t be coming to Toronto this fall. Winning would be a wonderful way to celebrate Canada’s 150th.
    Thanks for making the world a happier place.

  • First of all, Maria, congratulations on your 50th birthday! You are every bit as gorgeous in person as on your blog. (A student of your June, 2016, Live Workshop in NJ).
    Your generosity of tips, trade information, and practical advice from your blog has given me the confidence to start a business in color design. I know where to look for the answers I need. Thank you for that. Your Instagram account keeps me up to date as to not only your favorite photos of home decor but also teachable moments.
    The details of the party are a joy to see and ticked all my boxes for a relaxed, lovely, festive celebration for you and your best friends and family to enjoy and remember. I’m not surprised at the level of style!!

  • Ashley Casserly says:

    Happy 50th Birthday, Maria! I was thrilled when I first read your blog over 5 years ago. I think I stayed up half the night and read every post–ha! I have since bought your e-books, webinars, large color boards (game changers, truly) and eagerly read all of your blog and Instagram posts. Your system just makes sense. Plain and simple. I’m not a professional, just a color enthusiast whose goal is to one day be color consultant as well. I love your straightforward keep it real approach. Thank you for sharing countless examples of how to think about color and what to consider. And I always love the trivia questions. So fun. I can’t walk into any place or drive by a house without seeing the undertones or cringing when I see clashing ones–yes, it’s often. I also appreciate your “pep talks” about going after what you want. Everyone needs a nudge (or kick) at times to get moving. Whether or not I win I hope to one day attend your workshops . It’s on my bucket list of things to do! Congrats on an amazing milestone and inspiring so many of us along the way.

  • BRYNN Beasley says:

    I have learned that knowledge is power and I lack colour knowledge. I would love to be one of your winners to increase my knowledge! Hope you have a great birthday!!! Cheers!

  • Daniela says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! What stuck with me the most from your blogs is how subway tile is timeless and classic.
    After bringing home lots of different options for my kitchen back splash reno , I finally decided to go with subway tile and love it every day. Thanks for your help.

  • Diane says:

    The best thing I have learned is to stick with a traditional white kitchen. I have to say it is truly fabulous advice and will not date your kitchen.

    Also I love the idea of a colored sofa that Maria has mentioned several times. Again it won’t put you in a cold decade, i.e. the brown and gray trends.

    Thank you Maria for your blogs I have saved them all and reference them to other friends.

    The happiest of birthdays to you.

  • Andrea says:

    Get a timeless bathroom by choosing timeless tile. White!!! It seems simple, but your lessons really showed how timeless white is.

  • Julie says:

    Oh my gosh Maria, I have learned SO much from you!
    Clean and dirty. Look at finish samples in their final orientation. Undertones of beige and of gray, shoot, those were on a postit on my monitor for months!! Oh, and looking at finishes in the actual lighting conditions.
    A few months ago when my office’s building painted the bathrooms, I was in agony not because it was a dark gray but because it was a green gray, when the tile, wall, and Corian counter were so clearly a blue/violet gray. Agony, I tell you. After much protest from our office and the other office, the building agreed to repaint. And with total confidence I marched into the bathroom with my big paint swatches and found three whites and pale grays that would work. Boss picked the blazing white, too stark for my taste, but at least I am not in undertone agony! And in the dimmest stall it becomes a just-right gray.
    Now for a big huge takeaway from TCE: narrow it down. Whether to show a client that I pulled the right color, to get somebody to narrow “anything goes” to a corner of the color wheel, or to figure out what’s going on with a color or bossy finish.
    Maria, you have a gift for putting the stuff we see into words that make it easy to remember, describe, and keep identifying. Thank you for your determination and generosity with which you share!
    And, thank you for sharing that you got a late-ish start on achieving your big goal… it gives me hope. And for the time you responded encouragingly to my comment to that end, it lifted my spirits at the time nad was much appreciated. (Who needs youth if you have hard work and determination on your side??)
    I’d love to be entered in the drawing, already have the webinars and eBooks and they are gold mines of reference material. And I’m following you on IG too… thanks to your advice I’m waiting to make my IG debut until I can nail it!
    Happy, happy birthday, Maria!
    And Terreeia, you did an amazing job pulling it all together! From running an art gallery on year I have an inkling of what a feat it was (on top of your normal VP duties!) and it’s really a labor of love.

  • Kate says:

    Happy Birthday! I’ve been following your blog for a couple years, learning about undertones, color, decorating mistakes to avoid…the list goes on and on. I also follow on Instagram – enjoy both the photos and Instastories. I would love to take your class and learn from you in person!

  • Sasha says:

    Happy Birthday! I have learned so many lessons from you that I have happily applied to my historic home in South Carolina. You articulate so many design and color concepts that I recognize as true from years of obsessing over home magazines, but could never before put my finger on what they were and why they worked. Thank you! One lesson I have learned from you, and pass on to anyone who will listen, is not every surface has to be a superstar or interesting. I send a link to your blog to all of my friends who are getting ready to remodel or move. I cringe to think they will make costly mistakes that could easily be avoided by perusing your blog archives!

  • Candice Hill says:

    Hi, Maria…Happy Birthday!!!!! Looks like you had the most wonderful party, I’m so glad!!! The 1st thing I learned from your blog (it’s been awhile, but I think I remember it right). You had a pic of Ryan Reynolds in a beige sweater, on your blog, and you said the undertone was pink! And I thought WHAT? PINK? HOW? WHERE? That day I looked at that beige in complete shock! And my life was changed forever!!!! By You!!!!! Thank you, Maria! P.S. You don’t have to put me in the drawing; between your blog and your courses, I’ve got all I’ve ever wanted! You’re the best!!! 🙂

  • Sarah says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! Thank you for the opportunity to win one of these amazing gifts. One of the best things I have learned from your blog is to always go classic and timeless with hard finishes. I also have learned the importance of undertones. I enjoy reading your blog and also follow you on Instagram. I look forward to learning more and implementing what I have learned in our home.
    Thank you.

  • Stephanie Christensen says:

    Happy belated Birthday!!! I would love to attend your conference!
    The most important thing I picked up from your blog was when in doubt play it safe! Go with the classics: white, black, subway tile…these things are timeless.
    I also followed you on instagram for another chance to win!

  • Linda says:

    Maria, I think u need to know that ever since u changed your design your site loads very slowly and getting to the end of a post is almost impossible. And I have up to date iPad and iPhone.

  • Christine says:

    Happy 50th Maria!! It’s a big one for sure!! I have been following your blog for at least 5 years and have learned many great and right on sensible design lessons!!
    I love your honest approach to your blog and when it comes to selections that timeless is not boring!! I have always, always loved subway tile and remember a time when It was hard to find.
    I will pray for a shot at winning a weekend Colour Confidence Workshop…would be a dream come true for sure.
    ??

  • Patric says:

    Happy birthday! I’ve so enjoyed reading your blog. It’s the only blog I read regularly. I’ve learned so much about undertones. I’d love a chance and the renovate with confidence webinar.
    Thanks!

  • debbie says:

    Happy Birthday! Being able to celebrate your 50th Birthday is a big deal. I would love to be entered into the draw for one of your prizes. Thanks for this opportunity.

  • Sharla Visscher says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria! How kind you are to give of yourself to celebrate your birthday, kudos to you!! I learned of you from a designer friend who took your class 2015 and have been anxiously waiting for you to have another class in Vancouver so I could come learn all the wonderful insights you have about color. The best thing I have learned from your blog is your absolute love of color (correctly applied), it seems to feed your soul, it is obviously a symbiotic relationship!! I am really looking forward to learning that skill from you!! I have never been on instagram, but I am going to follow you starting tonight.

  • Jennifer says:

    I would love to win any of the above items. I still have so much to learn! So far what I’ve learned is that “trendy” is a bad idea on any hard finishes and the style of the home dictates most of the design decisions you need to make. Whether or not I need to paint my pink-beige walls throughout the entire house, that is still to be determined. I have your ebook on my computer waiting for me to read!

  • Devi says:

    Happy birthday, and wishing you many happy new days in your future!
    I loved the focus on bright happy colors, and and your opinions on granite were enlightening, but my favorite was that you can be environmentally responsible by choosing classic hard finishes the first time. Thanks Maria

  • Kimberly says:

    What a gorgeous, happy day you had! I’m just a few months behind you in the 50 department! I hope mine is a fraction that joyous. Loyal follower here. Please enter me in your birthday drawing. I just joined Instagram a few days ago, and of course I’m following you!

  • Kim says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria!
    Wow…looks like you and your dear ones enjoyed a sweet and fabulous celebration! I am so happy that I discovered your blog years ago. I use the color boards I purchased from you all the time. My daughter says that I am a big help to her with her color choices for her new “old house” in Idaho. Years ago, I purchased a beige sofa for my family room which was carpeted in beige. I could NEVER understand why the two things did not look good together. But now, I know! I also know that I still have much to learn. I was just in my local Benjamin Moore paint store today, and the main guy behind the counter surprised me and said, “It must be Chantilly Lace!” Well, it is one of my favorites, and I love to paint. I am not a professional interior designer or decorator, but I am still going to attend one of your Specify Colour with Confidence events in 2018, which I hope will include Dallas. I live in Oregon, but my three fun grandsons live near Dallas. I know you were in a different part of Texas recently. Here’s wishing you many, many more productive, successful and happy years in your business and in the world of COLOUR!

  • Kelly says:

    Maria – I have learned so much about color but I have also learned that even experts like yourself had moments when you had to tackle fear during a consultation. Overcoming adversity I feel is something you always do so gracefully. I can’t wait to hopefully one day attend your Colour training so please keep offering them in Canada!

