September 13, 2012

Making the Makeover- getting it all done

With the painters working away and the shopping basically done, I still have time to do a little more painting myself. You all know I’m a DIY enthusiast. (Heck, I even give my residential clients assignments to get them involved in the creative process of designing personal and beautiful rooms- am I telling the truth, Leila?).

But here’s the thing; when you get the help you need for those big gnarly projects (like a two-story entry for example??)…

(thank you, Steve!)

it frees you up to tackle those little projects that are really easy to do yourself.

I’d normally have this homeowner painting with me, but I’ve got her digging through her basement for family heirlooms and taking pictures of her kids for the silhouette project in the dining room.

Here’s what I’m tackling to complete the makeover…

We’re on the final push now, there are just a few things left to tackle and the rooms will be done- shining in all their glory for you to see. Check back soon!

(Seems other people are getting in on the action- so go to #certaprofoyer if you want to chime in on this project. Do you have questions? Wanna get a free copy of the article about this makeover in CertaPro’s Envision magazine? Follow the details on twitter.)

September 12, 2012

Making a Makeover- Choosing the COLORS and creating the plan

Looking over the rooms, I decide to go with a simple plan- a modern Colonial look with fresh versions of traditional colors, clean lines, and cheerful accents. Here’s the color palette:

This will be the entry color. I could use more colors to divide the space, but this fresh green will keep everything feeling wide open. I like that. I'm going to paint the front doors and all the trim on that wall in this color too. It's a great way to tidy up all the shapes and windows on this wall and draw the eyes towards the stair rail and chandelier

I'll go with this softer green for the dining room. Green isn't usually my first choice for dining rooms, but this room gets plenty of light and using a similar color as the entry gives the rooms easy flow between each other. I'll have the ceiling painted off-white so the pretty white crown molding will stand out and define this room.

When I first saw photos of these rooms, I thought I'd want the railing to be black, but when I actually got to the house, it was clear that the railing needed to be warm and quiet to keep this tall narrow space from feeling too crowded. How'd I choose this color you ask? CertaPro Painters was priming the railing in a light gray to get ready for black. But when I saw that color, I grabbed my paint deck and found this muddy stone color instead. Perfect!

Black is classic and I think I can use it to give the little heirloom dresser a strong silhouette. I'll use this for the chandelier too. The slender arms of the fixture will relate better to the Windsor chairs this way.

Every room needs a gorgeous color to add dimension to a quiet color plan. I'll use this to squeeze the country out of the red cabinet and push it more into Colonial look.

I'll bring in some heavy pale curtains for the dining room to dress it up a bit. I'll get long drapes and hang the curtain rod near the ceiling. The windows will look more dramatic and the wall will feel taller which will balance out proportions of the 2-story entry.

I have to change out that dated brass chandelier in the entry for a modern version of the classic lantern shape. I also prefer shades to clear bulbs in spaces like this because the lighting has to be easy on the eyes from all levels.

That’s basically it. Simple and to the point. This is a clean modern look with a traditional feel that works with the architecture of the house as well as the family who lives here. So, CertaPro will get started on the walls while I get shopping.

(ps. We’re using Sherwin-Williams new Emerald Paint- I think it’s the best no VOC paint on the market. I used it for the DIY videos too and was instantly converted)

September 5, 2012

Living on the Edge- woooo

I’m always bummed when people shy away from color…

I know it feels scary, but when it’s done well…

it’s just so much better than the drab alternative.

When tradition…

is bucked (thank goodness) for something fresh…

it’s just so darn- um- refreshing!

Take this house just a couple of blocks from my home…

Can you really tell me that ‘safe’ colors are attractive? (say it together with me- NOOO!) They’re not safe, they don’t have curb appeal- they’re terrible! I’d rather see a hot mess of an orange house than this because at least it means someone tried.

Note: It takes just as much effort to pick boring neutrals as it does bad colors- not much at all. So why not jump in, live on the edge a little, and take a few stabs at something different than drab?

Tip: it really does take time and testing to find perfect colors (even for the experts!)

If I could get my hands on this house, I’d try something like this:

Body: Sherwin-Williams Golden Gate

Trim & eaves: Sherwin-Williams Divine White

Window Sashes: Sherwin-Williams Truly Taupe

Foundation block, porch and steps: Sherwin-Williams Smokey Topaz

Front Door- Sherwin:Williams Dignified

August 8, 2012

Waiting for Paint to Dry

Sometimes a project comes and goes easily while others take a little extra effort. Case in point, I was asked to create a color palette for this house almost three months ago!

BEFORE

It’s not that the clients were indecisive, or the painters couldn’t start, or I couldn’t come up with a color plan…

BEFORE

It’s that rebuilding these very steep steps took extra attention which took months of debate, explanation, and frustration. BUT IT’S DONE!

AFTER

This project has been such a long time in the making, I couldn’t even wait for the finishing touches from the painter to take photos and celebrate. Sometimes it takes a lot of extra time and effort, but still; you gotta love when a plan comes together.

The homeowners were so flexible and willing to make some of the color placement decisions as went along, just to make sure every detail is perfect. My favorite clients are those who know what they like, but also willing to be open and trust me and the process… and this couple really rocked it!

Notice that the stair rail now steps down to make room for the homeowners gorgeous planters and climbing red geraniums. The homeowners made these beautiful decisions.

I like to focus on the best parts of the house, so the garage door matches the siding to keep focus on the eggplant window trim and gold leaf dental detail above.

Where many neighbors have painted their retaining walls to match their houses, I chose a color almost to match the sidewalk for a clean look that again, doesn’t pull focus from the house.

I also like to make the porch feel like a room, so the trim meeting the porch ceiling is cream and the ceiling color a pale gray lavender. Notice that the painters painted the drain pipe three different colors to blend in with the house! Man, I love CertaPro Painters!

What a difference a little color can make. Thank you, Alan and Daren for being so patient and engaged. And thank you, George Irving, CertaPro’s San Francisco Owner for bringing the project to me.

That’s my second ‘Painted Lady’ in the City- love it!

Sherwin-Williams Spiced Cider for Siding and Garage

Sherwin-Williams Softer Tan for Window sashes, Porch crown, and Stair rail caps

Sherwin-Williams Raisin for the Window trim, Columns, and Crown details

Sherwin-Williams Beguiling Mauve for Porch ceiling and Returns on Crow details

Sherwin-Williams Warm Stone for Retaining wall

August 3, 2012

The Whole Sha Bang! diy paint Videos and more…

With the DIY videos about wrapped up, I’m heading off to Philadelphia soon to work on a makeover for CertaPro Painters getting back just in time to start a residential interior design project with a new client.

It’s been a super busy Summer and I’m super grateful.

Could you do me a favor while I’m away? Watch all of the videos (linked below!)

then go to DIY Network’s facebook page and let them know you saw them, which ones you like, and maybe that you’d like to see more. I enjoyed coming up with unexpected painting projects and would love to keep going. Thanks!

Here are the links and a few candid moment from the shoot I thought you’d enjoy too. Have a great weekend, Everyone!

Painted Landscape on Dresser

Stenciled Tile Pattern on a Hardwood Floor

Vintage Runner Design on Stairs

Three Easy Color Schemes for Any Room

Painting Dynamic Designs on a Ceiling

Ombre Artwork for Accent Wall

PS. there are two more videos still to come!! Stay tuned for those and check out these candids- hard work and hard play makes it all worth while. Enjoy!