EP 482 | Interior Design Paint Color: Why It’s So Hard (Even for Pros) with Susan Jamieson
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.
About Susan Jamieson
Susan M. Jamieson is an award-winning interior designer, author, color expert, and founder of the Bridget Beari® brand, which includes Bridget Beari Designs, Bridget Beari Colors paint, Bridget Beari Papers wallpaper, and Bridget Beari Home Store. With over thirty years of experience, Susan is celebrated for designing comfortably elegant spaces lovingly tailored to reflect and enrich the personalities and lifestyles of the people who live and work within them.
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Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and provides general business advice for interior designers and design professionals. It is not intended as individual legal, accounting, or professional guidance. Kimberley Seldon and Business of Design® make no guarantees regarding accuracy and are not liable for how information is used. Strategies shared may not apply to every situation—listeners should seek qualified legal, financial, or professional advice before making business decisions. References and resources mentioned may change over time.
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