The key is finding quality art that is timeless, offers a sense of balance and ultimately gets hung on an appropriately sized wall (in proportion to the art piece.)

Featured artist

If you really want to wake up your walls (especially if they’re plain white), then you’ll love the colorful art by Robin Hiers. My home is a Robin Hiers art gallery. I literally have 18 of her pieces. Every room in my home is painted a different color from sage to gold to pale blue, and her art goes perfectly with all of them.

Robin’s choice of mediums include oils, pastels, and acrylic, and her artistic style is compared to Matisse with a dab of David Hockney. Besides the artwork that’s featured on Robin’s website, she also offers commission art. 

Here are a few of Robin’s pieces:

Visit the Robin Hiers online gallery!

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Photo Credit: House of Turquoise

Back-to-basics

Most interior designers recommend using two coats of paint and 2-3 coats of sealant to protect the stairs from dings and dents. Colors & styles depend on individual taste and the room you want to accent. Stair risers can be painted white to offset natural pine tread, or you can be bold and go with coffee brown.

If you want this project done to perfection, keep these fail-safe tips in mind:

• Choose the right paint color or stain; use color patches.
• Sand thoroughly. Remove dust with a damp cloth or vacuum.
• Start painting the stairs at the top and work your way down.
• For a smooth finish, use long, even brush strokes and paint the grain of the wood.
• If the stairs can’t be blocked off, paint every other tread.
• Allow 6 hours for each coat of paint to dry.
• Use three coats of polyurethane to seal the stairs.

Paint a distinctive runner

A stair runner reduces the footfall noise level and certainly completes any set of stairs. If carpet’s not your style, a painted stair runner is a great alternative. This type of project is moderate in difficulty but very unique in display. You’ll need to be on your game with your design pattern and use of painter’s tape. The experts say to be patient. Here’s how to do it right:

• Make shapes with flexible poster board.
• Use latex porch paint and floor enamel.
• Map out a design pattern by dry-laying your shapes.
• Use painter’s tape to outline stripes.
• Plan how to get up & down the painted stairs.
• Paint one color or section at a time to avoid bleeding.
• Gently remove tape while paint is drying.

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Are you looking for originality when it comes to a room change? Well this type of alteration is just a mouse click away. Wallpaper murals are growing in popularity and come in a variety sizes. These products are specially designed for any room of the house or office.

How would you like to be transported to a dream destination for less than $100 dollars? How about a spectacular location like Cyprus Point at Pebble Beach, or perhaps a walk through the coconut palms of Bora-Bora?

Wallpaper murals can also transform a child’s room. Show them the universe. Yes, I mean the actual galaxy: the sun and planets. Buying a wallpaper mural is certainly a great option and chances are you can pick up some pretty cool savings by ordering online. But how about creating your own spectacular wallpaper mural? How exactly can you do that?

• The first step is to find a company that will take a personal photo, family photo, or art work and transfer the image into wallpaper form.



• Next is preparation. The key to hanging wallpaper is having a smooth surface to apply it onto. Sand down any bumps of paint, fill in cracks and nail holes with compound. You’ll want to prime and paint the wall to achieve a clean smooth look.



• There are two ways to hang wallpaper. It comes with prepasted paper or without. Keep in mind, wallpaper murals are very difficult projects because hanging wallpaper correctly requires accuracy and precision. It can get a little overwhelming, which may cause the project to look unprofessional. That’s why I highly recommend hiring a professional to finish your wallpaper mural. Below are some companies that specialize in customized wallpaper murals. The mural examples shown throughout the blog are from Murals Your Way.

Sources:

http://muralsyourway.com/

http://wallmurals123.com/

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Paint manufacturers have developed some durable, scrubbable paints that will stand up to cleaning and still look as good and color-rich as when they were applied. If you’re in the market for paint and need one that will hold its own when scrubbed, here are some options to consider:

Glidden

Glidden has a series of interior latex paint types. Their semi-gloss is a wall and trim paint specially formulated to resist moisture. Its tough but smooth finish provides outstanding resistance against stains, chipping, scuffing, and abrasion. This product will stand up to repeated washings and scrubbings. It is an excellent finish for high-traffic areas and comes with a 25-year limited warranty.

