cost of interior painting, how much do pro painters cost, Blue Door Painting, Chicago painters

Remodeling can be stressful – what goes where, what color schemes should you pick, how will the final product look – but hiring professionals to do the heavy lifting can alleviate some of the pressure. At Blue Door Painting, we pride ourselves on our residential painting services, and part of that pride comes from the affordability. We want your home to look and feel as great as you do, so we strive to provide reasonable prices for all of your needs.

Our services don’t just stop at primer and paint; we usually start by prepping the walls to provide the best surface for long-lasting color. This means repairing minor wall damage – filling small holes and cracks, for example – and sanding walls prior to getting started.

We don’t include paint in our overall cost, but we’re happy to provide suggestions (we LOVE Benjamin Moore colors) for price and longevity. Usually, an averaged sized room will cost about $100 in paint and supplies, depending on brand, retailer and paint type. Some paints are more environmentally friendly or have asthma and allergy-friendly formulas, and those can cost a bit more for the long-term benefits.

The cost to complete a room varies depending on your specific needs, but you’re looking at an average of $325 for labor. This covers our work, walls and ceilings (delicate trim is a little extra) and your peace of mind.

Still not sure about pro painting? Contact us today for a quote and we can start turning your vision into a (reasonably priced) reality.

 Country Redwood PM-16 by Benjamin Moore, Ashland Slate 1608 by Benjamin Moore, Chicago painter, Blue Door Painting

Our recent Willowbrook exterior painting project was a literal change in scenery – Blue Door Painting refreshed the entire exterior of this beautiful home, helping it to stand out against the crowd and remain bold in the coming winter months.

 Country Redwood PM-16 by Benjamin Moore, Ashland Slate 1608 by Benjamin Moore, Blue Door Painting

 Country Redwood PM-16 by Benjamin Moore, Ashland Slate 1608 by Benjamin Moore, Blue Door Painting

Though it may seem counterintuitive, autumn is a great time to touch up or completely redo your home’s exterior. Summertime is great for outdoor projects, but fall has fewer insects, less pollen and a more temperate climate to work with. Not only that, but getting a facelift before the snow comes can help your exterior survive some of the harsh side effects of a Chicago winter.

 Country Redwood PM-16 by Benjamin Moore, Ashland Slate 1608 by Benjamin Moore, Blue Door Painting

 Country Redwood PM-16 by Benjamin Moore, Ashland Slate 1608 by Benjamin Moore, Blue Door Painting

For this home, the owner was keen to create a unique look. The deep, warm Country Redwood Arborcoat Stain by Benjamin Moore was a bold choice that matched the wood and stone accents already present on the house.

 Country Redwood PM-16 by Benjamin Moore, Ashland Slate 1608 by Benjamin Moore, Blue Door Painting

 Country Redwood PM-16 by Benjamin Moore, Ashland Slate 1608 by Benjamin Moore, Blue Door Painting

 Country Redwood PM-16 by Benjamin Moore, Ashland Slate 1608 by Benjamin Moore, Blue Door Painting

To help the red pop even more, we lined the windows with Ashland Slate trim, also a Benjamin Moore Arborcoat Stain. This shade lives in a family of dark grays, but the purple undertones give it more depth than a flatter, more straightforward choice.

 Country Redwood PM-16 by Benjamin Moore, Ashland Slate 1608 by Benjamin Moore, Blue Door Painting

 Country Redwood PM-16 by Benjamin Moore, Ashland Slate 1608 by Benjamin Moore, Blue Door Painting

In just five days, we took a nice home that blended in with its neighbors and transformed it into a gorgeous statement piece in the subdivision.

 Country Redwood PM-16 by Benjamin Moore, Ashland Slate 1608 by Benjamin Moore, Blue Door Painting

If you’re ready to upgrade your home’s look, contact us today for a free quote. Follow us on Instagram for daily inspirations and read our 5 STAR reviews on Yelp, Angie’s List or Houzz.

Businesses choose colors based on how they affect potential customers: red makes you hungry, blue makes you comfortable. This technique is used in everything from wall painting in restaurants to font choices in TV ads. At Blue Door Painting, we know that colors can evoke feelings and we love helping you achieve the ideal look and feel of your space. We also know that many new parents are looking to create a certain atmosphere – while remaining on trend – when they paint their baby’s room. Keep these tips in mind when deciding on your nursery’s color and look.

Red

 Photo courtesy of Project Nursery

If trend-spotters are to be believed, red is the new black. This powerful, passionate color is popping up in baby rooms everywhere, bringing with it a bold, emotional atmosphere. We wouldn’t recommend going full red; an accent wall or accent piece would be perfect. Be careful though – too much red can cultivate a lot of emotions…and not just positive ones.

