EP 482 | Interior Design Paint Color: Why It’s So Hard (Even for Pros) with Susan Jamieson

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Paint color. Clients think it’s the easiest decision. Designers know it’s one of the hardest.

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Susan Jamieson, founder of Bridget Berri Designs and author of Color Rules, to unpack why paint carries so much visual weight—and why even experienced designers can struggle to get it right.

From undertones to lighting to sequencing decisions correctly, this conversation reframes how to approach paint color with clarity and confidence.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why paint color is often harder than selecting furniture or finishes
• Kimberley’s five key principles for choosing paint with confidence
• How defining the mood of a space narrows your color options
• Why fixed elements should guide your paint decisions
• How undertones impact color more than the name on the sample
• Why testing larger samples in the actual space is critical
• Why paint should be one of the final decisions—not the first

Get the book >> Bridget Beari Color Rules

DESIGN INTERVENTION

You are in control of your choices and making them is the key to success. If you own your business, you get to decide what your goals are, how far you push them, and when to take a break. Even with a team supporting you, the dreams and direction belong to you. That’s one of the real privileges of running your own design business.

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