Choosing Interior Color Schemes

Answer these five essential questions to help you pick the perfect color palette.

Are you unhappy with your home's interior design? If so, you may be the victim of a bad color scheme. It's no secret that color can either make or break a design, but luckily, neither is finding out how to choose the perfect color palette for you.

When the color's right, it can:
• Enhance feelings of health and wellbeing
• Modify perceived temperature — make your space feel warmer or cooler
• Transform perceived space — make your space feel larger, or more cozy and intimate
• Illuminate dark areas
• Create mystery and romance in dull areas
• Energize static areas

But it has to be the right color for you. Color, and the psychology of color, is a big design trend says Barbara Jacobs, principal of Barbara Jacobs Color & Design. "But generalizations — green is relaxing, blue is soothing, red is energizing — only apply when certain hues are used," she says. "A sharp, electric green definitely would not be relaxing; a deep blue-green might feel cold instead of soothing. The wrong red used in an entire room might create the sensation of entrapment rather than energy."

Before planning color in your personal environment, make a mini-questionnaire and poll yourself and your family. Your answers are 50 percent of the project because your color choices depend on them for direction, Jacobs says. She gives her clients a very long questionnaire with hundreds of questions, but you can start with these five. The answers will lead you to your new color scheme.
1. Where is the room?
2. How many windows are there and which direction do they face?
3. Is there landscaping outside that will have an effect on the colors in the room?
4. Who will use the room, and what will they do there? Is it private or community space?
5. Will it be a sociable and active place, or a peaceful place? How do I want it to feel?

http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/choosing-interior-color-schemes/index.html?ic1=obinsite

Color Trends 2014

The "New" Neutral Palette

This palette is a reaction to all the color cues that we have noticed popping up in the home furnishing industry... textiles, carpets, wallpapers, tabletops and pottery, as well as color schemes that emerge in landscape design, the auto industry, fashion, and graphics.

As color rarely exists in isolation, we have designed a palette of 23 colors that work well together. There is harmony among the colors. There is an art to sequencing color from one room to another—hallways are the arteries of the house, rooms radiate off the hallways and this palette helps the transition because the colors flow seamlessly.

We've detected a 'lighter touch', hints, whispers, tints of color. Shifts to pastels without looking too 'candy', too 'Easter egg' which is an exciting message for us, a color company. We've begun to see a shift away from gray to tints of blues, greens, lavenders and pinks. Pastels, softened and filtered, to lift the spirit but not shout too loud... colors that can make a room happy, flatter your possessions and your art. We call these the new neutrals.

These colors have proven to be flexible; pair Breathe of Fresh Air 806 with Van Deusen Blue HC-156, you punch up a strong blue story. Pair it with Flint AF-560 and it transitions to a more sophisticated statement, more understated.

Personal expression is the best expression. We are here to make the selection easier. You want to pick a color that is enduring, resonates and is signature to your personal style. This is What Matters.

This introduction is the beginning of our color conversation for 2014. I invite you to explore the full Color Trends 2014 Palette and our Color of the Year Breath of Fresh Air.

 

 

Ellen O'Neill, Creative Director
Benjamin Moore & Co.

 

http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/for-your-home/color-trends-2014

 

 

Why You Should Hire a Lead-Safe Certified Firm to Paint Your Mid-Century Home?

Although lead paint has been banned since 1978, the CDC estimates that it’s still in the walls of an estimated 24 million houses. There are plenty of older buildings in Alexandria area, and many homeowners have become lax about controlling lead poisoning during painting or renovation projects. However, it’s worthwhile to shop around for a professional painter if you’re thinking about renovations, because:

 

It’s the Law.

The EPA issued a ruling in 2010 requiring homeowners to use a Lead-Safe Certified Contractor for any painting or renovations. Contractors must pass a specialized course in order to obtain this certification, ensuring they have the knowledge and resources to limit lead exposure and prevent the release of lead particles.

 

Lead Has Significant Health Risks.

One of the biggest hazards of lead exposure is that it’s so difficult to spot. The short-term symptoms of lead exposure can easily be confused with the flu, but its long-term effects include neurological damage, kidney damage, impaired muscle coordination, and behavioral problems. Children who are exposed to lead can develop lifelong disabilities and learning impairments. Health effects can occur with as little as 10 micrograms per deciliter—the equivalent of about 1/100,000^th of a sugar cube in a half-cup of water.

 

Uncertified and DIY Techniques Don’t Cut It.

Traditional drywall repair and paint removal techniques not only fail to control lead exposure, they actively increase lead particle levels. Sanding in commonly used to score the surface paint and provide better adhesion for a new coat, and many professional; painters use torches to remove old paint—the flames are hot enough to evaporate the lead, which turns back into a fine dust as it cools.

 

These are just a few of the reasons you should stick with a certified professional painter. Williams Professional Painting is a licensed, bonded, and insured painting contractor based in Alexandria, VA. Visit us online to learn more about our residential painting services and call (703) 768-8143 today to receive an estimate.

 

21 Projects to Consider Before Thanksgiving

Make the holiday season even happier by completing these important home improvement projects before Thanksgiving.  Here are a few projects from the list "21 Projects to Consider Before Thanksgiving" that Williams Professional Painting can help you with:

1-Exterior Paint

Fall offers plenty of days that are warm enough to work with exterior paint, and a touch-up can help prolong the life of your siding and trim. A fresh coat of paint or sealer on any surface that potentially will be covered with snow, such as wood floors or stairs, also is a wise idea. Sooner is better to contact a local painter, as many paints aren't recommended for application on days when the temperature dips below 45-50 degrees F.

