I tried really hard to invent lyrics for a roller cover tune. The words “Wooster Pro Doo Z” just didn’t seem to flow with any music I could think of. Maybe rap or hip-hop? Hmmm…
So feeling melodically challenged, I gave up on the song thing and decided to just write about this roller cover instead.
Along with a great brush like a Corona, it is very important to use a quality roller cover when painting.
“Alright,” you say, “Now define quality.”
I had the pleasure of doing a lot of painting over the past few days. Yes, that is correct, I really did say pleasure. Given my passion for painting this should come as no surprise. However this painting session was extra special for one simple reason…
At Seven’s we help people all the time with tips and tricks to make painting easier. Here is a list of things we recommend “not” to do when undertaking a painting project…
Hope you all had a great Easter weekend! I am a bit full from Peeps and ham but still felt compelled to share my Top Ten Indicators that Spring is Here (finally):
courtesy of vrbo.com
It is almost that time of year again. The snow is was finally melting. The birds are chirping. The sun is out a bit more and the days are getting longer. Amazing what a little extra sunshine can do for your mood! (Not to mention how it tends to, ahem, highlight a few of your home’s exterior imperfections.) It is never to early to think about painting the outside of your house. Some touch up here and there or maybe even a whole new color scheme can really make you feel better about your home’s curb appeal.
I have pulled together a collection of homes and color schemes for you to consider.
Pinebrook Green 490
Need a little color in your life? Check out these inspirational rooms painted with Benjamin Moore paints…
Fashion accessories make an outfit complete. From that perfect hobo bag, layered strands of beads, an ultra soft pashmina scarf to a killer pair of shoes there is no doubt adding that special piece can make you feel like a fashionista…
Wallpaper does the same for your home.
I have a new color crush and Blue, it’s you.
For years I have put you at the bottom of my color repertoire. Why? I’m not really sure. Maybe it had to do with your ‘countrified’ version which lasted way too long. Just thinking about you and all that mauve gives me the chills…
Finding ways to make your kids rooms interesting and functional is not always easy. It is especially difficult when you have pre teens at home who would like nothing better than to paint everything black.
If you have a fan in your home (like I do, Madison you know who you are) here are some decorating ideas for you.
Every year as a designer, I wait with eager anticipation for Benjamin Moore’s Color Pulse–color forecast. I love knowing what colors and design elements will be popular over the next year. The color professionals at Benjamin Moore spend a lot of time and effort pulling together the elements of their forecast and it is always so interesting to watch for their predictions to become reality. Traveling to all areas of the world, they pay very close attention to the social, cultural and economic influences in those areas and in ours. This spring and throughout the year 2011, their color predictions are based on 4 main themes, that of Farm, Order, Escape and Tribe.
I am going to let you in on a little secret. Shh! Okay here goes…
I am a self proclaimed paint addict but I won’t be appearing on that new ‘Strange Addictions’ show anytime soon (it seems they don’t want people who don’t eat what they’re addicted to).
Anyway, I do love painting but don’t love the idea of having to apply 4 coats to get the walls covered. Somewhere around coat number 3 I start getting a little testy. I don’t love paint that is so sticky you can’t roll it. I despise paint that splatters everything in somewhat close proximity to the roller. I can’t stand paint that looks like plastic. And I really detest any paint that makes my painting job more difficult! So, it is totally worth it to me to spend the extra money and get a great product which translates into a much better painting experience.
How much extra $$? Not as much as you would think.
Did you know premium paint only costs about 15 cents per square foot?
courtesy of flickr creative commons
It can be a challenge to know what to do with a foyer. Stairways, railings and high ceilings make them very difficult to contend with. Most people will hire a professional painting contractor to do the work which makes the pressure to find a great color even more important.
I have always felt a foyer or entry should give a welcoming feel and set the stage for the rest of the home. No matter what your style there is a wall color that will work for you…
courtesy of freshhome.com
Could we have a harder group of people to decorate for than the teenaged male?
They are not exactly outspoken when it comes to the decor of their rooms. In fact most of the teenaged guys I know tend to shrug and mumble, “I don’t know…whatever…” Don’t be fooled. They really do care they just don’t want to talk about it.