Krylon

Giving appliances a new look can be easily achieved with a fresh coat of paint. Often, an appliance will be perfectly serviceable, but look shabby after years and years of cleaning. For second and vacation homes, repainting appliances is a viable solution that saves you money and still gives your kitchen an instant update. Kylon’s epoxy paints for appliances are durable, scrubbable, and withstand household cleaners, grease, and grime.

Valspar

Valspar’s paints are available at Lowe’s, as well as many other retailers. Their Signature Colors Paint is described as their best interior paint, available in the finest designer colors. It is made with an innovative paint technology that promises “ultimate scrubbability,” and delivers superior color definition, easy one-coat application and superior durability.

Benjamin Moore

Benjamin Moore’s line of Aura paints are part of an innovative colorant system integrating the best technologies to deliver superior durability for any color along with the promise of long lasting beauty. In addition to using 100% acrylic latex, proprietary resins have been incorporated to give the product its extraordinary performance properties. These paints are easy to wash, and since they are stain-resistant, they won’t need washing as often as many other types of paint.

Sherwin-Williams

Sherwin-Williams has a paint called Bath Paint, especially for bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and laundry rooms. It’s mildew and moisture resistant. Highly durable, you can scrub it to your heart’s content. It comes in both satin and semi-gloss finishes, and both types dry to a tough, strong finish.

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According to USA Wallpaper, source of thousands of wallpaper styles and dozens of brands, “Almost all wallpapers made today are vinyl coated. This means that the wallpaper is made of a paper substrate and then treated, or coated, with a vinyl or acrylic type vinyl. These wallpapers are classified as scrubbable and strippable and are suitable for most areas.”

Dwell recently posted an article by Laure Joliet about a new line of washable wallpapers for kids. She writes, “Living with kids and living in style can often feel like a catch-22. If it isn’t the clutter of all the stuff that seems to tag along with them, then it’s the messes that inevitably get made when no one is looking. For walls that seem to attract fingerprints, markers, and food, glossy washable paint has been the best bet, but who wants glossy paint everywhere? Ferm Living’s new washable wallpaper may solve the dilemma.”

Ferm Living, based in Denmark, features an extensive line of washable wallpapers called WallSmart. In addition to designs created for children’s rooms, there are many choices for other settings. For lovers of modern and/or Scandinavian design, this source for washable wallpapers is definitely one to explore.

An article about wallpapers on ineed2know.org indicates that “Durable wallpaper that is vinyl or vinyl coated is best for bathrooms and high traffic kitchens. This is because of the scrubbable feature of these papers.”

American Blinds, another huge online emporium of products for the home, features many washable wallpapers in its collection. In the Types of Paper section, the company’s experts say, “Of all the kinds of wallpaper, vinyl is the most versatile and durable. Best suited for areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, it comes in a great variety and a broad price range. For do-it-yourselfers, it’s also the easiest to hang. There are 3 kinds of vinyl wallpapers: a vinyl sheet attached to a paper back, a vinyl sheet attached to a cloth back, and vinyl-impregnated cloth attached to a paper back. Use vinyl wallpaper in children’s rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, or anywhere in your home.”

Get free quotes from certified painting contractors where you live!

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Acoustic popcorn ceilings feel outdated, and in some cases, they even contain asbestos. Rolly Rodriquez of Sunset Professional Painting says houses that are 15 to 20 years old usually don’t contain the toxin. However, if your home was built 30 or 40 years ago, as are many of the homes in Hayward, Oakland, and San Francisco, asbestos could be an issue. Asbestos can permeate the dust in the air during remodeling, so be sure to hire a professional when it comes time to upgrade.