Pink

 Photo courtesy of HGTV

Everyone knows pink as the feminine, light female color, but its calming qualities can come in handy with fussy babies. The romantic color is perfect for a princess theme, and classic pink decor in a girl’s room will never go out of style.

Orange

 Photo courtesy of HGTV

Not traditionally included in nurseries, this color is cozy. The comfortable, warm vibe given off by this hue is fun while still keeping the room calm and welcoming.

Yellow

 Photo courtesy of YouTube

As we’ve discussed in other blogs, yellow is a fun, upbeat color that inspires a cheerful personality. Be cautious with yellow in nurseries though; the brightness can be overwhelming and this color can provoke some unrest.

Green

 Photo courtesy of HGTV

Many moms- and dads-to-be choose green as a neutral compromise, especially if they’re waiting to reveal their new addition’s gender until later. This color has more value than just generic properties, though – it provokes learning and nurturing. The serene nature helps calm babies and promote happiness.

Blue

 Photo courtesy of Project Nursery

Along with pink, blue comes with a stereotype outright: boys. But unlike pink, this color is rapidly finding its way into the other gender’s rooms (in lighter, more pastel tones). For both boys and girls, blue can help with productivity, but the shade is important. Some blues – dustier, grayish blues – can lead to sadness, and deep, dark blues can be overused. Think bright, fun blues for a baby’s room.

Purple

 Photo courtesy of Waplag

If pink wasn’t “princess” enough, consider purple since it’s fit for a queen! The color of royalty, this option lends itself well to girls’ rooms, giving a luxurious atmosphere. On top of the royal treatment, purple also has calming qualities to help with fussier babies.

White

 Photo courtesy of Project Bursery

White in nurseries has taken a backseat to more bold choices and statements, but still has its merits. Even white walls need statement colors – photos here, decor there – but the angelic nature of the color is attractive to some parents who don’t yet know what they’re having. Careful, though – white stains easily!

Black

 Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn

Minimalist parents will love the idea of a black (and white) nursery; clean lines, modern edges and a powerful atmosphere. However, strong and dark hues like black should be used in moderation (accents, linens, etc.) and only in rooms with plenty of light.

Have a dream nursery in mind? Get in touch today to let us help you achieve that dream.

 White Dove OC-17 by Benjamin Moore, Revere Pewter HC-172 by Benjamin Moore, Grey Cloud 2126-60 by Benjamin Moore, Blue Door Painting, Chicago Painters

Our September Job of the Month was close to home – literally! This gorgeous apartment was sold by members of the Blue Door Painting team, but not before a modern interior refresh.

The Avondale apartment already had a lot going for it – a great location, tons of space and natural light, as well as owners who had cared for it – but the key to fetching a good price from a buyer was presenting all the positives of the space itself.

 Revere Pewter HC-172 by Benjamin Moore, home staging

Aside from choosing clean and attractive colors like Grey Cloud and Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore to update the rooms, the Blue Door Painting team was careful to stage the home to highlight all the wonderful attributes that a new buyer might enjoy. Especially for those transitioning from renter to owner, the pride of ownership extends far beyond being able to choose paint colors, so it’s important to showcase all the elements that make your house a home.

When staging a home or apartment, don’t forget the basics – make sure the space is clean, organized and inviting before hosting an open house. Our interior design contacts would be the first to tell you to keep the details in mind; pillows, plants, curtains, even candles or fragrance can create a cozy, attractive atmosphere for potential buyers.

 White Dove OC-17 by Benjamin Moore, Revere Pewter HC-172 by Benjamin Moore, Grey Cloud 2126-60 by Benjamin Moore

 Revere Pewter HC-172 by Benjamin Moore

Sticking with bright neutrals wasn’t just about staying on trend – this also allows for buyers to better visualize their own tastes when viewing the rooms. Overwhelming reds or dark blues or any color that’s striking and bold might work for you, but your buyer might be turned off by the daring choice.

The formal dining room started off as a playroom, but you would never know! It was reverted back to its original purpose after clearing away clutter and setting up a more natural flow of traffic through the home.

 Revere Pewter HC-172 by Benjamin Moore

Buyers are looking for a great bedroom, so it’s savvy to focus a lot of energy on staging an impressive master suite. In this space, the bedrooms were tricky because of the attic ceilings, but the team was still able to set up a demonstrative room with appealing aesthetics.

