color theory Boston

• Would recommend▲
• Communication▲
• Speed & response▲

• Kendra
• Brad

We had the absolute pleasure of working with Color Theory Boston, the incredibly talented husband-and-wife team of Brad Dufton and Kendra Amin-Dufton, on the design of our new condo in Boston’s South End—and we truly cannot recommend them highly enough. After purchasing our 8 Streets condo, we interviewed five designers. Having owned ten homes/condos and renovated three, we were looking for someone who could elevate our already solid design sense—someone creative who would push us beyond our comfort zone. From our very first Zoom meeting with Kendra, we knew we had found the one. She brings an infectious positive energy, paired with years of experience and a truly refined design eye. Our goal was to create a masculine, elegant, and elevated home after relocating to Boston 18 months ago. We started by sharing an inspiration board with images, furniture, and color palettes we loved. Kendra responded with a thoughtful and inspiring design board that perfectly captured—and enhanced—our vision. From there, we collaborated closely, refining every detail until everything felt exactly right. Kendra’s communication throughout the entire six-month process was exceptional. She was consistently responsive via text and email and made multiple visits to our condo during construction and the rebuild. What truly set this experience apart was her hands-on involvement—she was even there on move-in day to help oversee placement and layout, ensuring everything aligned with our collective vision. And she continues to support us with finishing touches like art placement and styling as we settle in. From the moment we began working together, we knew choosing Color Theory Boston and working with Kendra and Brad was the right decision. Now, as this process comes to a close, we not only have a beautifully designed home—we’ve also gained two wonderful friends in Kendra and Brad. We wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking for a thoughtful, creative, and deeply collaborative design experience! Daniel L. and Rob S.

• Speed & response▲
• Would recommend▲

• Brad

Hiring Color Theory before starting my kitchen remodel was the best decision I've ever made in my life, and has saved me so much time and money and stress. I had a contractor scheduled to start my kitchen remodel and was still floundering around trying to get the colors right. I couldn't get the vision of blue and orange out of my head, nor could I find the right combination of colors, despite jar upon jar of Ben Moore samples. I googled "paint color consultant" and the first woman who came to my house looked at my samples and visibly shuddered, telling me "the trend now is modern neutral. I would never paint a kitchen those colors." I felt dumb and defeated, but knew there had to be someone out there who liked colors as much as I did. I forget what key words I used, but probably something like "creative paint color consultant" and there was Color Theory. Their portfolio was just my style. By that time, I'd located a tile I loved -- Fireclay in Bora Bora. When Brad arrived, he instantly understood what I was trying to accomplish, and pulled out a sample of Ben Moore's Bryce Canyon for the lower cabinets, and Athena for the uppers. It all worked. We quickly moved through the rest of the house while he suggested colors for each room, which I loved (except I nixed the pinkish hue in one room...) And then a few days later, the PDF with all the colors and paint types, and room pictures arrived, along with the sample sheets. My kitchen looks amazing, and the rest of the house is being painted this week. It was so wonderful to have the PDF to hand to the painter so she could purchase the correct paint colors and types and sheens, and what room each one went in, without us having to go back and forth or trying to remember what went where And, unlike almost every other person I dealt with during the remodel, Brad stuck to the deadlines he set for himself, and delivered what he promised. I would recommend them without reservation. They will make your project so much smoother and brighter.

• Price & value▲

• Brad

Brad has a rare talent and was a pleasure to work with as I chose colors for a kitchen and living space remodel. I’m very pleased with the results, which were colors I never would have known to choose. In the past, I’ve spent hundreds of dollars on dozens of paint samples and wasted so much time agonizing over what color to paint. And then got it wrong. Brad’s very reasonable fees are a bargain compared to spending hours debating the relative merits of “Whispering Ecru” and “Nantucket Cloud” with your partner. Save your sanity, hire Brad.

• Kendra
• Brad

We have worked with Kendra and Brad for the past 5 years and they have partnered with us on the interiors in most of our home. We have loved the outcome of their design aesthetic, the vibrancy they bring to rooms in a tasteful manner and their ability to tone it down where desired. From a fabulous formal dining room to a cool and chic basement to several bedrooms designed to suit the people using them, they have helped us make our home look special.

