START WITH A SPRING CLEAN

Image:  Robin Jonathan Deutsch

It’s inevitable that outdoor spaces will collect dust, leaves, the occasional cobweb, etc. Start fresh by giving your porch a good clean. Don’t forget the ceiling and any ceiling fans. Hose down anything that can handle it, then wipe down any furniture or décor, clean the glass of any light fixtures, and blow the dust off any wreath or door décor. Once it’s all clean, check for any repairs that might be needed. And then make them, of course.

ADD SOME COLOR

Image: BloomingDIYer

Plants are always a good way to brighten up a porch or entry. Depending on the style of your porch and your personal taste, splash out on some colorful pots of seasonal blooms, fluffy green ferns or elegant succulents for a modern vibe. (Hint: if you have a black thumb, artificial succulents look lifelike and need even less water than the real thing.)

Before you head to the garden center, though, look at your actual porch structure. How’s that color scheme working for you? Does anything need a fresh coat of paint? What about an unexpected color on the roof, if your porch has one, or a painted rug on the floor. You might even add some drama with a painted runner on your steps, like the one pictured. You’ll find how-to’s with plenty of pictures on BloomingDIYer.com

PUT OUT THE WELCOME MAT

Image:  Amazon

Literally! Or the welcome rug, if you prefer. If your old mat has seen better days, maybe it’s time to retire it to the back door or garage entrance and welcome guests with a fresh new look. Size matters—if your door has sidelights, designers say your doormat should go all the way across. If you can’t find a mat that size that suits your style, try the trendy layered look—a mat on top of a rug. Make sure you don’t inadvertently cause a tripping hazard, though. That’s not the way anyone wants to make an entrance into your home.

ARRANGE THE FURNITURE

Image:  TimberTech

You’re certainly welcome to set a row of rocking chairs side-by-side, Cracker Barrel-style, but consider the advantages of placing your seating in conversational groupings instead. A variety of cushions is a great, budget-friendly way to change up your look for the season or special occasions. Don’t forget to make a place to set your beverage of choice, or even a full-on dining spot if you have the space. Is a table, bookshelf, stool, or other piece of furniture languishing away in a dark corner of your home? Consider upcycling it with a coat of paint and using it as a plant stand or beverage station.

ADD ACCESSORIES

Image: Thomas Park

This is where your personal style can really shine through. Welcome signs, door wreaths, flags, even the containers you choose for plants all offer hints to the personality of your home and the people who live there. If you’re stuck on where to start, think about the style of your entrance. Does it ooze Southern charm? Down-home pieces that don’t scream “NEW” will look just right. Is your home more formal? There are many elegant options, from topiaries to lanterns to statues. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that makes you happy—and if it’s seasonal, remember to swap it out when the season changes.

Once your porch is prepped and ready, take some time to admire your handiwork.  Pour yourself a drink, pull up a chair and relax. After all, that’s what Southern front porches are all about.

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1. HAVE A SEAT

Image:  Williams Sonoma Home

Whether you’re dining alfresco or just want to chill, you’re probably going to want to sit down at some point. The more comfortable your seat, the more pleasant your experience will be. Consider style as well as comfort: are you a fan of classic wicker or Adirondack styles or do you prefer a modern or bohemian vibe? Your furniture should complement, not compete with, your overall look.

2. THROW DOWN A RUG

Image:  Overstock.com  

It wasn’t so long ago that the idea of putting a rug outdoors for any reason other than cleaning it was unheard of. Nowadays it’s probably more common than not—and there’s a reason for that. Adding a rug can make your outdoor room feel more like a ‘regular’ room. It defines a space, anchors furniture arrangements, and adds a feeling of coziness. Bonus: if your deck gets a lot of sun, a rug will feel better on bare feet than hot boards.  Tips on how to choose an outdoor rug.

3. ADD A SPLASH OF COLOR

Image:  MidwestLiving

As with your furniture, the colors you choose will depend on your personal style. Do you want a space that’s fun and funky, one that coordinates with your landscape, maybe one that features your favorite team’s colors? Nothing brightens up a space like a pop of color. An easy and economical way to add color is with accessories like candles, pots, plants, pillows and art work.