 Grey Cloud 2126-60 by Benjamin Moore

 White Dove OC-17 by Benjamin Moore, Revere Pewter HC-172 by Benjamin Moore, Grey Cloud 2126-60 by Benjamin Moore

Don’t be surprised if you have to spend a little money on staging – pictures, posters, rugs and other decorative pieces might cost a few bucks, but they will add measurable value to your home. Because this space was attractive and move-in ready, it took only one day in the property listings to pull in numerous offers. Better staging = more offers, more offers = more demand and value.

 White Dove OC-17 by Benjamin Moore, Revere Pewter HC-172 by Benjamin Moore, Grey Cloud 2126-60 by Benjamin Moore

Aside from paint and decor updates, it can’t hurt to refinish floors, touch up trim and update kitchen cabinets and other hardware like bathroom faucets. Lighting fixtures need a facelift? Invest in some updated options that cast the room in the best light.

 White Dove OC-17 by Benjamin Moore, Revere Pewter HC-172 by Benjamin Moore, Grey Cloud 2126-60 by Benjamin Moore

Keep in mind the kitchens and bathrooms can make or break a sale. Swap that old bathroom vanity for a modern sink and add a beautiful backsplash to your kitchen for an instant revitalization.

 White Dove OC-17 by Benjamin Moore, Revere Pewter HC-172 by Benjamin Moore, Grey Cloud 2126-60 by Benjamin Moore

All set on the interior? Don’t forget curb appeal. Freshly painted front doors and finished decks can present a tidy image of a home that will look great for years to come.

 White Dove OC-17 by Benjamin Moore, Revere Pewter HC-172 by Benjamin Moore, Grey Cloud 2126-60 by Benjamin Moore, Chicago interior painting, home staging

Selling soon? Contact us today for a FREE estimate so we can help you present the best version of your home to potential buyers. Follow us on Instagram for daily inspirations and read our 5 STAR reviews on Yelp, Angie’s List or Houzz.

 Perfect Greige SW 6073, Mega Greige SW 7031, Sticks and Stones SW 7503, Alpaca SW  7022 , Agreeable Gray SW 7029, blue door painting, chicago painters

Gray and beige are two of the Blue Door Painting team’s favorite choices for interiors, so it’s not surprising that we adore ‘greiges’ – mixes of both gray and beige shades. If you can’t decide which neutral to use, get the best of both worlds for your interior updates with our top five greige shades!

1. Perfect Greige SW 6073

Photo by JoiBrowse living room photos

This rich, intense color makes a statement while still keeping things neutral. This version of greige is warm and cozy, creating a perfect atmosphere and backdrop for bolder pieces.

2. Mega Greige SW 7031

Photo by Homes by TraditionMore bedroom ideas

Step up the intensity of Perfect Greige and you have Mega Greige. There’s so much drama in this shade! It’s gorgeous and pairs will with both light and dark touches, but shouldn’t be used to lighten a room.

3. Sticks and Stones SW 7503

Photo by KSI Kitchen & BathDiscover kitchen design ideas

This warm greige has lots of brown undertones and we absolutely love it in kitchens with rich wooden cabinetry and/or decor. White trim and accents work perfectly with this shade.

4. Alpaca SW 7022

Photo by Beret Design Group, Inc.Look for living room design inspiration

Looking for something softer? This light and lovely shade is a cooler take on the greige phenomenon. If you have a darker room that needs to be lightened or a space with natural light that you want to enhance, this is the ideal choice.

5. Agreeable Gray SW 7029

Photo by PB BuiltBrowse kitchen ideas

Contrary to the name, this shade is actually in the greige family based on the noticeable beige/brown undertones. It’s light and neutral, and can be paired with a wide variety of colors to accent or brighten a space.

 Perfect Greige SW 6073, Mega Greige SW 7031, Sticks and Stones SW 7503, Alpaca SW  7022 , Agreeable Gray SW 7029, blue door painting, chicago painters

Our Top Five series is brought to you by Blue Door Painting’s design partner, Jasmin Reese Interiors. Looking for design ideas or color inspiration? Contact Jasmin and her team for an unparalleled professional opinion.

If you’ve already found the perfect greige and want to get started, contact us today for a FREE estimate so we can help you create the home of your dreams. Follow us on Instagram for daily inspirations and read our 5 STAR reviews on Yelp, Angie’s List or Houzz.

 Blue Door Painting Chicago Painting, Benjamin Moore White Dove OC 17, Benjamin Moore Hazy Skies OC 48, Benjamin Moore Copper Kettle 1218, Benjamin Moore Space Black 2119-10

At Blue Door Painting, we love using neutrals in decor and design. That said, we’re not afraid to take a home like our recent Ravenswood revamp and up the color quotient for a bolder interior look.

