LTL, sounds like it was very productive in the end. Would you mind sharing your Houzz picture (cream, grey, teal) because those are my colors too (although cream for me may be more taupe-y, and teal may turn out to be either aqua or turquoise). Thanks, and good luck with your project. P.S. I'm also working with someone online who's helped me with colors and some of my furniture selections. Next I need her to stage the whole darn thing for me since I'm really pathetic at accessorizing!

Thanks for sharing! It's good to know you had such a positive experience...and how to prepare. Anything that makes you feel more confident about your choices is well worth $300 IMHO :)

That's great you had such a good experience with her. Her blog is always so interesting and helpful.

Years ago, I hired an interior designer who provided a full color consult. It was comparably priced and was very helpful, since colors in the natural lighting and working with existing materials is really tough to do online.

Selections should be made from items with the least selection (appliances) to those with the most (wall color), that way you're always expanding your choices.

Nothing is more frustrating to a countertop fabricator or a homeowner than when a homeowner is trying to find a countertop to match a wallcovering swatch they've got their heart set on or even worse, already on order.

Sounds lovely! While that's not an expense I could justify adding often, it seems very reasonable when coordinating such a large remodel. Your time has value too, and think of how much time you would have wasted turning in circles trying to get even to the point you are at now. Well worth the investment!

Oh how I wish there was a 'Like' button in this forum. I agree with LL completely. If it costs me $300 to make decisions I will live with for YEARS, it is worth every penny. Best of luck!

Thanks for sharing! I subscribe to her email newsletter and I was curious about her consultations.

Thanks for this post, I have wondered about this type of color consultation as well. I used to subscribe to her newsletter. Really helpful to get a "behind the scenes" look at how it can go.

I also agree with lavender lass. For me, anything that gives me confidence about choices (and squashes those annoying inner voices telling me I'm doing everything wrong) is money well spent.

Thank you for detailing your experience. I had often wondered what went on during these long distance consultations. I too think it is worth it to have an expert help out and at least narrow down your choices.

Keep us posted on how it all goes!!

I too would love to see the Houzz inspiration photo!

Considering that I paid my lawyer way more than that per hour, I think you got a fabulous foundation. It won't matter if you choose the exact couch she suggested, but you have an idea what to look for.

I never heard of Mairia K, but now I'll check her blog.

Oh, I like teal too.

Thanks for the review! As a housewarming gift I had a new home consult with an hgtv designer (not Sarah R--boo hoo, I would have loved seeing her stomp around my house in stilettos) that I proceeded to completely ignore. I told her I loved color and she suggested all greys and puttys and in general the plan was too conservative for me. Fast forward 2 years and I'm getting ready to paint my entire first floor light grey. I should go back to the document she sent!

Even though I ignored it I thought it was a great consult esp if I had been a less tacky person, and she gave a lot of good advice considering the price.

IMO- if she points you in the right direction and you can afford her fee, the consult is worth every penny. Shoot, I could easily spend half that fee in the wrong color paint samples and have nothing so show for it!

FWIW I hired a color consultant who recommended SW Agreeable Gray w SW ALabaster cabs and trim for my kitchen. I LOVE IT! It is paired with a dark brown granite and soon to be mid tone dark wood floors. Good luck!

Five years ago I spent approx. $200 on wall color samples before I found The One. It turned out to be a color I still love so it was totally worth it.

You know, pretty much the exact same service can be had for free.

Your local professional paint store usually has a color specialist on hand who will do the same exact thing. Where do you think she learned her schtick? :-) Plus, finish and color coordination is old hat to any KD, and their services are also free when you buy your cabinets from them. If you will be buying new furniture pieces, most decent quality furniture stores also have a staff designer who is free or has a nominal charge for services.

She has a color system. If you took her class you would not only know what colors work with your hard surfaces but you would know why. You also know how to make the colors flow from room to room. I cannot praise her enough! Listening to her advice is like taking a 4 year design course at college.

ltlfromgardenweb --
I'm not sure when you posted, but maria has a whole post about what you're supposed to have before the consultation, including something to go off of. The fact that she was able to pull something together that you actually liked and Blended together with the rest of your house is kind of Genius. I'm glad she was able to bring together your hard finishes. paint you can change, but I'm like a diamond, Granite countertops are forever.

Lucy-- that sounds about right. I just bought my first ebook from her. and if I could, I'd rather take the course then have a consultation, so I can make these decisions moving forward myself. I have a background in art and I am just dying to know her method.