Inspiration Through Observation and Shared Experience
At Yates Desygn, we believe inspiration is found not only in what we create, but in how we observe. Design is a constant study of people, of process, and of the details that quietly shape how we experience the world. Learning from craftspeople, artisans, and fellow creatives expands our perspective and challenges us to think with intention. When our team had the opportunity to experience personal color analysis at The House of Colour Dallas, it felt like a meaningful way to close out 2025, celebrating the season while engaging in a new lens of discovery.
The Origins of Personal Color Analysis in Design
The practice of color analysis has its roots in the Bauhaus movement and the teachings of Johannes Itten, whose work remains foundational to modern design thinking. “The colour theory he developed at the Bauhaus still represents an important foundation in design theory as well as in art classes,” explains Julia Hausmann of FARBARCHITEKTUR. In the 1980s, image consultant Caroline Miller expanded on these principles, applying them to the individual by identifying colors that naturally harmonize with a wide range of skin tones. This evolution of theory into practice became the foundation of The House of Colour.
Experiencing Personal Color Analysis as a Team
This past December, our team spent time one-on-one with Beth Smith and Jess Grajewski, stylists at The House of Colour Dallas. Each session focused on understanding personal skin undertones, hair and eye color, and determining an individual color season: Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall. From there, the analysis became more nuanced, revealing sub-seasons and personalized palettes. The process was a reminder of something we often return to in our work: when design is rooted in understanding, choices become clearer, more confident, and more cohesive.
A Team That Spans All Four Color Seasons
Our color analysis revealed that our team truly spans all four seasons: Mike embodies Autumn, Bryan represents Spring, Georgina, Andrew, and Mariana are Winters, and Dustin brings Summer into the mix. This diversity highlights how each of us brings distinct strengths, perspectives, and energy to the table. It’s just another reflection of how complementary and well-balanced our great team is together.
Thoughtful Design Begins With People
The exercise reinforced a core belief at Yates Desygn: thoughtful design begins with people, and when we design with intention, even the most personal insights can inform spaces that feel both meaningful and timeless.