Our August Job of the Month started as a drab multi-level home that relied too much on beige and brown tones throughout the entire structure. Walls, floors, even decorative elements were so neutral that they all blended together. We teamed up with Jasmin Reese Interiors to create a color scheme that could make this home’s decor and style stand out.

 Benjamin Moore White Dove OC 17, Benjamin Moore Hazy Skies OC 48, Benjamin Moore Copper Kettle 1218, Benjamin Moore Space Black 2119-10

To complete this interior job, we painted the living room, formal living room, staircase and the kitchen. The main color theme was a beige and dark brown side-by-side combination that stretched the entirety of the walls. We updated this to one color – Hazy Skies OC-48 by Benjamin Moore – to streamline the room and make the space look cleaner and more spacious. To do this, we first had to remove the chair rail separating the two sections of wall to open up a clean, cohesive surface.

The focal point of the main living room was a beautiful stone fireplace that was being vastly underutilized. We took the plain white framing and made a bold, black accent piece out of the entire portion of wall that housed the fireplace. The bright, contrasting decor added afterward really makes the accent stand out.

You’ll notice in the “after” pictures that the homeowners have impeccable taste in both art and furniture. This home is incomparable in its decor, with gorgeous paintings and art pieces, along with modern, stylish furnishings. Even their plants worked with the room when we were done with it!

Next, we brightened the staircase walls with Hazy Skies OC-48 by Benjamin Moore for a cleaner look.

Blue Door Painting is a five-star rated, highly experienced professional interior painting contractor that has been pleasing customers in the Chicago area for over 35 years.

We are experts in complete, full-service interior house painting for existing homes, gut rehabs, home renovations and new construction projects.

 Benjamin Moore White Dove OC 17, Benjamin Moore Hazy Skies OC 48, Benjamin Moore Copper Kettle 1218, Benjamin Moore Space Black 2119-10

We hope you enjoyed this installment of our monthly Job of the Month Series. Stay tuned for more Chicagoland painting projects by Blue Door Painting!

Follow us on Instagram for daily inspirations and read our 5 STAR reviews on Yelp, Angie’s List or Houzz.

 DIY Paint Tips, Chicago Painters, Blue Door Painting, How-To Interior Painting, Interior Painting Checklist

Looking to DIY an interior paint job? Make sure you’re prepared with our how-to checklist for a professional-looking finished product.

First, the preparation.

Preparation is as important – if not more so – than the paint itself. Start by clearing the area and covering floors and furniture with drop cloths. Then sand and clean all the surfaces you intend to paint. Next, fill any cracks or holes with with high quality spackle. Lastly, line the edges with painter’s tape to keep errant strokes off surfaces you don’t mean to paint. Check out our blog post on wall prep for more details.

Next, ceilings.

Once everything is put away and properly covered, start painting the ceilings. This is partially to get the hard part out of the way, but also because ceilings can dry without worry of being touched or smudged while you work on the rest of the room.

Then come the walls.

Now you get to the meat of the project – the walls. If the paint you’ve chosen doesn’t have a primer in it, prime the walls first (same with the ceiling) and allow time for that to dry before diving into the color. Once color has been applied, make sure everything looks even and apply further coats if necessary.

What about trim?

Completely depends on the job and where the trim is located. Either way, ceilings will still come first, followed then by either walls or trim.

The finisher.

Once the paint is on, let the room do its thing. Avoid opening windows – this may seem counterintuitive, since open windows means free-flowing air to help paint dry, but it can also mean bugs, dust and other particles landing on the wet paint and finding a permanent home on your freshly colored walls. Once all areas of the room have dried, check to make sure everything is coated properly, pack up and clean your tools and accessories, uncover your furniture, and leave your room looking brand new.

Sound like too much work? Bring in the professionals to do it for you! Blue Door Painting is a five-star rated, highly experienced professional interior painting contractor that has been transforming homes in the Chicago area for over 35 years. We’re experts in complete, full-service interior painting for existing homes, gut rehabs, home renovations and new construction projects. Get a FREE quote today!

  November Rain 2142-60 by Benjamin Moore, Wedgewood Gray HC-146 by Benjamin Moore,   Dior Gray 2133-40 by Benjamin Moore, Coventry Blue 4005-5C by Valspar, Collonade Gray SW 7641 by Sherwin Williams Blue Door Painting Chicago Professional Painters

Updating your home’s exterior is about more than just a fresh coat of paint – it’s about curb appeal and showcasing your personality. Summer is the perfect time to give your house a facelift, so we compiled a list of our top five favorite exterior paint colors for a refreshed look.

1. November Rain 2142-60 by Benjamin Moore

  November Rain 2142-60 by Benjamin Moore

This pale beige is the perfect exterior neutral. White trim and porch railings pair well with this color. Use the Wedgewood Gray mentioned below on the front door to add interest. Touches of an olive green would also look great with this color.