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY

  • Susanne says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria!! You don’t look a day over 34 ; )!
    What I learned from your blog is easy: that undertones even exist! I had no idea before stumbling across your blog! I thought a color is a color is a color but was never aware of all their nuances and why some work together and why others don’t. After reading your blog, it has become quiet clear!
    Thank you for the education! I really enjoy learning about colors and gaining confidence in selecting colors for my own home!
    Here is to more Color Me Happy years!

  • Pat Button says:

    The best lesson I learned was about clean and dirty colours.
    Maria, HAPPY BIRTHDAY and enjoy your 50th year. You have given so much to your readers with info on colours. I
    had no idea that there were clean and dirty colours but now as Im going about my day I notice those colours and I think about your site.
    Thank You

  • Madeleine Ward says:

    If you love what you do, you will always be a success.

  • Amanda says:

    I will admit I have only recently came across you blog and already learned so much. After 20+years of marriage we are finally buying (building) our first house ever. And while I had some of the decisions made for color before, reading about undertones and learning has helped me picked things that I know will look great together. And I also fought to get my white kitchen cabinets thanks to you.
    I would love one of the Renovate (and New Build) with Confidence webinars as I might never get to attend a real life one so that would be the next best thing. Oh and happy belated birthday!

  • KATIE G says:

    I first heard about you Maria, from my boss! She bought one of your first series of paint sample boards forever ago! I’ve borrowed them many times as I am constantly repainting anything I can in my house, they are wonderful. Recently I decided to make the huge leap into trying to do some interior decorating work locally, as it’s been my dream for a long time. I’m teatering on putting myself totally out there, it’s kind of terrifying, but it makes me totally alive at the same time. I have days that I feel awesome about it and says that I doubt myself incredibly. But every time I read something from your blog, I am uplifted. When you share stories about when you first started out and made mistakes in design, I realize that even the best of the best had once struggled. You have brought me back from throwing it all away many, many times. I’ll read our blog and say..”Okay, Maria chose the wrong color once, if I make a mistake it doesn’t mean I’m terrible at this…” This has helped me more than you know. I read your blog almost everyday as I try to saturate my mind with as much design info as I can. You also inspired me to sign up for a color class in my area (I would die to attend one of yours but that’s not in the budget right now since I went to put time at work in order to spend time with my baby girl of 14 months! Broke, but so worth it!!) Anyway, your real stories about your journey have REALLY taught me to keep going, we are all human, and to trust your passion and do what makes you happy. Thank you for sharing. Now I’ve got to go figure out instagram so I can like your stuff there. Cheers!!!

  • Kristi Steed says:

    Maria – I have learned SO much from your online training and blogs. Happy Birthday!

  • Joanne says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria! When I look through my email and see that you have added another post, I always wait until I need a little pick-me-up and then I read your latest entry. I have learned so much since I stumbled onto your site about four years ago. I have downloaded your books and webinar, as well as purchasing two sets of your color boards. Of all the things I have learned (and truly you have taught me so much), confirming that WHITE IS COMPLICATED is the the most valuable lesson. You can’t just throw some white on something and think it is going to work!!! Being aware of undertones is the difference between thinking something looks great, and coming into a room and thinking SOMETHING is off. White is not a safe color!

  • I will add two tips that I have learned. One is the gray trend and the fact that it is a neutral palette for colors in a room not necessarily everything in the room grey. I also love learning about gold and pink undertones. I enjoy hearing about the white kitchen although mine is hand crafted maple cabinets (husband’s choice but it has grown on me). I am a registered dietitian nutritionist but my first love was interior design and I really enjoy your blog! Denise

  • Tinka says:

    Oh wow, happy HAPPY birthday Maria! Such a fitting + gorgeous celebration for your birthday and thank you for offering all of us a chance to win your lovely gifts.

    While I have learned so much from your blog + newsletter–about undertones, keeping it simple, timeless trends and LOVING color–I think my biggest lesson has been a personal one. I have admired how you put yourself so honestly + openly into your business that we all feel connected to you in such a meaningful way. You have been a great role model for me in my own business to be authentic and to have FUN doing what I love. That is such a gift so I thank you VERY much! happy happy birthday to you and to Canada on July 1st from a fan in Montreal!

  • Lori says:

    Happy Birthday! I love the skirt:) I would be beyond excited to win a prize! I’m secretly hoping it’s your color class. I love to read your blog. Enjoy the day.

  • Jennifer Charles says:

    Maria, I have enjoyed following your blog and reading both your e-books. I have learned I need large paint samples when choosing color for clients, those tiny little paint chips don’t tell the truth 🙂 I would love to win a trip to your conference, large paint samples or your webinar.
    Have a Happy Birthday Month!! The party looked lovely.
    Jennifer

  • Susan says:

    Happy Birthday to you! I am still learning (fairly new to your site) but have learned that white kitchens and white bathrooms are the best! I’m trying to learn undertones still, have a ways to go on that one. My first project will be remodeling the kids bathroom.

  • Patience says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! You are an amazing person!

    The lesson from you that sticks out most in my mind is “Boring is timeless.” It makes me wonder if people just get so caught up in the experience of choosing finishes that they forget to focus on how they want to feel in the completed space and that is why so many bad decisions happen. You have a wonderful gift for guiding people to joyful and beautiful spaces.

  • Cynthia Peltier says:

    Happy Birthday!!!
    Welcome to the most colorful time of your life!
    Everything looks way more vivid in your 50’s!
    Cynthia
    A Home Stylists notebook

  • Joanne Denton says:

    Best wishes for a wonderful 50th year, Maria. I’ve been reading your blog for several years and you have totally changed the way I look at (and love) color. One of the many lessons I have learned from you is the importance of only one busy pattern in a room, period. I was consulting a woman yesterday on her kitchen reno and quoted your rule. Her eyes popped! I tried to not sounds too bossy, but she got the point! I think your large paint samples are a wonderful idea and would be a huge help to making correct color decisions. I would love to be part of your birthday celebration give away.
    Thank you for your generous sharing of color knowledge with us, your fans and friends. You’re the best! I wish you continued success.

  • Kelly says:

    Happy Birthday week Maria!! Loved reading this post about your birthday celebration! Currently, what has helped me the most from your blog, is noticing undertones in flooring and paint ….and also, the hope you give, that it is not too late to transform our living spaces into something we love! I would be delighted to win a Specify Colour with Confidence event this fall or one of your large paint samples! I already enjoy several of the ebooks and webinar.

  • Amy says:

    Happy birthday Maria!! Thanks for such a fun contest! I enjoy learning from you and the top things that I take with me are to look for the undertones and to keep things classic for great longevity. 🙂

    I also follow you on Instagram!

  • Babs Loyd says:

    What I have learned from following your blog for a number of years is how refreshing clean colors can become when we are surrounded with them in our homes. Thanks for all the wonderful posts, you are a great visual teacher. It would be a pleasure to sit in one of your workshops. I have already gleaned much from your books on colors and whites.

  • Diana says:

    What have I learned from you? In 2002, I redecorated my house. I painted the walls yellow beige, put some pink beige carpet in because I thought that would be pretty, then went furniture shopping! I cried for three days before I started over. This year, I redecorated again. After making some furniture decisions and considering my fixed elements, I painted large sample boards, chose my colors like a boss, and I have loved the way the whole thing came together. The lady at the paint store even asked me if I was an interior decorator. That’s what I’ve learned from you. Thank you so much. Happy Birthday!

  • Laura M says:

    Best lesson is that there can only be one ‘bossy’ pattern per room, especially in kitchens. I loved this post and actually laughed out loud more than once. And I loved your make-up, especially when you were blowing out the candles. And I don’t even wear make-up very often, but would if it looked like yours. 🙂

  • Sunny B says:

    Happiest of birthdays Maria! I hope it has kicked off your very favorite year so far. 🙂 I am relatively new to your blog but SO grateful to have found it as we are preparing to paint our house and hopefully do some interior remodeling including the kitchen. I find myself nodding in agreement with everything you write and I’m glad to have uncovered your wisdom before we invest in big changes. It is hard to choose because you teach us so much, but I would have to say for me the BIGGEST blessing from your blog has been your steady support of timeless and classic looks rather than trends. I would be so happy to win any of your webinars or ebooks and I promise to share my before and after photos with you if I do. Congrats again on turning 50 in such a fun and fabulous way!

  • Deb C says:

    Hi Maria,

    Congrats on making it to the 50 year milestone. Looks like you have a wonderful group of friends and family to share your life. Sharing back with your readers, beyond what you do on your blog, is a wonderfully generous gift. Thank you!

    My number one take away from you is hard, there are so many. But I must be boring and say to always stick to the timeless and maybe sometimes boring classic elements that will stand the test of time. Very practical advice and I am a practical girl.

    Happy Birthday!

  • Kathleen says:

    Wishing you an exquisite 50th birthday! With every blog, you give us part of yourself. And, that in and of itself will surpass anything that is a material good. Your philosophy of products need to be timeless and bring you joy, and meaning is so true. You help us by sending us down the correct paths to make our houses a home where our families can thrive.
    My daughter was just diagnosed with Crohn’s (up to now they thought it was ulcerative colitis).
    She has been through hell and back. She’s already had to have surgery. This past November, she, her husband, and little 2 year old moved into the new house they built. Helping her choose finishes and decor has really helped her mood. And I have you to thank for the information in your blogs. I’d love to win your paint sample packages because now that “builder’s white” is starting to get her down.
    * We’re finding out that so many have, IBD, Ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease (but due to the nature of the disease, don’t talk about it). And that includes children.
    There is no cure, but the research continues. You can donate to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America and be part of “Kellie’s Krew.” There’s a “Take Steps” walk in Indianapolis, Sunday, June 25. This link will allow you to sign up and/or donate: http://online.ccfa.org/site/TR/Events/General
    We’d love to help others make it to 50 years like you, Maria, and not be suffering from this terrible disease!

