130SPR23_Cover_FINAL_NoUPC

Shorethings: Interiors by Donel

Cape Cod Home  /  Spring 2023 / ,

Writer: Leslie Hatton

Shorethings: Interiors by Donel

130SPR23_Cover_FINAL_NoUPC

Cape Cod Home  /  Spring 2023 / ,

Writer: Leslie Hatton


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.” 

A trend...

Want to read this article and more?

Subscribe today to our Digital Edition to gain full access to this article plus every issue of LIFE or HOME for only $9.95.

Leslie Hatton

Leslie (Horne) Hatton enthusiastically joined Cape Cod Life in October of 2022. Educated in Mashpee and Falmouth, she graduated from Assumption College and received her Master of Education degree from Lesley College. A former teacher, she has taught middle school, preschool and most recently, fifth grade. She and her husband Tom have three children: Aidan, Colin, and Erin. Their newest family member is Millie, an outgoing, outrageously happy chocolate lab. She loves to talk about all of them so better not ask. One neat tidbit about Leslie is that she is the author of the locally best-selling children’s book Cape Cod ABCs, with over 10K books sold on Cape Cod, the Islands and across Massachusetts. Happiest in the summer with a little sun on her face, she loves being with friends and her family, laughing, drinking and eating all over beautiful Cape Cod.