Tips to Paint Trims and Moldings 

Color Trends, Interior painting, Jerry Enos, trim and molding

Winter is a great time to tackle all those indoor projects that you put off all summer long because, “it was too nice outside to be stuck inside doing chores.” If painting is on your list over the next few months, you might be in the beginning stages of choosing a color, gathering your tools, and cleaning out the room you plan to paint. Painting the walls is one project that most family members can get behind. Scraping the trim, sanding, and repainting the details of the molding is another case entirely. 

The trim details around your windows, doors, and ceilings are what make a room look finished and well put together. Those little details can change the look of a room by adding depth and dimension. That’s why it is so important to set aside some time to carefully clean, scrape, prime, and paint those features that add character to your rooms. Painting the trim may be one of the more arduous steps in any painting project, but one that will pay off in the professional look of the room when you are done. 

Inspect the Trim 

One of the first things you will want to do when you clean out the room is to carefully inspect the trim in the room. Go around with a work light and circle with a pencil the defects in the wood or places where there are stains. Identify areas that will need repairs and those that will need sanding and scraping. This will give you a good idea of the scope of the project. 

Sand and Scrape 

Once you have found all the trouble areas, you will want to gather your tools such as a sander (hand or electric), putty knife, scraper, and an older paint brush for dusting out the particles from corners. Scrape and sand all the areas that you marked as needing help. Some areas may need putty to fill in cracks or holes. Use the putty knife to get into the tight corners or areas with detailed molding. Use the brush to sweep out all the remaining paint particles. 

Dust and Vacuum

Now that you have taken the time to repair the trim and fill in any defects such as scuff marks, scratches, and holes, you need to do a thorough cleaning of the area. Dust, vacuum, and wipe down with a damp cloth to get all the pieces that were left behind during the repair process. 

Prime and Paint 

With the dirty work done repairing and sanding, now it’s time to prep the area for painting. Get yourself a high quality edged brush that can get into the small corners and create a sharp line up against the trim and detailed moldings. Some painters prefer cutting in while others use painters tape to make sure the ceiling, walls, and flooring is not painted. Choose the method that works best for you. 

Do you have trim that needs to be repaired and repainted? Call Jerry Enos Painting to get started on your winter indoor projects. Check out our website or Facebook page where we give lots of helpful tips. 

Changing the Mood of a Room With Paint

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The color palette you choose to use in your home is a direct reflection of your personality and the mood you hope to portray in the space. Some psychological studies have been done to show that color has a direct impact on our energy level, mood, and emotional outlook. Let’s take a deeper dive into how color can impact mood so you can choose wisely next time you paint the rooms in your home. 

According to VeryWell Mind online, “Color is a powerful communication tool and can be used to signal action, influence mood, and even influence physiological reactions. Certain colors have been associated with increased blood pressure, increased metabolism, and eyestrain.”

Psychologists are quick to point out that, while there has been limited research in this area, color seems to be linked to cultural influences that determine mood. Your feelings about color are often deeply personal and rooted in your own experience or culture. For example, while the color white is used in many Western countries to represent purity and innocence, it is seen as a symbol of mourning in many Eastern countries.

For our purposes, let’s take a look at the typical mood implications for Americans. Here are some of the more popular colors used for the interior of homes in our region. 

Red 

This color tends to raise the energy level in a room but many find it a little overwhelming. Red is a good choice when you want to stir up excitement, particularly at night. In the living room or dining room, red draws people together and stimulates conversation. We often have clients choose red for an entryway or front door to capture the attention of guests or to draw the eye to a focal point. 

Yellow 

Yellow often creates a mood of happiness. It tends to be a color that is uplifting and welcoming. Lots of our clients choose this color for kitchens. There is a negative side to this relatively cheery color, though. Studies show that people are more likely to lose their temper in a yellow interior. Therefore, you may want to avoid using yellow in large amounts in the main living areas. 

