--- title: "Colorsmith — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/colorsmith-pfvwus-pf~25176083 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~25176083.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: Colorsmith category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/6f73c6850f6f71d1_3697-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Los Angeles, California 90031, United States" phone: 1000000 website: http://colorsmithdesign.com rating: 5 review_count: 14 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 152 last_updated: 2026-08-18 --- # Colorsmith Original Houzz profile: [Colorsmith](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/colorsmith-pfvwus-pf~25176083) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators - **Location:** Los Angeles, CA - **Serves:** Los Angeles, Hollywood, North Glendale, Glendale, Pasadena, East Los Angeles, Burbank, Alhambra, Arcadia, Altadena, San Gabriel, Studio City, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, South Pasadena, La Canada Flintridge, San Marino, Sierra Madre, East Pasadena, Montrose, Toluca Lake, Valley Village - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (14 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2015–2016), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 250 Ideabook Saves An Architectural Colourist and Interior Designer, Alisa crafts creative solutions inspired by her clients. With an expertise in renovations, and thoughtful solutions, her award winning designs result in a modern approach while respecting historic influences. She helps her clients exceed their dreams for their living and work spaces, and with some of her high profile (but private) clients has set several trends of the last two decades. Her forte' is developing and translating historic color palettes for the modern client, as well as developing custom colors for special projects. Projects range from Hollywood to NYC, from homes to commercial, and the hospitality industry. As a Color Technician; services include color forensics and color matching for historic properties. She works with Architects as well as the typical do-it-yourselfer. She has received awards from the Los Angeles Conservancy and the California State Historic Commission. ### Services Provided - Feng Shui Design ### Areas Served - Los Angeles - Hollywood - North Glendale - Glendale - Pasadena - East Los Angeles - Burbank - Alhambra - Arcadia - Altadena - San Gabriel - Studio City - West Hollywood - Beverly Hills - South Pasadena - La Canada Flintridge - San Marino - Sierra Madre - East Pasadena - Montrose - Toluca Lake - Valley Village ### Typical Job Cost $1,000 - 100,000 Price is based on time, at a rate of $145 per hour, computerized visual aids are priced per photo. Fees for houses start at $250 interior, and $450 for exterior color schemes. Price varies on clients needs and time spent per project, please inquire for flat fees to be agreed upon. Special consideration is given to Houzz inquiries-thank you! ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Colorsmith | | Address | Los Angeles, California 90031, United States | | Phone | 1000000 | | Website | http://colorsmithdesign.com | | License Number | L049-2034214-0001-4 | | Followers on Houzz | 152 | **Social profiles:** - Blog — https://www.pinterest.com/acoloursmith/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Colorsmith](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/colorsmith-pfvwus-pf~25176083) - **Website:** http://colorsmithdesign.com - **Phone:** 1000000 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - California State Preservation AwardThe Los Angeles Conservancy AwardFeatured in Interior Design Magazine - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2015–2016), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 14 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Lorraine Daskal, Sept. 2015** > I was trying to find the right colors to paint the exterior of our 1940 traditional style one story home. The manager of a local paint store gave me Alisa's business card. This was like a rescue. > Alisa is an expert with colors. She is great to work with and follows through to the actual painting project. She picked the perfect combination of colors for our house as well as providing us with other helpful design hints. We are very happy with the results and have received compliments from our neighbors. I would look forward to working with Alisa again on another design project. **Comment from Colorsmith:** > Thank you so much for this review Lorraine-I really appreciate it! And I will be sure to thank the manager of our local Sherwin Williams Paint store too, for sending me such a lovely client!! **★★★★★ — jms32, Aug. 2015** > I was having trouble finding the right exterior colors for my Spanish style bungalow. Alisa has been doing a great job with helping me find a color combination that looks \*right\*. > > She's been very helpful and really takes the time to discuss things, so it feels like a collaborative effort. I like that. **Comment from Colorsmith:** > Thank you for this review jms! I'm glad I can help find the solution for the look you are trying to achieve-thank you for trusting me with your project. **★★★★★ — piper604, Aug. 2015** > Alisa chose the colors for the living room, dining room, hallway and master bedroom for my 1930's Spanish bungalow and I couldn't be happier. I am so in love with Elephant's Breath in the master - it is such a calm and soothing neutral color that lets the accents really pop. Book Room Red has highlighted the fireplace for five years and I still haven't grown tired of seeing it. And that unexpected powder blue on the dining room ceiling has drawn many compliments. Tying It all together is the perfect ivory trim, Slipper Satin. Thank you, Alisa for picking the perfect colors and allowing me to smile as I wander through my home! **Comment from Colorsmith:** > Thank you for this nice review, it has been a pleasure working with you on your charming house over the years-thank you again so much!! **★★★★★ — Naturalwalls, Aug. 2015** > I have worked with Alisa on several projects and found her ability to match the minds of the clients with beautiful color palettes quite impressive. Color is a very personal, emotional, and