Why You Shouldn’t Paint Your Kitchen Your Favorite Color
When it comes to interior design, there are no set rules that need to be obeyed, but there are suggestions that should be followed. This is especially true when it comes to kitchen design. The experts at CertaPro Painters of Mesa/Tempe say you should think twice before using your favorite color on your kitchen walls. Here’s why:
Design trends are constantly evolving. The media consistently tells us what’s hot and what’s not, and that includes home design. Think about it. Pantone and Sherwin Williams announce a new “Color of the Year” every year, and countless homeowners head to a home improvement store for painting supplies. Opt for a design that stands the test of time, like a monochromatic color scheme in a neutral color like white, beige, and gray. These shades are everlasting and are easily paired with pops of colorful accessories.
With neutrals, you’ll always have a clean slate. Your decorating possibilities are endless when you paint your kitchen a neutral color. By keeping your kitchen walls monochrome, you can confidently incorporate various colors and trends in your furniture and accessories. If you were to opt for a bold hue, you would have a much more difficult time accessorizing your kitchen.
You can create more space. Neutral shades do a wonderful job of giving the illusion that the kitchen is much larger than it actually is. Soft shades of white and cream help open a room and make it feel more spacious, while bold colors can overwhelm a space and shrink its appearance.
There’s more freedom in cabinet color choice. By no means does painting with a neutral hue mean that you are stuck with a dull and colorless kitchen. Painting your kitchen with a clean palette, you are able to accessorize with which ever colors and patterns your heart desires. Monochromatic wall colors mean you can choose dark or light cabinetry without having it clash with the walls.
Your kitchen will always appear fresh. A kitchen is one of the most utilized spaces in a home. You spend a lot of time in there, whether you’re preparing a meal or entertaining guests. Using a neutral color in the kitchen and playing with the accessories and decor will constantly make your kitchen feel new and refreshed without having to do an elaborate redesign.
While you may be tempted to be adventurous and paint your kitchen a bold color, keep in mind all of the benefits a neutral-colored kitchen provides. Use a color that is soft and clean for your kitchen, and play with bold colors on accent walls or in other rooms around your home.
Powder Room Design Tips
While a half bathroom might not seem like it requires much interior design thought, it is still a part of your home that allows you to make a statement! Typically, half bathrooms are utilized most by visitors. Many homeowners neglect their powder rooms, leaving guests with a less-than-impressive experience when they visit. Spruce your powder room up with these design ideas to leave your guests feeling welcomed and impressed when they stop by.
- Use fresh paint colors. Not only is painting a fast and inexpensive way to update any part of your home, but it can instantly convert the look and feel of your entire powder room. Opt for a color that is light and bright, as dark hues tend to make a room look smaller and more cramped than it actually. To give the illusion of more space, powdery blues and light lavenders are great colors for small bathrooms.
- Opt for open shelving. If your powder room lacks storage space, install shelving over the toilet or vanity mirror. There are plenty of options available specifically designed for these tight areas, so you won’t be losing much space in your powder room. Open shelving is a great way to store extra toiletries or washcloths and it provides a flattering and modern look.
- Create a mirror wall. Instead of including a small mirror above the sink, install a large mirror that will cover up an entire wall in the bathroom. Since mirrors create depth and dimension, covering an entire wall with a mirror will create the illusion of a larger space.
- Incorporate a pedestal sink. One easy way to create more space in a half bathroom is to ditch the large vanity basin sink and install a skinny pedestal one instead. Not only do pedestal sinks clear up more room, but they are versatile and can match virtually any theme or color scheme.
- Install sconce lighting. If you are looking for a refined way to include more lighting into your powder room, sconce lighting is an optimal choice. They’re small and don’t take up too much space, and are also available in many different colors and design options.
Just because your powder room is small doesn’t mean that it deserves design neglect! Follow these tips and tricks to transform your half bathroom into a relaxing and inviting environment. For more design inspiration, contact the professionals at CertaPro Painters of Des Plaines.