They have long out grown their cutesy themed rooms. They may appear indifferent to the whole design thing but they really do want a comfortable space for hanging out or studying or they may want a space to reflect their various current interests. Over the years I have had requests from guys (reluctantly dragged into Seven’s with their parents) ranging from an all black room to a room with different colors on every wall to giant sports murals to snowboarding wallpaper.
Many of us as parents would draw the line at an all black room though. Sorry guys.
But I have come up with a few different ideas for you.
What paint colors are popular here in West Michigan? I have been keeping a list of the colors my customers fall in love with and wanted to share them with you–just in case you’re curious about what color might be in your neighbor’s living room!! (The color swatches shown in this post will look much better in person so be sure to stop by Seven’s to check them out)
When many of us were growing up did we ever think we would be parents — let alone parents of pre – teens? Yikes! I know I never pictured it for myself that’s for sure.
My mother’s words have often come back to haunt me, “You just wait! Someday your kids will act the same way.”
Some days life is like a field full of land mines. You never know what you may say that will send off the fireworks. It is great for everyone if the pre-teen in the family has a neutral corner or bedroom to retreat to.
I remember enjoying the Chronicles of Narnia when I was younger and I think it is great how those books have stood the test of time. My own kids have read them and loved the cinematic interpretations too.
If your pre-teen is like mine, why not give them a room that reflects their interests (fleeting as they may be) ?
Got ugly wallpaper? (courtesy of photobucket)
I am a pushover when it comes to helping friends out with their projects. A friend recently purchased a house that needs a lot of work. Initially she called me to help her figure out her paint colors and before I knew it I committed myself to helping remove all kinds of wallpaper from her walls. “How did that happen?” I wondered dazedly after I left. How did she rope me into stripping wallpaper of all things?
It must have been the sob story about how busy she is and how she can’t possibly get it all accomplished. About how she hasn’t a clue how to go about it and wouldn’t want to mess up the walls.
Or it could have been the fact that I secretly like to strip wallpaper.
“WHAT? You like to strip wallpaper?”
courtesy of InteriOr.com
Sleek and smooth, slick and glossy, a modern kitchen always looks neat and orderly.
Stainless steel. Modern range hoods. Glass tile accents. Slick high gloss cabinetry. Solid surfaces. Clean, sharp lines. Crisp colors.
No fingerprints… (insert wistful sigh here) maybe someday… Here are a few modern kitchens that are hard to resist:
image courtsey of Kent County Dept. of Public Works
We get a lot of questions about what to do with left-over paints.
Surprisingly, left-over LATEX or WATERBASED paints can be dried out and tossed in your normal trash. We sell packets of paint hardener which you add to a partially filled gallon of paint. After a few days it should be dry enough to dispose of.
SOLVENT BASED or OIL BASED paints must never be placed in the trash but instead disposed of safely with the Kent County Department of Public Works.
Click on the link below to view the scheduled times available for free drop off of your household hazardous waste…
Kent County Department of Public Works
1500 Scribner N.W., Grand Rapids, MI 49504
616-366-2501 or 1-888-217-2850
Outside of Kent County, please contact your Department of Public Works for information about similar programs or click on the links below for more information.
click here to get a list by county across the state of Michigan
Thank you for taking care of our environment!!
A few posts back I was going over some options for my dining room. I couldn’t decide between wallpaper or just paint or using Metallic Plaster. After much deliberation I finally made up my mind.
Ta Da!! Metallic Plaster!
CL Designs Kaleidascope
Winter. Blah. Michigan. Double Blah…
I don’t mean to offend those of you who love the snow but I rather enjoyed our respite last month from the white stuff. However this being Michigan, deep down I knew it wasn’t going to last long.
I suppose being stuck inside is a good thing. It has given me time to take a look around at my walls and consider changing a thing or two.
Instead of overexerting myself by shoveling the driveway, I think I’ll get a work out by taking home a bunch of wallpaper books and figuring out a plan for my house.
If you are looking for a great pick me up this winter consider some of these beautiful wallpaper patterns. I have paired them with paint colors if you need ideas for coordinating some other areas around your house…
