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Spruce up a Room with a New Coat of Paint

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Sherwin Williams Color Picker

Sherwin Williams Color Picker

Paint is one of the easiest ways to change the look of a room, but figuring out how to start can be intimidating. Fear not, here are few tips to get you headed in the right direction and paint-ready in no time:

1. Choose a color: Color sets the tone of the entire home. Try selecting a color that not only makes you feel good, but also compliments the rest of your decor. A good way to test a color is to use Sherwin William’s color picker. That way, you can get an idea of how the color will look in your own room.

2. Plan: Planning to paint might seem like a hassle, but missing this crucial step could lead to poor results. Selecting the right finish and tools will not only make the painting much easier, but also less time consuming.

3. Prepare: Some walls may require priming and others might need some minor repairs before paint can be applied. Preparing the surface first can reduce the amount of coats needed for the project.

4. Clean up: Don’t forget to clean as you go. Once paint has dried, stains are much harder to eliminate. Also, pouring paint down the drain is not recommended. Instead, check with your local waste collector to ask how to dispose of paint properly.

Want to learn more? More tips and tricks can be found on the Sherwin Williams Web site.

Jessica Scheufler

Janine’s Tip of the Week #1: Design Homework

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KitchenAre you considering redecorating or remodeling, and yet have no idea how you want the space to look? Are you completely unsure of your own style?

Before calling your interior designer, start by doing a little homework.  I always give my clients a little research project: Go to your favorite bookstore and invest in 3-5 design magazines in your project category. Are you interested in kitchen remodel? Are you interested in a fabulous new great room or are you focused on your master bedroom?

By diving into a few magazines and creating a scrapbook of your favorites, you are sure to tell your favorite designer a lot about the look you have in your heart. Just by looking at someone’s favorite tear outs, it’s easy for me to see what is consistent.

And remember, decorating is a FUN and exciting process. Enjoy the peace of mind a professional can bring to the process of successful interior design.

Janine Terstriep

Fun with Faux: A New Kind of Area Rug

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A faux rug is cheaper and easier to clean than a real rug and you can customize the pattern and color to match your room Courtesy of HGTV.com

A faux rug is cheaper and easier to clean than a real rug and you can customize the pattern and color to match your room. Courtesy of HGTV.com

Ever feel like there’s just something missing from a room despite your best decorative efforts? The space is furnished beautifully, some of your favorite contemporary art work is peppered throughout and you’ve even recently put that fresh coat of Lemon Meringue paint on the walls.

Yet, still, the place craves something fixed, something permanent that surpasses the mobile ornaments. If this sounds like you, check out one of the newest home décor trends that’s sure to solve the problem of filling that empty space: painted faux area rugs. These splendid little creations bring depth and character to any area imaginable, be it a front porch stoop, a pool patio deck or a game room. Using a variety of different techniques, the patterns are usually created by an artist or designer on paper, scaled to fit the desired floor space and then, using a number of materials including tape, stencils, fabric, wood or even string, are painted on virtually any flat surface to create an impressive “rug.” And the best part is that it’s permanent, and customizable to fit your taste! Click here for more information on painted faux area rugs.

By Natasha Khairullah

Tips from Janine: Kitchen Remodeling

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ciacco kitchen

Decorative Touch, Leawood kitchen remodel

Are you considering a kitchen remodel?
Kitchen remodeling can be one of the most rewarding renovations a homeowner can do! Not only does it add the most value to your home, but it is the most used space in the home and you see immediate personal results to your renovation. The experts tell us the return on investment is highest on a kitchen remodel. However, if you live in the home during your renovation, be prepared for some challenges. It can be very difficult to “give up” your kitchen for 2–­3 months during your remodeling process. And no matter what your best plans are, there are always one or two small challenges along the way and being without your kitchen does seem to be the hardest on all homeowners.

What to expect
That being said, we suggest that you find the right contractor. Someone you are completely comfortable with and discuss all your expectations and deadlines upfront. Also, be sure to have an interior designer involved so that all your beautiful finishes compliment each other and your kitchen functions exactly the way you are hoping it will. Designers make the process much less stressful and help guide you along the way.

As a rule of thumb, it’s reasonable to spend about 10%–15% of your home value on your kitchen renovation. If done well, you can expect to get 75–80% of that investment back when you go to resell your home.

It’s a big step to remodel a kitchen, but also a BIG reward! Have you got the courage?

Call your designer today!

Janine