How To Remove Paint Stains
Painting can be a messy project if it’s not handled properly. Drips and accidental paint spills can do major damage to flooring, clothing, furniture and even skin. As a general rule, you want to clean up a paint spill as soon as it happens. Unfortunately, this can’t always be done, and a dried paint stain must be dealt with. This guide explains the two most common types of paint used in house-hold applications, and the best methods to remove them.
Types of House-hold Paints
Before you handle a paint stain, you’ll need to understand the type of paint that caused the stain.
Oil Paint: Oil-based paints are typically used for exterior applications because they grip the surface that they are covering better than a latex paint would. Oil paints take more time to dry than other types of paints due to the additives, sometimes as long as 24 hours. These additives give the paint a glossier finish, but make it very difficult to remove.
Water-/Latex-Based Paint: Water-based paints are best for interior applications. This type of paint dries rather quickly because the moisture in it evaporates. While water-based paints aren’t as durable or as shiny as other paints, they are very easy to clean up after. Typically, only soap and water are required to do the job. Latex paints tend to last longer than other paints, having a better resistance to cracking and a better color retention.
Paint Removal
Oil Paint Removal: Oil based paint is difficult to remove from a surface, but it’s not impossible. Normally, the use of chemicals is required. Turpentine, acetone, kerosene, and other varieties of chemical paint thinners do a decent job of removing oil paint, but they can also strip the surface of its original color, particularly in clothing. Test the surface you’re trying to remove the paint from prior to emptying a container of paint stripper on it.
Once you’ve purchased a chemical paint remover (which you’ll find available in pastes, liquids, sprays, and other forms).
- If the oil paint landed on a wood surface, sand off as much of the paint as you can, then use the paint stripper to remove the rest.
- If the oil paint landed on a carpeted surface, you can try pulling as much of the excess paint out first , then using the paint thinner to remove the rest.
- To remove oil paints from the skin, wash with soap and water first. If that doesn’t remove the paint completely, use baby oil, a combination of olive oil and salt, a homemade sugar scrub, or even mayonnaise to gently strip paint from your skin.
To make the job even easier, heat up the oil paint on whatever the surface may be, then scrape what melts off. Finish the job with the chemical paint remover of your choosing.
Always remember to wear protection when using chemical strippers to avoid any health-related issues.
Latex Paint Removal: Luckily, there are a few ways to clean up a latex paint spill. If the paint spill is still wet on any kind of surface, soap and water will usually remove it.
- To take latex paint off of most surfaces, remove as much of the paint from the surface first, then use the soapy mixture to gently dab the surface clean. If the paint is on clothing, soak it in water first and then machine wash regularly.
- If the latex paint has dried on a surface, scrape as much of the dried paint off. Use pliers, putty knife, or another type of scraping device, taking care to avoid scratching the surface. Then, soak the area with a mixture of water and dish soap, scrubbing after a few minutes to begin removing the caked on paint.
If you’re struggling to remove latex paint with soap and water, you can find water-based latex paint removal products in a home improvement store. These solutions are mixed with water and then blotted on the paint stain. When you’re shopping, check the type of remover before you make a purchase – there are a variety of options available specifically designed to work on certain surfaces.
Remember, paint stains are preventable! Trust experts, like those at CertaPro Painters of North Raleigh, to tackle your interior or exterior painting project mess free.
Elegant Bedroom Ideas
As a homeowner, it’s safe to say that your master bedroom is your favorite part of your home. It’s your sanctuary, the space you rely on at the end of the day to just unwind and relax. Many times, people think a bedroom should be comfy, cozy, and inviting, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be elegant, too! If you consider your style comfortable yet chic, these design tips are perfect for you!
- Neutral color scheme. Neutral themes are anything but boring – they’re timeless and easy to match your décor and furnishings around. Experts suggest starting with fresh, neutral color like beige, gray or white as a base for your elegant bedroom design. From there, you have the freedom to incorporate pops of color in your décor. Working around a nude color palette allows you to play with furniture upholstery, wall decor, bedding and more.