4. SET THE MOOD (LIGHTING)

Image: Ann Living via the spruce

Nothing sets ambience like lighting. Adding lights will do more than just illuminate your space—though they’re good for that, too, of course. The right lighting can turn your everyday deck into a magical retreat. While string lights are always popular, don’t neglect lanterns, candles, path lighting and other options.

5. FIRE IT UP

Image: WoodlandDirect.com

Humans have been gathering around fires since…well, probably since we discovered fire. While a grill is one thing—and a very good thing, too—there’s something almost hypnotic about watching flames, even when you don’t have a marshmallow handy. An outdoor fireplace is a fantastic gathering space, but so is a fire pit or its smaller, tabletop cousin, the fire bowl. Safety first: be sure to check the manufacturer’s requirements and your city’s code before putting any type of fire pit on your deck.

However you enjoy your outdoor space, hope you have fun out there!

The post 5 WAYS TO DRESS UP YOUR DECK THIS SUMMER appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.

If your home doesn’t have shutters, step one may be to add them—or you can consider these colors for your door and/or trim instead. Before you make any decisions, check out these options and see which one might be perfect for your home.

BLACK

Image:  Brick & Batten

The most popular shutter color, black is a classic, especially for brick homes. It’s also, according to Brick & Batten, “the perfect companion for lighter grays and whites.” (FYI, their pick was Black Beauty by Benjamin Moore.) They also advise “painting the front door and garage doors the same color as the shutters” and adding matching black accents like the planters and light fixtures shown here to bring a “cohesive vibe” to your home.

WHITE

Image:  Shutterland

Another popular choice, especially for houses where the body of the house is a contrasting color. (White shutters on a white house would be hard to see, which defeats the purpose of adding a design feature.) For homes with brick or non-white colors, white shutters are a clean, timeless look. Bonus:  they can make windows look and feel larger.

NAVY

Image:  Chrissy Marie Blog

On the other hand, if your home is white and black seems a little too harsh, how about a crisp navy blue? It’s also a classic, particularly when paired with a red front door for a little patriotic flair. For more beautiful blue and white combos, check out this post.

A DARKER SHADE OF YOUR HOUSE COLOR

Image:  Photo by Binyamin Mellish

“Another hot trend,” according to Georgia Front Porch, “is staying within the same color family for accent hues.” A more subtle look than some of the others, this kind of understated pairing may be just what your home needs.

ANY COLOR YOU LOVE

Image:  Shutterland

It’s your house: you can paint your shutters any color you think complements the look of your home. The shutter police will not come calling. The HOA, maybe, but you’ll have that conversation before you whip out the paintbrush…right?

NATURAL WOOD

Image:  Lowes

Maybe the best color for your shutters isn’t a paint color at all, but one found in nature. Wood tones like the cedar shutters shown here add warmth and pair well with styles from farmhouse to mid-century to modern.

NONE

Image:  Behr

Here’s a thought:  Maybe your house doesn’t need a different color of shutters…maybe it doesn’t need shutters at all. Consider removing them and painting the trim a contrasting color for a fresh, clean look.

Whatever color you choose, we’d be happy to help turn that paint chip into reality. Request a consultation today.

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BLACK

Image: Charles Parker on Pexels

Black is a perennial favorite and, according to a recent study by Zillow, could even increase the selling price of your home by more than $6,000. If a classic black door is your goal, opt for a high-gloss paint; it adds depth and dimension to help your door avoid looking dull and drab.

BLUE

Image:  Dutch Boy

Blues and their moods range from light cheery aqua to traditional navy and everything in between. Lighter blues often give off a fresh, coastal vibe while darker blues can denote respectability and peace. Blue offers so many shades to choose from there’s bound to be a blue out there for you. 

GREEN

Image:  Window World of Connecticut

The color of balance and renewal according to Feng Shui, green is a friendly nature-inspired color. It can be calm and relaxing (think soft sage), bold and bright (neon lime, anyone?) or welcoming but stately (like all those doors in Charleston, SC).