2. Wedgewood Gray HC-146 by Benjamin Moore

 Wedgewood Gray HC-146 by Benjamin Moore

This pale soft blue/green/gray color pairs well with white trim or the November Rain above. This shade is a great backdrop for lush green vegetation. Add an eye-catching pop of color with a bright red front door.

3. Dior Gray 2133-40 by Benjamin Moore

 Dior Gray 2133-40 by Benjamin Moore

This is darker and more saturated gray than Wedgewood Grey, but has some of the same qualities. White trim with black touches on doors and shutters would create a dramatic yet timeless curb appeal.

4. Coventry Blue 4005-5C by Valspar

 Coventry Blue 4005-5C by Valspar

This blue makes you think of floating clouds and summertime. Light accent tones work well, but touches of a darker blue like Blue Sash by Valspar add depth and interest.

5. Collonade Gray SW 7641 by Sherwin Williams

 Collonade Gray SW 7641 by Sherwin Williams

This is a truly timeless gray. Use Panda White by Sherwin Williams for the trim. We recommend adding a pop of color on the front door – a bright red or sunny yellow.

  November Rain 2142-60 by Benjamin Moore, Wedgewood Gray HC-146 by Benjamin Moore,   Dior Gray 2133-40 by Benjamin Moore, Coventry Blue 4005-5C by Valspar, Collonade Gray SW 7641 by Sherwin Williams

Our Top Five series is brought to you by Blue Door Painting’s design partner, Jasmin Reese Interiors. Looking for design inspiration? Contact Jasmin and her team for an unparalleled professional opinion.

If you’ve already found your perfect exterior color scheme and want to get started, contact us today for a FREE estimate so we can help you create the home of your dreams. Follow us on Instagram for daily inspirations and read our 5 STAR reviews on Yelp, Angie’s List or Houzz.

 Blue Door Painting Edgewater Condo Repairs and Update

At Blue Door Painting, we don’t just paint over the flaws – we restore and prepare surfaces before completing the color. A recent Lake Shore Drive condominium refresh required us to repair extensive existing ceiling damage caused by water leaking into the apartment. Our expert repairs not only made for a smoother painting surface, but they rectified an issue that could cause larger problems down the line.

Once we restored the ceilings to a perfect, like-new finish, we painted the whole home interior to provide a much needed update. Now the homeowners can sit back and enjoy the gorgeous lake views!

 Chicagoland professional painters

This one bed, one bath Edgewater condo has impressive views, so we wanted to give the interior an impressive facelift to match. The walls were an unappealing yellow shade, with mismatched decor elements. We updated the yellow in the main living space to a calming green – SAGE SW 2860 by Sherwin Williams – with bright white trim.

As you can see in the photos below, the water damage on the ceiling was considerable and spanned the entire hallway and into other areas of the home. After meticulous repairs, we updated the look with a clean white to match the trim.

 Blue Door Painting ceiling repair interior update

In the foyer, we updated the existing yellow to the more subdued Ambitious Amber 6366 by Sherwin Williams. The brightness of this shade complemented the white trim, ceilings and doors to give the space an airy quality.

To give the bedroom a unique feel, we replaced the bright yellow with a relaxing shade of purple – Beguiling Mauve 6269 by Sherwin Williams. We also painted the metal radiators in each room to match the walls for a more cohesive look.

This full interior update has been one of our most extensive interior jobs this summer, and we’re proud to share the final product with you! Blue Door Painting is a five-star rated, highly experienced professional painting contractor that delivers quality interior and exterior painting services to condominium associations in the Chicago area. Contact Blue Door Painting today to get a free estimate for any painting project – we are fast, professional and affordable!

 Sage SW 2860 Sherwin Williams, Ambitious Amber SW 6366 Sherwin Williams, Beguiling Mauve SW 6269 Sherwin Williams

We hope you enjoyed this installment of our monthly Job of the Month Series. Stay tuned for more Chicagoland painting projects by Blue Door Painting!

Follow us on Instagram for daily inspirations and read our 5 STAR reviews on Yelp, Angie’s List or Houzz.

 Blue Door Painting Job of the month Chicago interior painting 

Pro tip: paint your new space before you move in to simplify the process. Taking that advice, the new owners of a loft-style condominium in the West Loop wanted to brighten the walls and trim throughout the unit before officially moving in. They called Blue Door Painting for the interior job, and we left them with a fresh, modern update to match their sweeping city views.

The original color scheme relied on cream neutrals with dark accent walls. Blues and browns were abundant in this space, and we wanted to lighten not only the walls, but the atmosphere.