  • Veronika says:

    Happy Birthday Maria!!! Looked like you had a great party! And what amazing giveaway you are doing Maria! So generous of you to be giving out presents on your birthday. Lots of amazing prizes, but I think one person will be especially happy to be able to attend your course. I know I would be!
    You are one of the few blogs I follow and have learned lots over the years, so thank you! I stumbled upon your blog when I encountered a pinky beige room that we just freshly painted (we repainted it to right away to cool blue), so I know to be careful with beige and look for the undertone. I also have “timeless is boring” drilled into my head 🙂
    Hope to see you in Vancouver!

  • Kathy Stafford says:

    I love your site. I have enjoyed reading your post and never really paid a lot of attention to the many colors of beige until I started following you. Now I seem to notice it everywhere I go. I would love to receive any of the gifts you are giving away. Hope your birthday was extra special. I also follow you on instagram.

  • Linda says:

    Happy Birthday! I’ve learned so much from your blog, but I’m very grateful that you taught me to use timeless tiles in both my bathroom and kitchen renovation. I’m so happy with the results and knowing I’ll still be happy in ten years is a bonus.

  • Claudia says:

    Dear Maria, Happy Birthday to You-uuu! What a great post – text and pictures both. I felt like I was there with you all, celebrating and enjoying the great company, food and everything, haha. You had a fantastic day, it looks like. Such a wonderful thing that Terreeia has made for you there. What a pretty cake you got, too, yummy. And you, walking around with that “it’s my birthday” tiara on your head the whole time, haha – too cute!! Loved that so much <3 Thanks for sharing this special day. :-* I wish you the very best for the next 50 years to come; and if Terreeia has one coming up – the same wishes go to her.

    • Claudia says:

      Almost forgot. The best lesson I’ve learned from your blog is: Yellow beige et al make pinky beige look dirty.

      Thank you for this amazing draw 🙂

  • danielle says:

    Happy birthday! Love your blog, always a great new tip. I’ve learned to always trust my intuition and loads about undertones!

  • Anne says:

    Dear Maria,

    Happy 50th Birthday! It’s truly special ( a continuous gift to us) that you have shared your personal life events, along with the wisdom of your colorful and dedicated professional path, all these years. I think I’ve saved every blog issue since ‘discovering’ Colour Me Happy, later e-books were so helpful in my own home projects. The best lesson I’ve learned from your blog is that amazing things happen when you are true to yourself. Have read that everyone has something unique to offer in their lifetime, but many never find or do what that is. You listened to your gut and not only stayed the course, but made the course! Thank you for helping amateurs and professionals alike answer those ‘something’s not quite right’ questions in a most enjoyable way.
    Whether I’m a giftee or not, attending your course one day is on my “for me” list!

  • Susan Carrara says:

    I read your blog faithfully, and I absolutely love all your pictures and posts both of the bad and the good. After purchasing a new home and realizing it had to be completely repainted inside ( it had extensive pet damage to the walls unnoticed to everyone including the inspector) I thankfully came across your site and purchased How to choose paint colors. Now it is beautiful. I guess the best lesson I learned was if you don’t like your Oak fireplace surround and the Oak Stairs, paint it, which I did against many friends objections. What a change that was. In case you’re wondering, I painted the entire house in a color obtained locally which is a dead ringer for Pashmina and the trim, fireplace, and stairs another local color matching Pure White. only know this now as I have since purchased the color board set! The railing on the stairs got painted a Solid black which is stunning and gets many complements. Thank you for educating me, Happy Birthday and don’t stop doing what you do best! I hope to meet you someday at one of your classes

  • Robyn Polashuk says:

    Maria, Happy (belated) birthday! In reading your on-the-go and energetic posts, I am astounded that you have crossed the 50th milestone – you are an inspiration to all of us over the 50 mark. The basic lesson that I’ve learned from you is that undertones are everything! But what I’ve gained from your guidance (both in your posts and when I’ve worked with you) is much more fundamental — that I am not just particular or difficult when I struggle with choosing colors. There is a reason that the colors don’t work! So, ultimately, your guidance has saved me money, time and my marriage. 🙂
    I would love to win any of your boards, books or class. However, like the other commenter below, I’m not a designer, just a homeowner, so the prizes are surely better suited for folks in the business. But I appreciate being part of your online community and thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.
    All my best, Robyn

  • Adriana says:

    Happy 50th Birthday Maria! Looks like Terreeia threw such a wonderful, family and friend filled magazine worthy party for you! You’re both so lucky to have each other! Your garden is gorgeous. What an incredible transformation!

    I have been following your blog for the last couple of years and find you to be incredibly personable, knowledgable and honest. I always come to your blog when I need some paint/color inspiration and even when I don’t. I have learned so many things from you, one of the most important being to always look at a paint color/swatch next to a white sheet of paper in order to see the color’s undertones. Wow! Mind blown! Another important lesson you have taught me (and have always very eloquently explained in your blog) is something that I’ve always felt in my gut but could never express in words… that white is not white is not white! About 20 years ago, when we first moved to our current home we needed to paint the exterior of the house and my husband likes to joke that it took me 6 months to pick out the color white. That is not that far from the truth. Lol

    I could go on and on about what I have learned from you but will stop at those two things. I hope you keep doing what you’re doing for a very long time with your beloved Terreeia by your side and surrounded by your wonderful family and friends. I wish you much good health, love, success and happiness today and always!

  • BethAnn Triantafyllou says:

    Do not try and match the backsplash to the countertop!

  • Monica M says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! The best lesson I’ve learned from you is: Don’t mix dirty colors and clean colors. That was an aha moment for me. I feel like I’ve learned more about the basics of interior design from your blog than any other blog I’ve read. Thanks so much for all that you share with us.

  • Tricia L says:

    Hello, Maria.
    This is my second comment because I’m not seeing my first comment posted. I just searched for my name and couldn’t find it. If I just missed it, then feel free to ignore this one, with my apologies. I’m not exactly sure what I wrote the first time, but I’m sure it was clever and witty. (There are 575 comments as I write this, and my first post that I’m not seeing was posted the day of your birthday when there were less than 200 comments)

    I know I wrote that I’ve learned a lot about undertones, classic is timeless, and that the kitchen faucet post was timely as I’m starting a kitchen reno. I’d be thrilled to win the art piece or any of your give-aways. Thank you for being so generous on your birthday. (oh, yeah. I may have suggested you have more birthdays)

  • Happy Birthday Maria,
    I also follow you on Instagram! I would love to attend your Seminar – not aware of all the UNDERTONES! And I would like to use your system!
    Thank you!
    BethAnn T

  • Carey says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria! The best thing I have learned since I found your blog? Timeless and neutral in hard finishes. I can always add color and decorate around that.

  • PamB says:

    work from the fixed elements first – and keep it simple (if not always white)

  • Sheila Northcott says:

    Happy Birthday! There is a lot I’ve learned from your blog, but one of the best is to repeat colours in a room to make them “fit” and to keep hard finishes classic!

  • Amy says:

    It is hard to narrow down the best lesson that I have learned from your blog, but I think that I have learned to beware of pink beige!

  • LaJuana says:

    I’m not a decorator or in the business at all so it wouldn’t be fair for me to take any of your wonderful gifts. Just wanted to say Happy Birthday from a long time fan who will be celebrating her 67th birthday on July 1st…so it would have been cool to win…but not fair to the ones who will benefit most from your generous spirit! I too have learned much and point everyone in your direction when they have decorating questions! Happy Birthday and with T by your side, you don’t need any more gifts! You are blessed!

  • Tracey says:

    What have I learned from your blog? Well, I’ve only been reading it for a while, but already I’ve learned that I can’t go wrong with a white kitchen when we build our “forever” house, and that’s a huge weight off my decision load! Thank you! Another thing I’m picking up from you. Good taste! I
    Wish I had you looking over my shoulder as we build saying, “This one, not that one, darling.” ?

  • Mi says:

    Happy birthday.
    Thank you for a blog that always educates and never feels Overly commercial

  • Judi Chevalier says:

    Maria the best advice I got from you was when in doubt use a professional. I am a very good accountant in my professional life and great gardener and garden designer in my personal life. However when it comes to choosing colors in my home decorating I am lost. So turning to a pro (you and /or your staff) makes sense to me. And I love following your posts and pics on instagram.

  • Nikki says:

    Happy 5-0 Maria!

    How have I learned from thee? Let me count the ways…

    I.JUST.CAN’T! In short, lo these many years of reading your blog and, despite the fact that I have a terrible eye for color, pretty much everything I’ve learned about decorating has come from your blog! Thanks for your generous spirit, and your help with my kitchen (still lovin’ it!)

    Someday I do hope to take your Specify Colour with Confidence course, but I’m a scientist, not a decorator so perhaps the seat is better occupied by someone who will actually use the knowledge every day! Well, someday I’ll retire and THEN I’ll be there!

    You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.”

    ~ George Burns

  • Linda says:

    Maria,

    I’m gob smacked at your generosity. Especially, when I saw that the first prize is your colour course “Specify Colour With Confidence.’ It’s THE one prize I really want. I’ve never been able to attend your Toronto course, as I’m on pension income, but have been determined to make it happen one day. Will this be my day?

    I’m in the middle of a big, stress-filled move, so things are chaotic and will continue to be through August, so I’m imagining my reward in September could be that trip to Vancouver. I’ve been there once, and the minute my feet hit the tarmac, I was in love. So, that in itself would be a prize for me. Therefore fingers and toes are crossed, and I’m going to remain confidant that my name will find it’s way onto the one thing I really need to round out my decorating skills for my clients. Colour is what I struggle with. Plus, I was able to purchase your e-books and the large, neutral samples when you had them on sale.

    Well, I’m turning 70 tomorrow, but in the very, recent words of Jane Fonda; “70 is the new 50.’ I believe I am living proof of that, as I move into the next decade of life..nothing can stop me now!

