Style and design consultant Carlos Mota doesn’t hold a grudge against beige, it’s just that as a color it does nothing for him. He is a big believer that color is happiness and wants to share his endorphin-inducing philosophy with the world. The best way? By publishing a coffee table book that is a curated version of his favorite colors, design projects, homes, countries, and jewelry, as well as some of the most fabulous and colorful projects by some of the interior designers who have influenced him. He draws on color inspiration from art, interiors and any other environment that he is in. Below, we find out when he knew he was destined to work with interiors, play some quick word association and learn expert tips for instantly bringing color into your world.

My interiors style can be described as…
Global Chic.

I knew I had to be an interior designer when…
When I started moving furniture in my parents’ house at 8 years old.

The artist who has had the biggest influence on my work is…
Matisse and Gauguin.

Quickfire word association…

Green …
Nature

Purple…
The new beige

Pink…
Happiness

If I were a color, she would be…
Lavender. He would be green.

The last place I looked to for color inspiration…
Peru. The Indians around Lake Titicaca.

Three quick ways to add color to your home…
Pillows, vintage textile-like throws and plants and flowers!

Always…
Get your lighting right!

Never…
Be afraid of color.

My favorite places to travel are…
India, Egypt, and Marrakech because of how they use and mix color.

The next place I’m traveling to is…
Vietnam. Can’t wait!