- Add a statement piece. To create an elegant bedroom, include one or two pieces that will stand out and capture the attention. Lay down a captivating throw rug or install a dramatic painting. By limiting your number of statement furnishings, you avoid creating a bedroom that feels busy. For a smaller bedroom, play with your bedspread design and make that the statement piece in your room.
- Decorate your bed with pillows. Add some elegant drama to your room with lavish throw pillows. Avoid going overboard with decorative pillows. Instead, Mimi Wilson, a Gainesville interior decorator, recommends using the rule of odd numbers. Odd numbers are more visually appealing, so if you have two sleeping pillows, incorporate three accent pillows to create a balanced look.
- Include extra seating. The main piece of furniture in a bedroom is a bed, but that doesn’t mean that you are restricted to just that. For instance, you might also want a space where you can sit and read. Small arm chairs like this Milan wood accent chair or a bench at the foot of your bed are perfect for creating such a space. By incorporating additional seating into your bedroom, you add dimension and create an upscale feel.
- Install decorative lighting. The way a room is lit creates the ambiance, but a dramatic chandelier or lamp also adds style to a room. It’s important to consider the size of your bedroom before you settle on a light. For instance, if your bedroom has high ceilings, you can work a chandelier into the space. Work within the space to find a light fixture that creates a look of balanced elegance.
If your master bedroom isn’t already your favorite part of your home, or if you’re simply looking to upgrade, follow these easy tips and tricks for transforming your bedroom into a space of luxury and elegance.
5 Best Interior Design Projects for Winter
With the cold weather and early nights, you may be looking for a way to distract yourself from the winter blues. Giving your home a winter makeover could be just the pick-me-up you need. For some, organizing, updating and redecorating clears the mind and relieves stress. Here are some of the best interior design projects you can undergo this winter to keep yourself busy!
1. Pick a room and repaint it.
This may seem like a major undertaking, but it is actually quite simple and cost efficient. Rich colors, jewel tones and grays are great colors for the winter months, according to the expert Portsmouth painters at CertaPro. The richer colors can make a room feel more warm and cozy, while the grays can put you in the winter wonderland mindset. You can also play up the winter whites in a gray room through your furniture and decor.
2. Revamp your lighting.
Soft lighting creates the perfect environment for cozying up with your loved ones during the cold winter nights. Replace your current lights with ones that have a dimming option or you could forget typical lamps altogether and use candles. Candlelight is very romantic and also comforting. If you use scented candles, you can bring in the smells of the season as well, like cinnamon, pine or Christmas cookies.
3. Add new textures, fabrics and accent pieces around the house.
Wool, faux fur and cashmere are just a few fabrics that exude a wintery feel. You can add throw blankets or pillows to your couch or layer some plush area rugs on hardwood floors. Place a festive table runner on your dining room table, mantle or buffet. According to Olathe, KS interior decorator Becky Lane, metallic, gold, silver and sparkly accent pieces, like vases or candlesticks, also bring in the winter vibes.
4. Spruce up the fireplace.
If you haven’t changed the look of your fireplace in decades, winter is a great time to do so. Modernize an old school fireplace or rework your current mantle with various votive candles or a festive holiday shag. If it’s a wooden mantle, you could re-stain it and add some seasonal decorations atop it. If you don’t have an actual chimney or fireplace, there are plenty of space heaters on the market that resemble fireplaces and work well in small spaces.
5. Update your window treatments.
If you live in a colder region, your windows may need to be insulated sooner rather than later, especially if they have been causing drafts since the fall. You want to accomplish this before the temperatures really begin to drop. You can replace your blinds with heavier window treatments that will help insulate your home during the cold winter nights, or hang new seasonal curtains for added decor. Heavy drapes protect the room from drafts and can add some winter flair.
‘Tis the season to deck the halls and get into the interior design spirit. Making your home just a little more cozy during the winter months can help boost your mood this time of year. Even the smallest of changes can make a big difference!