Color Outside The Lines to Drive Progress
🎨 Color Outside the Lines
As kids, we were all taught to color inside the lines. That was the goal, right? Stay within the boundaries, follow the rules, and make something neat and tidy. That training served a purpose—developing fine motor skills and focus—but it also started planting something deeper: the need to conform.
And if you didn’t color inside the lines? You probably got a few funny looks or side comments from parents, teachers, and even friends. Eventually, most of us figured out how to stay inside those lines.
Fast-forward to adulthood, and guess what? We’re still doing it. Adult coloring books are everywhere—detailed, intricate, and yes, relaxing. I’ll admit, I’ve tried a few myself (no shame here 😊).
But when we step back, coloring inside the lines is more than just an art activity—it’s symbolic of how we operate in life and work.
Why Do We Conform? 🤔
Conforming is safe. It’s easy. It keeps the peace.
But here’s the thing—it doesn’t challenge anything. It doesn’t create change. And it sure doesn’t move industries forward.
Think about it:
- Are you staying quiet in meetings because it’s easier?
- Playing it safe with your clients because you don’t want to rock the boat?
- Following an outdated process because “that’s how we’ve always done it”?
Let me ask you something:
What would happen if you stopped coloring inside the lines?
What if you…
🧠 Asked a better question?
🚀 Proposed a crazy idea?
💡 Took the lead on something no one’s touching?
It’s Time to Step Up
Our industry wouldn’t be what it is today without bold thinkers and fearless creators.
Just imagine if Florence Knoll, Charles and Ray Eames, Mario Bellini, or Mies van der Rohe had only colored inside the lines. The way we design and furnish commercial spaces would be completely different.
Today, we’re seeing new leaders step forward:
- ♻️ ReSeat is reshaping sustainability and extending the life of furniture assets.
- 📚 My Resource Library has transformed the way dealers and designers source products.
- 🙋🏻♀️ Kay Sargent and HOK are leading the way in how we design neuroinclusive spaces
- 🧑🧑🧒🧒 North American Independent Rep Council is leading the way in raising the bar of our industry reps work and support the dealer community.
- 💁🏻♀️ Diane Murata is showing us how furniture planning and procurement can be sustainable with her playbooks from Kimiko Green
….. And I could go on and on with others who are doing amazing work in our industry!
But, let’s be honest—none of these journeys were without resistance. But they did it anyway. That’s what coloring outside the lines looks like.
So... Why Not You? 🙌
We need people who aren’t afraid to take a swing. The contract interiors industry is facing some real challenges right now:
- Complex and slow sales cycles
- Legacy distribution models
- Pricing pressures and tariffs
- Uncertain return-to-office plans and strategies
- Constantly evolving client needs and workplace habits
We don’t need more coloring inside the lines. We need people with courage, creativity, and vision.
Yes, it’s scary. I’m living it right now. I’m challenging our industry and my clients to think differently, take ownership of their goals, step into their passion and vision and reimagine what success can look like. Some days are hard—but every day is progress.
And I know the same is true for you.
Your Turn 🎯
✅ Speak up.
✅ Try something unconventional.
✅ Be bold in your work, your business, your team.
🎉 This is your moment. Don’t play small because you’re afraid of failing. Failing is just another word for learning.
We need you. Our industry needs you. Your clients need you.
So rise up. Be brave. And start coloring outside the lines.