challenging field of architectural design. Alisa's services are well worth the investment! **Comment from Colorsmith:** > Thank you so much for your kind words Scott! It's always a pleasure when you are on the job, as you make the clients dreams a reality. I can only guide them, you create a truly beautiful finish, and exceed our expectations every time. **★★★★★ — mikkmrphy, June 2015** > Alisa's expertise was well worth the money for her services! I thought I could pick the colors for my house on my own...but considering how much I was spending on the paint job, I looked into hiring a color consultant-and I'm so glad I settled on her. > > She chose a scheme that works great on my house. She listened to my worries and preferences-and took the time to educate me on my style of home. She then came up with a scheme, and we tweaked it together. But really, I could have just given her the keys to the house, and gone away for two weeks-and had it all done-worry free! > > Her painters were terrific too-not cheap, but not too expensive either, and they were quiet and fast. **Comment from Colorsmith:** > Thank you for this nice review-I really appreciated working with you! **★★★★★ — juk24, June 2015** > While renovating our 1910 California Bungalow after the 1984 Northridge Earthquake we hired Alisa for a color consultation. That started a wonderful relationship that has continued for over 20 years and through many projects including painting the the interior and exterior of the house, two bathroom remodels and most recently a kitchen remodel. Alisa combines her vast knowledge of styles and impeccable taste regarding design, color , textture, and light with an ability to hone in on her client's particular tastes . There is a flexibility at work as well as a calmness and ability to stay focused. The end result is a home that, while staying true to its era, also has a timeless quality. Alisa is a pleasure to work with and has helped make this house a pleasure to live in. I look forward to our next project! **Comment from Colorsmith:** > Thank you for this kind review!! Working with you, and your family, is always a joy, and I really appreciate the journey we (including your home) have taken together over the years!! **★★★★★ — marykwhite, May 2015** > Alisa did a wonderful job finding the perfect color for our large two-story home, just in the nick of time. I had spent months trying to find the right shade for the house, with help from our painter, and he was ready to start the job. But I just wasn't satisfied and none of the shades that I thought would work looked right once samples were painted onto the house. And the house is too large to make a mistake! Alisa listened to me, understood the look and effect I was trying to achieve, and came up with the best shade in very little time. She also was able to show us that the trim color we were leaning toward would be the perfect complement to the house color she recommended. She was a pleasure to work with. We love the result. I would definitely use her expertise again, and plan to when it is time to paint the inside. **Comment from Colorsmith:** > Thank you so much for your kind review! Thank you also for reaching out to me via Houzz-I know you were taking a risk, and I appreciate it. It was a real pleasure to be able to work with you, and I can't wait to see everything after the plants have filled in-thank you again!! **★★★★★ — Sylvia Baca, May 2015** > Great service, highly recommend!! I found Alisa on Houzz and was very, very pleased with the value of her service. > With Alisa professional background and vision we transformed my home and highlighted its best architectural features. > > Alisa spent a great deal of time with me in selecting a pleasing color palette and helped me understand and appreciate how color can be used to highlight and hide certain features. For example, we de-emphasized the wood panels on the front of house and neutralized the garage door by painting them a similar color as the rest of the house. Using a dark color on the soffit and rain gutters framed the house and provided much needed definition to offset the lighter color of house. > > At Alisa's recommendation, we removed the shutters from windows and took out two trees in front of the bay window resulting in a modern look for the house. My home transformed to a Mid Century look -exactly what I hoped for. > I really appreciate that Alisa was a great listener with a lots of patience, experience and expertise who worked collaboratively with me to achieve my goals. She also has an extensive network of resources and helped me find a really great Painter. > > Several of my neighbors have commented how much they like the new look too! **Comment from Colorsmith:** > Thank you so much for this kind review!! I love how your house turned out too!! And will get some photos up soon-it looks great, esp with your added touches of plants and accessories! **★★★★★ — vdholmquist, Oct. 2014** > I have consulted Colorsmith for about 15 yrs, and my daughter has as well. > She is a a nationally known "architectural colorist". I think this means an expert in every aspect of interior design, particularly with the depth, value, and effects of color within your space. She is highly sought after as a consultant in the historic and preservation movements, that seek to restore, > renovate and preserve the original beauty of homes and buildings from different periods in America. I've attended several of her lectures and presentations, where I left in awe of her knowledge of art and architecture history. My personal experience with Colorsmith is 100% great every time. > > Our home a 1913 craftsman bungalow, and our business is in a 1903 Victorian. Colorsmith's choices educated me and my family in the importance of using period colors that complement each other and bring out the best in the structure, lighting, function and spirit of each room. She gave generously of her time, completely designed our bathrooms including tile patterns. flooring and lighting. When I say generous, I'm talking about repeatedly accompanying me to tile stores and helping me appreciate the essence of each project. > > I would fly Colorsmith in if we moved. She is a wonderful, talented person with impeccable taste and integrity. **★★★★★ — lucy1scute, Sept. 