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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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!

It’s no secret that a kitchen should be a bright, uplifting room. Many people think of yellows, natural light and warmth when they consider kitchens, but the trends are leaning toward a cleaner look.
We’re seeing more and more white paint requests for kitchens, specifically where cabinets are concerned. On the one hand, this brightens the room and reflects natural light back to the viewer. On the other, you’re giving yourself longevity and a multitude of decor options by staying neutral.

Photo courtesy of Houzz

Like the look above, you can mix and match when you stick with whites and other neutrals. The bulk of the kitchen can have a white, clean look while you accent islands, chairs, rugs and even dishes with bold colors.

Into a streamlined look? Blend your country home into your kitchen with bright whites, complemented with wood and stone features.

Photo courtesy of Houzz

Most of us love a modern kitchen – stainless steel appliances, lots of natural light, functional work spaces – and bright neutrals work perfectly alongside those attributes:

Photo courtesy of Houzz

Photo courtesy of Houzz

Big into accents? Stay sleek and modern with gorgeous back splashes and functional islands, but add a pop of color on countertops and seats for an appealing visual mix.

Photo courtesy of Houzz

Don’t think that brights can’t be mixed with darks when you’re talking about kitchens…black and white is a perfect combo for a beautiful look, while dark browns and warm hues can provide the perfect balance against white counters and cabinets.

No matter how you do it, adding whites to your kitchen can freshen up the look and give you room to change as your style evolves. Share your kitchen inspiration with us on Facebook!

Call Blue Door Painting today to get a look you love.

Some people look at beige and see…blah. But don’t write off the versatile neutral that quickly.
An article from Houzz put the color back into perspective for us when we realized that, yes, beige has taken a backseat. The nineties color trend has faded in recent years, but its merits have not. Take a look at some of these gorgeous rooms with a focus on the mellow shade.

Janet Dunn at Houzz got it right when she said, “It can be soothing, sophisticated, flattering, rich and mellow, formal or casual, and a perfect launching pad for bolder decor choices. It is also never clinical or cold, an accusation often leveled at gray.”

The neutral, unassuming color opens up unlimited decor possibilities while still seeming inviting. These pops of blue perfectly balance this setting:

These rich, vibrant tones are right at home against a beige backdrop:

Even better, with a color like beige, you can get a little crazy with patterns:

No matter how you use it, beige can be the best laid plan for a modern, sleek new look in any room.

Want to bring back the beige trend? Call us for a free color consultation.

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

Painting isn’t just about colors – there’s an art to the whole process. Understanding the painting process and the order of operations for the project can help you prepare your home or office. First, you prep. Surface preparation is hugely important, though some painting companies will skip it or speed through the process. Believe us when we say that a high quality end result is the product of meticulous work up front, and the prep portion should never be rushed or ignored.

Drop cloths or other covers should be used on floors and fixed furniture pieces to keep dust and paint at bay.

Next, high use surfaces such as kitchen walls and ceilings or mudroom walls that may have additional grease and grime need to be washed since dirt, oil, dust and other particles can prevent paint from adhering fully and properly. A best practice is to use a light detergent (that won’t leave a residue) to scrub the walls, taking extra care with trim and doors and giving a final wipe down with clean water and cloths.

If your surface has a gloss or shiny finish on it, creating a slippery texture, it’s necessary to sand that down. Glossy paints look great, but will hinder the outcome of a repaint. After sanding the walls, revert back to the previous step, taking care to get all dust from the sanding process off of the walls before they dry. Your handy vacuum cleaner is great for capturing dust created from the sanding process as well.

Once the surface is clean, filling any holes or imperfections with high quality spackle is next in line. This could mean cracks, nail holes, dips in the surface – anything that might affect the look of the final product. Along the way, there may be areas of loose paint – the loose flakes can be removed by hand, and the surrounding edges can be sanded.

If there is more significant wall or ceiling damage such as large holes or water damage, additional drywall or surface repairs may be needed prior to painting.

Lastly, painter’s tape should be applied to the corners and edges you’d like to keep paint-free.

Seem like a lot of work? Call the professionals to do it for you! Call Blue Door Painting today.

For city dwellers lucky enough to have a porch, adding a swing is the perfect touch for a livable, enjoyable outdoor space. Aside from enjoying beautiful nights on the swing, you also allow yourself an opportunity to use the piece as another facet of your decor. Take a look at your porch, your home’s exterior and your vision for your outdoor space and consider these paint ideas to help bring all those elements together.

