Decorator, design blogger and author Maria Killam has spent over 10 years proving why she is a true colour expert. Starting her own design firm in 1999, Maria has been established herself as the go-to resource when it comes to choosing colour for your home. From every aspect - we're talking from the floors to the roof - she offers relatable advice, helping clients not only achieve the colour palette that works for them, but also provides the confidence to communicate their design decisions.

Here, Maria takes the time to share her advice on decorating and renovating, and also dishes on some of her every day favourites. 

Photography courtesy of Tracey Ayton

1 If you could shadow any designer for a day, who would it be?
MK Jeffrey Bilhuber. I am a huge fan and adore the way he styles a room.

2 Where do you look for an obscure source of inspiration?
MK Pinterest is not obscure but when you find what you’re looking for in 30 seconds most of the time, you keep going back.

3 Favourite restaurant?
MK The Bacchus Lounge in the Wedgewood Hotel – I’m a big fan of atmosphere, which this lounge has plenty of!

4 What’s your favourite room to decorate?
MK A living room. It’s usually the most visible room in the house and it’s the foundation for creating the look and feel that goes throughout your home. It’s also the inspiration point for choosing colours that flow everywhere else. I often start with toss cushion fabric. Once I design a collection of toss cushions, the rest of thecolour decisions are a cinch!


Lead image courtesy of mariakillam.com.

Photography courtesy of Tracey Ayton

5 What’s your current paint colour obsession?
MK Greige (grey and beige). That is what everyone wants from me. I also love kelly green and would love it if there were more fabrics in that colour.

6 If one song could be the soundtrack to your life, what would it be?
MK Love Wins Every Time by McMaster & James.

7 What’s the one store you could spend hours browsing?
MK Chintz & Co.

8 London, Paris or New York?
MK Paris. I love the architecture and decor, and I can have croissants and coffee for breakfast every day without getting fat.
Photography courtesy of Tracey Ayton

9 If money were no object, what one thing would you buy?
MK A Black/White & Cognac Celine Bag.

10 What do you consider to be the most iconic design piece of the past century?
MK I love the Eames Lounger, which is why I have one in my home.

11 Favourite movie?
MK Les Miserable with Liam Nieson, it reminds everyone to be so generous.

12 What’s your favourite movie interior?
MK Cameran Diaz’s LA house in The Holiday.
Photography courtesy of Tracey Ayton

13 What do you think is the easiest way to update a room?
MK It sounds cliche, but with pillows. My workroom calls me the pillow lady, because she makes the most for my clients.

14 Favourite coffee table book?
MK Jeffrey Bilhuber’s Defining Luxury. I love to study the way Jeffrey styles a room, the way he effortlessly combines fabrics and throws petals on the coffee table for the photo.

15 What’s your favourite way to spend a lazy Sunday?
MK I love playing with my nephews and driving all the way to my favourite nursery to buy flowers for my house or garden.

16 Do you like to be the entertainer or be entertained?
MK Well, if I’m the entertainer, it keeps me awake past 9:30 pm.
Photography courtesy of Tracey Ayton

17 What do you think is the best renovation you can do to your home?
MK Replacing the flooring throughout makes you feel like your house is brand new.

18 What is your favourite space that you’ve designed?
MK My current living room/ dining room. I love the light in that space and it’s exactly my style.

19 What’s the biggest design faux pas?
MK Using copious amounts of accent tile that will date instantly. I’m known as the queen of subway tile, which sounds totally uncreative but it’s a classic look that stands the test of time.

20 Marilyn, Audrey or Jackie?
MK I’m Marilyn because I can be unpredictable. I get bored easily and I’m also a Gemini.