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interior painting, home painters,paints
Written by Colleen Kalil

When to Repaint Your Home’s Interior

For many people, painting is a thankless chore. It is a lot of work and all too often the amateur painter does not realize the magnitude of the undertaking. People tend to think repainting your home’s exterior is a do-it-yourselfer weekend job. Unfortunately, that is how it usually looks in the end – just a bit unprofessional. Now this is not to take away from the intent of the painter and their earnest desire to be involved in their home’s upkeep. Most times however, it’s best to put your trust in the hands of professionals!

Having said all that, the interior of your home is subject to the wear and tear of daily life just as your home’s exterior is to the elements. Everything from sprays, smoke, kitchen odors and pet odors can cling to your walls and cause them to look faded and worn. If you live there everyday, you may even have a tendency not to notice the way a room begins to look faded and worn.

One hint would be to schedule a time each year (perhaps even every six months), when you walk the interior and exterior of your home looking for necessary repairs and upgrades. This should be a habit whether you intend to put your home on the market or continue to live there for years to come.

As you do your room by room inspection, look at the interior as if you are seeing it for the first time – like through the eyes of a stranger. Do the colors seem faded? Are there areas within rooms that appear to have a fresher presentation than others? For example, in the bathroom the paint may appear faded or peeling nearer the steamy shower or tub than in other areas.

Also, consider how often the room is used. Do you entertain frequently in the kitchen or family room but hardly use the guest bathroom? Prioritize areas that get the most traffic, but remember, your bedrooms are sanctuaries and a fresh coat of paint can make them more warm and welcoming as well.

Finally, get an estimate for the cost of painting your home’s interior room by room and in its entirety. Sometimes, it’s best to redo the interior all at once, giving your entire house an updated feel to be enjoyed by the whole family.
Whatever your painting needs, contact the professionals at University Painters. We treat your home like it’s our own.

interior painting, home painters
Written by Colleen Kalil

Create a Kid-friendly Bedroom

interior painting, home paintersYour child’s bedroom is a great place for them to express their personality and create a space that’s all their own. Whether your child wants an unusual color combination or wants to design a whole new world, this is the place where the usual decorating rules don’t apply. However, to keep creativity from getting totally out of control, here are a few things you should consider.

A Child’s Point of View

Talk to your child about what they want and make them part of the decision-making process. You may have to reel in their imaginations from time-to-time, but take advantage of their creativity. Try to hone in on the aspects of the design which are the most important to your child. You can help them simplify an overly ambitious vision and still create the room of their dreams.

Today and Tomorrow

Design now with the future in mind. Your children will grow up faster than you think and their tastes will change frequently. Before you create a ceiling to floor jungle or fairyland, think about ways to decorate that will make it easy to transform the room as your child grows up. Pick a base color and layer on elements to create the theme your child wants. For example, if you’re trying to create an island theme, paint the walls a shade of blue or green which will transition well when your child decides to leave their  island home.

Keep It Simple

Keep structural changes and architectural features to a minimum. If you want to add a treehouse to the island theme, think about a raised bed draped with fabric, instead of drilling into studs and building a real one. Make it easy to change the room’s style and minimize expensive repairs or redesigns. Curtains, rugs, lighting, and other accessories are inexpensive ways to change a room’s décor.

Plan and Budget

Have a plan that includes a budget. Make rough drawings of the room, list the materials you need, and estimate the cost. The time you spend planning will be worth it and will keep your project on track.

The experts at University Painters can help you achieve just the right look to make the little people in your home happy. Call us or go online to schedule a free consultation today.

painter,paints,
Written by Colleen Kalil

After the Paint, Add Molding for a High-end Finish

Paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve the look of your home, but you can take your home decorating up a notch by adding the right moldings. Crown moldings, or cornice moldings, may be the most universally known, but there are other choices that will add character and charm to your home. 

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home painters, interior painting
Written by Colleen Kalil

Simple Ways To Brighten Your Bedroom

You need to spend close to 60 hours per week in your bedroom to get the recommended eight hours of sleep at night. This is reason enough to turn your bedroom into a happy and comfortable place.  Here are some ideas to get you started:

Upcycle Old Furniture

You may want to give old furniture a second chance and bring them to your bedroom. Do you have a nightstand that appears past its prime? It may have lost its luster after many years of use but you can paint it with a bold color to bring it back to life.  You can do the same to side tables, chairs and dressers. Replacing old drawer pulls with new ones can also make a big difference.

Use Wall Coverings

The walls on your bedroom are a canvass that you can use to personalize your bedroom and even showcase your sense of style. You can opt for a wallpaper with a color and pattern that suits your design concept. New peel-and-stick varieties now make it easier for you to experiment with colors and designs on your wall. If wallpaper is not your thing, you can opt for ready-made murals or tasteful decals.

Expand The Function Of Your Window

The windows take center stage when it comes to brightening your bedroom. Windows create privacy and allow light into your personal space but they also offer you a chance to express your style. You may want to consider having a simple but functional window seat. You can also use window treatments to create focal points, dimensions and neutral contrasts in your room.

Use  A Pleasing Color Palette

Having a pleasing color palette is one of the best ways to create a bedroom that can make you blissfully happy from the time you wake up to when you go to sleep each day. Make sure that you choose colors that you will likely enjoy for a long time without limiting yourself to standard-issue neutrals.

Your bedroom is the best place for you to make a bold color statement. You may want to consider going for complementary but unexpected color pairings or for trending palettes. If you are not sure where to start, you can find a colorful pillow or accessory in your room that you fancy, then find bedding, accessories and paint that can match and balance hues throughout the room. When painting your room, make sure to have it done by a professional painting service provider. Contact us at University Painters to learn more.

interior painting, home painting, University Painters
Written by Colleen Kalil

Signs That Mean Your Bedroom Needs A Makeover

Your bedroom is the place where you relax and unwind but it may be time for you to update your room if you no longer feel the zest it used to have. Here are some of the things you need to check out to see if it’s time for a room makeover:

Clutter

Has your bedroom become a dumping ground for old books and magazines, worn-out clothing items and virtually useless collections? Clutter can prevent you from relaxing in what should be your sanctuary at home, so take time to declutter and get rid of things that are no longer useful.

Windows

A gloomy room can deflate your spirits so consider lightening things up if your room is on the dark side. Go for sheer curtains instead of blackout blinds. Adding a new curtain pole may help improve the look of your room.

Beddings

It may be time to buy new pillows if you are sleeping on old and flattened ones. Plump, new pillows are not just beneficial to your health. They can also make your bed look more enticing. Consider accessorizing your bed using cushions and throws to make it look more inviting.

Furniture

Worn-out and old-fashioned furniture can be expensive to replace but there are other ways to give them a new life. Give the old furniture some love with sanding and re-painting. You may also want to replace the old knobs and handles.

Lighting

You can update you room by simply changing the lights. Ceiling lights can brighten up a dull space as well as serve as an attractive feature. Feature mirrors are a great way to reflect light in your room.

Flooring

Threadbare carpets are an eyesore. Rugs are an inexpensive option instead of re-carpeting if you are on a tight budget.  For your worn floor boards, check if they are suitable for sanding, varnishing, or painting.

Peeling and faded wallpaper and paint can drag down the look of your room so if these characterize your walls, it is time to get decorating. A feature wall using a large piece of art or wallpaper is a great way to modernize your room. Neutral colors on your wall will allow you to make easy changes when your mood strikes.

Should you decide to give your room a new color, avoid sloppy painting jobs by entrusting this work to an experienced professional. Contact us at University Painters for a free estimate of the painting jobs you have in mind.