Blue 

This color is considered calming and tends to bring down both heart rates and blood pressure. Depending upon the type of blue, a room may take on a cool sensation or a warm one. The lighter the blue the cooler the feel. The darker the blue, the warmer the feel. Clients often use this color palette in bathrooms or bedrooms. Just be careful that the warmth or coolness of the blue you choose is the one you really want. 

Green 

This hue also has a restful and restorative effect on viewers. Green often has the ability to reduce anxiety and give a feeling of being back with nature. It is a good choice for almost any room in the house. Many designers use green in a living room or den as it encourages unwinding but has enough warmth to promote comfort and togetherness.

Neutrals 

Colors such as greys, whites, or beiges are known for their flexibility. Designers use these colors as a backdrop for dramatic accents or to showcase a stylish piece of furniture or an architectural feature. 

Are you trying to create a certain mood in the living room, kitchen, or bedroom? Check out the options for creating the mood you want. Talk to our color specialists to get started on your next paint project. Call us at 978-546-6843 or contact us on our website. 

 

Choosing A Color Palette for Your Child’s Room 

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Is your child dying to change things up in his/her room? A child’s room is such a snapshot of a moment in time that is quickly changing as they grow and mature. Often, as children mature, they long for something less babyish and more in line with their growing style or interests. If you have decided that now is a good time to make the transition from nursery room to big kid room or from big kids room to teenager hangout, then you may want to follow some simple but key suggestions from designers. 

Picking a color scheme for a child’s room can actually be a lot of fun because they may want to participate in the decision-making and even try some of the painting themselves (depending on their age and ability level). There are, however, some things to consider when choosing a color palette for your child’s room. 

Consider Age and Interests 

Before you slap on a color to the walls of your child’s room, think long and hard about what color they will want to see in a year or two. You really don’t want to be painting every year as they find new interests. For example, many little girls choose a soft pink because it is in line with their toys and/or it is a common color for their clothing. That’s fine if they want pink but remember, as they age, that adorable pink may need to be repainted. The same goes for the teen who wants a black bedroom… how long will that stage last?! 

Instead, designers advise going with a color that takes into account the child’s interests. For example, if your child enjoys nature maybe a green, or blue. The important thing to consider is that the color palette is something that can grow with the child. If your child is in love with the color purple, sure, paint one accent wall purple but then choose a contrasting or complementary color so that the color will stand the test of time. 

Consider the Rest of the House 

While your child’s room is separate from the rest of the house, it is important that the color you choose works with the style of the rest of your home. If the rest of the walls in your home are muted colors, then continue that trend in your child’s room to coordinate with the house as a whole. Painting a bedroom in a neon or bright color while the rest of the house is neutral or muted in tone may throw things off balance. 

Consider Your Child’s Opinion 

We know that you will be doing most of the work and/or financing the painting project, but try to let your child have some say in what goes on. If you don’t trust them to choose an appropriate color then give them a bunch of choices that you would be alright with. Ask for their opinion on decorating and accents for the room. The more they are involved, the more they will want to maintain the cleanliness and order of the room. (Hopefully!) 

For more ideas on what color palette you should choose for your child’s room, check out the inspiration page at Benjamin Moore. Call Jerry Enos Painting for a color consultation or to book our team. 

 

From Drab to Fab. Update Your Home’s Interior with Color 

Color Trends, Decorating, Interior painting, Jerry Enos

Do you ever look around your home and feel that everything is beginning to look old, dated, or maybe a bit worn out? Wouldn’t it be great to have an unlimited budget and be able to snap your fingers and remake all the rooms in your house? Well… that fantasy probably won’t happen. But what if I told you that you can transform a room in a cost-effective way using only paint? Got you listening, right? 

Yes, you can completely transform any room from one mood to another and from drab to fab using a few gallons of paint. A home makeover project like this can not only make your home appear to be newer but also sends a message that it is well cared for and refreshed. 

Focus on the Entryway 

If you are looking for an easy area to paint and for a quick pick-me-up, then the entryway or mudroom might be a good place to start. It is probably the messiest area in your home and potentially the place you travel through most often. It deserves a makeover. 