Rolly says even his clients in newer Contra Costa County homes who don’t have to worry about asbestos want the feel of a brand new home – without the popcorn look. During this task, Rolly and his crew will make sure:

1. All the caking and mudding is removed along with the popcorn ceiling.
2. All holes from screws are covered with a joint compound prior to applying new texture.
3. A flat working surface is created.
4. After applying texture (two popular types used by Sunset are orange peel and small, medium, or large knockdown texture), PVA primer is applied.
5. A topcoat finish is professionally applied.

Contact CalFinder at 510-834-4060 to get a free estimate from Sunset Professional Painting or a certified painting contractor in your area!

Interior painting photo by Sunset Professional Painting

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One of the ways CertaPro Painters has achieved its success is with this process, which they call “The CertaPro Difference:”

• We answer the phone.
• Your project is managed by a professional.
• We call back after the paint has dried.

Sounds simple, doesn’t it? And yet knowing a contractor will honor those simple, basic steps is a primary factor in influencing a homeowner’s hiring decision.

A number of CertaPro Painters are featured on CalFinder’s team of Remodeling Contractors. Here are some CalFinder CertaPros and comments about their services:

CertaPro Peninsula/Southbay (San Francisco Bay Area)

• “Very quick. Job site was very clean.”
• “Good eye for detail; have used for other jobs.”

CertaPro of Corona and Temecula Valley (San Diego vicinity)

• Owner David Myers says, “Since we started the business in 2005, we have been awarded or been nominated for the Certacup each year. This is a prestigious award given to those franchises who rate as top performers in customer experience ratings.”

CertaPro Painters of Syosset (Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York)

• “We will deliver more than top-quality interior and exterior painting. We also offer all types of faux finishes, Murals and all forms of Artwork by Artist and Designer Debbie Viola.”

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Homeowners know that eco-friendly paint is out there, they just don’t know where to get it. More painting contractors are receiving requests for eco-friendly paints, and more manufacturers, including major brands, are including them in their product lines.

35 eco-friendly paint products with either low- or zero-VOC content

They’re also low odor and responsibly manufactured. If you’re having trouble finding a specialty brand or an eco-friendly paint on the Home Depot shelf, here’s a quick and easy resource list for you.

acro pure by Miller Paint is described by the company as being “free of anything inappropriate, contaminating, extraneous, polluting, or impure.” The paint has zero VOCs, low odor, and mold resistance.

American Pride paints are Green Seal certified and made with low odor, a clean air formula, excellent durability and coverage, spatter resistance, and zero VOCs.

Aura. This Benjamin Moore interior and exterior paint line meets or exceeds Green Guard, CHPS, and LEED standards and is distinguished for rich color dimension and outstanding spreadability and coverage.

Auro. Not to be confused with Aura, Auro paints, stains, and sealers received high reviews from the Green Home Guide for its principle of “gentle” manufacturing chemistry. The natural paints are made from plants and minerals.

Bioshield Natural Paints include interior and exterior clay paints, milk paints, and solvent-free wall paints made from raw materials, oils, minerals, and other natural resources. These lines contain no VOCs or harmful chemicals.

The Carefree Earth Coat line by Vista Paint is environmentally friendly, with low odor, low VOCs, and resistance to scuffs and stains.

Clarity by Dutch Boy is an environmentally safe paint with low odor and low VOCs. It is Green Seal approved and comes in durable flat, satin, and semi-gloss finishes.

Cloverdale Paints offers products designed to reduce or eliminate harmful impacts to the environment. The company has developed a large selection of water-based and low-VOC paints and coatings.

Concretal products by KEIM provide protection and character to concrete surfaces with mineral properties that are harmless to the environment.

devinegreen by Miller Paint is not only 99.9% VOC free, it is said to go on the wall “like a rich yogurt.” Miller Paint compares the natural matte finish to Egyptian cotton.

e-coat paint by Kelly Moore contains 50 to 80 percent recycled paint. Kelly Moore developed the e-coat operating division to provide a safer, more environmentally friendly way to dispose of leftover latex paints. Five-gallon buckets are available in six earth tones.