We went with White Dove for the trim and doors – this lovely, warm shade of white adds a little more character than pure white.

The soft, neutral tones – Rodeo and Stonington Gray, both by Benjamin Moore – are perfect complements to the apartment’s flooring and kitchen colors. The neutrality isn’t just trendy; the streamlined look provides ultimate design flexibility while keeping the incredible views of the city front and center.

The bathrooms were bold and dark, so we updated both with Hushed Hue, a simple but rich shade from Benjamin Moore.

Blue Door Painting is a five-star rated, highly experienced professional painting contractor that delivers quality interior and exterior painting services to condominium associations in the Chicago area. Contact Blue Door Painting today to get a free estimate for any painting project – we are fast, professional and affordable!

 Blue Door Paining. Rodeo 1534 Benjamin Moore, Stonington Gray HC-170 Benjamin Moore, Hushed Hue 1520 Benjamin Moore, Chantilly Lace OC-65 Benjamin Moore 

We hope you enjoyed this installment of our monthly Job of the Month Series. Stay tuned for more Chicagoland painting projects by Blue Door Painting!

Follow us on Instagram for daily inspirations and read our 5 STAR reviews on Yelp, Angie’s List or Houzz.

 Top interior beige paint Indian River 985 Benjamin Moore, Pashimna AF100 Benjamin Moore, Tapestry Beige OC-32 Benjamin Moore, Brandy Cream 1030 Benjamin Moore, Accessible Beige 7036 Sherwin Williams

Who says beige has to be boring? At Blue Door Painting, we see a trendy, neutral color for interior updates and chill atmospheres. We compiled our favorite beiges in the list below:

1. Indian River BM 985

Photo by Pacific Peninsula GroupBrowse family room photos

This beige is anything but dull! Layer the drama from the very beginning, starting with the walls and working up to the ceiling. This tone is a saturated color that stands up well alongside dark furniture or gold accents.

2. Pashmina BM AF100

Photo by Veranda HomesMore dining room ideas

Soft and romantic, Pashmina is a muted taupe that ‘s super elegant and comfortable. This beige variant is easy to love in any room.

3. Tapestry Beige BM OC-32

Photo by Michael Abrams InteriorsLook for living room design inspiration

If you’re looking for what we’d consider a classic beige, Tapestry is for you! This shade is timeless but looks fresh and new. Whether it’s the featured color or a backdrop for other design elements, this color can work in any space.

4. Brandy Cream BM 1030

Photo by Harrell Remodeling, Inc. / Design + BuildDiscover entryway design inspiration

Brandy Cream is a great neutral option when you need to bring light into your space. It works great with a minimalist style and provides a beautiful contrast with dark wood floors. Perhaps more cream than beige, but an unstoppable neutral!

5. Accessible Beige SW 7036

Photo by Regan Baker Design Inc.Discover entryway design inspiration

Like the name suggests, this is an accessible, malleable shade. There are no orange or brown undertones in this color; instead, it’s a crisp, clear beige that radiates light and makes the perfect backdrop for whites.

 Indian River 985 Benjamin Moore, Pashimna AF100 Benjamin Moore, Tapestry Beige OC-32 Benjamin Moore, Brandy Cream 1030 Benjamin Moore, Accessible Beige 7036 Sherwin Williams

Our Top Five series is brought to you by Blue Door Painting’s design partner, Jasmin Reese Interiors. Looking for design ideas or color inspiration? Contact Jasmin and her team for an unparalleled professional opinion.

If you’ve already found an ideal beige and want to get started, contact us today for a FREE estimate so we can help you create the home of your dreams. Follow us on Instagram for daily inspirations and read our 5 STAR reviews on Yelp, Angie’s List or Houzz.

 Exterior painting transformation Blue Door Painting Job of the month

We’re all about exteriors this season at Blue Door Painting! Our May Job of the Month features a transformative project in Old Irving Park, complete with an overhaul of the exterior color and a facelift for the front deck.

 Exterior Painting Transformation Blue Door Painting

The structure of the house was beautiful, but the paint was faded, chipping and peeling away in prominent spots on the facade. The front, sides and rear of the home were looking worse for wear after a few too many tough Chicago winters, and we needed to smooth things out before starting the color update.

To properly prepare the home for this dramatic exterior rejuvenation, we thoroughly cleaned and pressure washed all the exterior surfaces of the home to ensure a long lasting, evenly applied finish. The Blue Door Painting crew then filled any holes and cracks with high quality elastomeric caulk and applied one coat of primer followed by two coats of Hale Navy HC-154 exterior paint by Benjamin Moore. The original bland, unobtrusive gray was consistent with many houses in the area, but the homeowner wanted more than just a spruce – they wanted to stand out from the crowd with a bold color choice.