To start this project we suggest a major cleanout of jackets and shoes that are seasonal and donating those that are not in use anymore. Then, take a look at the adjoining rooms and choose a color that is fun but complementary to that color or colors. Mudrooms see a ton of traffic so it should be a color you can enjoy on a daily basis. Some people find that a darker color is a good choice in this area because of all the traffic, fingerprint smudges, boot scuffs, and general use. 

Redo a Favorite Room 

If, like many families, your kitchen is the real hangout area, then maybe this is a good room to refresh this winter. While painting a kitchen can be tricky because you will still need to use it for meals, it is the one that gets the most bang for the buck. A change in color in your kitchen can bring a good ROI as well as lift the mood of the whole room. 

Some homeowners take it a step further and paint the cabinets to give the entire room a facelift! Jerry Enos Painting specializes in this, so give us a call if you are ready to make the leap. Add in some colorful backsplash and you won’t even recognize your kitchen when it is all done. 

Go Small 

If painting your interior rooms is too big a job, then we suggest starting small. Choose a bathroom or even a hallway to get you started on bringing your home up to “fab” status. Bathrooms tend to be smaller and there is not nearly as much furniture to remove or cover before starting. Bathrooms can be fun as well because, when the painting is done, you can splurge for new towels and sink accessories. 

We have some great ideas about how to transform your home from drab to fab. Give us a call and talk to our specialists today or check out our Facebook page for ideas. 

 

Refresh Your Home For The Holidays Now!

Decorating, decorative paint techniques, Design, How-tos, Interior painting, Jerry Enos

By now you have probably already seen the holiday commercials on television and maybe even heard some of the seasonal songs on the radio on your way to work. It’s hard to avoid – the holidays are approaching fast! Now is the time to consider a quick paint refresh for your holiday gatherings or New Year’s parties. 

If you are planning a holiday dinner, a cocktail party, or maybe a family gift swap, then you will want to do some refreshing before all the guests start to arrive. Here are some of our best tips to make your home not only welcoming but looking its best this holiday season. 

Clean it Up 

Sure, your house is clean, but for more important gatherings you will want to do a deep clean that makes everything shine. There are often forgotten areas that should be neatened up. These include: wiping down any smudges or marks on the trim or molding, dusting lamps, dusting overhead ceiling fans, wiping marks off light switch plates, washing windows, washing curtains, and wiping down cabinets that may have drips or food stains. 

Cleaning it up also means getting rid of the clutter that has accumulated all year long. Recycle that pile of newspapers or magazines. File away old bills or paperwork. Put away toys or books in their appropriate spots. You may also want to do some work on the hardwood floors to bring the shine back out through vacuuming, mopping, and using wood shine on them. 

Paint Makeover 

If you have time before the chaos of the holidays arrives, painting is one of the best ways to transform a room from drab to fab! Even if you don’t want to change the color, a fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference in the look of a room. If you do choose a new color, it may end up being a focal point or the hit of the party. 

The painting also gives homeowners a chance to repair any imperfections on the walls, add texture or new sheen to the walls, and make a great first impression. Check out our Facebook page and portfolio page for some great color ideas. Or visit the Benjamin Moore website for some new color trends. 

Update a Piece of Furniture 

If your kitchen or living room is looking a little worn, now might be a good time to invest in a new piece or refurbish the old. A new comfortable seating area can mean better access to all family members during holiday gatherings. A longer kitchen table can mean more friends or family will be welcome at dinner. If you can’t afford to replace major pieces, look to change out a few accent pieces just to make it look fresh or new. 

Add Some Finishing Touches

Now that you have cleaned, painted, and decluttered, you can start adding some fun finishing touches. Some homeowners like to add fresh garland or twinkle lights on the fireplace mantle. It can set a magical mood for the whole event. 

Candles in the scents of the season such as Balsam Fir, Cinnamon Stick, Apple Spice, or maybe Christmas Cookie are always a fun touch and make a home smell wonderful. 

