Let’s have a show of hands: Who loves watching a design show where a home transforms from blah to beautiful with the help of sledgehammers, custom everything and TV magic? Now, who really wants to go through all that in real life, in your real home, using your real money?

Here’s a thought: Before you pony up for a complete gut job, take a hot minute to consider if paint is all you need. Paint can be a transformational, budget-friendly update that is both faster and easier than a remodel (especially if we do the painting for you). Paint can make your place look…

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Image: Benjamin Moore

Here’s one example: it’s easier to bring your kitchen into this century than you might think. Those dark wood cabinets that were all the rage in the nineties will look completely different painted in a beautiful color. That stark, all-white kitchen might just need a little bit of color to make it more inviting. Would you go with something subtle like Benjamin Moore’s Steep Cliff Gray (pictured above), or amp up the drama with a bold contrasting color?

BRIGHTER

Image: Behr

Now that we’ve survived the umpteen shades of grey era, isn’t it time to bring a little more color into our homes? It doesn’t have to hurt your eyes; a calm-but-interesting color combo like Behr’s Dainty Lace and Urban Nature (pictured) is lighter and brighter without being obnoxious about it.

P.S. Did you notice that the closet doors in the image do not match either the trim or walls, making the closet look like a custom built-in?

COZIER

Image: ProTek

Light and bright is not always the answer; dark can be elegant, inviting and cozy. A moody color can make a room feel like a hug. But before you go to the dark side, consider the amount of light in the room. In the one pictured above—a recent ProTek project—the dark walls are balanced by the big window, light floors and built-in cabinet. Even if you’re going for a cave or speakeasy vibe, you’ll want to make sure you can see where you’re going so you don’t trip over the furniture.

FRESHER

Image: ProTek

Sometimes your current color is already perfect, it’s just showing signs of age. Colors fade; nicks happen. A fresh coat of the existing color can make a surprising amount of difference. If your walls are still good, a new coat or color on your trim might be just what you need.

MORE ‘YOU’

Image: Sherwin Williams

Just because your walls are a “perfectly good color” doesn’t mean it’s perfect for you. If it doesn’t make your heart sing, paint over it. The paint police will not come to take you away. Pictured: Fresh Eucalyptus from Sherwin Williams.

When it comes to home decorating, paint is your friend and so are we. If your home needs a fresh coat or color, for whatever reason, contact us for a consultation. We’ll harness the power of paint and put it to work for you.

If you’re not ready for a remodel but you’re really hankering to break something, try a rage room where you can smash things to your heart’s content (and someone else handles the cleanup).