  • Denise B says:

    Happy 50th Birthday!! I have learned so much from reading your blog about undertones. I still am struggling to truly “see” all the undertones & dream of attending one of your events! I also followed you on Instagram @dedebeck1

  • Karen says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria! The pictures of your celebration spoke volumes about the value you place on family and friends. What a joy it has been to watch your nephews grow and mature over the years of reading your blog. When the three of you are together, there is magic in the air! Regarding decorating, you have taught me to choose classic and timeless materials and finishes. Regarding life, you have reminded me to hold family close to my heart. Thank you.

  • Francisca Manley says:

    Happy 5oth! The best is yet to come! I learned how to avoid trendy style and not to have a busy floor pattern if I have busy countertops.

  • Patti Bartoli says:

    Hi Maria,

    Happy Bithday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Maria, Happy Birthday to you…

    I study the flawless style in your decor and in your fashions…always beautiful…Thank-you for sharing the things you love!

  • Happy Birthday Maria, and thanks for sharing your wisdom and humour online. As a design professional I love your mix of sage like colour science wisdom sugared with a large dose of practical humour. Your stories are an education, in the guise of a chat with a friend.
    Your blog reminds me why I enjoy what I do so much, and your passion for colour is contagious. I hope to one day make it to your workshops from NZ.

  • Lis Petersen-Banfield says:

    I am a 71 year old fan of your blog and for all of of my years I have struggled with painting and disliking the colours I chose without knowing why. After reading your blog and purchasing your e-books I figured it out. The undertones were wrong. I STILL struggle with paint colours and undertones now but at least I know why. Thank you.

  • Francine says:

    Happy birthday. What a lovely party! After many years of reading and loving your blog, I really can see the undertones. I have purchased one of your books and love that too.

  • Corinne M says:

    I’m undergoing a renovation now and I found your blog at just the right time. I’ve learnt to simplify the colours/patterns of the permanent fixtures in my house such as tiles and countertops and to let my love of colour show in soft furnishings (that can can be more easily changed in the future if I need to.)

  • Gretchen says:

    Maria, Happy Birthday! Your love and commitment to colour is just amazing. I found your blog years ago. You pulled me in and I’ve never stopped following. Thank YOU for that gift!

  • Ann Baugh says:

    No trendy looks when selecting hard surfaces. Happy 50th Birthday year!

  • Debra says:

    Maria, I have learned so much over the years I have been following your blog . For me (classic is timeless) and opening my eyes to understanding undertones have been the most important lessons. Your system has changed my life…made it easier to make choices for renovating my 80’s home. In the past I made many costly mistakes with color and hard finish choices ,however following your blog and using your system has opened my eyes and simplified the process . Before I started following you UNDERTONES wasn’t even something I would consider. You have changed that for me. I am so very grateful. Happy Birthday !

  • Vera Linnansalo says:

    I learned about the 3 different beiges (pink, yellow and green) and not to mix them.

  • Gail says:

    I love all the info on undertones. The recent faucet blog came at just the right time too.

  • Lynn Skallerud says:

    Happy Birthday to you! I have just recently discovered you and your blog. I am looking forward to walking into my home and loving it with your guidance.

  • Erin Schertler says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria! Thank you for giving us all the gift of good design. I’ve learned a lot about undertones just from reading your blog but would love to learn even more in your Specify Colour with Confidence course. Enjoy your 50th birthday year. Peace, love and good design! Erin

  • Lisa says:

    Wow, what an amazing way to celebrate your birthday – the whole thing looks absolutely gorgeous. This is the year I turn 50 too! I would love love love a chance to win, especially the webinar, I think. I’m not a designer, just someone who stumbled across your blog very close the beginning of it. You provide so many nuggets of wisdom. I now understand that when I look at my bathroom and the paint seems wrong even though I like the colour, it really IS wrong because the undertones are off. I don’t understand enough to fix it, but I least I know it’s OK to just keep trying and that I’m not crazy (even when other people tell me it’s just fine). And I definitely appreciate the “simple is best” philosophy. I’ll be able to avoid making some mistakes by reminding myself that subway tile is the way to go and white is not boring! Keep writing and inspiring. I always look forward to reading your blog.

  • Holly H says:

    Happy birthday! I’ve learned so many things from your blog, but I think my favorite is just choosing classic finishes for hard surfaces (I.e. Medium brown hardwoods, white subway tile, etc). Saves me time and money when planning my own home renovations! Also follow you on Instagram @holly0033

  • Janet E says:

    I have so enjoyed your blog. I’ve learned the fact that colors have undertones and our choices affect how a house “feels” after we have put all the pieces of the decorating puzzle together. And …. paying for good advice from a professional pays for itself in avoiding costly mistakes. I wish you all the best, thanks for sharing the gorgeous photos – that cake is gorgeous! Happy Birthday, Maria!

  • Belinda says:

    Maria, I really appreciate the way you illuminate the logic behind color theory and how it applies to our living spaces. You should be creating color theory 1 & 2 curriculum for universities teaching interior design. The design profession and our clients would be the better for it.

  • Beatriz Bruna says:

    Maria:
    Happy Birthday!
    I have followed you for about 1 year, and you have taught me to REALLY look at color. to look for the color underneath-the-color, to really understand what I am putting together. I have also learned from you to take into consideration what cannot be changed, like tiles on the floor. What a difference that makes! With you I have learned to love color.
    Thank you for all your wisdom,
    Beatriz Bruna

  • Babs Loyd says:

    I ordered both How to Choose Paint Colours; It’s all in the Undertones eBooks

    and White is Complicated; A Decorators Guide to Choosing the Right White eBooks plus your wonderful sample boards. They are all fabulous tools. I have learned a great deal from all the resources. I will take these tools with me when I visit my sister who just recently redid her kitchen and master bedroom. Fingers crossed that she chose well and her new decor is wonderful. If not, I will supply your website address so she can learn how to undo any mistakes. Your blog is always informative. It looks like your 50th birthday party was well-designed and coordinated. I would like to win any one of your generous prizes.

  • Penny says:

    I just found your blog and read it intently. Wow! Then I took the freebie test you sent via email and was surprised to see what I had learned in such a short time. Would absolutely love to learn more. Who knew? Thanks. Penny

  • Toby Boucher says:

    I have learned so much from your website, and appreciate it since I am building a new house this summer. I will definitely have a white kitchen and bathroom since reading all of your advice!!!!

  • Suzanne says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! Probably the first (and best) lesson learned is the beauty of classic and timeless basics and adding “trendy” with accessories (sort of a great dressing rule as well). Another one that was hugely helpful though was your post on drapery – I read it thoroughly before ordering my bedroom drapery and am so happy with how it turned out – they don’t look skimpy or awkward thanks to your great guidelines. Since I recently attended your colour workshop in Mississauga and have already purchased the other items, please enter me only for the artwork.

  • Tanya says:

    I love how in your blogs you show real examples of the wrong and right undertones inside and outside the home. I have been a color expert for many years, always look to you for more ideas. I would love to win and see you in Vancouver.

  • Diana Henderson says:

    The Best lesson I’ve learned is to identify beige undertones and learning how to avoid mixing them together.

  • I love the day I found you Maria! I feel I have grown immeasurably in terms of knowing myself and my aesthetic. I can finally make decisions with at least some degree of ease! It used to take me forever to buy anything!! I am not done with this journey. But I feel I know myself better than before. One of the many things I learned from reading your blog is this…..to know yourself and stay with that no matter what someone else likes! Another one is, of course, the realization that white is wonderful and absolutely necessary!! I have lost one of your boards so I would love to win another set! Or any prize really! Thanks for sharing your 50th with us all! I already follow you on Instagram (I think)! I am still technically challenged!

  • Sonya Mandel says:

    What a lovely celebration! Happy Birthday Maria!!! So sweet of you to be giving your readers a gift for the occasion. I am a slow learner, because despite reading for years on your blog that you SHOULD NOT paint multiple samples directly on your walls, I did just that. I bought about 15 quarts (not sample jars) and slapped them up all around the room in large swatches. I was forced to make a snap decision (after 2 weeks of having them up, maybe that’s not a rash decision.) I choose a color I’m not crazy about. Why? Because I struggle with choosing a color that works with existing fixed elements. I have your e-books and would love a chance to be chosen for #1 (Orlando is local) or #4. Definitely in need of remedial Maria!

  • AK says:

    Happy Birthday to you!!
    The best thing I’ve learned from reading your blog is understanding pink beige. In general, I’ve read other blogs before about color theory and paint ramblings and yours is the first one that makes sense. I understand what you’re saying and find myself nodding in agreement with your posts. Thank you for sharing your wealth of information.

  • Elise says:

    I’m still not great at it, but I do know better what looks good together and what doesn’t. I see undertones better all the time. I think I make fewer mistakes and that is wonderful. Thanks Maria, and Happy Birthday.

    Elise

  • Miriam says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! The biggest lesson I have learnt from you is about undertones. And that white kitchens and bathrooms are timeless!
    I already have your e-books and live in New Zealand, so would love love love to win either your “Renovate (and New Build) with Confidence webinars” or your “How to Choose Exterior Colours with Confidence (Value $297)”.
    That would be be super amazing as I am currently renovating!

  • Cathryn Depta says:

    Happiest Birthday! 50 is mah-velous dahling! I just started following your blog because a client of mine came to one of your courses and I noticed an amazing difference in her color selection choices! I can’t wait to take your course! Free would make it happen so much sooner!!! Any of the other giveaways would be fantastic as well!

  • Sandy Cucci says:

    I love reading about how pink undertones limit all of the other finishes around them – now I notice the bad pink everywhere. I also love that you simplify design by recommending white subway tile backsplashes instead of making a bold statement thru a multi-toned (ugly!) backsplash. I love to hear what you think about every design trend and design and I look to you to inform me in my decorating business. I’ve followed you on Instagram for a while now. Thank you for all of your ideas! And Happy Birthday to you!

