3 Easy Ways to Get Your Home Ready for the Holidays

The holidays are knocking at the door with guests not far behind. It’s a joyful but busy season of hosting and gathering. We’ve pulled together three simple DIYs to help you freshen up your home yet leave you ready to relax and enjoy all the moments that matter most.

Work Some Magic in the Dining Room

During the holidays, the dining room can become a cramped and crowded hub for hosting. For a more spacious feel, create the illusion of depth with color. A dark hue like Iron Ore can achieve this while also bringing an elevated look to the space. Paint just an accent wall or cover walls and trim with the same color to soften angles and evoke the impression of expansiveness.

A Little Love for the Trim

Refreshing trim is a simple and often-overlooked way to make an impact with little input of time or cost. To heighten the drama, go for a monochrome look using a moody shade like Mount Etna. Blending the trim, walls, and ceiling brings harmony and creates the impression of open space. Or, to keep things more simple, you could choose a darker contrasting color and paint just the trim to define borders with sharp, bold lines. Make the project even easier and simply touch up the existing color for a fresh, clean look.

Freshen Up the Fireplace

Gather round and nestle in to the cozy vibes with a quick and easy fireplace refresh. This festive focal point provides the perfect backdrop for your holiday gatherings. With a bold neutral like Pewter Green, this DIY can make a big impression year-round. It’s an easy, statement-making update that will grab the notice of family and friends.

 

Reposted A Blog by SHERWIN-WILLIAMS

16 Years and Going Strong; 2022 Angi’s Super Service Award

We are proud to announce that we have earned the home service industry’s coveted Angi Super Service Award (SSA) again this year. This award, first released in 1999, recognizes the best home professionals and businesses in the Angi network for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to providing Angi customers with a great experience.

“Through changing microeconomic factors like inflation, rising interest rates, material shortages, and supply chain issues, Angi Super Service Award Winners delivered best-in-class customer service. These businesses are putting customers front and center and going above and beyond, providing great value, service, and quality work,” said Angie Hicks, Chief Customer Officer, Angi. “Our homeowners’ consistent positive reviews make it clear: these are the best pros in our network. Congratulations to all of our Super Service Award Winners.”

Angi Super Service Award 2022 winners have met stringent eligibility requirements, across ratings and reviews during the eligibility window of November 1st, 2021 – October 31st, 2022. Pros on Angi qualify for the award by obtaining 3 or more services-performed reviews during the review period, maintaining a current and lifetime rating of at least 4.5 stars. The SSA winners must be in good standing with Angi and have undergone our verification/screening.

Service company ratings are updated continually on Angi as new, verified consumer reviews are submitted. Companies are rated in multiple fields ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.

Treat Yourself to Halloween Paint Palettes

There’s so much to love about Halloween: The costumes, the candy, and of course, the colors. Want to bring a little haunted holiday “spirit” to your walls, front porch, or more? Your spook-tacular color journey filled with (painting) tricks and treats starts now.

CANDY PALETTE

Look no further than this candy-inspired palette for a color scheme that’s sure to catch your eye(ball). Creepy crawling with painting project inspiration, it features a grab bag of bold hues guaranteed to satisfy your inner ghoul or goblin.

 

COOKIE PALETTE

Double-double, toil, and trouble, this paint palette features a cauldron of brooding Halloween color. No special spells are required. Simply trade your witch’s wand for a paintbrush and get your DIY project started.

 

APPLE PALETTE

Stuck in a web of painting project uncertainty? Never fear, the ultimate Halloween color scheme is here. Inspiration doesn’t fall far from the apple tree thanks to this palette, perfect for spaces that need sweet (and slightly spooky) style.

 

 

 

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Sherwin-Williams Color of the Month July 2022: Chartreuse

Make any space a shade happier with vibrant color.

The prettiest colors (and spaces) are the ones that spark joy. Whether that looks like getting together or inspiring creativity, Chartreuse’s vivid hue creates a positive vibe, so your happy place is the brightest it can be.

WHY WE LOVE IT

SEE HOW WE BROUGHT CHARTREUSE TO LIFE THREE DIFFERENT WAYS.

DOWN TO EARTH

This vibrant yellow-green will put a smile on everyone’s face making it the perfect color for the place where you all get together. A sea of yellows and greens take their cues from nature, for a style that feels like a breath of fresh air. To keep the look ready for everyday living, accent with classic neutrals like white and gray to keep everything grounded.

