A system and method for selectively setting gamut map model defaults in a color management system is disclosed for transforming colors from a first color space to a second color space. The method includes the steps of comprises determining the profile associated with the second color space from one of an ICC profile, a device model profile and a system default profile; associating a color appearance profile and a gamut mapping profile based on the profile; and selecting at least one of the color appearance and gamut mapping profiles based on the profile associated with the second color space.