  • Vicki says:

    I’ve learned so many things from your blogs that it’s hard to choose just one. But the most valuable has been the affirmation of a timeless decor and the reminder that not every item chosen must make a statement; some are background players. I chose simple white cabinets and white subway tile for the backsplash of our new kitchen instead of the pretty green tiles recommended by a designer, and I am very pleased. The idea that everything must relate is critical too as well as limit hard surface selections to only one pattern, keeping the rest solid. I will begin your online undertone class soon, and look forward to tweaking my skill of recognizing those pesky undertones (I too hate pink-beige!). See I told you I couldn’t choose just one! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and passion.

  • karen says:

    What a dream it would be to attend one of your seminars. I have been following your blog as an “amateur color lover” so I cannot justify the expense of attending.

  • Linda Hopson says:

    whites are confusing!

  • Gery says:

    Maria, Most importantly, I learned from you the value of hiring a true color expert, and paying for design advice, to save money in the long run. I have trouble asking for help, but put in terms of cost savings convinced me that I needed it. I can’t be an expert at everything, and I value your expertise.

    Second, would be that going classic in the kitchen creates an elegant blank slate for design flexibility in the rest of my home, and third would be understanding trendiness—the whys and hows of avoiding it.

  • kristin says:

    best lesson from your blog: being able to better articulate to myself and other people why there is something wrong with their paint colors. I used to look at the exterior of a house, a paint sample, etc. and think ‘I don’t like it’ but couldn’t explain why. Now i know!

  • kristin says:

    i follow you on instagram.

  • Lisa says:

    You’ve taught me that boring is beautiful! No, seriously, you have taught me that timeless is best and to stay far away from trends. I’ve been so happy everything I’ve taken your advice and gone with white, simple finishes. You’ve given me the courage to stand up to salespeople, contractors and family who want me to include more wow factors.

  • Madeline Lafleur says:

    Maria I have learned so much from you, I love your fearless spirit. You have taught me to follow my instincts : )
    I have always been able to look at a room or an outfit or a landscape and instinctively know when it was WRONG! but until I started following you I had no way to explain it. Now I know it was the UNDERTONES, and beyond that I can explain my reasoning. I am an amateur decorator and thanks to you when I see a room I like or DON’T like I can express why. I am so blown away by your generosity and thoughtfulness, to give to others on the occasion of your birthday.
    Here’s to 50 more wonderful years for you! Thank you for sharing yourself with us and with me especially! Maddie

  • Gina says:

    Thank you for your site! I am not a professional, just a woman with a family who moved into a home a year and a half ago who has been paralyzed by decisions on what colors to paint and how to decorate while using what I already have. I cannot afford to higher a consultant, but you have given me hope that I can make the decisions myself. I am finally understanding why everything seems dingy to me and how to put things together so my home looks inviting and cohesive. I especially love your posts on whites and beige, especially since I have no desire to paint my rooms grey! Thank you, and Happy Birthday.

  • Lesley says:

    Hi Maria and a very happy birthday! I celebrated my 50th a couple of times already :/ and it’s been mostly, well, colorful. My maiden name means “colorful” in German, so I’m following your blog with no designer background and learning so much! White IS complicated! I would love to come to your next LA session, and I follow your Instagram already.

  • Brady Vickers says:

    The best thing I’ve learned from you was your colour system as presented in your first eBook. It really came together for me with the website redesign and the colour wheel. I had read and studied alot of other online resources about colour and colour theory, but your system is by far the most useful and actionable. Thank you, and Happy Birthday!

  • Nicole says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! You have taught me so so many things I never learned in design school. Thanks to you now I know what to do with pink beige! I would love to attend your training. I was hoping to take the last class in Chicago but I couldn’t make it happen. I follow you on instagram.

  • Stephanie says:

    The best lesson I’ve learned from your blog has to be understanding good lighting. I appreciate you!

  • Loretta Barlow says:

    Happy 50th Birthday, Ms. Maria! I was so impressed by one of your blogs concerning how to decorate around a gray couch that I became a faithful follower of this blog and your Instagram postings.

    My favorite pearls of artistic wisdom from you concern how to decorate around a gray couch. You said: 1) balance the accent color by using blocks of colour instead of little bits of other colors; 2) use 3 gradations of an accent color (small, medium, and large to make the room pulled together; 3) keep your walls colorful or pale; 4) keep your floors light; and 5) atmosphere is created by lighting first, then decorating and finally wall colour.

    After reading that amazing piece of advice, I tried to read everything you wrote, including key points such as, undertones in color are part of every design decision. You explained in easy to understand terms that dirty colors should not be mixed with clean colours. Being a very analytical person, I appreciated how you made the art of mixing colours in design logical and not just an artistic sense (“spidey sense” as you would say). I think sharing the “Why,” or the reason you make your design/colour decisions, sets you apart from all of the other designers. They will show you what they have designed, but will never tell you the “The Why,” let alone tell you the name of the product used or the source of the decor. It is probably also why one of your fans posted, “Speak my queen. Speak. ”

    Continue speaking, Marie, we will all be listening.

    (I am not a designer by trade, only by heart, but I have thought of volunteering time in this area and taking courses, simply because I recently retired and love this area so much.).

  • Sheryl Kingston says:

    Everything I know about color and undertones I’ve learned from Maria’s website, thank you!!

  • Jean Humphrey says:

    I think the most important thing I’ve gained from your blog, ebooks and the two webinars is confidence. I’m planning to build and was considering a designer recommended by the builder. I checked out her website and saw that a couple of her photos showed pink and yellow undertones together! Yikes–think of the money that just saved me! I just “discovered” you in January so I still need lots of practice but everywhere I go, I’m checking out the undertones. I drool over the live workshops every time you announce them! With your input, this new house is going to be fabulous. Thank you!

  • Kelly Parkinson says:

    From: Sonja Bermingham. I’ve learned so much from Maria!!! I feel more confident when choosing colour (or not!!! – as Maria says, ” white is timeless”) and I get why the colour white is timeless — it gives so much flexibility in decorating!! Lesson learned, yay! Now, whenever I shop for my home, or offer-up suggestions to friends, I always ask, “Is this tile/carpet too bossy?” And they totally get it. Thanks Maria!!!

  • Suzanne Seward says:

    Happy Happy Birthday! I have always been a lover of color! You have shown me how to use them in the correct perspective, have learned so much about clean and muddy colors and also the undertones. You tell it like it is and I love that! You are a blessing to so many! Thank you for your True Self, if shows in all you do! xoxo

  • Valerie Dickson says:

    I found your blog and website by accident. I’ve been reading all of your emails and posts. We want to renovate our kitchen and family room area in our 23 year old ranch style home in a neighborhood WE LOVE! I love how you simplify the choices and colors, for example, only pick one pattern in the kitchen, the floor, or the counter, or the backsplash. I also love that recommend steering away from trends and recommend classic choices.

  • Mary says:

    I have learned so much about color that I never knew!! Happy Birthday, Maria!!

  • Sarah Frances Peck says:

    Happy birthday! The best lesson I’ve learned from you is to slow down and take more time with colors, whites especially.

  • Aleksandra T says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria!
    I was so lucky to accidentally come across your website just in time for my total house renovation. In last few weeks I went through every single post of the last 20-something pages of your blog. Every one of them had some valuable piece of advice I could use. The advice that affected me most was the timelessness of the white kitchen and subway tiles. I always wanted colorful, busy tiles, though I had no idea how to coordinate them with the rest of my house. After reading your 156 blogs 🙂 about white kitchens and subway tiles, I’m 100% sure that this tile is going to be the backsplash of my new kitchen.
    Thank you for educating me (non interior designer) about design and colours!

  • Gadgie says:

    Undertones changed my life!

  • Karen Kjobech says:

    Happy Birthday! There’s definitely not one thing, but the top ones for me are – clean and dirty rule, one pattern period in hard finishes, strive for timeless and classic designs, and you’ve got to repeat, repeat, repeat to tie things together. Oh, and wood floors are like denim. Love that! Of course, the whole concept of undertones goes without saying 🙂

  • Lieschen Hartman says:

    Now I know beige is also complicated! Many thanks for your continuing insights on color.

  • Crystal P says:

    What a special day in celebration of you Maria! Belated Happy Birthday! I love reading your blog, and one of the most valuable things that I have learned is about the 9 neutral undertones. I’ve also had the pleasure of learning from your ebooks and am an avid Instagram follower. Definitely a dream to attend a live colour workshop ?

  • Deanna Clarkson says:

    I’ve learned so much from your blog recently, which makes it hard to leave a short comment. I’ll make a short list as an effort:
    1) Colors that at first glance may look nearly the same are, upon closer observation, actually not even in the same color family as far as undertones are concerned. LESSON: Take a good loooooong look at colors.
    2) Two colors together can change each other’s character. LESSON: Take a good loooooong look at colors against a white background.
    3) What time of day is it? LESSON: Take a good looooong look at colors against a white background at all times of day (and even in all seasons if I had the patience to wait that long).
    4) Pick your paint last.
    5) Newest lesson: Trends aren’t fads. I can’t stress so much about trends. There’s too much else to stress about, anyway.
    Thank you for all your help! Happy Birthday!

  • Anne Wilbur says:

    Happy 50th Maria! I have learned SO MUCH from your blog that it would be hard to pick the most important thing. I have read both of your ebooks and taken your online renovation class. I would love to take your seminar too, so I hope that I win! I would say that the most important thing I have learned is how to see undertones. I didn’t think I would ever learn, but now I am seeing clashing undertones everywhere I go and in online interior/exterior photos. I feel a lot more confident in choosing colors based upon what I’ve learned from your books and online class. THANK YOU!