The Trend: Nature
Get the Look: Leafy Greens, Patterned Pillows, Nature-Inspired Artwork 

MIXED TO THE MAX

Looking for an electric hue to highlight your wild side? Chartreuse creates a bold backdrop where every color, pattern and texture can come to play. Embrace the maximalist musings of this yellow-green by pairing it with equally bold designs that are unique to your larger-than-life style.

The Trend: Maximalism
Get the Look: Gallery Wall, Eclectic Planters, Statement Lighting

A TROPICAL TOUCH

Let the warmth of a sun-filled oasis wash over you. When Chartreuse’s energizing shade meets bohemian flair, a tropical staycation becomes your favorite place to be. Mix in some lush greenery and eclectic finds to give this perfect paradise its traveled style.

The Trend: New Bohemian
Get the Look: Bright Color, Natural Decor, Potted Greenery 

Want to learn more about Chartreuse? Explore our Color of the Month to find additional inspiration and don’t forget to tag your Chartreuse paint projects on social media with #SWColorLove for a chance to be featured in our gallery.

Reposted; A Blog by

Putting Sizzle in the Splash

Greece, is one of the most beautiful countries in the world! Whether you have had first-hand experience, or are a screen-top dreamer, you will agree that the gorgeous beaches, blue waters, and white-rimmed sand are extraordinary. This was the inspiration when Hands On Painters was engaged to paint the Five Oaks Swimming Pool diving board base in Catonsville.

Five Oaks was originally built in 1931 and was a public facility until the 1950’s when it incorporated and became Five Oaks Swimming Pool, Inc. It is one of the oldest in Baltimore with one of the last high dives in operation. The dive was transformed by using a Grecian-inspired blue. “I like taking the use of color to the next level. Nothing is wrong with a white or silver base but the blue is really striking,” states Jonathan. “I can’t imagine a better color for an outdoor summer diving board.”

The Family Room – Organic & Modern

When you close your eyes and picture the perfect space for feeling at ease, it’s no surprise you might be thinking of the family room. It’s a warm and welcoming place where memories are made, and everyone feels at home. As we’re looking for ways to give this sacred space the style it deserves, we’re taking a look at how the organic modern trend is taking over.

Modern organic living room with exposed beams, minimalist furniture and neutral colors.
Featured Colors: Mystical Shade SW 6276 (Walls), Cool Beige SW 9086 (Ceiling), Angora SW 6036 (Foyer)

WHAT IS ORGANIC MODERN?

We’re warming up to a look that doesn’t belong to one design style, but three. When the clean lines of modern decor and the natural elements of bohemian design come together, they create a unique look. It’s a pairing that’s cozy and inviting, making it the perfect fit for family rooms and living rooms. Add a dash of minimalism to create an organic modern space where beauty and function go hand in hand.

ACHIEVING THE LOOK

Simple shapes and sleek silhouettes are the foundation of any modern style. When you’re looking for a softer touch, throw pillows and woven knits create an inviting and elevated combination. For an extra dose of earthy charm, bring the outdoors in. Adding greenery is one of the quickest ways to breathe life into your room.

Living room vignette featuring a floating cabinet Room is full of neutral colors and natural materials.
Featured Color: Angora SW 6036

An except from TINTED A Blog by

New Life for Old Basements

Have you forgotten about your basement over the winter? Well, it might be time to make the old look new again. This is the place the laundry piles up and the yard furniture has been stored. What about the muddy boots and Fall/Winter decorations that are piled up?
Spring, is the perfect time to renew or re-invent your basement/cellar into something that is fresh…a play area, hobby room, or storage space. Warm up your basement without spending big bucks on a fancy “club” basement. We specialize in renewing old and historic basements. We will take the time to transform your space from something cold and utilitarian to something warm, inviting, and modern.
Simple touches like cleaning up the ceiling with a coat of paint, and making sure your utilities, and doorways have a uniform color can make a world of difference. We use quality water blocking primers and finish paints that will prevent interior and exterior moisture from penetrating your basement walls resulting in that damp musty smell. The result is a uniform, quality finish that blocks moisture, reduces odors, and turns your basement into a comfortable usable space.
Contact us to discuss STORAGE SOLUTIONS, DUST CONTROL, PAINTING FLOORS & PIPES, LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS & MODERNIZING.

