Interior Designers and Color Consultants: A Collaborative Relationship

As a color consultant/color specialist, I’m brought on to all types of projects. Some residential, some commercial. Some interior-focused, some exterior-only. And sometimes, I’m the only one on a project coordinating color/design selections. But, in some cases, I get the pleasure of working with a dedicated interior designer, architect, or design team. This collaboration between an interior designer and me is an exciting venture, and when the stars align, we create some truly beautiful and inspired interior spaces!

I was recently invited as the key speaker at an interior design event over the holidays. The event was hosted by the talented and gracious team at DW Design & Décor, one of the premier interior design and build firms operating in the North East. It was a lovely evening, and I got to do what I love: discuss the power of color! We covered everything from color theory to interior design and home decor strategies. You can see some of the discussion on YouTube here: color and design discussion. 

After I was done with the lovely event, It had me thinking/reflecting on the relationships I’ve had with interior designers over the years and how we’ve worked symbiotically to create some tremendous results. In this piece, I want to discuss how interior designers and color experts can work together to achieve common design goals!

Interior Designers and Color Experts – Side by Side

You may wonder how interior designers and color experts can work side-by-side on the same projects. In my experience, it’s never been a contentious working relationship because we both understand how to complement each other’s skills. 

While a talented interior designer is more than capable of making color selections, it’s helpful to have a different perspective to discuss a fresh approach. For myself, I know that I have interior design skills and knowledge. Still, I recognize that working with someone entirely dedicated to the craft will help elevate the overall design in unforeseen ways. 

Working in Harmony

Typically, the color consultant and interior designer will start their journey together when they meet and consult with the client about the intention, purpose, and desired atmosphere of the space(s). Once this happens, the work is divided, and the creative inspiration begins!

In the broadest sense of each title, this is how I define color consultants versus interior designers:

A Color Consultant’s job is to make color selections and arrange color palettes to establish the psychological/emotional intention of the space. 

An Interior Designer’s job is to consider all aspects of a space’s functionality, layout, and composition. They’ll create an overall atmosphere with their design and choose/arrange furniture, lighting, decor, and all other materials to optimize beauty and functionality. 

When a color consultant and interior designer work together, ideas are constantly being swapped and developed; of course, concessions must be made by each side, but that is where the magic happens. Their combined efforts create finished results that are balanced and inspired. 

---

Learn About The Power of A Statement Sofa

---

Interior Designers and Color Consultants – Phases of the Design Process

Color consultants can be brought on to a project after an interior designer has been hired; again, this is because interior designers are involved with earlier phases of the design process, sometimes involving working with contractors and architects at the very early stages of a new build. However, there are other circumstances where color consultants work with the designer at an early stage of a design process to help establish the psychological effects of the colors and what the colors can accomplish, respecting the designer’s overall vision for the project along the way. 

Color psychology can be a mentally exhausting exercise, and it takes clarity/focus, vision, and experience to develop successful color palettes. Many interior designers rejoice at the opportunity to work with a color consultant who will offer their unique perspective and fresh color suggestions.

Overlapping Duties

Inevitably, in parts of every project, the skills of both an interior designer and a color consultant will be needed/overlap. Selecting the right carpet, for instance, involves the functionality of the space but will also be a foundational piece in establishing the color palette. Other such areas of overlap may be furniture, fabrics, and even artwork selection and placement. There are many areas where the designer expresses their overall vision and steers the ship. At the same time, the color expert can add a unique perspective to improve the overall visual aspect of the design.

I have worked with designers who have brought in a selection of fabrics on a job, and I showed them a variety of color themes from the Color911 app, offering different colors to pair with their fabric choices. The color themes will complement their fabric and enhance their design. A new look or new approach to color combinations is always refreshing!  

I have heard from many designers and homeowners who enjoy using the color app on their own. Exploring color inspiration can jumpstart a whole new way of looking at your design; that’s where the Color911 app can come in. 

Working with Color Inspiration!

I’m one of those artists who enjoy collaborating with other enthusiasts! I don’t see it as someone impeding my creativity; I see it as a combined effort, with sums often greater than their parts! 

If you’re looking for a color consultant to have by your side, try my Color 911 color app for inspiration. It’s a great way for the homeowner to show their designer what colors they are drawn to, and it offers color expert guidance for both the homeowner and design professional.  

It has plenty of professionally curated color themes to try out, or you can create color palettes on your own, both ways of laying out your colors and seeing them before you start on your next interior design project. I hope you’re inspired!