In Color with Emily Keating Snyder

On color obsessions, art collecting tips, and a royal blue regret

Sep 04, 2025

As the self-proclaimed (and very official) Editor-in-Chief of Statement Wall, I’m so excited to introduce a new series to the line-up: In Color. Think of it as a recurring peek into the worlds of creatives, designers, and anyone with a bold point of view on living beautifully and colorfully. Each conversation wraps with a Color Confession: a personal truth, an unexpected detail, or a little color story you can practically step right into.

My work as a color consultant involves me constantly chasing inspiration, and I wanted to bring a bit of that same discovery to you by showcasing the wonderful people I’ve met or admired along the way. I hope that these profiles remind you that there’s no one way to do color. It’s your world, your rules!

Today’s guest is Emily Keating Snyder. Emily’s work feels like color in its happiest mood. Neon yellow, bubblegum pink, shades that immediately change the energy of a room (or honestly, your day). I first met Emily at a designer meetup in New York City, and since then, I’ve loved seeing the way she builds a world that’s equal parts playful and intentional.

Something I really admire, though, is her generosity and enthusiasm for the creative process. Emily has built a membership to help artists grow their businesses, shares free resources without hesitation, and speaks honestly about what it means to make a living as a creative. She’s not a gatekeeper (love!). She’s someone who believes there’s room for everyone, which feels as bright and refreshing as the colors she uses.

Keep reading for Emily’s thoughts on inspiration, the color she thinks deserves more love, advice for curating your walls, and one hue she wishes she could take back!

ON BECOMING AN ARTIST:

“My early inspirations were craft projects I did with my mom—embroidery, scrapbooking, sewing. As a kid, I remember always being amazed by any grown-up I met or saw who was creative. I always had art supplies around and a knowing that I wanted to do something artistic when I grew up.”

A colorful piece of artwork in Emily’s home by Dabsmyla

ON LIVING WITH COLOR:

“As a painter, I’m often mixing and testing new paint colors and sketching ideas (always in color!). Even in my minimalist, cream-walled apartment, color is the first thing I notice in the morning: the deep blue painting of clouds on my wall, then the orange-pink-purple stained glass lamp by Friend of All, and the rich greens of all the trees outside my back window. I even try to surround myself with beautiful colors in small ways, like with the toothpaste packaging I choose, the mug for my coffee, and my phone case. Ironically, though, I wear mostly black, white, and denim.”

ON CURRENT COLOR OBSESSIONS:

“So tough to choose! It’s probably a light/bright magenta, something Barbie would be into. I’ve never been ashamed to admit that I love pink, but a lighter, more lavender-toned pink has been feeling a little more grown-up to me lately, while still very fun. And I feel like it’s a surprisingly versatile color.”

ON TAKING COLOR RISKS:

“I’ve always loved one of the most polarizing colors out there: bright orange*. Growing up, I was told by everyone that it was a risk (for paint, for pillows, for clothes), but it just felt normal to me. My high school colors were orange and black, so to me and my friends, it became almost neutral after 4 years. And now I stand by my gut feeling that orange is amazing and so misunderstood.”

*Editor’s Note: Girl after my own heart!

ON WHAT EVERY HOME NEEDS:

“This is not a sexy design answer, but I think every home needs a giveaway bin. We can get so wrapped up in adding things to our homes, but taking something out can make such a big impact too (both visually and mentally).”

Colorful prints available on Emily’s website

ON COLLECTING ART:

“I think of building an art collection like curating a wardrobe with a true sense of personal style. Mix high and low. I would say invest in originals when you can—even a small canvas painting brings so much texture and weight, it can really elevate a home. And then mix in prints everywhere else, or even digital downloads you can print yourself from places like Etsy and Juniper Print Shop.

Just like with clothes, I would splurge on the pieces that you feel really connected to and can see having in your home for many years to come (original paintings, large or editioned art prints, buying directly from an artist or gallery).

Then, if you want to play with art styles or colors that feel more trendy and perhaps short-term, that’s where I would look for less expensive options like posters and prints from big stores or, again, digital downloads you can print easily on your own.”

ON GETTING STARTED WITH COLOR:

“This might sound obvious, but start small. It’s easier to learn what colors you like through a few pillows or candlesticks than to learn the hard way by buying a huge couch in an experimental color. I don’t think you can truly know what colors you enjoy having in your home until you’ve lived with them for a while. I like to keep a neutral base and then sprinkle in colors to feel out what works together. Like I said, my walls are all the same shade of cream, and I usually have a solid white linen comforter on my bed, but rugs, wall art, mugs, and flowers from the farmer’s market—those are all full of color. That’s where I really play.”

ON FINDING INSPIRATION IN NYC:

“All the art museums, of course. I also find a lot of inspiration at stores like ABC Home and John Derian, as well as little gems like Measure Twice (Cobble Hill) and Mexico in My Pocket (Carroll Gardens). I also love getting a mental reset and secret-garden vibes in cozy parks like Elizabeth Street Garden and Cobble Hill Park.”

COLOR CONFESSION:

“I regret getting the royal/primary blue canvas chair I picked out when I moved into my apartment (eek!). A very narrow stairwell meant the best course of action for seating in our living room was two Japanese lounge chairs. We already had one in a lovely light blue, but for some reason, I thought it wouldn’t work to have two of the same (silly!), so I picked a darker solid blue canvas for the second chair. I’ve secretly wanted to swap it out ever since.”

The recs Emily couldn’t keep to herself, straight from her texts:

SENT TO HER BOYFRIEND: “I came across these wild tennis ball sneakers that I can’t stop thinking about. They’re actually made out of bright yellow-green tennis ball felt. I’m a big tennis fan and get very excited about fun colors (obviously), so I think these are a no-brainer for me. I texted my boyfriend immediately.”
SENT TO HER MOM: “I just texted my mom about this art organization I found called Islam & Print in Baltimore that focuses on amplifying contemporary Muslim artists. Their exhibits look so beautiful, I can’t wait to see one in person. I grew up in the Baltimore area and have a special place in my heart for the local art scene.”
RECENTLY SAVED: “Ok, this one I saved on Instagram, so basically sent it to myself (but I’m going to count it!). Elizabeth Mayhew (AKA The Dutchy of Millbrook) makes super intricate, collage-like cakes that are so fun and unique. I can’t wait to order one (or many), just waiting for the next occasion.”