We are proud to have won Angi’s Super Service Award for the 15th year!

We are proud to announce that we have earned the home service industry’s coveted Angi Super Service Award (SSA). This award honors service professionals who have maintained high service ratings and reviews on Angi in 2021.

“These outstanding businesses have helped homeowners not only maintain their homes, but also evolve them into spaces that can handle life, work, school and entertainment under one roof,” said Bryan Ellis, senior executive at Angi. “Our homeowners’ consistent positive reviews make it clear: these are the top pros in our network. Congratulations to this year’s Super Service Award winners.”

Angi Super Service Award 2021 winners have met eligibility requirements. Pros on Angi qualify for the award by obtaining 3 or more services-performed reviews in the previous year, maintaining a current and lifetime GPA of at least 4.5+ stars. The SSA winners must be in good standing with Angi and have undergone our verification/screening

“We are happy to announce that we have won the 2021 Super Service Award from Angi again this year!!! We are proud to have won this award a total of 15 times!

Service company ratings are updated continually on Angi as new, verified consumer reviews are submitted. Companies are rated in multiple fields ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.

For over two decades Angi has been a trusted name for connecting consumers to top-rated service professionals. Angi provides unique tools and support designed to improve the local service experience for both consumers and service professionals.

What’s New in Restaurant Paint Color Palettes and Design?

Forget starched white tablecloths and muted palettes. Today, restaurants are designed to entertain, to surprise, to create Instagrammable moments — and color plays an essential role. Branding, mood, day-to-night ambiance and the personality of the chef or owner all give a restaurant its custom look. We spoke to nationally known commercial designers to discover the trends they’re creating.

Natural Materials

Natural elements like wood and slate are very popular right now, according to Hannah Weiner, interior designer at Phase Zero Design in Boston.

“The trend is to create cozy, rustic, authentic spaces that lend an almost ‘mom and pop’ feel,” she says. “The effect is created by starting with 85 percent of neutral colors — mostly black contrasted with grays and whites. Once that neutral palette is laid, pops of color are added on accent walls, banquettes, upholstery, pillows and wall décor to give the space a warm feeling.”

Muted Pastels

Tanya Spaulding, principal at Shea Design in Minneapolis, sees restaurant design color going from an industrial, dark and heavy vibe to a lighter, more colorful one.

“Designers have been using gray as a primary base for restaurants for a while now, but I’m seeing that transform into muted pastels instead,” she says. “Incorporating these colors into smaller areas, like on a private dining room wall or on pillows, provides energy and life to a space, and can easily be updated every few years for a fresh look and feel.”

Plants

Another trend restaurant designers are seeing this year is the incorporation of indoor plants.

“Biophilic design — a way to connect people in a building to nature — is very popular right now,” says Alicia Kelly, senior interior designer at Studio K in Chicago. “There’s a new emphasis on sustainability and nature, so designers are using leafy greenery, succulents, air plants and trees as essential elements.”

Beyond Trends

Restaurant designers pay attention to what’s trending in dining décor, but most focus on creating a custom experience for the brand and the space.

“We actually like to avoid trends and go with what is unexpected,” Kelly says. “It’s more about creating a mood and telling the story of a particular chef or owner. Colors create feelings and energy, so we focus on the atmosphere first, choosing colors that can evoke the mood for daytime or nighttime dining.”

Weiner agrees, noting that not all restaurants can be designed in a cookie-cutter way. “Many of our clients have strong identities already,” she says. “So our job is often to use their brand colors in a unique way to create the atmosphere they want to achieve.”

How Do You Get out of a Color Rut?

Trying to pick a color for a painting project? You look online to see that the latest color trend is the same old color. (Grays, anyone?) It doesn’t take long before specifying the same colors from project to project puts you in a color rut.

Encourage yourself to break free of the same-old, same-old can seem like a tough task, but there are effective methods to help expand your tastes and for you to stretch your palette.

You never know where you might be color-inspired. Heading outdoors is a great place to start — landscape and sky views offer soothing, unexpected color combinations. You might also visit museums and historic houses; they are rich with masterful color combinations.

Discovering unusual color combinations in rugs, textiles and other personal items is another straightforward way to reflect your tastes. And you might also consider alternative inspirations, such as capturing the colors of your favorite city or taking in the eye shadow wall at a makeup store. When you can describe the color inspirations used in your home or business to friends and family as clearly as you can envision them, it’s a sure win.