Eco-Pure by Master Paints is the only Puerto Rican company certified by Green Seal. It is non-toxic, low VOC, low odor, and environmentally friendly, providing high durability and coverage at the same time.

Ecosil. This high-quality, scrub-resistant paint is known for its longevity. Odorless and non-allergenic, it’s a great choice for people with allergies or sensitivity to chemicals. Ecosil is a silicate interior paint manufactured by KEIM, which has been making mineral systems for over 130 years.

Enviro-Pure latex finishes by MAB Paints are Green Seal approved and certified. Available with no ozone-depleting chemicals, the paints are zero VOC and low odor.

Evermore paint by Glidden offers an environmentally friendly, low-odor paint from a well respected brand. The paint offers superior coverage and a lifetime guarantee.

Freshaire paints boast no VOCs in the paint or the colorant used to make the paint. While this paint is recommended to improve indoor air quality, Popular Mechanics reviewers deemed the product sticky and less durable than others.

Granital. Also manufactured by KEIM, Granital is Ecosil’s equivalent for the exterior of the home. This durable, liquid mineral coating contains no organic solvents or toxic substances.

Green Planet Paints specializes in “living paint,” clay-based, interior pigments. They are non-toxic, zero VOC, and eco-friendly.

Horizon by Rodda is a family of 42 low-VOC paints and coatings that contain no harmful chemicals and inhibit the growth of mold and mildew. Certified by Green Seal.

Kwal Paint has an extensive line of environmentally friendly paints, finishes, and coatings through their Green Life collection, which features over 50 products dedicated to environmental attention. EnviroKote is a complete Kwal Paint Green Life product line for interior painting needs.

LimePaint. Made from Natural Hydraulic Lime, this breathing paint resists rot and mold and is made with no chemicals or additives. The whitewash effect of lime and water will give your walls a European aura.

Livos. Need a stain, sealer, or paint for your wood surface? Low-toxic Livos products for your decks, walls, or floors are made from all-natural ingredients that are never tested on animals.

MetroPaint. Named a Top 10 Green Product by Sustainable Industries magazine, MetroPaint is made entirely from post-consumer recycled interior and exterior latex paints. Metro has recycled more than 1 million gallons of latex paints since 1992.

Mythic Paint goes by the mantra of “0% toxic and 100% smart.” In addition to being ultra-low odor and safe for people and pets, the paint has a reputation for durability and excellent coverage.

Natura. Exceeding the LEED criteria for interior paints, the Natura line by Benjamin Moore has zero VOCs and is quick-drying, with a durable finish.

Old-Fashioned Milk Paint Co. has been making chemically safe, all-natural historic paints since 1974. Available in 20 colors, these paints can create an array of looks from semi-gloss to time-worn. Comparable to paints used a century ago, they will not fade.

Olympic Premium paint is environmentally friendly, from production to the Lowe’s shelf. It’s 100% acrylic, zero-VOC, and low-odor qualities have earned this paint “Class A” Green Seal certification.

Pure Performance by Pittsburgh Paints was the first national brand to receive Green Seal Class A certification. With zero VOCs and very low odor, it aims to eliminate detrimental impacts on air quality.

The Real Milk Paint Company offers all-natural, milk-based paints and other related products like milk paint remover, crackle, and tung oil. Milk paint has been around for hundreds of years and is commonly used in restoring vintage furniture. Real Milk Paints’ pigments eco-friendly, non-toxic, lead free and non-radioactive.

Refresh. In addition to having zero-VOCs, GREENGUARD certification, and mildew resistance, this Dutch Boy product is the first and only interior paint available with an odor-eliminating, Arm & Hammer technology.