White

This traditional, classic look goes well with most exterior color schemes and offers a wide range of decorative options. White painted wood evokes a cottage or farmhouse theme that you can easily extend to the rest of the porch’s atmosphere.

Black

If your home already has some darker elements, this is a beautiful option. Adding bright, contrasting furniture and decor around the swing will help make the other colors pop.

Multi-Color

You can incorporate any two colors into your porch’s decor with a cute two-tone pattern like the black and white example above. You can even mix it up – paint every other wood plank a different color, paint just the seat and arm rests white the rest a vibrant hue, go with different colored seats, etc.

Bold Hues

A swing is a perfect accent (or focal) piece for your porch. Get creative with bright and bold statements like primary colors and pastels.

Not sure what color to choose? Call us for a free color consultation.

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

Sometimes you want a room to feel spectacular – more than just a regular coat of flat paint can provide. For those daring enough to make a statement, paint companies are selling metallics.
Generally reserved for dining rooms, the metallic look is making its way into other areas of the house with patterns and new color options.

Photo courtesy of Ralph Lauren

Photo courtesy of Ralph Lauren

These options are great for a statement wall or sitting room, or for a naturally dark bedroom. The metallic textures take a few more coats than a normal gloss, but they add a warm glow and an upscale, classy look to any room.

If you aren’t interested in a full sheen, consider patterns like these:

Photo courtesy of Cutting Edge Stencils

Photo courtesy of Cutting Edge Stencils

And don’t just consider gold, silver and bronze when adding extra glam to your home – Sherwin Williams and Ralph Lauren both have metallic options that span the color wheel.
 

Think metallics would look great in your home? Contact Blue Door Painting today for a free estimate.

So you need to paint something in your home. Calling the experts is always our recommendation, but what if you just need to touch something up? Or maybe you’re feeling creative on a budget. Just making a trip to the hardware store isn’t enough when it comes to a quality paint job, especially when there are so many options on shelves. Take a look at the ins and outs of paint types and what all the buzzwords mean before you make a purchase.

Primer

Though it isn’t technically considered paint, primer is important. Primer helps cover and smooth a surface prior to a new coat of paint, and should correspond to the type of paint you plan to use – oil-based or water-based. Skip it if you’re just touching up a corner, but larger jobs can benefit from a primer coat.

Oil-based vs. Water-based

Pros of oil-based paints:

• More durable overall than water-based options
• Oil-based enamels are shiny

Cons of oil-based paints:

• Takes longer to fully dry
• Cleaning oil-based paints is more difficult – you’ll need harsher, more potent chemicals to truly clean it

Pros of water-based paints:

• Requires just water and mild soap to clean
• A longer lifespan; resists the “yellowing” sometimes seen with older oil-based paint jobs

Cons of water-based paints:

• Not as shiny as oil-based counterparts

Finishes

Each paint has a specific chemical make-up, but also a distinct finish. Take a look at the three most popular finish options and what they mean.

Eggshell paint finish

• Flat finish: If you’re looking to update walls and ceilings, flat is a popular option.
   
• Semi-gloss and Gloss finishes: These are generally shiny, hard wearing enamels, and many people like to use them on wood surfaces.

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paints are water-based and, unlike latex paint which lacks actual latex, includes acrylic in the ingredients. This type can get confusing, as you’ll see “acrylic latex,” “acrylic enamel” or “acrylic latex enamel” but suffice it to say they are all water-based and offer varying degrees of shine.

Specialty paints

In some cases, you can find paints with additional perks like anti-mold features or hypoallergenic ingredients. There are even anti-condensation additives in some options, making those brands great for kitchens and bathrooms. Take a look at all brand options – and ingredients – before making a decision.

Need more direction or help deciding on a color? Call us today for a free color consultation. Overwhelmed with the options? Let us give you a free quote for your project.

Interior Painting Tips Using Pastels

Whether you want to get a jump on summer trends or follow springtime traditions, pastels are the perfect addition to your color scheme or interior painting project. These pale palettes can add a relaxing feel to any room, as well as open up a world of decorating opportunity with accents and furniture.

Bedroom

Bedroom Interior Paint Recommendations

You want your sleeping space to be cozy and soothing, so pastels are a natural color choice for bedrooms. Popular for nurseries, these paint tones can bridge the gap between kids’ rooms and adult living spaces if done correctly.