  • Tip says:

    I ‘found’ you a long time ago and also purchased your choosing the right white ebook which got me started down the road of understanding undertones. It totally made sense to me as I could never put my finger on why colours didn’t work together, I just knew that they didn’t and your system gave me quite an ‘aha’ moment! The best lesson I learned is about choosing the right undertones for fixtures such as flooring and kitchen benches etc BUT I have also loved your tips around what to do if you have fixtures already that do not have undertones that work together and where changing those out is not an option. Definitely a lot of money saving lessons! 🙂 I would so much love to join one of your Specify Colour with Confidence events one day – will you bring these to Europe (say, Amsterdam?! :-))

  • Jennifer O'Neill says:

    undertones, undertones, undertones. That has largely been a lifeline of your website for me. Understanding the dynamics of colour as well as their colour properties has made choosing colours so much easier! Thank you! (I also already follow you on instagram)

  • Cindy says:

    I’ve learned to trust my instinct when it comes to undertones. My first sense is nearly always right. Happy Birthday!

  • Lynda Kettler says:

    Thanks for teaching me so much about how to “see” color! I never knew that undertones existed until I stumbled onto your blog. I’ll never be a color expert -thanks to some color-vision disability- but now I understand what is going on when colors mysteriously fight each other. It takes me several tries sometimes, but at least I have some tools to work with since I’ve read your posts. What a gift you give to us! Happy birthday.

  • One word…. white. You’ve taught me how to understand and look at white. It has changed the way I pick colors!

  • Betty says:

    Your blog has inspired me to go with being the “traditional” girl I am! I always dress in timeless clothes; but feel like I am not “on trend” when I gravitate to timeless finishes and furnishings instead of the newest thing. Your blog has helped me relax and follow my heart, while tapping into my creative side with easily replaced accessories. Thank you for validating my style by voicing your own confidently.

  • Christine Heatherington says:

    I have always loved decorating but never learned so much until I stumbled across your website. Enjoy your year.

  • Kerri says:

    A very Happy Golden Birthday to you, Maria!
    As a high school science teacher, I too, appreciate the analytical balance with the aesthetic (reference Loretta) that your expertise provides. The direction I’ve most treasured from your blog concerns the positive possibilities for a dumbfounding exterior. Your inspiration gives me guidance to correct the choices I initially was leaning toward. I’ll have to wait to implement my new plan while I wait to build toward my budget, but in the meantime I live vicariously through your posts to tickle my right brain. Only problem is that now I want to tickle the paint brush all through the entire interior as well! Ha! That’s a problem I can live with!

  • Pamela says:

    By far the best lesson I have learned from you is seeing and recognizing undertones. You clearly have a gift for color!

  • Rebecca says:

    It all started with the undertones of beige. I still think that may be the most important lesson.

  • Terry A. says:

    I posted this on your Facebook page, then realized I should have posted it here. This is a duplicate of that post. 🙂
    Happy 50th birthday! One of the most important things I’ve learned is about undertones, and specifically pink beige! I bought your color books, and they have been so helpful. I have also learned what is timeless. Thank you!

  • Benita says:

    The blessing (and curse) of seeing undertones everywhere is the best thing I have learned from you. I always knew when something looked wrong colorwise but I couldn’t articulate it. As soon as I started studying your system, voila, there are the words. Now I know why that yellow beige sofa on pink beige carpet was driving me crazy.

  • Erica says:

    Thank you for the chance to win one of your great prizes! I do follow you on Instagram, but your blog is what keeps me coming back. I love reading about color. The best thing that I learned on your blog so far has been the fact that there is actually a SYSTEM (yours) that helps you pick color and it involves undertones. I had heard about undertones but was mesmerized at the revolutionary thought that there was an organized systematic way to help you pick colors that work well together using them. Yes!!!

  • Barbara Zagrodnik says:

    What I’ve learned is “Don’t be afraid of color!” Don’t settle for BLAH when BEAUTIFUL is all around us. Thanks for the insights.

  • nancy says:

    the best lesson was that the best investment i could make was taking your class! you changed the way i see the world now…its all about the undertones! also your color boards are a life saver when it comes to color consultations. so thankful for you and your knowledge Maria and your desire to help others. thank you!!!!

  • rebecca says:

    The best lesson I’ve learned is what defines a classic kitchen and a classic bathroom. Thank you so much for that and happy belated birthday; it looks like you and your family and friends had a wonderful time.

  • Sandy says:

    Hands down, the most important lesson I’ve learned is the importance of undertones and how to more accurately identify them. I love your blog and find myself on a steady learning curve. Just when I think I’ve “got it”, you bring new insights! Thanks and Happy Birthday

  • Fran Kiker says:

    Happy Birthday to an amazing woman and talent. I think the best lesson is the timelessness of simplicity….and the wonders of color that brighten life.

  • Sharon says:

    Love your blog. There is so much I don’t know about color. I have learned a lot and like so many others, the undertones is what stands out for me. I have been in the paint & flooring business for 12 years. I can match a color to fabrics all day long, but putting colors together, with no training, is a struggle. Keep up the good work!

  • Erin says:

    Happy Birthday! I enjoy reading your blog because many of the topics you cover are conversations that I have with my clients daily. It’s nice to read your blog and reaffirm the things I tell them! I would LOVE to take your colour course and continue to learn more.

    I like to think that I have a natural talent for color, but sometimes I have a hard time explaining the differences to my clients. Reading your blog has helped me find a way to explain it to someone who has no idea what I’m talking about! Thanks for the help 🙂

  • Denise Willmas says:

    Maria, Happy Birthday! I love you! Thank you for your blog. The most important concept that I have learned from reading your blog is this; Every finish does not have to “stand out”, think about timeless finishes,classic. Also beige pink is bossy!!! One more thing, take photos from an aerial view… I love that!!!

  • Yolande Kielstra says:

    Hi Maria
    And thank you for offering all of us a gift for YOUR birthday 🙂

    I learned why ugly happened, how to prevent it, and how to fix it. I have also learned that no matter your budget it can still look much better with use of a discerning eye and a coat of paint. I have taken Your Renovate with Confidence course and purchased your book It’s All in the Undertones. Thanks you for the work you do.

    Yolande (I also just started following you on Instagram)

  • Lou says:

    The best lesson I learned from one of your blogs was how to create a tablescape or vignette. Obvious to some, but not to me, I was not good at putting things together until I understood what 3 elements a tablescape or vignette needed. ” Flowers, candles and books and depending on where it is, a tray to create a kind of triangle within a box.” Thanks for making things simple to understand.

  • Joanne says:

    Happy Birthday Maria!
    The best lesson I’ve learned from you is why I’m never happy with my color choices and that’s because I’ve been unknowingly picking things with pink beige undertones (too bossy and I dislike conflict). Now that I see it I wish I had found you sooner. I’m enjoying all the information you’ve shared online and in your eBooks. Would love to take one of your color classes. ?

  • Teresa lofton says:

    I love Maria and I have learned that timeless is the better way to go. The fads will die and leave your house icky!! Happy 50th Maria!!

  • Cat Lavelle says:

    Dear Maria,

    Thank you for the opportunity to participate in your generous giveaway.

    I’ve learned a lot from your blog as a long time reader (but not commenter). I’m late commenting and maybe will repeat what others have said, but here goes-

    I think you have articulated something that is useful across the board, to people who already have good intuitions about colour and those who can see and understand when it’s shown to them. You’ve explained both the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ of working with undertones. I really appreciate that you have developed your system and shared it.

    I think the best lesson I’ve learned from you applies in life as well as in selecting colours.

    Relate, don’t fight or ignore. Yeah, even with (maybe especially with) pink-beige.

  • Jennifer Caton says:

    Harmony of undertones

  • Martha Bunn says:

    I loved the quote “Once you choose a hard surface in a pattern, your pattern quota is done, everything else must be a solid color.” I am getting ready to build a Tuscan style home, and found a patterned kitchen counter top I love but was struggling with a floor and backsplash. That quote cleared up my frustration and gave me fresh ideas. Thank you!

  • Liz Delgatto says:

    Happy Birthday, Maria!
    The best lesson I’ve learned is the existence of undertones! LOL, but also not to mix clean & muddy colors.
    Thank you for making color more fun and so much more INTERESTING for a “C” personality. 😉

  • Jennifer says:

    I used to swoon over the latest backsplash tiles in tile stores. Thanks to you, I now ignore them as I know that I’m going subway tiles for any renovation I do. The small glass tiles I admired just a few short years ago are already old news so why even tempt yourself to be “current” when that really means “dated sooner than you know”. Happy Birthday, Maria!

    • Maria Killam says:

      Jennifer, I think this is the best statement about trendy tile that I’ve ever read! Thanks! Maria

  • Alisha says:

    Happy Birthday! You have taught me the difference between clean and dirty colours. That’s just one of many colour and design tips I’ve learned from your site. I appreciate how much specialized information and advice you share.

  • Grace says:

    Happy 50th birthday!

    I am a homeowner who has always been interested in Interior Design. When visiting model homes or browsing Interior Design books/websites, I often wondered what causes a room to look so put together. I thought it was the furniture!

    Your blog has opened my eyes. I learned that the harmony of colours and how they relate to each other is very important. I purchased your eBook “How to Choose Paint Colours” yesterday; I could not put it down. I have read it twice now, trying to absorb all the concepts I never even considered in the past.

    This morning, I dissected the colors in my living room which was furnished mainly from Pottery Barn. I determined that I am so drawn to dirty colours. Now I understand why everytime I tried to introduce a clean color, the room spits it right out! ?

    I could not believe I am saying this but I am hoping to one day become a True Colour Expert and make colour an intentional part of my life.

    Thank you and best wishes!

    • Maria Killam says:

      Hi Grace, OMG I love that, ‘The room spits it out’ it most certainly does! thanks for your comment! Maria

  • Jill says:

    Happy Belated Birthday Maria!
    I’m in the process of building our new home and although this might seem like somewhat basic, I feel grateful to have learned a valuable lesson from you “a white backsplash is the most classic and goof proof choice”. I know I am going to be delighted with my warm white subway tile backsplash in my new white kitchen ?

