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2021 Design Color and Materials

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Every year Sherwin Williams presents the color palettes they feel will be relevant in the coming year. They compile vast amounts of research to present the underlying environmental components that are contributing to the color palettes’ appeal. Below is a snippit of some of those trends for your consideration.

INFLUENCES

S Interior Design had written a post about Interior Design Trends and Biophilic Design was featured as Trend 1 in the post. Take a read to learn more!

Related to Biophilic Design in our opinion is getting design inspiration from Organic Elements; those found in nature.

Not at all surprising given the reality of our world this year, Security both physical and emotional are paramount concerns that manifest in color choices that make us feel more secure.

Again related to the unsettled anxiety of our status right now, we want to re-visit times when we felt more secure and safe. However, we do inject the nostalgic design with a modern current over tone to feel current.

Here are the four paint color trend categories from S.W.

As always, S Interior Design will suggest that regardless of trends that you use the colors and materials in your homes that work best for your personal styles and preferences.

We are looking forward to helping you all realize your interior design dreams in 2021!!

Time To Paint Your Walls?

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S Interior Design has often said one of the quickest and least costly ways to get a big change to the look and feel of your home is to paint the walls.

As we all spend more and more time literally ‘staring at our walls’, you may be entertaining thoughts of painting them. Seems easy enough right? If you haven’t painted the interiors of your home before you may want to know the best way to proceed.

Below is a guest post on the pros and cons of using a paint roller or a paint spray gun when painting.

Should You Paint Your Walls With A Roller or a Spray Gun

If you plan on painting your walls, just know that at the bare minimum a brush is needed. There’s still no way around using a brush for cutting in near ceilings, baseboard, and around window/door trim. The next question to approach though is whether to use a roller or spray gun for the rest of the job.

It might seem like a slam dunk that using an airless paint sprayer would be the obvious preferable choice for your DIY painting job. Sprayers definitely get the actual painting task done much faster, but there are still situations where a roller is preferred. Here’s what you definitively need to know when deciding to paint with a roller or sprayer: 

Cost: Sprayers vs. Rollers 

If you have a sprayer, it would be a no-brainer to use it for your DIY paint job. For the majority of homeowners however an airless paint sprayer simply isn’t a part of the average tool arsenal. 

Paint sprayers start off around $50 at secondary markets and can range up to $400 or more for high end models. Of course tool rental companies will often have paint sprayers available but they also charge by the day, meaning time would be a concern. Comparatively, a bundle of a paint roller, roller covers, a tray, and multiple tray liners could be had for $40 or less. 

Another thing to factor in about cost is paint waste. A lot of the atomized paint drifts away when using a sprayer but rollers get nearly 100% of the paint on the surface. 

Time: Sprayers vs. Rollers

Using an airless paint sprayer hands down get the painting job done quicker, right? Yes…and no. Once you get set up, using an air sprayer is a breeze but it’s getting to that point that pushes the timeline between a sprayer and a roller nearly even. 

The whole room must be masked off to prevent paint damage from overspray when using a sprayer. Trim, baseboards, and molding still must be taped off when rolling – but also when using a sprayer. 

There are some applications where the time saving of using a sprayer is obvious though. This includes when painting a door that has grooves or when doing the exterior of a home where not as much masking off needs to be done. Using a sprayer is also a much faster way to apply a textured paint. 

Another thing to consider when comparing the time of a sprayer and a paint roller is the cleanup. After using a sprayer it must be cleaned extensively to prevent jams and clogging in the future. Roller covers and tray liners can simply be thrown away and the frame rinsed. 

Convenience: Sprayers vs. Rollers 

Simply put, using a paint roller can be a physically demanding undertaking, especially on ceilings and in high areas. That being said, it is much more convenient to simply tape trim and baseboards when using a roller instead of masking off an entire room. Skilled painters don’t even have to tape when cutting which means you can grab a roller and go. 

Rollers are more convenient for smaller rooms and for wall sections with shorter widths like near doors and windows. A sprayer on the other hand is very convenient for new home builds and remodels where overspray damage is not an issue. 

The actual equipment needed when rolling is also very minimal. Grabbing a roller, roller cover, tray, liner, and paint is a very easy setup. A pneumatic sprayer needs an air compressor and dragging that hose around especially in a smaller room. Airless sprayers do give a bit of a convenience edge in this regard. 

Quality / Technique : Sprayers vs. Rollers 

Another important thing to note about sprayers vs. rollers is that paint does attach a bit better with a roller. This is key when painting on a dirty wall as there’s more leeway with the initial coat from a roller. What many professional painters do is spray first for speed and then do a back roll for coverage. 