Light colors allow for freedom with linens – whites, beiges, grays and other colors can be seamlessly worked into the room without contrasting with the walls and decor.

Kitchen

Kitchen Interior Paint Color Ideas

Though sprucing up the walls with a fresh coat of pastel yellow paint like Benjamin Moore Pineapple Grove (color code 333) can instantly brighten your kitchen, don’t ignore other aspects of the room. Pastel appliances, chairs and other elements can take an otherwise bland room and make it an enjoyable space with style and function. Likewise, painting kitchen cabinets is often an inexpensive option for giving your kitchen a fresh, updated look.

Living Room

Painting Tips for your Living Room

Pastels are versatile – they don’t need to keep a modern theme. If you’re feeling vintage, work some yellows and greens into your living room to compliment wood floors and beige furnishings.

Not into the throwback look? Keep pastels in mind as an alternative to safe tans and creams. They aren’t going to distract from the room in the way a bold, bright accent wall might, but they’ll give you a more personalized, individual look that will guide the rest of your decorating decisions.

Bathroom

Interior Painting for Bathroom Walls and Ceilings

Your time in the bathroom should be calming and relaxed, so create a light, airy theme or a beachy look with pastels. Walls and ceilings shouldn’t be ignored, but this look can be achieved with towels, stylish rugs and small decor pieces in an otherwise bright, white space.

Ready to spruce up your interior with some beautiful pastels? Contact us today for a free quote. Still need some ideas? Talk to our interior design experts for a free color consultation before diving into a new look.

April’s Color of the Month 

Straight from the minds of design – let our interior designers from Jasmin Reese Interiors show you just how versatile yellow can be.

April has come and gone, but this color of the month can have a lasting effect. Yellow, the most cheerful color in the spectrum, oftentimes gets overlooked as too bright, too bold or too blah in favor or reds or blues. But the color has its merits – just ask the pros.

“When we think of yellow, we think of playfulness, sunshine, spring flowers and bright cheer,” said Reese. “To me personally, it’s reminiscent of a drawing I created as a young girl for my mother in wild yellow tones that read, ‘Du bist mein sonnenschein’ or ‘You are my sunshine.’”

Interior Painting Ideas – Yellow

Yellow Interior Painting Tips

Don’t just limit your pops of yellow to bathrooms and kitchens when planning your interior paint colors – there are many shades and many ways to incorporate the tone beautifully into your home and garden.

Interior Painting – Yellow Door

Kitchen Interior Painting – Yellow

Blue Door Painting’s Favorite Yellow Paint Colors

“Whether you decide to paint an entire wall or add a brilliant pop of color like a door, yellow always delivers vibrancy and energy to a space,” notes Reese, mentioning two favorite shades – Confident Yellow from Sherwin Williams, and Sun Kissed Yellow from Benjamin Moore.

Sun Kissed Yellow – Benjamin Moore

Confident Yellow – Sherwin Williams

Interior Decorating with Yellow

Don’t just think paint! Decor can spice up your interiors as well, and considering pieces featuring yellow can add zest without overwhelming the space. Consider, for example, Reese’s suggestion: this “Citrus Garden” print by Schumacher.

Schumacher Citrus Garden Print

It features muted mustard tones, and was created as part of their 125th anniversary fabric collection.

Already ahead of the game? How are you using yellow to add vibrancy to your space? 

Call us today for a free color consultation with Jasmin Reese or to get started with your yellow interior painting project.

Looking for new ideas to make your wood trim a standout accent? Designers are turning the old rule of trim painting on its head to expand the unique opportunities afforded by colored trim. As opposed to making the main walls the accent of the room, we’re increasingly seeing subtle and muted walls as a neutral backdrop and bold trim taking center stage.This concept works beautifully with ornate trim work to bring those elements to the foreground, but is also an excellent option for those who may fear big, bold wall colors and prefer just a hint of color to add drama and scale to their rooms.

Photo courtesy of Young House Love

In large, bright spaces with tall ceilings and big windows, black trim on doors, door frames and molding can be very dramatic and glamorous.  
For a more subdued elegance, try shades of grays as a trim accent.  
For modern spaces with clean lines and clean, neutral wall colors, bolder hues of lime green, canary yellow,  orange, turquoise, bright red and deep greens and blues can add just a pop of color and personality without overwhelming the décor or simple modern elegance of your space.