Sherwin-Williams is a household name, but did you know that it now carries a line of environmentally friendly paints, recognizable through the company’s GreenSure designation? Products with this label are manufactured and distributed in a way that conserves resources, and they’re also made with little or no VOCs. Sherwin-Williams GreenSure lines include Duration and Harmony interior paints.

Solace. This interior paint line by ColorWheel Paint is low odor and low VOC. It also contains antimicrobial protection to inhibit the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria.

Vision Paint by VRI is an interior, low-VOC latex paint available in flats and lights. VRI is currently working towards Green Seal certification. The company believes in being committed to the environment while producing quality architectural paint coatings that last.

Yolo Colorhouse offers premium zero-VOC, low-odor paints for interior and exterior applications. The flat, satin, and semi-gloss sheens are Green Seal certified.

Z-Coat by General Paints is 100% acrylic latex and releases no VOCs. A fast-drying, washable indoor paint.

UPDATED: We now have 36 different options. No of any others? Add others in comments.

ECOtrend “Collagen Natural Interior Paint”, the worlds only Zero VOC, no odor paint formulated using collagen, extracted from the lining of the eggshell, as the paint’s binder. GREENGUARD certified for Children and Schools, this premium paint product also naturally repels mold and mildew.

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You may remember flocked wallpaper from such decades as the 1960s and 1970s. In fact, flocked (or flock) wallpaper has a history over three centuries long, but other than that short stint of popularity it has remained relatively obscure since the end of the 19th century. That, it seems, is about to change.

Flocked wallpaper, or wallcovering (the now-interchangeable-but-soon-to-take-over term), is made using powdered wool or cloth — byproducts of the wool industry. The powder is sprinkled on the wallpaper, giving it a raised, velvety texture.

And thanks to advancements in the wallpaper industry, flocked wallpaper is set to surge back in 2009 with large, graphic designs. It has all the advantages of wallpapers of old, including speedy installation, and it is less intimidating because it is much easier to remove than its predecessors.

Flock wallpaper can also replace other materials at a much lower cost while still providing a quality aesthetic for any room of the house. In very tight economic times, this affordability may be the biggest reason why homeowners turn to flock wallcoverings in 2009.

Furthermore, in this digital age the variety of custom patterns that could be imprinted on the wallpaper is vast, essentially providing custom designs at bargain prices.

Photo Credits: marcberry and katielips

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This was the first time I painted a room: I was young and this was my first real experience with creative control in a home improvement project. I was what you might call a “rookie,” or “green-horn.” Needless to say I lived up to every expectation, or lack thereof. To sum it all up, I rushed it or, to put it in tennis terms, I had a lot of unforced errors.

I failed to properly protect the furniture and carpet. I did not use painter’s tape, which led to a lot of touching up. I did, for the most part, apply the paint correctly but I did not take the overall design of the room into account when choosing a color (or colors, as it were). That led to the worst mistake of all: I just didn’t like it when all was finally said and done.

That was the last time I’d ever do that! Not the last time I’d paint. No, I’ve done plenty of painting since then, but the last time I’d ever fail to take my time, plan ahead, and get as much right on the first try as possible.

My little story may seem rather simple. You’re probably thinking that I was just slightly dumber than the average bear. Indeed, those were foolish and obvious mistakes, but they resonate with me to this day. That ridiculous foray into painting taught me some invaluable lessons. Lessons that influence any remodeling project I set myself to do, whether its painting, framing, flooring or whatever.

Now, I am still a firm believer in learning by doing, but I am also a believer in that famous saying; “Work Smarter Not Harder.” An inclusive, calculated approach to a remodeling project will save time and money, guaranteed. It often seems like time spent thinking and working out a plan is wasted time. But it is this crucial planning that saves immeasurable time and delivers continuity to the remodel. This goes for DIY projects as well as preparing for a large remodel and choosing a painting contractor.

Still, I thank my lucky stars that I was once the worst painter on the planet.

Photo Credit: Jim Moore

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