Display some colorful throw pillows or cozy blankets to make the living room feel homey. Use accent colors for these that play up the colors on the walls.

Depending on your taste, you can add some fun holiday keepsakes around your kitchen or living room: the two places where guests tend to congregate. 

Refreshing your home before guests arrive for the holidays can make your home feel new, especially for guests who visit often. If painting the main areas of your home like the kitchen, entryway, or living room to make an amazing first impression is on your list of things to do before the party starts, consider calling us at 978-546-6843 or contact us on our website.  Happy Holidays! 

 

Balancing Colors in Your Home 

Color Trends, Decorating, decorative paint techniques, Design, Interior painting, Jerry Enos

Ever walk into a friend or neighbor’s home and wonder how they tied it all together so well? The colors, accent pieces, and the choice of furnishings can be a huge factor in how a home looks balanced. Today, we are going to look at some techniques of how you can balance colors in your home so that, when guests visit, they will be amazed at how you created a cohesive style all your own. 

The 60-30-10 Rule 

Designers often use a timeless decorating rule called the 60-30-10 Rule. This rule looks at balancing colors so that homeowners and guests alike are not overwhelmed by too much of any one color. 

The main idea of the 60-30-10 Rule is that 60% of the color in a room should be the main color in the area such as the walls, area rugs, and large accent pieces. Then 30% of the color in a room should be the secondary color such as accent walls, accent chairs, or draperies. The final 10% of a room should include throw pillows, artwork, and decorative keepsakes. 

Using this designer hack can help you balance the amounts of color in any given room. Start by choosing three colors for your room. Easier said than done right? Sometimes finding a color scheme can come from an inspirational piece of tapestry or artwork. I once designed an entire room around the colors on a postcard that reminded me of a wonderful vacation. They included the blue of the sea, green, and yellows. 

Play Up Contrasts 

Another design trick that many homeowners find helpful to balance colors is to play upon the contrasts. Most designers suggest not matching colors but rather choosing colors that play on contrasts in one way or another. For example, balance a bright or warm accent color with a cool, textured color. Play with colors, patterns, and textures to make the contrasts have depth. Some homeowners also like to mix old styles with new pieces to make a statement. Designers also like to try to make contrasts between the cooler colors on the color wheel and the warmer ones. 

Balance Furnishings 

When trying to create a room with depth, color and color balance, you will also want to take furnishings into consideration. For example, if you have a large piece of furniture such as a sofa or buffet, you may want to balance the other side of the room with a couple of smaller pieces. 

Benjamin Moore paint dealers have wonderful showrooms and color specialists who can sit with you and help you design the room of your dreams. They will take into account design rules such as the 60-30-10 Rule, contrasting elements, and adding your personality to the mix. If you need more help with deciding on colors for your interior rooms, then check out our portfolio online or talk to one of our specialists. 

 

Weekend Warrior Paint Projects

bathroom painting, Decorating, Fun stuff, Interior painting, Jerry Enos, Trends

Now that fall is here in earnest, outdoor projects are becoming more and more unfeasible. In just a few weeks we will be thinking about Thanksgiving and Christmas. For weekend warriors, that means it is now time to shift their weekend projects indoors. And what better timing than when you are getting ready to host holiday dinners or get-togethers! Here are a few ideas for you weekend warriors before the holidays arrive. 

The Entryway 

For many homes, the entryway or mudroom sees the highest traffic of any area in your home, (except maybe the bathroom). All that traffic can cause smudges, scuffs, and a grimy appearance on painted surfaces. Now is a great time to either clean the mudroom out and rid yourself of old items, wash down the walls, or maybe even give the whole area a fresh coat of paint. Change it up by adding texture or a two-toned look. Get creative. Remember, this is the first impression that guests have of your home. 