YELLOW

Image:  Benjamin Moore

It doesn’t get more cheerful than a sunny yellow, which is particularly appealing against a dark-colored home (like gray or blue). Bonus:  yellow plays well with homes of many styles, from farmhouse to mid-century modern.

CORAL / ORANGE

Image:  Sherwin Williams

If yellow is a little too plain for your liking, warm it up a notch with coral or orange. Coral pairs well with warm neutral house colors like cream, yellow, or warm light gray. Orange is especially pleasing with dark gray, navy or black exteriors.

RED

Image:  Home Stratosphere

Taking one more step around the color wheel, red is another classic door color. When choosing your shade, pay attention to the undertones—there’s a big difference between heritage red and sun dried tomato, to name just two. For a fun read about the history of red front doors, check out this article from Apartment Therapy.

WHITE

Image: PPG Paints

If the body of your house is not white, white or cream are safe colors—but safe doesn’t always mean boring. According to PPG Paints, “pairing [neutral colors] purposefully with the surrounding palette can create elegant, modern beauty.” The “purposeful” part of the pairing is important. Get it wrong and your door may disappear into the walls, which could pose a problem for guests and delivery folks alike.

The next time you stand in the yard staring at your front door to picture it in different colors—and you know you will—take a minute to look at the rest of your house. Does your trim or siding need a fresh coat of paint? When you’re ready to paint anything from doors to trim to a whole-house paint job, request a consultation and we’ll turn that picture in your head into reality.

The post FIRST IMPRESSIONS: 7 FRONT DOOR COLORS TO UPDATE YOUR ENTRY appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.

1. ASSESS THE SITUATION

First things first: take a good look at your house, including the roof. Your trim color will need to play well with both your brick and roof colors. Do you want to go light or dark? Blend in or contrast? As with most design decisions, beware of going too “matchy-matchy” so your house doesn’t end up looking like a big brown—or red, pink, tan or orange—blob.

2. DO SOME RECON

Take a walk or drive and scope out what other people have done. When you see a house with the same color brick as yours, study the trim (discreetly, so you don’t freak out the neighbors). Or do the same thing virtually with Pinterest or Houzz.  After a while, you’ll get a sense of what you like and don’t like, which will give you direction on where to go next.

3. PAY ATTENTION TO THE UNDERTONES

All brick is not the same, not even if it’s the same color family. Some shades are warm while some are cool. Even if you’re not a fan of your brick color, ignore its undertones at your peril. As designer Kylie Mawdsley says, “if you ignore its preferences, NOTHING will look good – you gotta work with whatcha got!”  

4.  PICK A COLOR FROM YOUR BRICK

Most bricks are not one flat color. Take a brick to the paint store and find swatches that match one of the colors in it. If you don’t have a spare brick, grab a bunch of swatches and do the same at home. If you decided you like light trim, match the lightest color in your brick. If dark trim holds more appeal, match the darkest color. See? It’s not as hard as you thought.

5.  TESTING 1…2…3

Before you commit to a color that might not look as great as you think it will, buy a sample of your favorite or even your top two or three. Paint a large posterboard or two and tape them up on your house where you can see it in context. Batchelder and Collins suggest you “walk out to the street and look at it during different times of the day; depending on where the sun is in the sky, the color can take on different hues and tones.”

6.  STILL NOT SURE?

Better Homes & Gardens offers a list of “Best Exterior Colors for Brick” for brick that’s red, orange, neutral or white that might help you feel more comfortable about  your choice. Plus, you can request a consultation and we’ll send someone out to talk to you about what you’re looking for. Consultations are free! Request yours today.

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1. Go with Contrast

Make a statement with some black-and-white contrast. A black or dark gray paint color could be the ticket to giving your home a minimal but bold entryway.

2. Make It Monochromatic

Sometimes being a little matchy-matchy is a good thing. If you love a clean look, a monochrome palette is the way to go.

3. A Warm Pop of Color

If you want to add some warmth to a lighter exterior, a warm red could be the right “welcome-in” for your family and guests.

4. A Calming Cool Tone

Like a warm pop of color, a cool blue or green can provide an immediate calm-cool-and-collected vibe to anyone entering your home.