It is easier to get streaks and lumps when using a roller, especially if the painter is on the inexperienced side. That being said, there is a technique involved with using a sprayer. Holding the sprayer close gives a heavier application but a narrower spray pattern. Moving the nozzle back widens the spray pattern but with a thinner coat. “Mastering” this process does take a bit of time. 

So, Should I Use a Sprayer or a Roller? 

For the exterior of your home and in remodelling situations a sprayer is the preferred option. On the interior, using a sprayer for ceilings would be more convenient than a roller On interior walls however or when painting on a budget it may be better to go with a roller. Then again, you could always use both as well! 


BIO

Daniel has been scrubbing down walls, cutting in lines and perfecting wall painting for many years through DIY techniques, since he first started working on fixing up his old family home. Home improvement has become a passion of his and he aims to share some tips and techniques to others. He is a blog writer for PaintAccess online paint shop.

Tips To Improve Curb Appeal With Your Garage Door

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Below is a guest posting on how to improve your home’s curb appeal by the look and design of your garage door. Here in Phoenix many homes have front facing garages and they can sometimes distinctly define the look of a home; for better or for worse. This makes it very important to have a garage door design that compliments and enhances your home’s elevation design.

First impressions are absolutely important, especially when we’re talking about your home. There’s nothing like the feeling you get when people stop, stare, and marvel at the way your house looks. More importantly, that first impression matters when you’re thinking about putting your house on the market. House-hunters will surely want to call your real estate agent with just one look at the front of your home.

That impressive look, of course, can be achieved when you make an effort to enhance the curb appeal of your home. There are many ways of improving curb appeal, but did you know that your garage door can play an instrumental role in bringing fresh excitement to your home’s façade?

Admittedly, a garage door can look incredibly bland, which isn’t surprising since many homeowners just concern themselves with keeping it functional with maintenance and garage door repair. But with a little creativity from your end, your garage door can do so much more, especially when it comes to improving curb appeal. Here are some tips on doing just that.

Paint your garage door.

If the color of your garage door matches the paint of the exterior, then it’s time to do some repainting on it.

As it stands now, your garage door will tend to disappear into the walls. So pick a color that will contrast to the rest of the house in an attractive way. The best color for your garage door would be one that is a few shades darker than the paint on your home. A house painted a light tan, for example, would look great with a garage door with light brown paint. The point is to create a contrast that isn’t too stark.

Do some accessorizing.

If your garage door already came with handles, windows, patterns, or side arrows, then you’re all good on the accessorizing front. However, if your garage door is a little on the simple side, you can enhance the way it looks by adding accessories around it.

Consider placing potted plants on either side of your garage. For added flourish, you can have shrubs, tall plants, and other kinds of greenery close to the garage doors. If you can incorporate some decorative stonework on your driveway, then that would make your garage door pop nicely.

Add lighting fixtures.

When installed in the right spots, exterior light fixtures almost instantly make everything look great. Put up exterior lighting with the garage door as a focal point, and you can be sure that they will enhance curb appeal.

A wise choice is overhead and side lights. They provide much-needed illumination and security, and make the garage door look stunning at night as well. Of course, you have to make sure that the lights you install complement not only your home’s color tone but also its overall style to make the overall look of your home stand out.

If you have a big enough budget for more lighting, then you can go for ground lights that point upwards, preferably towards the trees and tall plants around your garage door.

Balance everything with the front door.

It would look odd if your garage door is all spruced up and your front door isn’t. So whatever enhancements you did with your garage door, it would be a great idea to do the same for your front door. It will make the look of your home more consistent and balanced.

Garage doors don’t have to look dull. Follow the tips above, and your garage door should be able to contribute significantly to the overall curb appeal of your home.

Color of the Year?

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Every year the ‘color of the year’ is announced by paint manufacturers.  Here are a few articles you can read to get a peek.

https://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/colors/a21345163/color-trends-2019-sherwin-williams/

https://people.com/home/ppg-2019-color-of-the-year/

https://www.behr.com/consumer/inspiration/2019-color-trends/

2019 Paint Color Trends and Forecasts

 

Here is the reality; each manufacturer has a different color chosen, each with their own supporting reasons why.  When selecting colors to surround yourself with in your home, the trends or ‘color of the year’ is not important.  What is important is that the colors you chose make you feel the way you want, and your spaces look the way you like.

To help you figure that all out, read the guest post shown below which calls out the major primary and secondary colors and describes the impact they have on us psychologically and physically.

Of course you can call on an interior designer  to help you determine which colors to use in your homes and work place.  If you are located in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area S Interior Design would love to assist you.

Color Psychology and Decor

When you are repainting the interior of your home, the last thing you should be concerned about is a color trend. Trends in the world of colors will come and go, but the color you put on your wall will have an effect on your mood, thoughts, behavior, feelings, and emotions on a daily basis.

