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.

 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.

  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.

 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.

Read on as the design minds at Jasmin Reese Interiors make the case for this month’s featured color: orange.

Orange is one of the boldest colors on the spectrum, calling your attention immediately (but there’s a reason it’s used on “Caution” signs!). Don’t let those fluorescent traffic cones give orange a bad rap — when used correctly, it can be an incredibly sophisticated way to add some unexpected zest and movement to your space.

Orange Beachy Entryway House Beautiful

Orange Beachy Entryway House Beautiful

Many homeowners shy away from including orange in their interior design palate fearing that it will be too intense or distracting. In truth, it’s the intensity that makes orange such a fabulous accent color — the trick is just to use it sparingly!

Here’s a Bohemian chic kitchen in Lake Forest that we had the pleasure of designing recently. We used an orange tile backsplash to add some visual interest to an otherwise neutral-toned space.

LF Boho Kitchen backsplash

LF Boho Kitchen backsplash

A few key orange accents around the room, using furniture and window treatments, pick up the orange from the backsplash and complete the look.

LP Boho Kitchen Window Treatments

LP Boho Kitchen Window Treatments

Here’s another great example of a strong orange accent making all the difference. This orange nightstand subtly draws out the orange trim on the pillows. Orange took this sweet twin bedroom from conservative and classic to unexpectedly stylish.

White and blue twin beds with orange table

White and blue twin beds with orange table

This orange doorway at the Parker, Palm Springs, shows us exactly what fierce modern style looks like. It’s all about contrast!

Orange Door, Parker, Palm Springs

Orange Door, Parker, Palm Springs

Our favorite orange paint picks are Orange Nectar from Benjamin Moore, and Navel from Sherwin Williams. Use either of these to add some pop to an accent wall or piece of furniture in your home.

        Benjamin Moore Orange Nectar

       Benjamin Moore Orange Nectar

           Sherwin Williams Navel

          Sherwin Williams Navel

Sherwin Williams’s 2015 Color of the Year Coral Reef has been applied to paneled accent wall in this elegant sitting room. Notice that it doesn’t take anything away from all the gorgeous layers of white furniture, window treatments, or the striking fur rug — the whites pop brighter!

 Orange Panel Wall White Fur Rug

Orange Panel Wall White Fur Rug

Just because we’ve emphasized the importance of orange as an accent color does not mean it will necessarily overwhelm a space if it’s used as the primary color in the scheme. If you love orange, go wild and paint the entire room. The orange walls paired with sleek blue furniture, and blasts of pinks, yellows, and reds in the artwork give this fabulous dining room that appeared in Elle Decor a fun, energetic vibe.

Orange Walls dining room Elle Decor

Orange Walls dining room Elle Decor

How are you daring to use orange to liven up your home or garden? Inspire us with pics!

Need to find just the right orange? Call us for a free color consultation.

Looking for professionals to do the painting for you? Call Blue Door Painting today.