Guest Room Bath

Many homes have a guest room bath on the first floor so visitors don’t need to traipse upstairs to use the bathroom. These smaller half baths are a great place to set your sights on your next weekend warrior project. Small spaces tend to be easier to renovate because there are fewer things to work around. Bathrooms, like a guest bath, can easily be painted during a weekend. Choose a bold fresh color to give the room a new life. You may even want to change out the towels, wall hangings, and sink fixtures if you have the time. 

Kids’ Rooms 

If your children are going to be stuck inside all winter, you may as well make their room fun to be in. That might mean applying chalkboard paint to one wall or even trying out magnetic paint where magnets, letters, or other items can be attached. If your kids are older, maybe this fall/winter is the time when you want to update the room to be a little more mature. Let your child choose a color that suits them and find coordinating bedding as well. 

Main Living Areas 

You know that every holiday party you have will end up with people gathered in the kitchen or living room. This fall is the perfect window of time to freshen up the paint in these two rooms, whether it is completing touch-ups or painting the entire room. Guests will definitely notice the updated look of your rooms when they enter. A fresh coat of paint can give a room a new look and will impress everyone. 

If you are a weekend warrior, try an interior paint project this fall to prepare for the holidays that are seriously just around the corner. Call Jerry Enos Painting to get started today. 

 

 

Empty Nest Makeover 

Decorating, Fun stuff, How-tos, Interior painting, Jerry Enos

The quote, “The days are long, the years are short” by Gretchen Rubin of the Happiness Project is so incredibly spot-on true. When our children are young it feels like an eternity to potty train, get them to sleep through the night, and go through the endless nightly homework. But as they age, it seems the years go by faster and faster. Before long, the kids are off to have their own lives and parents are considered “empty nesters.” 

While this stage in the game may bring on fits of melancholy, it can also mean a time when you finally get to be a little selfish and create a home that truly fits your style, your needs, and become your dream home. 

Getting Started 

Making over a home after the kids have grown and flown can be exciting. The first thing you will want to decide, now that your child’s bedroom will no longer be a shrine to their youth, is what you want the function of each room in your house to be. You may want to switch things around and make a bedroom into a study, library, office, man cave, sewing room, or any other number of things. Some empty nesters rejoice in the freedom and use the free rooms for something all their own. It is all up to you! 

Color Scheme 

Now that you have an idea about what you want your new rooms to function as, chances are that you will need to do some redecorating. Before you start moving the furniture around and rearranging items, you should take this opportunity to give the walls and ceilings a refresh. Choosing a color scheme for each room can be fun and add to the main goal of the room. For example, if you want the kid’s old bedroom to function as a tv room or den to watch movies and snuggle up with your spouse, you might want to choose a deeper or darker tone to set a mood of coziness. 

Or maybe you have decided that your children’s old bedroom or playroom would serve well as a guest room for all of your grandkids to come and stay. Then you could choose youthful colors like a vibrant blue, upbeat yellow, or subdued green for an updated kid’s room with bunk beds, cribs, or twin beds depending upon how many grandkids you hope to host at one time. 

The color scheme is one of our specialties, so if you know what you want a room to function as, talk to our color specialists who can help you choose a perfect color. 

Tying It All Together 

Now that the rooms are painted and you have placed furnishings to match the purpose of each room, you will want to start tying the rooms together. You will want to add lighting that helps with the function of each room. For example, if you have transformed your children’s rooms into a craft area where you need ample amounts of light, you may want a strong overhead light and smaller area lights. If you have created a man cave, then you may want lights that can be dimmed for that movie theater vibe. 

In addition to lighting, you will want to consider floor coverings, art for the walls, keepsakes, and the main layout of each area. We encourage you to have fun with this project. How often in your life have you really been able to have a room or two all of your own?

 

Refresh Your Kitchen Cabinets with Paint

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Walk into your kitchen and tell me what you love the most about the space. Do you like the layout, backsplash, color scheme, or the wood cabinets? Since the kitchen is naturally the heart of every home, it is important to love the space where the family comes together for dinner, parties, and late-night snack breaks. If you walked into your kitchen and noticed that maybe your cabinets need a refresh, this is the blog post for you. Today, we are discussing how to refresh your cabinets with paint. 