  • Sam says:

    That my wife is correct that the simplest fix to an outdated kitchen is to paint the wood!

  • Diane Tyson says:

    My bookmark for you still says “Color Me Happy” and your posts usually do the trick. Happy belated birthday. Best advice I learned from you is to keep everything the same “tone” for color success. I never even thought about that until I started reading you many years ago.

  • Abbey says:

    The most recent and most important lesson is not to mix multiple stone patterns in one room. I learned too late for the guest bath we renovated this winter (all the same marble but floor has a pattern, sigh) but just in time to make the master bath perfect! I swapped out our grey marble counter choice for a solid white quartz and am SO HAPPY with the result. Thank you for all the wisdom and happy birthday!

  • Linda Verhoef says:

    I have learned to look at colors differently. I don’t just flip a coin to figure out which color to choose! It takes time to find the right color for my needs and that is ok. I look at lighting, undertones, and still can choose a color that I like, it just may be a shade or two different than what I first thought it would be. Thanks Maria and Happy Birthday!

  • Betsy says:

    It’s all about the undertones! Your blogs about the different undertones and the clean/muddy aspects they impart created an “Aha!” moment for me!

  • Pam says:

    I’m a kitchen designer and I refer my clients to your blog all the time. The WHITE issue is so huge in my world. It’s a daily conversation! Thanks for breaking it down into logical terms. Plus, you have such a great sense of style! 🙂

  • Hello from Spokane, Washington!

    I am just starting out by receiving your emails and am so happy I did. I love color and couldn’t live without it! You have helped me so much by looking for the undertones and how to match colors that blend with them. Wow! What an eye opener. We have just purchased a home and I am now beginning to see with so much more clarity. Thank you so much, Maria. It would be so much fun to win the Specify Colour with Confidence class and meet you or the White is complicated book.

    Thank you for offering these give-aways!
    Deborah

  • star says:

    I love love love your emails..they are inspiring. Happy Birthday dear. What I like most is your intimacy with readers. Sharing your beloved, friends and family. Also your clients residences. we know you are a fan of white…and yellow is everywhere.
    Reminds me of Beverly Hills!

  • Boleyn Relova says:

    Happy Birthday! I learned that I love white kitchens like you! Classic look that will last.

  • Maggie K. says:

    I’ve learned so much from your site. The two biggest lessons that have stuck out to me is your guidance on undertones, as well as the use of white subway tile to give that timeless and classic look. Thanks so much, Maria!

  • Jill says:

    Happy belated birthday Maria!

    The biggest lesson I have learned so far is classic white subway tile in the kitchen is timeless not boring !

  • janet says:

    Color makes all the difference in the world. It really does make a mood–right or wrong!

  • Teri Zenger says:

    I’m learning to be more confident in my color choices. The info Maria gives on neutrals has been a godsend. I’ve always been ok with saturated color, but neutrals threw me off. Better understanding undertones has helped me feel like I can tackle all the “white” stuff.

  • Dottie Minor says:

    The best lesson I have learned from your blog (and you said it many times before I totally accepted it) is: We can’t expect to select colors that are exactly right together when we can’t answer the question: Why are they perfect for each other?
    I learned that I could screw up a new house–colors and fixed elements, inside and out, in a flash without a
    “true color expert” expert to guide me. Then I searched in tears and found your blog, Maria.
    I learned that with colors, there are some “dirty” and some “clean,” besides nine color undertones and that large samples are the key to discern the right color and whites are especially tricky.
    From the photos I gather you had a wonderful birthday! Thank You for sharing your life and knowledge with us!!

  • Betty says:

    To see “white” based on the myriad of undertones this “non-color” has and how it affects all the colors it nestles up to. When I was younger there was a “Color Me Beautiful” craze for fashion that helped you pick clothing based on your skin undertones; your system reminds me of that one of so long ago…only for decor!
    I enjoy enhancing my space with beauty in all its forms and love learning more and more and more….thank you!

  • Yvonne Slugoski says:

    The most important lesson I’ve taken from Maria’s Blog, is to spend your decorating dollars sensibly. This means that we should ask a True Colour Expert for help right at the start of the project! Thanks Maria – ☀️

  • Catherine says:

    Love your emails and your books! I have learned a lot … but “boring is timeless” makes a lot of sense ..just never thought of it that way before.

  • Betty says:

    maria, congratulations on your wonderful success, i’m sure made more attainable with a supportive partner in life! best regards and future successes upon success to you both!

  • Carolyn says:

    Classic subway tile, undertones and color boards! I left a comment on Instragram also. Happy 50th Birthday, Maria! ?????

  • Suzanne Coulliette says:

    I’m learning how to put color together using undertones. I also love looking through the pictures you post for color and design ideas.

  • Victoria says:

    No way you are 50!!! Whatever age you are, you are the best!

  • Michelle says:

    I can’t narrow it down to just one best lesson I’ve learned-there are so many! Definitely though, not to use accent tiles!!! I notice them constantly now! Also, I see undertones now and understand that that is what affects how neutrals go together or with other colors. I have so much more confidence in my ability to choose colors and decorate with colors. I can’t wait to renovate my house one day and have enjoyed helping my mom with hers. Thanks for teaching me!

  • Maria,
    The biggest lesson I’ve learned from your blog is… H-O-P-E. For every room filled with colors that just do not play well together – there is hope. For overkill in pattern – there is hope. For all the ugliness that exists – there is hope. For every setback – there is hope. For every fear – there is hope. Your expressions of hope are my en-courage-ment, (In courage – action!)
    Blessings for every endeavor ahead, Maria. Your posts make my heart happy. Thank you.
    Katherine

  • Suzanne Howard says:

    In addition to all the great color and decorating tips, one of Maria’s other great lessons is Generosity! Yes, that is with a capital “G.” She has shared information so generously through the years.

  • Denise winter says:

    I can only imagine how much knowledge one can gain from taking your seminar. You share and enlighten about color so well here. Who knew that color had so many nuances. You make learning about color and design so very interesting and I look forward to your emails. I also follow you on Instagram!

  • Krista says:

    I found your blog during my research for renovating our new home. I immediately purchased your “White is Complicated” book and followed up with “It’s All in the Undertones and Renovate with Confidence”. Your knowledge and guidance has helped me learn to trust my own abilities when it comes to choosing finishes and colors. Learning to truly appreciate the value of timeless simplicity as the best foundation for any design has been invigorating…I look forward to creating a space for my family to feel surrounded by love and joy – with your help of course!! Thanks so very much for making such an impact in the lives of so many. Happy 50th Birthday 🙂

  • Mary Anne says:

    Ugh! Sent my comment as s message! Sorry!
    I’ve learned that neutral/white kitchens are timeless and subway tile is NOT boring!
    Happy Birthday!
    I would love to win a course with you….ANY course!

  • Robin says:

    …what I learned…. color matters!! and knowing the basics matters !! 🙂

  • Catya says:

    Great sound colour advice. Always stick with classic and white! Queen of undertones and once you understand them you can’t go wrong! But the most inspiring aspect is how open and giving you are in sharing everything with your ‘followers’. Thanks Maria!

  • Karen Parham says:

    I’ve been following your blog for years and the one thing you have taught me is to not take myself too seriously and the importance of being authentic. I hope I win your seminar in Atlanta. I’m a big fan. Happy birthday Maria!

  • Tiffany Harvey says:

    Hi Maria! Happy 50th! The best (and worst) thing I have learned is from your blog is undertones and exterior color. Now that I have a better idea of why something isn’t working, I am seeing paint issues all over town. I even called a real estate agent to express my concern over a commercial building being painted neon yellow with a blue roof! I might need an intervention now! Thanks again (I think, hahaha)! Tiffany

  • Susan Biamonte says:

    Hello from Niagara Falls Ontario! I have learned to look at ALL colours in a brand new light – it is all about undertones. I can no longer look at a room without thinking that the floors do not blend well with the countertops! In addition, I don’t think I will ever do a bathroom again in anything EXCEPT white! Thank you as I feel so much more confident in selecting items.

  • Wendy Ouellette says:

    Maria, I have to say the best lesson I learned was from White is complicated, and it was the advice to use Chantilly Lace to teach my novice eye hour to discern the undertones of whites. Samples aligned beside CL will make the undertone essentially jump out at you. So easy ! I love it ! Have a happy birthday . Wendy

  • sharon swallow says:

    I am a Realtor in the Carmel CA area and a serial home buyer who has not lived anywhere longer than 5 yrs.
    I wish I had found your blog ages ago for the color advice! I am in the process of moving again and will consult with you on the exterior/interior paint colors……in the past I found that choosing paint colors was a total nightmare! Going forward, I know I will have your help and that is such a relief! Thank you, thank you!

  • Ann says:

    I am learning all about undertones. My poor husband ended up having to paint our living area twice because our khaki turned out to be “pukey pink.” Bless his Heart!

  • Bea says:

    Happy 50th birthday! The best lesson I’ve learned from your blog isn’t actually about color or design. It is about living an authentic life and being passionate about what you do. I also love your honesty and find it extremely refreshing. “The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love and to be greater than our suffering.” – Ben Okri

  • Nandy Jones says:

    I’m new to this side of the industry (I’ve been on the soul sucking construction finance & operations management side for over 20 years). While I work with an incredible team of people and a company anyone would love to be a part of, a battle with cancer helped me see that I needed a change. When a dear friend in Hawaii asked me to partner with her in a staging and design company I didn’t have to think twice about it. I am so excited that I have found you and now follow you in every format available (including Instagram).
    Everything about color has me all excited and I have been reading all of your blogs. Thus far I’ve learned two valuable lessons. First, I’ve learned that I have a lot to learn, pink beiges, yellow beiges, whites, whites and more whites, oh my! The good news is I’m going to enjoy every minute of it.
    The second and most practical lesson I’ve learned thus far is, “buy the yellow shoes”. Yes, yellow shoes. I couldn’t decide between red and yellow for a fun pair of shoes and I’ve been agonizing over it for while. The easy answer of course is get both but I’m relocating and trying to use some self discipline. I looked through your amazing birthday photos and you guessed it, I bought the yellow shoes. One decision down, a lifetime of them to go. Thanks for being a part of it & happy belated birthday!

