Thirty-nine patterns, every one transcribed from a live section on mariakillam.com with its copy intact and its source URL cited. Built pages compose from this catalog and nothing else.
by knowing when to decorate
Create your
Dream Home
and when to renovate
Learn the Killam Colour System® and discover what your home actually needs before you spend another dollar
Whether you’re decorating your home, designing for clients, or looking for expert guidance, start here to find your colour journey.
Advance your skills with in-person, virtual, and online courses and training programs.
Discover Courses & TrainingGet personalized eDesign consulting for your space from Maria’s expert team.
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Quickly decode the tricky undertones in neutral paint colours, finishes, and fabrics.
From wheels to guides and ebooks — shop by category and start building timeless confidence with your home’s colour.
Hands-on boards to compare undertones and test colours in real light.
Expert colour and decorating advice in easy, digital guides.
Step-by-step help for choosing timeless finishes, including flooring and materials.
Learn to read undertones and see colour like a pro.
When you need a second set of expert eyes on paint, finishes, or exterior decisions, book an online consult.
Ready to see colour differently? Learn Maria’s proven system for choosing timeless, harmonious colours.
Beautiful results, one perfectly chosen colour at a time.
Practical, proven advice for every colour challenge — from tricky undertones to confident paint choices.
Why Your Favorite Painting Is Still Alone
Learning is always better together. Connect, share ideas and get feedback. We're all friends here.
Here are some short videos that make undertones, neutrals, and real-life colour choices easy to digest.
Maria Killam pioneered virtual colour consulting in 2010, long before the industry caught on. She's trained thousands of design professionals since, guided more than 10,000 virtual colour and design projects, and is the creator of The Killam Colour System® and the Understanding Undertones® Neutral Colour Wheel.
Welcome to
It's the best place to get expert advice, test your abilities, and stay connected.
Neutrals and whites look simple until you start comparing them against flooring, countertops, tile, upholstery, or existing trim. Then the undertones show up, and that is where expensive mistakes happen.
That means faster decisions, fewer repaint regrets, and a cleaner path to a timeless result.
The most expensive design mistakes usually happen before the paint ever goes on the wall.
Designed for homeowners and professionals who want more clarity before they commit.
If you are making expensive finish decisions and want a more timeless result, these guides help you move forward with more confidence.
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Don't let an
outdated kitchen
hold you back!
Are you tired of feeling like you're in a never-ending race to keep up with the latest kitchen design trends? Maybe you inherited a kitchen with outdated finishes from the previous owner.
Here's the thing. Even if your kitchen isn't brand new, it STILL has the potential to be incredibly beautiful at this very moment, with the RIGHT updates.
Some rooms feel effortless, while others just seem “off”—and it’s hard to pinpoint the reason.
More often than not, it comes down to colour and neutral undertones. Even with beautiful furniture and finishes, if the colours don’t relate, the room won’t work.
Curious what this looks like in real homes?
Head to the blog for inspiring examples, real-life fixes, and practical advice to start seeing your own space with new eyes.
Search the blogI decided I had to be creative or die so I quit my job to start my one day design business.
After receiving a call asking if I knew the difference between pink beige and yellow beige I booked a colour course in San Francisco. When I came back, I decided I would be an internationally known colour expert.
To get there, I worked as a colour consultant at Benjamin Moore. In four years, I logged more than 2,000 hours of hands-on experience—and from that, my Understanding Undertones system was born.
I began teaching interior design students my system at a community college.
Wrote my first post on Friday afternoon (Halloween) and wrote 4 more posts that weekend and never looked back.
I love helping my readers and followers find solutions to their most pressing decorating problems, which you can now find everywhere, thanks to technology!
“The Killam Colour System ® is a PROCESS that anyone can follow. It’s the shortcut to knowing exactly what works, why it works, and how to get it right the first time.”
- Maria
See undertones in your finishes instantly.
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MORE QUESTIONS? contact us.
They are focused tools created to help homeowners and designers make better decisions around finishes, flooring, and colour planning with less overwhelm and more confidence.
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“I am really loving your community. The resources and feedback from others is exactly what I needed, to get me unstuck! And, it's so affordable. THANK YOU!”
— Sarah H.
“I signed up for the Dream Home Club and think its great! Thank you for your work in the world and all that you have taught me.”
— carolyn p
“I took Maria’s colour courses before, but it wasn’t until I joined the community that I finally felt confident enough to take on clients!”
— Jennifer
A welcoming decorating community designed to help you make confident decisions for your home — without second-guessing or overwhelm.
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The renovation of this home included a complete overhaul of the gardens in the front and backyard. Colour is timeless and this home is a testament to that mantra!
(Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams)
The Killam Colour Boards are available for the two most popular paint brands. Choose your preferred brand—each set contains the most useful and versatile colours, so you never have to worry about “missing out.”
Whether you are planning a kitchen, choosing flooring, or building a mood board, Maria’s Colour Guides are designed to simplify the process and help you create a more timeless home.
Choose the guide that fits your project and move forward with more confidence.
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