To complete the look, we stained the mismatched natural wood grain of the front deck to a darker, complementary color. We also matched the top of the deck design to the home to give a more consistent appearance to the entry.

This Old Irving Park update has been one of our favorite projects this season, and we’re pleased to share a few kind words from the homeowner herself on the end result of our work:

“Tom and Ed were wonderful to work with, planning the project and scheduling the work. We had a whole house exterior paint job including deck stain. We changed the color of the house completely and they did a great job prepping and painting. I will use them again for sure and I highly recommend them. Oh, and their prices were very competitive and fair.” – Beth O. on Google Reviews.

Blue Door Painting is a fully insured and vastly experienced exterior painter. Contact Blue Door Painting today to get a free estimate for any painting project – we are fast, professional and affordable!

 Hale Navy HC-154 Benjamin Moore Blue Door Painting Chicago

Hale Navy HC-154 Benjamin Moore Blue Door Painting Chicago

We hope you enjoyed this installment of our monthly Job of the Month Series. Stay tuned for more Chicagoland painting projects by Blue Door Painting!

Follow us on Instagram for daily inspirations and read our 5 STAR reviews on Yelp, Angie’s List or Houzz.

Out with the old, boring kitchen colors and in with the new, vibrant tones! Blue Door Painting wants to upgrade your kitchen with these interesting and on-trend color options.

Neutral Grays:

Kendall Charcoal (HC 166)

Photo by Murphy + Maude InteriorsMore kitchen ideas

This luxurious shade pops perfectly against vibrant metals or when paired with bright counters or trim. This versatile neutral would work nicely with most palettes.

Hazy Skies (OC 48) 

Photo by Heydt DesignsDiscover kitchen design inspiration

Subtlety is key with this delicate option. Hazy Skies evokes a misty, soft feel in any room that reminds us of lazy Sundays in summertime.

Greiges:

Stone Hearth CC-490

 Photo by Benjamin Moore

Photo by Benjamin Moore

A seemly unorthodox choice, this version of greige can accentuate other colors or pair well as the featured shade against bright white cabinets or counters.

Tapestry Beige BM OC32 

Photo by Turan Designs, Inc.More kitchen ideas

You can’t go wrong with off-white! This color is a part of the Benjamin Moore Off-White Collection, and looks amazing against a range of tiles, granites and beautiful backsplashes.

 Kendall Charcoal HC 166 Benjamin Moore, Hazy Skies OC 48, Stone Hearth CC 490, Tapestry Beige OC 32

Cool Colors:
Down Pipe

Photo by Elizabeth Lawson DesignDiscover kitchen design ideas

Dark moody blues are showing up more and more in kitchen designs and we are in love with these saturated rich colors. This shade has deep blue undertones and is a wonderful way to create a dramatic and chic look with your cabinets.

Van Deusen Blue HC-156 

Photo by Studio DearbornSearch kitchen pictures

This blue will pair well with white or grey cabinets for a fresh look. A white marble countertop with grey veining would be the perfect finishing touch. For a contrasted look, paint lower cabinets blue and uppers in white or a light grey. Another blue that would work well is Downpour Blue 2063-20.

Forest Green 

 Photo by Studio McGee

We absolutely love the patterned tile to accompany this bold choice. Some other color options to give the same dramatic effect include: Green Bay and Hunt Club.

 Down Pipe No 26 Farrow & Ball, Van Deusen Blue HC-156 Benjamin Moore, Forest Green 2047-10 Benjamin Moore Blue Door Painting

This color inspo is brought to you by Blue Door Painting’s design partner, Jasmin Reese Interiors. Looking for design ideas? Contact Jasmin and her team for an unparalleled professional opinion.

If you’ve already found your dream cabinet color and want to get started, contact us today for a FREE estimate so we can help you create the home of your dreams. Follow us on Instagram for daily inspirations and read our 5 STAR reviews on Yelp, Angie’s List or Houzz.

 Top Interior Grays Greys Repose Gray SW 7015, Gray Owl OC-52 Benjamin Moore, Timber Wolf 1600, Mindful Gray 7016 Sherwin Williams, Classic Gray OC-23 Benjmain Moore

Gray is anything but bland – it continues to shine as a popular choice in interiors, from interior walls to cabinets and veining in marble choices. The Blue Door Painting design team expects this trend and its “greige” color cousin to stick around.

Thinking about updating your interior with some trendy neutrals? Check out some of our favorite grey and “greige” options, as well as some beige wall colors that combine beautifully with gray decor elements.