2014** > Alisa has a can do attitude she has single-handedly redone my kitchen and bathroom using classic and beautiful designs incorporating my ideas and my husbands quirks. She has done a beautiful job with the exterior new low water garden and upgraded my house by choosing an updated color scheme. Won't do any upgrade without her knowledge and understanding of construction and design **★★★★★ — samsmomalison, Sept. 2014** > I hired Alisa to coordinate our house painting project. She selected brilliant, timeless colors, recommended a terrific painting contractor, and specified the paint product for a full exterior paint job on a historic house. It still looks amazing 5 years later. **Comment from Colorsmith:** > Thank you so much Alison! I know your busy, and really appreciate your taking the time to write this review. So happy to create a new/old scheme for you, your great house, and your family! **★★★★★ — jvanderhoff, Aug. 2014** > We have a 1929 home, in Pasadena, that needed updating. I wanted to find a decorator who would help us make gradual changes to our home while maintaining architectural integrity. > How lucky I was to find Alisa Smith through the Pasadena Heritage referral list. I was nervous because I have had one disastrous experience after another with workers at our house but those worries are gone. Alisa listened to what we wanted. She stayed within our budget and even negotiated price with the sales people. She never pressured us to make decisions. She returned every phone call, kept every appointment and was at the start and end of every job. > Alisa is a gifted, dedicated and hardworking designer who can stay within any budget a create a great new look. If that is not enough, she knows the “carpet whisperer”. > The carpet installers she knows, quietly removed my carpet in small, bound bundles then installed a patterned carpet with impeccable precision. I stare at it every night in disbelief. > We highly recommend Alisa for your home design needs. She is fabulous in every way. > Joan and Richard Vanderhoff > Pasadena, CA ## Selected projects - [Victorian Lady in East Los Angeles](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/victorian-lady-in-east-los-angeles-pj-vj~1307898) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Murietta Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/murietta-kitchen-pj-vj~718024) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: Remodeled traditional kitchen w/poor layout. Clients love dark wood, and articulated single bowl farm sink, mounted under counter for easy cleaning. Counter top is Caesarstone for durability, also green for recycled content. Modest budget or we would have made the stove red! Polished nickel sink faucet and light fixtures, brushed nickel cabinet hardware and fan. Its okay to mix!! - [Hollywood Traditional](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hollywood-traditional-pj-vj~1290963) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: This traditional house in Hollywood, is the hardworking home for a non-profit organizer and a documentary filmaker. They frequently host large parties and guests who also need privacy. - [Lake Street Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-street-renovation-pj-vj~1126067) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 20 - [Cazador Street](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cazador-street-pj-vj~629083) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Exterior Paint Colors](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/exterior-paint-colors-pj-vj~628523) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - Description: various exterior color schemes from over the years. colors may not be exact due to variations in computer monitors etc - [Living Room (various clients)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/living-room-various-clients-pj-vj~669454) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Bathroom photos](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bathroom-photos-pj-vj~628214) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - Description: photos from various bathoom projects - [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchens-pj-vj~1315984) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Reds/Oranges](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/reds-oranges-pj-vj~664669) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Greens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/greens-pj-vj~664667) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - Description: Greens are terrific for bedrooms and study's - [Blues](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/blues-pj-vj~644879) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: some blues for walls and celings - [Charlie Chaplin's Barn](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/charlie-chaplin-s-barn-pj-vj~1024410) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [Janets' Kitchen remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/janets-kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~1342008) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 [See all 14 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/colorsmith-pfvwus-pf~25176083) ## Ideabooks - [On the floor](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/64472570/list/on-the-floor) — 1 idea - [bathroom ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32694577/list/bathroom-ideas) — 8 ideas - [Culver City Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/53912013/list/culver-city-bathroom) — 11 ideas - [pasadena kitchen-updo!](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/63809468/list/pasadena-kitchen-updo) — 12 ideas - [front door colors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/53091873/list/front-door-colors) — 6 ideas - [exterior palettes to try](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/31058702/list/exterior-palettes-to-try) — 2 ideas - [modern/country](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50057597/list/modern-country) — 4 ideas - [Kitchen ideas to go](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/31684345/list/kitchen-ideas-to-go) — 10 ideas - [Historic Hollywood-Wattles Mansion](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/63761324/list/historic-hollywood-wattles-mansion) — 