my color journey

I’m so excited to share my journey into color analysis with you—thanks for stopping by! My love for color started way back at the New York School of Interior Design, where I got my first real taste of how color can change everything. A.H. Munsell, the mastermind behind the color wheel, managed to combine art and science in a way that just clicked with me. Looking back, I realize that color has always been a central part of my design work. Sure, rooms can be inspired by all sorts of elements, but for me, it’s always been about the harmony of colors. Fast forward 20 years and over 1,000 clients later, I’m still obsessed with creating spaces that speak to my clients’ personal style. And now, I’ve added personal color analysis to the mix!

The color analysis journey began when my aesthetician shared her rave review of her Personal Color Analysis. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and I thought, “Why not?” At first, it sounded a bit mystical, but I was curious to see what all the buzz was about. Let me tell you, my husband had to listen to me ramble on for the entire drive home after my session because I couldn’t stop talking about it! I mean, one fabric made me look like I hadn’t slept in days, and another fabric made me look like I’d just stepped out of a photo shoot. It was like magic, but real. Honestly, I saw more improvement in my skin tone just from wearing the right colors than I ever did after a Med Spa session. I knew right then that this was something I had to offer. Seriously, why didn’t I discover this sooner? It could’ve saved me from a few unfortunate fashion decisions, though I did still manage to snag “Best Dressed” in high school—thank you very much! Too bad my color game was a little off back then, but we live and learn!

At first, I considered jumping right into a franchise because I was so ready to get started, but I wanted to really understand the different systems first. I looked into the 4, 12, and 16 season models, watched endless tutorials, and soaked it all in. In the end, the 12-seasonal tones SciART model felt the most accurate and solid. Plus, I feel it’s crucial to have an in-person analysis; virtual attempts yielded results for me that were the complete opposite of my in-person findings, with most colors making me look pretty dreadful. You simply cannot see how the skin reacts when the drapes are switched in a virtual situation.

I had the honor of training with Terry Wildfong, an industry pro with 40 years of experience. Terry was trained by Kathryn Kalisz, who developed the SciART 12-tone system, which is the gold standard in color analysis. Kalisz’s approach was all about color harmony and its effects on health and well-being. Though we sadly lost her in 2010, her legacy continues to inspire, and I’m proud to carry on her work with the respect and gratitude it deserves.

When it comes to finding the right color analyst, I always recommend doing your homework. There are a lot of approaches out there, but it’s essential to understand the difference. If you’re getting your colors analyzed from a photo, whether it’s by a person or a computer program, they’re basing their decisions on your overtone. But here’s the thing—you need to analyze the undertone to accurately determine your season.

Also, while some methods may look like a 12-Season system, they’re often just a more generalized 4-Season model. You might receive a color fan for all three subtypes within a season, but here’s the catch—those subtypes are quite distinct, and they won’t all suit you. Not everyone within a broader season can wear the same colors. I personally chose the SciART model because it’s incredibly reliable. Once we’ve landed on your season, I’ve still got three cross-check tests to confirm we’ve nailed it. That means you won’t have to get analyzed again—it’s a one-and-done deal!