• Speed & response▲

• Brad
• Kendra

A friend referred us to Color Theory and we are so thankful they did. Brad is amazing to work with. He and Kendra were super responsive, creative and helped us form a vision for our vacation home bedroom on the coast of Maine that is nothing short of spectacular. They made the process so easy. Brad turned around our project in just a few weeks, respecting that we were looking for in stock items to allow us to use our new bedroom retreat for the entire upcoming summer. They worked within our budget, and after a site visit and zoom call produced a proposal that was spot on. Oh - and they also developed a full-house paint color palette that we will implement in the coming months. If you are considering using Color Theory, I would suggest jumping at the chance!

• Speed & response▲
• Staff & attitude▲

• Brad

It was such a pleasure working with Brad and color theory! From the moment he entered our home, we knew we were in good hands. Brad did a color consult for our first floor -- living room, dining room, entryway, kitchen, and half bath. He sent the initial proposal quickly and in a very helpful format that allowed us to see what the colors would look like on our own walls. He offered additional tweaks on the colors quickly -- though we ended up going with his initial recommendation! We've since painted, and it all looks so fresh and bright. We will absolutely engage Brad again as we continue to refresh our home. He went above and beyond and is an absolute delight!

• Speed & response▲

• Brad

Brad recently helped us choose colors and wallpaper for our condo. We wanted to get rid of the basic builder “millennial gray” in every room and make some BOLD choices but quickly got overwhelmed trying to DIY it. Brad was awesome at listening to me and deeply understanding our tastes and came back with some colors we never would have ended up with ourselves. We now have a playroom with a hot pink ceiling, a blue ceiling in a bathroom, and a yellow office among many other beautiful and bold choices. The choices he suggested definitely aren’t for everyone, but they are absolutely for us. Our home feels much more like us now and looks way better than the basic builder vibe we started with.

• Would recommend▲

• Brad

I highly recommend Brad if you want to make a relatively small change in your home that has a big impact....or even if you're just struggling to pick out what paint colors to chose. We love the colors he recommended. If only we had hired him sooner!

• Staff & attitude▲

• Brad

I contacted Brad for a color consult for my condo. From the first moments he was in the space, I think he had a vision for what colors would work. He is incredibly knowledgeable about the different shades of Benjamin Moore. He has such a feel for the colors' interaction with various lighting and fixed features. He said "we have to make your home more you". He made sure I was confident and excited about the choices we made. After the initial consult, Brad sent a portfolio of the plan and color samples. I almost second guessed the wall color for the kitchen, but I am so glad I stayed with the original suggestion. When the kitchen was painted, that color made the whole room look so beautiful. The end result of all Brad's recommendations is stunning, and my condo feels like home. I really love these colors and I couldn't be happier. If you are looking for a color designer who is professional, creative, and attentive to detail, I whole heartedly recommend working with Brad.

• Staff & attitude▲
• Communication▲
• Speed & response▲
• Would recommend▲
• Honesty & trust▲

• Brad
• Kendra

We recently completed the makeover of several areas in the home, most notably kitchen, two bathrooms/laundry room, kids' rooms, among other spaces. Working with Brad and Kendra was an exceptional and collaborative experience from start to finish. They are both incredibly approachable and great listeners, taking the time to understand my vision while respecting my choices throughout the process. What made the experience special was how he thoughtfully incorporated my ideas and existing pieces, ensuring the space felt authentically mine while transforming it into something truly amazing. Brad and Kedra's expertise comprehensively guided us through every aspect of the project – from paint colors and kitchen design to creating custom cabinets for our pantry and laundry room. They helped us select the perfect furniture, light fixtures, rugs, window treatment, and decorative elements that tied everything together beautifully. What impressed me most was how Brad gently encouraged us to explore design options we wouldn't have considered on our own, leading to results that exceeded expectations, all while making sure the space felt like home. Brad's communication style was outstanding – he was always accessible and responded promptly to any questions or concerns. This level of professional attentiveness didn't end with the design phase; even after the main project was complete, he remained just as responsive and helpful. Throughout the process, Brad consistently checked in to ensure I was completely satisfied with every choice and decision made collectively. I couldn't be happier with my newly updated space and would highly recommend Color Theory Boston to anyone looking for an interior designer who not only brings exceptional talent but also genuinely listens and respects their clients' vision.