On Monday, July 27, I had the privilege of joining three amazing panelists at World Market Center Las Vegas for The Art of Color: Powerful Palettes and Visionary Design, presented by Visual Comfort & Co. and Benjamin Moore.

Color has always been one of the most powerful design tools in my work. Long before furniture is selected or architectural details are refined, color establishes the atmosphere of a home. It influences emotion, shapes perception, and quietly defines how a space is experienced.

During our conversation, we explored how thoughtful color selection extends far beyond aesthetics. It becomes the foundation that connects architecture, lighting, materials, and furnishings into a cohesive design story.

It was an inspiring discussion with fellow industry professionals, and I’m grateful to Visual Comfort & Co. and Benjamin Moore for the invitation. For those who couldn’t attend Las Vegas Market, I’d love to share a few of the ideas and perspectives we discussed.

The Panel and the People

One of the things I enjoyed most about this panel was the diversity of perspectives represented on stage. The discussion was thoughtfully moderated by Jane Humphrey, Editor-in-Chief of Modern Luxury Dallas, who guided the conversation with questions that encouraged us to go beyond trends and discuss the thinking behind great design.

I was honored to share the stage with Marie Flanigan, an award-winning interior designer and Visual Comfort & Co. design partner, whose work beautifully reflects the relationship between architecture, interiors, and timeless color palettes. We were also joined by Regan Iglesia, President and CMO of Pooky Lighting, who brought a unique perspective on how decorative lighting has evolved to become one of the defining elements of a thoughtfully designed home.

My contribution to the conversation centered on something I believe is often overlooked: color is never an isolated decision. It influences every layer of a project — from the way natural and decorative lighting interact throughout the day to the materials, textures, finishes, and furnishings that ultimately bring a home to life.

Rather than viewing color as the final touch, I shared why it should be considered one of the earliest design decisions. When color, lighting, and materiality are developed together from the beginning, the result is a home that feels intentional, cohesive, and timeless. Although each panelist brought a different area of expertise, we all arrived at the same conclusion: the most successful interiors aren’t created by individual design choices — they’re created by the harmony between them.

The Conversation Beyond the Stage

One of my favorite parts of the event came after the panel officially ended. The audience stayed engaged, and the conversation naturally continued as designers and industry professionals asked thoughtful questions about the real-world application of color.

One of the first questions was about choosing the right paint sheen — a decision that is often underestimated but can dramatically affect how a color is perceived. We discussed how sheen isn’t simply a technical specification; it’s another design tool that influences light reflection, durability, and the overall character of a space.

Another attendee asked how to create a true “wow” moment with color, particularly through flooring. I shared one of my favorite examples: an office I designed in 2015, where the floor itself became the defining design statement. Rather than treating the floor as a neutral backdrop, we used it as an intentional design feature that transformed the entire experience of the space and proved that color can make an unforgettable first impression when applied with purpose.

One of the questions that resonated most with me was how to approach color with a hesitant client. My answer was that the conversation goes both ways. Designers often focus on helping clients feel comfortable stepping outside their comfort zone, but sometimes we’re the ones being challenged to explore something new.

I shared the story of a client who absolutely loved the color red — a color I hadn’t traditionally incorporated into my work. Instead of dismissing the idea, I embraced the opportunity to understand what that color meant to them and explored how it could be introduced in a refined, sophisticated way. The final result was beautiful and became a reminder that great design isn’t about imposing our personal preferences — it’s about listening, collaborating, and creating something that authentically reflects the people who will live in the space.

Those conversations are one of the things I value most about industry events like Las Vegas Market. While the panel may have concluded, the exchange of ideas continued long afterward, reminding me that some of the best insights come from thoughtful questions and an openness to seeing design through someone else’s perspective.

See more Posts