Painting Tip: Updating Your Space

Here, an out-dated bedroom turns into a glorious, modern space. The original bedroom (far left) was sponge-painted in shades of yellows and green, a nice look about ten years ago but now a bit drab and dated. My client was ready for a more current, exciting look and picked a beautiful shade of red, a notoriously difficult color to paint. It has so much pigment that it's hard to get it evenly distributed so a crucial step is to use a tinted primer (2nd picture - it looks blue but it's actually a medium-gray). With a good base coat your chances of success improve dramatically.

When you're ready to begin the color coat don't skimp on the paint, and when cutting-in (right) try to do it in one stroke. Don't brush back and forth, keep it smooth and even.

Use plenty of paint when you roll the rest of the wall; roll from floor to ceiling, then go on to the next strip and finally, go over it once lightly to blend the edges. Move on to the next strip and repeat until you've completed the wall. You'll need a second coat so just do it once again and, voila! You have a beautiful, professional job.

Easy, right?

If you don't think so call us! 312.420.2367.

What's Your Color Personality?

Take this quiz and find out: Color Personality Quiz.

A quiz isn't really going to pinpoint the best color for your walls but it's a fun way to begin, and interesting to think about how your personality influences your environment.
We can help you discover your color personality with a color consultation. We'll help you pick the perfect color(s) to reflect who you are, and then we'll meticulously paint your interior. It'll be gorgeous!
Call us at 312.420.2367.

Painting Tips: Stripes - Before and After

Stripes are a great way to add interest to a wall. Here are the Before and After shots of the project I finished last week (see last week's video). It's hard to tell from the photos but the darker strips are semi-gloss and the lighter stripes are flat. It's a very cool effect and changes the whole look of the room.

Before

Think how creative you can be with colors and geometric shapes. How about diamonds? Or diagonal stripes? Squares? In this bedroom we went two shades lighter but if you wanted a more subtle effect you could go just one shade lighter. Use your imagination...the sky's the limit!

After

The hardest part of this project is the math! Make sure your stripes are even and straight. If you need help call me: 312.420.2367. We love transforming bland into beautiful.

Painting Tips: Stripes - Beginning the Project

This is a perfectly lovely bedroom but my customer wanted a little more interest. So we painted stripes in a color two shades lighter than the original. The most important part of this project is measuring your wall and being sure your measurements are precise.

Stay tuned...before and after photos next week!

Paint a Concrete Floor

What do you do with a concrete floor when you don't have the budget for carpet or wood? Paint, what else?! It's a great way to customize your look, it creates huuuuuuge interest, and it turns blah into fabulous.

Check it out:

Be sure to clean the floor thoroughly before you prime/paint, and I do mean thoroughly: wash, sand, vacuum, wash again.

You'll love the look and it's easy enough to do. But if you're lacking ambition call Painting Ladies: 312.420.2367. We love transforming bland to beautiful.

Sprucing Up Your Space on a Budget

If your space is looking a bit tired but your budget is on the modest side you can still spruce it up with a little creativity. Think about painting just one wall for a splash of color and to brighten your room. Pick one of the colors that shows up in your upholstery, drapes, or rug; a color that appears often enough that an accent wall will tie everything together.

Painting Project Completed in South Loop Chicago

Our most recently completed project is a new construction in the South Loop. Using grey and heather tones we integrated the master bedroom and bath, hallway, entry and livingroom. The feel is very modern yet inviting. Pictures to come!