Photo courtesy of Shannon Berrey Design

Photo courtesy of Apartment Therapy

Photo courtesy of Apartment Therapy

Photo courtesy of House of Turquoise

Looking for a little more glam, sparkle and old world romance? Metallic paints are very inand can add the perfect touch when used on wood trim. Try metallic gold, silver, pewter and bronze paints to add some glitz to your rooms.

Check out our Pinterest board for great ideas on using your painted wood trim as your room’s accent color.  

Call us today for a free color consultation on your Chicago house painting project and let our professional interior designer help you define your space with color!

Staging your home can mean the difference between a receiving your asking price and having to take a loss on your investment. Though it’s not imperative, you should consider staging a must if you want to present the space in its best light.Buyers are looking for the nicest option, the best price and value, and a home they can see themselves living happily in (with as few necessary improvements as possible). From homeowners with a little extra income to sellers on a tight budget, we have some tips for you to get the most out of your showing.

Exterior Tips

“Curb appeal” isn’t just a buzzword – the exterior of your home is the first impression you make on a buyer. Consider these options to up the perceived value of your home:

• Make sure your lawn and foliage is in great shape. Mow, trim, edge and sweep away any mess, and consider power-washing the sidewalk.
• Wash your windows to provide a clean, bright look.
• If you haven’t already, consider creating an outdoor enjoyment area. A few chairs, a grill, a swing – anything to showcase the livability of the outdoor spaces.
• Use color to invite home buyers in by painting your front door a welcoming, memorable color
• Make sure all exterior trim looks fresh and is not peeling, cracked or faded: think doors, windows, garage doors, porches, and exterior entryways
• Consider having the exterior of your home power-washed and make sure back decks and balconies are in good condition

Interior Tips

Small adjustments can be made to drastically improve the look and feel of your home, and most of them are virtually free. These tips can increase the likelihood of reasonable offers from your interested visitors:

• Clean. This should be a no-brainer. Dust, vacuum, wipe down and wash everything you can get your hands on and make sure your kitchen and bathroom are spotless.
  • Food stains, fingerprints and water spots are all signs that the house is lived in and enjoyed, but don’t overlook these and other everyday messes.
  • Take out the trash, do the dishes and hide laundry piles – you still live in the home, but your viewer shouldn’t be reminded in every room.
  • Deodorize. Similarly, this should be a given, but many people are immune to the odor of their own living space. Deodorize carpets, mop floors and wash linens and curtains. The best smell is a neutral, fresh scent (think clean laundry).
    • Don’t forget litter boxes and other pet enclosures.
    • Declutter. The last thing you want is a buyer to feel claustrophobic. Hide knickknacks and keepsakes that you have floating around (but don’t just throw them in the closet! Many viewers are interested in seeing storage spaces) and reduce the square footage taken up by your possessions. Not only will this help the space look larger, it helps avoid distractions.
      • Try removing or minimizing personal items like photographs – this allows for the buyer to better visualize themselves living there.
      • Neutralize. Make the home seem as malleable as possible – if you have kids, hide the toys so the older couple without children can see more than a starter home. Conversely, make the office or mancave feel more liveable when showing to families who might convert it to another bedroom.
      • Maximize lighting. Natural light is a big selling point for homebuyers, so play up your big windows or sliding glass doors by having them open during the visit. Even in homes without an excess of sunlight, add eco-friendly (and freshly dusted) light fixtures for more visibility.
      • Consider furniture. Many people think they can widen a space by pushing furniture near walls; what this really does is makes it seem like you need a new decorator. Make sure all your pieces serve a purpose and that the flow of traffic is well-defined.
      • Paint. Our professionally biased opinion aside, a fresh coat of paint can work wonders on your home – even if it’s just a DIY project.
        • Always go neutral: you want the bedrooms and other shared spaces to work for both genders, and you want to minimize any distracting colors.
        • To give the illusion of a larger room, paint consecutive spaces the same color. If your kitchen fades into your living room, a continuous wall color will give the appearance of an expanded space.
        • Don’t just think big: cabinet doors, fireplaces, trim and other small areas need to be updated as well.
        • Accessorize and impress. Rolled up towels in the bathroom give the space a spa feel, fresh flowers liven up a room and freshly baked cookies not only help deodorize, but they’re a nice touch for the potential buyer to enjoy.

Overall, try to present your home in its peak condition – make the small repairs, touch up the paint, strive to look like a model home on a build-to-own lot. Updating your space will upgrade your chances of a quick and satisfactory sell.

Need help touching things up before buyers come knocking? Give us a call or check out our website for more information.