Color Conversations

For interior designer Donel Beals, of Interiors by Donel, color is nothing to be afraid of. Using color to create connections and spark conversations, she wields a palette to evoke emotion in her clients. ~ Leslie Hatton

For interior designer Donel Beals, color is all about emotion. “Everything I do is based on a feeling. Whether it’s staging or designing a room, I want to know not just what you want it to look like, but how you want it to feel.” Beals has been playing with color for over 20 years, creating displays and telling stories in prior roles as a visual merchandiser working with major clothing, shoe, and cosmetic companies. Color and Beals, well, they just go hand in hand. In fact, she believes surrounding yourself with color animates you and breathes life into your surroundings. “Color reflects my personality. I get so much energy out of color.” Her own bedroom? Fuchsia. Her living room? Kelly Green. However, to those of us who may be reluctant to take chances with design or incorporate more bold choices into our spaces, she says, “Color actually can be simply trying some navy with your gray, white or khaki. If people tell me they are hoping for a tranquil space then we’ll go with lighter colors like blues and greens. If someone says they want a room to be happy, then I’ll suggest yellows and layer in some blues.

I don’t really ask, ‘What kind of couch do you want?’ I talk to my clients more about feelings and what they’re going to do in the room. It’s totally emotion-driven for me.”