5-Plan for Holiday Lights

Holiday lights begin to appear on homes across America every year almost immediately following (and sometimes even before) Thanksgiving. If you plan to decorate your home yourself, develop a plan and start looking for deals on lights and other outdoor holiday paraphernalia early. If you're planning to hire assistance, make sure you contact a professional for quotes as soon as possible. Either way, allow time to make arrangements and install lights as early as you can to maximize the number of days you'll have to enjoy them.

6-Seal Gaps and Add Insulation

Nothing makes a home more uncomfortable during the winter than a nagging, chilly draft. Consider a home energy audit that includes a review of your home's caulking and weather stripping. An energy auditor also will likely look inside your attic. If the insulation is at or below the level of the joists, you might be able to keep your home warmer by adding more insulation. A depth of 10-14 inches is generally considered optimal, and you can supplement with a variety of types of insulation to achieve that depth.

7-Power Washing

Having your home's exterior and windows power washed won't just make your home look sharp, it also will prevent the growth of mold and mildew that feed on grime. If you're not comfortable deciding whether your home's exterior can handle the pressure exerted by the various pressure-washing nozzles available, hire a professional to do the work.

11-Prepare for Snow Removal

Get bids from snow-removal professionals in your area before that first flake falls. Keeping your walks free of ice and snow is a vital part of wintertime safety, but venturing outside with a snow shovel in the dead of winter is an unpleasant task for most. Snow-removal services are usually equipped with professional gear to make quick work of a homeowner's hand-shovel job.

12-Repair or Replace Siding

When deciduous trees and bushes have shed their leaves and yards and landscaping are covered by snow, shoddy spots on your home's exterior are pulled into the limelight. If your home's siding needs repair or replacement, hire a siding pro to complete the work before the harsh days of winter magnify any exterior blemishes. Some new siding even comes with added insulation, which can help bundle up your home for winter.

17-Clean, Repair, and Protect Gutters

Your home's gutters divert thousands of gallons of water each year. To keep the water flowing smoothly away from your house instead of into it, inspect and clean your roof's drainage system. Better still, protect your gutters with mesh guards to keep leaves and other debris from causing blockages in the first place. Hire a pro to complete this project, or be prepared to spend a damp and dirty day climbing up and down the ladder.

http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/advice/maintenance-repair/projects-to-consider-before-thanksgiving/#page=21

Exterior Painting Prep

When painting the exterior of a house, learn these valuable tips that can save you time by preparing properly for the project.

Painting the exterior of a house can be a demanding job. But you can save yourself a lot of work by preparing properly for the project.

First, decide how much of the exterior will be painted. Only the shutters or trim may need to be painted rather than the entire house. Next, determine the colors and the types of paint you want to use. Many companies now provide recommended color combinations with their sample books to show you what colors look good together.

If you're having a hard time making up your mind, purchase a quart of each of the colors you like, and use the paint to create larger samples for easier comparison. Keep in mind the color you choose should fit in with the rest of the houses in your neighborhood.

Most likely a latex paint would be better because latex is easier to clean and lasts at least as long as oil-based paints. Whether you choose latex or oil-based paint, always purchase the best paint you can afford. Otherwise you're likely to spend lots of time applying additional coats.

Before beginning the painting project, the surface of your house should be clean, dull and dry. Wash off any chalk, dirt and mildew. Protect landscape plants by covering them with plastic.

After cleaning the house, scrape off any peeling or cracked paint, then sand and prime the area. When you've finished priming, begin painting the trim. Semigloss paint works well on trim.

The brush used is almost as important as the paint itself. With latex paints, use a brush made of a nylon/polyester blend. Use a natural-bristle brush with oil-based paints. For maximum control, hold the brush so that it balances on your hand at the point where the handle meets the brush. Place your fingertips on the metal ferrule, and use your wrist to guide the brush. The paint will flow more smoothly from the brush.

Pay attention to the temperature. For best results, paint on days with low humidity, when the temperature is between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Follow the shade so that your fresh paint isn't exposed to direct sunlight; otherwise, heat blisters may develop.

Be careful to keep a "wet edge" by overlapping painting areas over the areas you finished most recently. Don't paint into a drying paint film: the film could buckle.

The best way to paint shutters is to remove them and spray them away from the house. If you must paint them on the house, use an angled sash brush. When choosing a color for shutters, keep in mind that dark colors absorb more heat and can cause vinyl shutters to warp.

Apply an oil-based primer coat to metal doors before you begin painting. This step is especially important if the door is exposed to weather. Allow the primer to dry for 24 to 48 hours, next apply two coats of exterior paint.

http://www.diynetwork.com/painting/exterior-painting-preparation/index.html

 

Another Reinvented Trend Is Back!

The trends of stencil designs have started again. Whether its with stencil designs on your walls, floors, or ceilings. Here is a brief step-by-step on how to paint a stencil design. If it seems like an added feature you would like to put in your house, but you don't think its a task for you, then hire Williams Professional Painting.

Step by Step video on stenciling

Paint Finish Profiles: Gloss and Semi Gloss

Gloss and semi-gloss paint may seem similar, but there are some important differences between the two that can influence the appearance of your home.

Gloss and semi-gloss refer to the paint’s reflectivity, or sheen, when it’s dry. Gloss paint has a shiny appearance that can also add space and warmth to living areas, and it is generally easier to clean since its surface does not readily absorb stains; it is commonly used in bathrooms, kitchens, and entranceways. Semi-gloss paint is still shinier compared to flat or satin paints, but it does absorb some light and can draw less attention to minor imperfections in the walls. Remember that the quality is a better indicator of its longevity than the sheen.

Consult with a professional painter about your options for revitalizing your home and contact Williams Professional Painting to receive a quote. We’ve been serving the Alexandria area for more than 34 years, and we’ve established our reputation as a trusted professional painter through professionalism and high-quality results. Call (703) 768-8143 today for more information.