How I Connected Colour Analysis and Interior Design

Lari Oliver
Jul 9, 2025
2 min read

In the previous blog post, I explained how I made the connection between Colour Analysis and Interior Design. It happened through observation, deep study, and practical experience.

A New Way of Seeing Colour

When I made the assumption that people are naturally drawn to their personal colours—not only for fashion and beauty, but also for interiors—I decided to study the theory of Colour Analysis.

At the beginning, I didn’t imagine I would become a colour consultant myself. I just wanted to learn about it! My desire was to understand the principles, so I could better understand human behaviour regarding colours and, through that, offer personalised interior design projects.

My Colour Analysis Research Journey

I started my deep dive into colour theory and colour analysis in early 2022. I began with the scientific Newtonian concept, moved through the subjective approach of Goethe, explored the first Bauhaus colour theorists, the Colour Analysis pioneers (Suzanne Caygill and Carole Jackson), and ended up with the Brazilian and Korean methods—which, in my opinion, are the most complete, multicultural, and detailed approaches.

colour analysis studies — My personal colour studies.

Along this journey, I’ve had many interesting finds that opened my eyes to other topics, such as colour education and the colour design process—both of which I’m excited to share more about in the near future.

The Research That Sparked More

During my studies, I even considered pursuing a PhD on people’s colour preferences. I didn’t go ahead with the idea at the time, but my curiosity led me to incredible connections in the academic environment—most notably, an amazing colour researcher whose concept, “Colour Compass,” I’ve already posted about.

colour compass analysis studies — My colour compass using the green colour as example. Colour Compass concept by Ellen Divers.

Where I Am Now

Three years later, I’m here—independently researching colour theory and analysis. If you didn't noticed yet, I am passionated, sometimes obsessed, with this topic! And because I believe there’s something there. There’s something—a tool, a process, a structure—that can benefit many people, especially design professionals.