Looking for help with your next home design project? Our ProTek Painting Services Team is safely serving Middle Tennessee right now, and we’d love to help! Reach out for your consultation and estimate today.

The post Enhance Your Curb Appeal With One Weekend Project appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.

By addressing these 5 things, you’ll instantly make your home more appealing to buyers so you can sell it for top dollar in a flash.

1. Focus on curb appeal.

 According to a study done by Michigan State University, a home with landscaping and effort put into curb appeal can increase perceived home value by 5 to 11%. The study says it all. Curb appeal will help you sell your home faster! A few things to consider to upgrade your home’s curb appeal include fresh landscaping, painting your front door, redoing your walkway, and cleaning your roof and gutters. And for the biggest, most dramatic effect, give your house a power wash and a fresh coat of paint. Find more tips on upping your curb appeal right here.

2. Update your kitchen/bathroom.

The saying is true. Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes. If these rooms are outdated, it will make your whole home feel as though it needs a major overhaul. By making changes like new appliances, granite countertops, or a fresh coat of paint on your cabinets, you can potentially increase your home profits by thousands of dollars. Try to look at your kitchen and bathroom from an outside perspective and be honest with yourself about what needs to be done to sell your home for top dollar.

3. Paint your house in neutral colors.

While it may have been tempting to paint your living room your favorite shade of green or make your son’s room that bright blue shade you saw in a magazine, bold color choices don’t allows bode well when it’s time to sell. By choosing neutral paint shades like whites, grays, and beiges for your listing photos, you allow the potential buyer to envision their own designs in your home. Consider fresh neutral paint throughout your home to attract the largest amount of buyers.

4. Declutter and organize.

If you’ve lived in your home for more than a few years, chances are it is full of stuff. That’s why decluttering is one of the most important things you’ll do before selling your home. Homebuyers are always looking for storage and space when viewing properties. Empty shelves and closets will help them to feel there is space for all of their needs. Rooms without clutter will also make your house look more spacious. So take a look around your home and start moving out things that can be donated or thrown away.

5. Light it up!

Last but not least, the lighting in your home matters! If you have the budget, update light fixtures throughout your home to ensure rooms are well-lit. Make sure windows are in good condition as well. The brighter your spaces, the larger your rooms will feel, and the more inviting your home will be overall. Don’t forget to light it up!

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As you decide which house projects to pursue, remember that you want to interest as many buyers as possible. Neutral design schemes will appeal to more people. Unsure of what steps to take before selling your home? Talk with a local realtor. Then reach out to our ProTek Painting Services team to get your house ready to list. Good luck, and happy house selling! 

The post 5 Projects You Must Tackle Before Selling Your Home appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.

For spring and summer 2020, we’ve rounded up 5 essential house projects that are more than worth your time and money. Our ProTek Professional Painting team serves Middle Tennessee including Franklin, Spring Hill, Nashville, and more. Would you like a free consultation for your next project? Reach out to us today!

Refresh A Room With Paint

You had to know this would be our #1! If you’re on a tight budget or short on time, a fresh coat of paint in your home will still do wonders for your space. Go light and bright to make your home feel more spacious, or bold and daring to show off your unique style. The sky really is the limit. For some color scheme inspiration to get you started, check out some of our latest blog posts here and here.

Give Your Fence A Fresh Look

When someone mentions curb appeal, your mind probably jumps to the color of your home, the flowers in your flowerbed, or maybe even the nice wreath on your door. But one factor of curb appeal that lots of people tend to miss? The condition of your fencing! Not only do fences mark your property lines, but they can also do double duty to beautify your space. Painting, staining, or sealing your fence will be well worth the time and effort, whether you tackle the job yourself or hire a professional.

Stain Your Deck

Homeowners often tend to skip out on regular care and upkeep for their decks and patios. This can lead to dangerous decay. Don’t let your deck fade, split, or rot! Early summer is the perfect time to sand, stain, and protect your outdoor structures so that you can enjoy them safely for the year to come. Don’t skip out on this important aspect of your home’s maintenance.

Reimagine Your Home’s Exterior

Have you ever wished your house was a different shade? Could your current house exterior use a little sprucing up? This is an excellent time to tackle a larger scale project like repainting your home! Whether your house is stucco, brick, or any other material, our ProTek team would be more than happy to work with you on your vision through a free consultation.