  • Karen says:

    Hi Maria,

    Your birthday celebration looked amazing! Hope you continue to celebrate throughout the year.

    I’ve learned SO many things! I only wish I would have found you before we built our house. Some of the lessons I’ve learned are: white is complicated; it is all about the undertones; white is classic/timeless; avoid those darn pink undertones; and the importance of working with colour boards.

    Thank you Maria for generously sharing your expertise over the years! I feel fortunate to have found your website!

    Again, Happy Belated 50th Birthday!

  • Rieca says:

    I have learned that I love colour. And I love that you say it is okay to buy something as large as a couch in the colour that you love. This makes me happy!
    I am also very happy to know I am not the only person obsessed with undertones, I found a place where I belong!
    Happy birthday!
    R

  • Ellen Rush says:

    Dear Maria! The best lesson I learned from you is to…
    be passionate, follow your heart AND remember don`t rely on itty bitty paint chips to pick a color – go big!
    And yes, I do follow you on instagram!

  • Alina says:

    I’ve learned how to make the best of the colors you can’t change. It’s easy to tell someone to start from scratch, but much harder to work with limitations. Thanks for being realistic!

  • Elaine Lowes says:

    Happy Birthday Maria. I am following your blog, Instagram and have your website bookmarked as one of my reads for professional development. I am a new designer to the Vancouver area and am loving your posts and the information you share. As you can see from my website I need a little more colour in my designs…The most helpful information to me has been your undertones theory. I am trying to pay attention to it and love your posts that challenge your readers to identify the mistakes in the pictures. I also have taken to heart your advice on the pattern and solid surfaces in design choices. So simple but so sensible to save me making costly mistakes! Thank you for your generosity in sharing. – Elaine Lowes, Laine Design http://www.lainedesign.ca

  • Ronda says:

    Aloha Maria,
    Hau`oli Lā Hānau! as we say here in Hawaii. I love your blog and your posts are the first thing I read when one shows up in my inbox. I’ve learned so much from you about undertones and staying timeless in the hard surfaces. I love that you share with your readers and ask for our opinions.

    Your post about white subway tile was perfect timing for our kitchen back splash.

    Now for the exterior color of the house. With strong sunlight, lots of colorful plants and a 1950’s Hawaiian, single wall constructed house, it’s a bit of a challenge. I wish I had discovered you when I lived in CA, going to one of your seminars would have been easier. Winning anything would be awesome but “How to chose exterior colors with confidence” would be especially timely.

    Loved the pictures of your birthday party. It looked so beautiful, the food looked amazing and everyone looked like they were having a great time especially you! Mahalo nui

  • kathleen ricciardelli says:

    Such a lovely celebration!

    Maria, I appreciate your powerful lesson that while ‘timeless’ may feel boring when selecting foundational design elements, it gives one’s home a harmonious and classic sense of well being….and so sustainably flexible!

    Love following you on Instagram and your Instagram stories! @cadallina56 Thank you for your amazing authenticity, integrity and courage. You have such an empowering energy and you give us the gift in how you serve the world. Thank you and have a great 50th year!

  • Virleen says:

    1. Pick a color—white or cream. You can’t have both (unless you have Maria’s eye). My house is a cream house, so introducing lots of white will not feel right. My white sofa is actually cream.
    2. The sofa pillow test—walk the house with it. If it can be placed in each room, you have flow.
    3. You are money. I sent the first paint boards to my daughter as a housewarming gift. She painted the interior and decorated accordingly. After her effort of 25K, the appraiser bumper the appraisal up 50K. By the way, her house is a “white” based house. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARIA

  • Barbara Miller says:

    Hi Maria. I am relatively new to your blog but so happy I found it since it contains so much useful information! You ask for 1 thing I learned, but it’s hard to only choose 1! But here is my “duh” moment – you must see your whites against a sample of pure white to be able to correctly determine undertones. Seems obvious right?! I would always compare all my proposed whites against each other (and that is important) and against any fixed elements, but not against a swatch of pure white. Love all the photos you post. And I find your posts on using social media to be very helpful. Your party and yard look absolutely beautiful! And that cake!!! I already have your 2 e-books and your tutorial on choosing outdoor colors. Thanks so much – I look forward to many more posts to come.

  • SDC says:

    First off Happy Belated 50th Maria! I usually read your blog posts as soon as you publish them but a major project this June has put me wayyyyyyyy behind. Fortunately, that project finished up in time for me to kick back, catch up on your blog and celebrate my turning 55 on July 1 as Canada turns 150!

    I’ve been a loyal follower of your blog from the very beginning. Over the years I’ve learned many things related to both colour and design from reading and re-reading your posts, the comments, and of course your ebooks such as:
    1.) Stick with the tried and true classics for “permanent” cabinetry and hard finishes such as tile, flooring and countertops.
    2.) Treat hardwood flooring like jeans.
    3.) A better understanding of undertones and a system to employ so as not to be overwhelmed and intimidated when choosing colors.
    4.) White will not make a dark room brighter.

    I could go on and on.

    But aside from what I’ve learned, I’m most grateful for the personal inspiration I’ve gotten from seeing you create a vision for your life and business, formulate a plan and tirelessly pursue your dreams and goals. I’m just thrilled and inspired watching what you’ve been able to create and achieve. You embody and live the Henry David Thoreau quote: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.”

    Over the past several years I’ve been confronted with major life events: job loss, being a full time care giver for elderly Mom and Dad, the death of my Dad and then my Mom, and finally a subsequent unexpected, out of the blue serious illness of my own. Throughout, you’ve been a bright and shining influence as you’ve shared not just your teachings but your personal growth, struggles and development. For that, I cant’ thank you enough!

    • Barb says:

      Hi SDC, I hope you have a wonderful Canada Day Birthday. Wishing you health, happiness and prosperity as you turn 55. Cheers, Barb

  • M says:

    Happy 50th Maria! Looks like you had a wonderful party! I’ve learned so much from reading your blog. The thing that I’ve learned the most is that I still have a lot to learn! I’ve bought your ebooks and webinar. I’m still hoping to get your large paint samples and attend your class. Thanks for sharing with us.

  • Kim says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! In 2005 I moved into a new house in which the finishes had been selected by the builder, including the dreaded pink-beige carpeting. After painting rooms multiple times and finding they still looked awful, I searched the web for answers. It was your blog that explained what colors would and would not work. Thanks to your advice, I finally found colors that unified all the different undertones throughout the house. I have both of your e-books, and of all the many interior design books I own, not one covered the concept of undertones. Thank you for bringing visual harmony to my household.

  • Barb says:

    Happy belated 50th birthday Maria. What fun to be a centennial baby and get to turn 50 as our great country turns 150! It looks to me to be the perfect “match” for a gal who loves a fantastic party. I hope you have a wonderful Canada Day celebration with family and friends.

    I’ve learned so many great lessons from reading your blog all these years that is hard to pick just one. However, if I have to pick one best lesson ….it is to pay very close attention to the details (the undertones of colours & the busyness of tiles/countertops and other fixed elements) and to trust my instincts/stand my ground (if it looks wrong to me …it probably is) and not be swayed by “experts” who don’t understand the “Maria colour system” and timeless approach to design. Reading your blog helped me have the confidence to say no to an interior designer who was pushing a busy mosaic tile backsplash for my kitchen (I wanted and got plain subway) and to white finishes that didn’t match (I got them changed). Thank you so much for so generously sharing your knowledge with all of us.

  • Sharee Danker says:

    My favorite: ugly costs the same as pretty!

  • Carol says:

    Happy Birthday! And the best lesson for me: Beware when selecting hard finishes – choose classic!

  • Monica says:

    The best lesson for my home was your blog post on paint colors for wood cupboards
    ,floors and trim.

  • Marg Robitaille says:

    What I learned from your blog is to believe in yourself. Maria you are brave and fearless putting forth so much of yourself. Yes I am sure much of it comes from experience and vast amounts of knowledge and creativity however when anyone puts themself out to public scrutinity it can difficult not to mention painful. Kudos to you Maria. I applaud your effervescent spirit that is so contagious. Happy happy birthday!

  • Since following your blog I have finally repainted the inside of my home. I am a real estate agent and love reading your blog and then seeing the design trends in our area. I have suggested to quite a few clients that they need to follow your blog to get an idea of trends, classics. Love reading your blog.

  • Judy Sleeth says:

    Happy Birthday! I got hooked on your amazing color theory approach to decorating while working on my daughter’s remodel of her home in Minneapolis. (I live near San Francisco so this has involved many trips and too many blizzards.) She had already selected a gorgeous blueish-greenish granite for countertops in the kitchen – including a 12′ island that is truly the heart of the home and the center of the remodel. The granite will also be used in the 2 upstairs bathrooms. For the next several months I have been reining her in from all the expensive mistakes she wanted to make by using colored tile accents in every room. I keep saying, “The blue tones dominate. Make everything else white. You can add lamps and bowls and flowers at the end in any color you want, but all the permanent finishes should be white! (She will use BM simply white for cabinets and trim, BM Calming Cream for walls, and white subway tile with the same undertone.) We’ve been through some rocky moments, but at this point she is on board. I’ll let you know when we see it all together!

    • Maria Killam says:

      Sounds beautiful. Don’t forget blue and white ginger jars, they are so amazing in a house with blue! xo

  • swavick says:

    Happy Birthday Maria! Lovely party, lovely Family!! swavick, Niagara, Ontario

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