1) Repose Gray SW 7015 

Photo by DD Ford ConstructionDiscover bedroom design inspiration

This Sherwin Williams shade is the perfect gray base with warm undertones. It immediately creates a comfortable and warm feeling of home. There’s nothing flat or dull about this gray!

2) Gray Owl BM OC-52

Photo by Buckingham Interiors + Design LTDDiscover bedroom design ideas

Scared gray walls may be too overwhelming? Consider this soft-as-a-cloud option. It features cooler tones and is gentle on the eyes. The adaptable shade is approachable and picks up the tone from the surrounding environment.

3) Timber Wolf BM 1600

Photo by Studio 80 Interior DesignDiscover bedroom design ideas

Not for faint hearted, Timber Wolf by Benjamin Moore is a bold saturated color that provides drama without draining the light from the room. Embrace the gray and make a daring statement with this moody and deep color. Bonus: It plays well with gold touches.

4) Mindful Gray SW 7016

Photo by Tarkus Tile, Inc.Search bathroom pictures

This versatile and warm gray is in the same family as Repose Gray. This shade is a perfect neutral that works beautifully with any color combinations because it has enough coolness to transition. Mindful is not only great for walls, but makes for a classy cabinet color.

5) Classic Gray BM OC-23

Photo by Mead Quin DesignSearch living room pictures

Names can be deceiving – this color is actually part of the Benjamin Moore Off-White collection. It’s a subtle nuance off-white with just enough gray to make our top five. Classic Gray walls create a tranquil and serene environment, so this is the perfect base to create a restful space.

 Top Interior Grays Greys Repose Gray SW 7015, Gray Owl OC-52 Benjamin Moore, Timber Wolf 1600, Mindful Gray 7016 Sherwin Williams, Classic Gray OC-23 Benjmain Moore Blue Door Painting

Our new Top Five series will join our Job of the Month series as a regular facet of the Blue Door Painting blog. It is brought to you by Blue Door Painting’s design partner, Jasmin Reese Interiors. Looking for design ideas or color inspo? Contact Jasmin and her team for an unparalleled professional opinion.

If you’ve already found your perfect gray and want to get started, contact us today for a FREE estimate so we can help you create the home of your dreams. Follow us on Instagram for daily inspirations and read our 5 STAR reviews on Yelp, Angie’s List or Houzz.

 Blue Door Painting Job of the Month 

Updating an older home can be a balancing act – maintaining character while modernizing the look. In this recent full interior painting project, Blue Door Painting took an outdated and worn two-story home in River Forest and transformed it into an alluring and inviting space.

 Home Transformation Blue Door Painting

Though the exterior was unassuming, the interior of this home was working with a mixture of everything from beige to yellow, green to grey. This client worked with a professional interior designer to streamline each space’s color scheme to be from the same palette. To achieve this interior continuity, we painted all the walls, trim, ceilings, bathrooms and even doors and closets with Benjamin Moore paint.

 

Starting at the front of the home, we knew immediately that the fireplace should be a focal point. This old wooden fixture had so much potential; instead of restaining, the designer selected a monochrome mix of graphite and white. Painted fireplace facades can bring a room together and give a decorator more flexibility.

Moving deeper into the home, the modern theme was carried through with grey variants. This, coupled with bright white trim, gave each room its own signature contrast while tying it together with the rest of the house. Everything in this home from the master bedroom to the nursery was given a facelift from floor to ceiling.

To minimize the look of the electrical outlets, the designer decided to paint the outlet covers the same color as the wall, creating an uninterrupted flow so the white trim could pop against the darker grey.

We completely transformed the old, worn staircase into a beautiful high point in the entryway. In keeping with the modern light vs. dark palette, we brightened the base and darkened the face of each stair. The balance is particularly noticeable against the backdrop of a neutral pewter on the hallway wall.

Most people stick with wood grain or white doors, but the homeowner wanted to complete the deep contrast; the kitchen entries and the front door were painted to match the fireplace and framed with bright, illuminating white trim.

Blue Door Painting is a fully insured and vastly experienced interior painter. Contact Blue Door Painting today to get a free estimate for any painting project – we are fast, professional and affordable!

 

Paint Colors Used for This Project 

 Paint swatches, Benjamin Moore Boothbay Gray HC 165, Amherst HC 167, Graphite 1603, Revere Pewter HC 172, White Dove OC-17, Sandy Hook Grey HC 108, Copley Grey HC 

 

We hope you enjoyed this installment of our monthly Job of the Month Series. Stay tuned for more Chicagoland painting projects by Blue Door Painting!

Follow us on Instagram for daily inspirations and read our 5 STAR reviews on Yelp, Angie’s List or Houzz.