Neutral Colors | University Painters

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

16 September 2018

Mixing Brick and Exterior Color

A brick home offers a unique presentation. To the passerby, it can look stately. To the homeowner, it can feel like a combination of old-world charm and comfort. There was a time when the choice of brick exteriors extended only to what shade of red or chartreuse you liked. Today however, a brick home still offers the owner a variety of options to make their house look unique and stand out from the rest. This can involve either changing the color of the brick itself or the trim in complementing or contrasting pigments.

The easiest way to make a change is to paint the brick itself. This opens up a variety of choices for the homeowner. Some may prefer a muted or neutral color of paint while others may make more bold choices such as painting the brick white. The exterior of a brick home painted in white offers an entirely new and updated look. It can feel modern and chic. At the same time it opens up further options. The home’s trim can be a color that contrasts, thereby accenting and highlighting the white brick or it can remain a neutral, muted tone, such as a gray or brownish tint on the framing and door.

If you do choose to paint the brick white, take the time to look at the breadth of shades in that color. There are many toned-down whites that are not as stark, such as creams and even light beige. Some homeowners have even used a whitewash or translucent color that offers a more aged look. There are those who swear this route offers easier upkeep and a more classic appearance.

Whatever color you choose, take the extra step of painting a small portion of the house in that color prior to ‘taking the plunge’. This will help to ensure you can live with your decision before you come home to a totally new look you did not expect. Still another color that is a common choice for painting brick homes is a shade of gray. This can be equally as stunning, particularly when paired with white or charcoal trim.

Other colors that harmonize are yellow and cream, and green or black and gray. It’s up to you. And remember, if you want to keep your brick home its original color, painting the trim in a beautiful accent color can make it stand out just as much.

Whatever you choose, first choose University Painters. We are experienced in painting all types of exterior and interior surfaces and will treat your home like it’s our own!

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

7 August 2018

Choosing A Paint Palette For Open Floor Plans

paints, home painters Open concept floor plans continue to be a favorite among homebuyers. The flow from room to room creates a large, inviting space for friends and family to gather, and without walls separating rooms, the area feels larger and more spacious. However, the large space can present decorating challenges. How do you create a unified color scheme? Use too many colors and the space will feel chaotic and be visibly unappealing. Use too few colors and it may be boring.

One option is to create a palette using three to five colors. Five colors may sound like a lot, but the key is how each color is used throughout the space. Choose one neutral color: white, off-white, or eggshell are good choices. Next, select one or two other light colors, and finally, select one or two accent colors. Keep your choices within color families to create a sophisticated, professional appearance. Whichever colors you choose, be consistent when applying them to your rooms.

Use your neutral color as a base and apply to the majority of the space. The neutral color provides a blank canvas where you can add different accents, textures, and materials. Add interest to different areas of the space with an accent wall. Don’t be afraid to be bold. Remember, dark colors make objects recede, light colors make objects look bigger. Add color to the inside of a built-in bookcase, the wall over a fireplace, or an interesting architectural detail.

A three color palette is a simpler plan. Use one color for the walls, the second for the trim, and the third for the ceiling. Again, make sure colors coordinate to create a refined interior.

Tone-on-tone or monochromatic palettes offer more variety than you might think. Use different tones of the same color, either in one room or as a smooth transition between rooms. The different tones don’t have to come just from paint. Add wallpaper, stenciled designs, fabric, glass tile, etc. to create interest and texture.

Don’t forget that textiles and furniture are part of creating a cohesive space. If you’re a fan of hardwood floors, select a neutral that works well with your color palette and furniture style. Layer area rugs, architectural details, and artwork to create depth and add interest to your space.

University Painters expert technicians can help you develop the right color palette to create the mood that’s right for your home. Call us today for more information and to set up a free consultation.

Regular Post

Written by Colleen Kalil

25 March 2018

How To Choose The Right Colors For Your Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the busiest places in the home. It’s where your family cooks, eats, and spends time together. When you decorate your kitchen, you want to transform it into a special space you’ll be happy to come home to. Can’t decide on the perfect colors for your kitchen? Follow these steps to design your perfect kitchen.

Choose Your Favorite Colors

Forget about the trends. You want to paint your kitchen in the colors that you enjoy looking at every time you walk into the room. Sure, you can explore the popular options, but make a choice on what makes you happy. The popular or trendy paint colors may be easier to find, but the classics will make a lasting impression on your kitchen.

Create Your Own Color Palette

Once you know what colors you want to use, decide on your color palette. Visit a home improvements store and choose paint chips that stand out to you. Bring them home and see how well they go with your kitchen. Or, you can skip the trip and find stunning color palettes on Pinterest.

Start With Your Cabinets

This is the perfect place to start if you’re repainting or replacing your cabinets. Your cabinets and drawers are the focal point of your kitchen and should stay that way. Choose your colors with a long-term plan in mind. White cabinets may look pretty, but dirt shows up quickly, especially if you cook a lot.

Keep Your Countertops Neutral

You don’t want your countertops to clash or compete with your cabinets. While they may have one of the biggest surfaces in your kitchen, you want to keep them neutral. Choose neutral colors that best complement your walls, backsplash, and cabinets. This will also help you extend the life of your counters if you choose to renovate or repaint your kitchen later on.

Go Crazy With Your Backsplashes And Paint Color

This is where you can let your imagination run wild a little. While countertops and cabinets tend to use neutral colors, your paint color and backsplash is where you can get a little creative. Bright colors will make you smile every time you walk into your kitchen.

There are many options for backsplashes, including glass tiles. Since cabinets and appliances cover most of your walls, use a pop of color that you normally wouldn’t use in a room that’s painted in one color. An accent wall can allow you to use your favorite color without it dominating the entire room.

Decorating your kitchen can help liven it up. It can even change the view of the rest of your house. Whether you’re considering a major renovation or just one room, adding a new coat of paint will improve your home. Contact University Painters today to discuss the plans of your project and to learn more about our interior painting services.

Exterior Painting, Carpentry, Deck Staining

Regular Post

Written by Josh Jablon

15 June 2016

Trying To Sell Your Home?

Are you in the market to sell your home? A new paint job can go along way! Here are some tips and tricks to maximize your potential.

Neutral colors – Remember, your style is not the same as your potential buyers style. By using a neutral color scheme throughout the interior of your home you will avoid turning buyers off due to style differences. You want to make it easy for buyers to imagine this space as their space. Don’t distract from this opportunity with a projection of your style and non neutral color palette.
Up to date – A new paint job is a quick and easy way to update and refresh your space. A new white in that closet of yours can brighten up a dingy space and make it appear much larger. Same thing goes with the other rooms in your home. Paint can also be used to highlight charming details in your home such as crown molding and bay windows.
Curb Appeal – An easy way to increase your curb appeal is to be sure all exterior facets of your home are looking fresh and new. This goes from fences to decks to your front door. A new coat of paint can go a long way towards a fresh look and what will contribute greatly to a buyers first impression.

Happy selling!

Maintenance

Business Process, Charmed Details, Color Palette, Colors Schemes, Distribution, Home Painters, home sales, Neutral Color Palettes, Neutral Colors, Painting Jobs, Paints, Potential Buyers, Sales, Sell Your Home