EP 482 | Interior Design Paint Color: Why It’s So Hard (Even for Pros) with Susan Jamieson

About this episode

This episode discusses the complexities of selecting paint colors in interior design, featuring insights from 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 Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent? Join us at Business of Design®. https://businessofdesign.com

People in this episode

Host: Kimberley Seldon

Guest: Susan Jamieson

Topics covered

• paint color
• interior design
• design principles
• color selection
• client expectations

Keywords

• paint color
• interior design
• color selection
• design challenges
• mood definition

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Bridget Berri Designs

Books & works: Color Rules

More episodes of Business of Design® Podcast | Grow a Profitable Interior Design Business with Kimberley Seldon

• EP 497 | 4 Hidden Business Leaks Costing Interior Designers Time, Profit, and Clients with Sheilah MacSporran · September 8, 2026 · 39 min
• EP 496 | Why Every Interior Designer Needs a Lighting Designer with Sarah Richter and Guest Host DuVäl Reynolds · September 1, 2026 · 43 min
• EP 495 | The Profit Killers Hiding in Your Interior Design Business with Erin Hackett Nordholt · August 25, 2026 · 42 min
• EP 494 | How to Build an Interior Design Team That Doesn't Depend on You with Shelli Warren · August 18, 2026 · 39 min
• EP 492 | How to Build a Scalable Interior Design Firm with Rebekah Zaveloff and Nick Nichols · August 4, 2026 · 38 min
• EP 493 | Why Your Interior Design Business Isn't Changing (And How to Fix It) with Cheryl Horne · August 4, 2026 · 25 min