Meet Colour Expert: MARIA KILLAM

Welcome back to HGTV Main Stage Monday! Every Monday in August and September, we’ll be featuring a little behind-the-scenes info about our fabulous talents appearing at the Vancouver Home + Design Show, October 11-14, 2012 at BC Place.

Today’s profile comes to us from North Vancouver native Maria Killam, who’s making her very first appearance at the Vancouver Home + Design Show this fall. I like to think of Maria as a “colour matchmaker,” as she’s conducted thousands upon thousands of in-home consultations to find the right shade, tone and hue for every home (and its owner). She shares her experiences (and oodles of expert advice) with readers and colour enthusiasts all over the world on her blog, Colour Me Happy.

Snag a seat for any of Maria’s presentations on the HGTV Main Stage and you’ll score her top 10 tips for loving your home with colour! Like Janette Ewen, she’ll also be offering complimentary consultations at the Ask a Decorator booth on Design Saturday, October 13, directly following her presentations. Check the schedule here for times.

THE PROFILE

Name: Maria Killam

Occupation: Colour expert and interior designer

Birthdate: June 7, 1967

Horoscope sign: Gemini

Hometown: Abbotsford, BC

What’s your regular coffee order? Tall, black Americano

What three items do you always keep in your purse/pockets? Lipstick, cell phone, measuring tape.

Most memorable career moment to date: The first time my blog was featured in The Washington Post. Blogging has transformed my career and given me opportunities I would not have had otherwise.

What famous figure(s) inspires your career? Sarah Richardson. I love her design aesthetic and the way she articulates why something works or doesn't. It's what I aspire to do on my blog every day.

If you weren’t in your current occupation, what would be your dream job? I truly feel that I have already created that with what I do. It's different every day and I can live anywhere I want. That is true freedom, in my opinion.

Describe your design style in five words or less: Fresh, clean and classic.

 

One of Maria's recent blog images on Colour Me Happy

 What design trend or item are you coveting for fall? I'd love a black and white Celine bag.

What is your favourite room in your home and why? I love my living room because of my sunflower yellow sofa. It makes me happy every time I see it!

How do you keep your home looking great? Any tricks of the trade? To keep a white sofa white, I have a queen-size animal print fleece blanket that I cover it with in the evening while hanging out and watching TV. Animal prints go with everything and then you can eat popcorn and drink wine and not worry!

What is your Twitter handle? @MariaKillam

What is the first website you visit in the morning? Lately I'm obsessed with Pinterest and getting my boards organized.

What movie or program is at the top of your Netflix queue? Mad Men

One place you always visit while in Vancouver: Caffe Artegiano

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? Holding a grudge is like letting someone live rent-free in your head.

What’s your personal mantra? In the end, it's better to just forgive and forget.

Thanks Maria - I can’t wait for you to make your debut this fall! Please help us welcome her to the Home & Garden Events team.