1 idea - [a touch of chartreuse](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57714811/list/a-touch-of-chartreuse) — 4 ideas - [New Modern Kitchen w/old world charm](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/51087588/list/new-modern-kitchen-w-old-world-charm) — 5 ideas - [Modern Elegance](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/54605564/list/modern-elegance) — 3 ideas - [garage doors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/54589805/list/garage-doors) — 2 ideas - [my dream modern bloomsbury home](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/54337781/list/my-dream-modern-bloomsbury-home) — 2 ideas - [Mid-Century Modern Colors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/54295959/list/mid-century-modern-colors) — 8 ideas - [neutral but not drab-exterior color scheme](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/52708118/list/neutral-but-not-drab-exterior-color-scheme) — 4 ideas - [Bungalow Offices-suite of colors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32441973/list/bungalow-offices-suite-of-colors) — 3 ideas - [the modern victorian](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/31058332/list/the-modern-victorian) — 2 ideas [See all 18 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/coloursmith) ## Community Q&A **Q: Kitchen paint t color** *(in Design Dilemma)* I have faux brick panelling on all the walls in the kitchen and custom cabinets!?! ( Breath,girl) So I cannot take on a full renovation because one thing, definitely will lead to another( problem) So just want to remedy it by painting for now... so which color would be a good color for this kitchen? these are my inspiration colors and decor, mat and valence (not set in stone) top to bottom colors are from Behr- 1. color mix of 2&3, 2. Feng Sui, 3. spring walk... should I paint the tiles as well? Suggestions...welcomed!! :) A: I like SW Creamy in kitchens; warm but not too yellow-I like the Behr Malted Milk, it goes with your wood-and your tiles (still do not paint), maybe use the creamy on the trim, and where the brick face goes into the other room (where it turns a corner?) or use the malted on any flat surfaced wall, and use the creamy on the brick. Bricks always look good painted white-and FYI-those ceiling panels can be replaced with the pressed tin ceiling panels pretty easily- **Q: Darker color for shutters** *(in Design Dilemma)* I'd like to paint my shutters a darker color. Is straight black the best? Anyone have recommendations or things I should look out for when choosing a color? The shutters are vinyl. Thanks for any help or guidance! A: first make sure they are paintable?! look at almost blacks-that go greenish or blue ish hard to make specific recomendations due to color/light variations from photo to computer etc and paint a sample first! **Q: Need help choosing exterior paint colors!** *(in Design Dilemma)* My Painter is coming Monday and I still can't choose a main body color. Right now my cedar lap siding is primed in a pale grey. We would like to have a colorful house. But not sure how colorful I can go before it looks too garish. I'm thinking 2 options - 1\) body is green, pale to midtone. with lavender fish scallops in the 2 peaks and the scrolls & front door will be in an accent color of Berry pink. I'm not sure if the window trim, soffit & fascia should remain white. I'm open to any suggestions. 2)body is on the bluer side with a coral front door, and the rest the same just altering the shades to suit blue. (violet for the scallops) any help would be great. oh we are in the process of building a small front porch. A: deeper colors on top will help anchor the house-if its not too late, paint the fish scales a deeper tone do not be afraid to go all out with your Plum! And use that lighter purple on your window sashes. for under the bay windows-I think I would go an even deeper green. Colors never look the same from one computer to another-SW Antique Lace, or Antique Ivory should work with your colors- **Q: orange wall color** *(in Photo Questions)* 3 attempts - what color was the final choice? Brand? Thank you A: Thanks for asking-original was probably Pratt and Lambert, looking at Sherwin Williams closest is SW \#6615 Peppery. This dining room is in Los Angeles, with sky lights, so needed a deeper tone to get the look. Depending on your latitude and light sources, you might need lighter, or darker... **Q: Please help with exterior color selection** *(in Design Dilemma)* Hello, We are repainting our home in a few weeks and frankly are overwhelmed with all the color choices. Our goal is to have an updated clean look. We are open to all suggestions. Note that the weeping cherry tree to the right of the front door has since been removed. Thanks! A: get paint samples of a few colors that you are considering, and paint them (two coats) on the house-there really is no better way to see which color you house will look best "dressed" in **Q: Advice on wooden beams in my new room?** *(in Design Dilemma)* So, I was looking for an apartment and just fell in love with this very unusual attic room, which I will soon be moving into. As part of making it my own, one of the improvements I was considering is in regards to the wooden beams that are part of the back wall. Someone painted them white, but the cracks in the old wood are still visible and I don't like how it looks. I was thinking it would work better with the charm of the room to restore its unique feature and maybe try and restore the wooden beams, that is, remove the white paint from the beams in the wall and paint/stain them to match the existing beams. Also, one of the beams was recently partially replaced and the color doesn't match the other wood, I thought painting/staining it to match the others would look better. What do you think, are these good ideas and if so, how would I go about doing this (without damaging the surrounding paint)? A: you could be opening a can of worms trying to remove the paint...maybe ask the owner why he painted in the first place? If the wood is now inset behind the surface of the wall in some places it might be a big mess, and hard to finish off cleanly. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-18.*