Kitchen cabinets serve a huge function in every kitchen. They hold all the small appliances, dishware, utensils and, ideally, all the food in a pantry area. But kitchen cabinets are not just about storage and hiding away all that stuff that you need to feed your family. They also take up a huge amount of real estate in the room and, thus, should be aesthetically pleasing. 

Are your cabinets an eyesore? Do they look tired or potentially dated? Do they make the room look dark or unkempt? For many homeowners, the cost of a complete kitchen renovation is not in the cards. However, it is possible to refresh the cabinets with paint in order to make the whole room look bright and new again. 

Assess the Cabinets

Before you begin any project that includes painting your cabinets, make sure that they are in good shape. Look for cracking wood, water damage, uneven doors, or drawers that do not slide open/closed. Once you have determined that your kitchen cabinets have good “bones” or are able to be restored to a good level of functionality, then you can start thinking about colors! 

Decide on a Color Scheme

Since cabinets take up so much wall space and are probably the first thing you notice when you enter a kitchen, it is important to choose a color palette carefully. Keep in mind that the darker you go, the darker the room will be. On the contrary, the lighter you go, especially into the white and beige families, the more you will need to stay on top of cleaning up around handles and touchpoints. 

Color specialists will remind you that neutrals are always a good idea, but keep in mind that whatever color you put on the cabinets should coordinate with the wall color, floor style and, of course, the appliances. Make sure to take all these into consideration when choosing the color. 

As a side note, many color specialists will remind you to think “outside the box.” That might mean using a two-tone color, one on the top cabinets and one on the bottom. It might also mean using a color you wouldn’t normally choose. Or it could mean having an accent color on a few cabinets or maybe only on the cabinets that are on your kitchen island. 

Have fun with this project and your kitchen will come alive as you want it to. For more kitchen cabinet ideas, try out these links for some interesting choices in refreshing kitchen cabinets. Curbly, This Old House, and Houzz offer some great ideas to get you started. 

 

Why Your Business Needs Painting Maintenance 

Design, Interior painting, Jerry Enos, Trends

For many businesses, summertime means a different pace of work and focus on different projects especially with employees and management heading off on vacation or long weekends. That’s why fall tends to be the perfect time to start those maintenance projects you have been putting off, like painting the interior or exterior of your offices. Let’s take a closer look this month about why now is a great time to maintain the paint and overall look of your company. 

Attracting Customers or Clients 

The outward appearance of your building, storefront, or office is a clear visual barometer of your business. For example, if your storefront is looking worn, tired, or has some peeling or bubbling paint, it does not bode well for your brand name or services. The condition of the paint and color scheme should invite your customers in and encourage them to come back when they leave. Think about how a freshly painted storefront can invite people in and give them a positive impression of your business! 

Go a step further and paint with a purpose. Choose a color scheme that reflects your products or logo. Painting with a certain color palette can help promote brand awareness and help clients and consumers associate you with a certain color, logo, or design. 

Cost-Effective Maintenance

Buildings that have not been cared for usually have some repair issues. When a structure is painted regularly, so too have the boards and siding been inspected and maintained. Exterior painting with regularity will prevent your business from deteriorating to the point of needing a major overhaul. That can mean major cost savings. We suggest considering regular painting and maintenance using the following services: pressure washing. gutter cleaning, caulking, wood replacement, interior/exterior touch-ups, mildew removal, and garage door/parking structure upkeep. 

Improve Productivity and Morale 

Even in great workspaces, morale can falter if the environment remains stagnant. Adding a fresh coat of paint can make any workplace seem cleaner and more welcoming for clients and employees alike. Everyone wants to feel like where they work – their second home – is a nice space to be in. Choose a color scheme that matches your company’s personality, mood, or services. Try to stay away from colors that are too bold or that will distract from getting the work done. 

Do you need help deciding on a paint scheme for your business? Our color specialists can help you decide and then our professional painters can get the job done to keep your offices and storefront looking pristine!