The impact that color has on our lives has been studied since the middle ages. Therefore, it has become a crucial factor when it comes to interior design and decor. When choosing a wall color that you like, it is best to keep color psychology in mind so that you can blend it into a pleasing combination that reflects your personality. The best way to go is to understand what kind of effect each color might have in your home.

Red

An excellent way to raise the energy level of your room is to implement the red color by painting walls in a red hue or adding accent through furniture and decor. Red is known for raising the blood pressure, speed respiration and heart rate. Therefore, it might be too stimulating for bedrooms during the day.

For a youthful feel, you can use light red, while dark red invokes power and durability. An accent of red in the dining room can help to stimulate conversation, and in the entryway, it will give a strong first impression.

Orange

Another color that increases energy is orange, which can make you feel energetic, adventurous and friendly. So if you want to evoke excitement and enthusiasm in a room, you can use orange in your decor or the walls. Rooms with a monochrome, neutral tone, or brown hues can get a nice lift from orange.

Yellow

Yellow is an excellent choice if you want to increase the feeling of happiness, joy, and brightness, but too much yellow can also cause the opposite effect. If the color yellow is not used correctly, it can over stimulate and evoke anger. For example, studies have found that babies cry more in yellow rooms.

Yellow used in a soft tone will work better to stimulate nerves and purify the body. Its uplifting effect can enhance kitchens, dining rooms, and bathrooms and it will make halls and entries feel more welcoming and spacious.

Blue

Blue gives a calming, relaxing and serene feeling because it is believed to bring down blood pressure and decrease heart rate. Soft shades of blue are perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms if balanced with furniture and fabrics that are in a warmer hue. Warmer blues can create a relaxing atmosphere in social areas. However, be careful of dark blue as it can bring up the feeling of sadness.

Green

Green paint and decor can be used in any room of the home because it is the color of nature which symbolizes abundance. It can also be combined with other colors to help increase the feeling of relaxation while relieving stress. In the bedroom in a light tone, it can improve your rest, and in the bathroom, it will give a sense of freshness, and in the living room, it will promote comfort.

Opt for accents of green if you don’t want to paint your walls in green tones, plants and herbs are another way to bring in the color green without overdoing it.

Purple

If you want a dramatic look and the feeling of luxury, elegance, and romance, then purple is an excellent choice that works well with other colors. It can be paired with different jewel tones like emerald-green for example. Lavender and lilac will make your bedroom feel restful without feeling chilly. Dark purple can be used through decor or an accent wall to improve the scheme depth and provide the feeling of sophistication.

Neutrals

Blacks, white, gray and brown are primary colors used in decor. By adding and subtracting these tones, you can control the amount of energy that goes into each room. Black is excellent for some depth in the room, and even a touch of black can ground the overall color scheme.

White is the most versatile color that can be used in all rooms and will give a refreshing, clean, airy and purifying feel. There are however many shades of white available. Bright white, for example, will feel livelier while you can add some warmth with an off-white tone.

Gray makes a great base color when used in a light tone.  Gray can add some elegance and formality to the room. Areas without much light might not be suited for gray as it can give the sense of gloominess.

Brown is mostly used in furniture and textiles which brings in a rustic and earthy feel. It is great to use in areas where you want to increase the sense of security and stability. Brown is a warm color which can be a great neutral base color for a room. It works well in studies.

Final Thoughts

If you are not sure where to start, then you can take a color match personality test to ensure that you are comfortable with your color options. A bold, passionate person might feel at ease in a red room, while a shy person might feel uncomfortable surrounded by an over a load of orange.

Choosing the right colors during your interior decorating can be a challenge. However, it is one of the most accessible home improvements that one can make, and if you do it right, you will create a unique atmosphere to live in.

Author: Mattea Jacobs

Short bio:

Mattea Jacobs is a freelance writer who mostly writes about both interior and exterior home design, and environmentally friendly ways to improve homes. She is also a green activist and a mother of two beautiful sons. You can reach her on Facebook and Instagram.

3 Top Interior Design Tips to Sell Your Home Faster

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While this is not new ‘news’  it is a concise summary of the key steps a home seller should be considering when placing their home on the market to sell.  Selling and buying a home is an emotional process.  Sometimes it is challenging for you the seller who has lived in a home for many years to emotionally disconnect and view the home from an objective vantage point.

I will add two more important tips; one, make sure the exterior of the house is in tip top shape and there is great curb appeal and two, here in Arizona you want to provide a wonderful back patio so people can imagine themselves living the indoor/outdoor lifestyle they desire.

Hiring a professional interior designer or staging company may be money well spent for you to get the price you desire.  See the guest post below for the top tips to get your home in shape prior to being put on the sales market. [Read more…]