In early December 2020, American journalist, Michelle Slatalla, contacted us regarding an article she was writing for her monthly column in The Wall Street Journal. Although her column discussed 5 projects to tackle in 2021, her concerns in the interview focused on painting kitchen cabinets in the least disruptive manner while living at home. In addition, she asked about safety during the COVID virus.
Jason Bertoniere answered her concerns about dust, fumes, noise, and time for the kitchen to be out of commission. He assured Michelle Slatalla and her readers that, as an experienced paint contractor in the New Orleans area, he has been dealing with these issues for years (even before COVID) and that he has strategies to take care of all of them. He advised that once an experienced painting contractor is contacted, he can devise a plan to paint an entire house while it is lived in, specifically by doing one room at a time or creating containment areas to avoid disruption—using plastic sheeting and odor neutralizers.
You go to your grandma’s house, your aunt’s house, and probably most of your friends’ houses, and it seems as if they all got together and unanimously decided upon a light blue for their porch ceilings. But have you ever wondered why?
Believe or not a few centuries ago, people painted their porch ceilings a light blue thinking that it would help keep evil spirits away. This was especially true for people who lived in the deep South. Yet light blue porch ceilings have never been exclusive to people in the South. Other parts of the country have been choosing light blues to paint porch ceilings for many, many decades as well.
Most of us no longer believe in evil spirits, or at least evil spirits that are easily scared off with blue paint. Yet light blue porch ceilings are just as popular today as they were hundreds of years ago. Tradition has played a big role in continuing this trend. It has been passed down for generations and it never gets old. After all, we are creatures of habit.
Exactly what we all needed during these unsettling times, a “deeply soothing,” as the Benjamin Moore team describes it, shade to calm even the most active minds. Aegean Teal 2136-40 is Benjamin Moore’s 2021 Color of the Year is a great choice that can please both cool colors and warm colors lovers alike. Aegean Teal is a deep but comforting hue that would give any space an amazingly inviting feel. Definitely a match made in heaven for those of us who are housebound due to the pandemic.
If you are considering painting a room, or cabinets, or even a piece of furniture, any of the hues that made the 2021 color of the year palette would be a great option because of their welcoming and calming feelings. They will make you want to stay home!
Click here to access the Benjamin Moore Color of the Year 2021 Brochure
“My wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One or the other of us has to go.” This may have been Oscar Wilde’s last recorded comment before passing away in a hotel in Paris. While it is unknown why the decor got under Mr. Wilde’s skin, it is not an uncommon experience. A beautiful wallpaper that is applied successfully can create a gorgeous transformation. Over time though the paper can feel outdated or tired, it can become stained or damaged, or adhesion may fail. If you are battling your wallpaper and feel it’s time for it to go, we have some suggestions for how to remove it.
Start preparing the space by removing what you can from the area. Furniture or fixtures that can’t be easily removed can be covered by painter’s plastic. Go to your breaker box and turn the power off to the outlets in the room to err on the side of caution. Remove outlet and lightswitch plates to expose the paper underneath. Cover the outlets with blue tape to keep moisture from getting in. The removal process can be messy so it is best to cover your floor with a drop cloth or tarp.
During my daily search for house-painting-related news articles (yes, I am a proud paint nerd who scours the internet and bookshelves for all things paint related), I came across a “Dear Abby” style column in The Washington Post. Seeking advice regarding an upcoming exterior home repaint, Marilyn S. shared that the process was leading to daily “cage matches” with her husband over the color choice (her words, not mine). She was in search of paint suggestions, advice around best practices, and a “referee” to help her plot a path forward with her husband on their exterior paint job.
When you are at a good stopping point for your painting project and you have sealed up your paint cans, it is time to clean your brush. While each professional painter can teach you a classic trade secret or a one-of-a-kind cleaning technique that he or she have developed over time, there are a few basics that painters of all experience levels should know. Below we will share the basics so you are ready to tackle your next painting project.
The most important thing to know is that brushes must clean with each use! Cleaning brushes regularly and thoroughly extends the life of the brush and allows you to apply a consistent finish. The type of paint you have been using will determine the cleaning solution you will need. For instance, if you are painting with latex paint, you will clean your brush with warm water and a mild soap (bar or dish detergent.) If you are painting with oil-based paints, then you will clean your brush with mineral spirits.
Benjamin Franklin has been credited with saying, “By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail.” While it is unclear if Franklin ever uttered this phrase, it’s clear why the idea resonates with people. Most of us have had experiences that reinforce this message. Whether hosting an event, leading a work team, playing competitive sports, or even taking on a home improvement project, intentional preparation can lead to a great outcome.
Yes, you should! This might seem a bit of an obvious and straight forward answer, but the truth of the matter is that taking care of rotten wood around your house can be easily overlooked and push to the bottom of the house project’s list. Addressing rotten wood, however, should be a top priority because if it is left unattended it will become a bigger, more costly issue very quickly.
But what causes wood to rot?
Microscopic organisms, commonly known as fungi, and moisture cause wood to decay and rot. In other words, wet and damp wood are like a buffet for fungi, which is the main and perhaps only ingredient responsible for wood decaying.
You heard it here first, neutrals are in! Studies show that houses painted grey are more likely to sell than their bolder-hued counterparts, and sell for over listing price. Color us intrigued! With Metropolitan AF-690, an elegant classic grey, recently named Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year 2019, we know for sure, that grey is the color of 2019. With so many versatile shades of grey, it’s easy to stay within that color scheme–it goes with everything! But when your home is the fourth neutral in a row on your block, it’s time to spice things up and make your space stand out. Contrary to popular belief, you can use both neutrals and bold shades in the same space. Here are some of the best exterior accent colors and ways to incorporate them into your home exterior.
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