Schedule A Pressure Wash

If the exterior of your home needs a refresh but not a full paint job, look no further than a pressure wash. Pressure washing provides a quick and easy way to remove dirt and residue from the elements, and instantly restore your home’s prime curb appeal. Pressure washers can be purchased or rented from your local home improvement store. You can also hire a local expert to help you tackle the job. (We recommend hiring help for multi-story homes.)

Focus on Landscaping and Outdoor Decor

As the weather warms up, you’ll probably spend a lot more time outdoors. So why not bring the comfort and beauty of home along with you? Choose some comfortable waterproof seating that expresses your family’s unique style. Select some plants, flowers, outdoor rugs, or even string lights to add warmth and depth to your home’s outdoor areas. Then, kick your feet up and enjoy!

So there you have it! These are just five easy ways to inject a dose of new life into your home this summer. Which of these house projects would you most like to tackle? And do you have any additional ones you would add to the list?

Are you in Middle Tennessee and need a free quote for your next home improvement project? Contact our ProTek Painting Services team!

The post Staying Home? These 5 House Projects Are Worth Your Time appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.

If you live in a stucco home, it’s important to note that the care of your property will be a little different than other materials like brick or siding. For instance, while stucco can be incredibly durable and easy to customize, it can also have a brittle finish and crack over time. It’s also only considered a low maintenance option when it is damage-free and installed correctly.

Need help with cleaning or other maintenance on your stucco home in middle Tennessee? Our Protek Team is licensed and experienced, and we’d love to partner with you.

Ready to get inspired? If you’re looking for a fresh new look for your stucco house for spring and summer, here are 7 exterior stucco paint jobs that will help! 

1. Consider the brightest blues for major impact.

2. Don’t be afraid to go dark!

3. You can’t go wrong with a timeless, classic white.

4. Perk things up with pink for a coastal vibe.

5. Choose a basic cream and focus on the accents.

6. There’s nothing bland about grayscale.

7. Bright and sunny shades are perfect for spring.

Which of these stucco paint jobs are your personal favorites? We’d love to hear from you on our Facebook or Instagram pages!

Are you in the Middle Tennessee area and looking to hire a painting company for your next exterior or interior paint job? Reach out to our Protek Team right here for your free consultation!

The post Get Inspired With These 7 Stucco Paint Jobs appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.

Have you been needing to clean or pressure wash your Nashville-area home? Are you ready to hire a local painter to paint and redesign your home or office space? This just might be the perfect time of year to finally gather some inspiration and tackle that big undertaking. 

If your project at hand is an interior or exterior paint job, our ProTek Painting team can always help! We’ve gathered up some design inspiration from around our hometown of Franklin, TN – Williamson County, to inspire your upcoming project. Which of these Tennessee-inspired design looks are your favorites? 

Moody Hues at Biscuit Love

If you’re looking for some color inspiration for your home, look no further than the Biscuit Love location in Downtown Franklin! This restaurant has been painted with inspiring, cool tones throughout that would also work great anywhere from a bedroom, to a living room or bathroom in your home.

Wood and Brick Tones at Honest Coffee

If you live in Williamson County and you love coffee, then you’ve probably made a stop here. Honest Coffee mixes simple white paint with brick and wood details that bring a moody yet inviting vibe to the overall space. We love this as inspiration for a family room or man cave in any home!

Painted brick in Downtown Franklin

Downtown Franklin brings all the old charm of days gone by into the 21st century. We especially love the mix of painted and neutral bricks you’ll find throughout the strip, bringing visual interest and richness to the area.

Funky tile and textures at Mojos Tacos

Have you stopped in to visit Mojo Tacos? Not only is the food excellent, but the restaurant itself is also very inspiring if you enjoy design. From vibrant Mexican inspired paint colors to unique tile details, there are endless amounts of inspiration to be found in this space.

All White with Rustic Details at White’s Mercantile

White on white isn’t always a bad thing! At White’s Mercantile, crisp white tones and eclectic details create an overall feeling that is warm and inviting in their storefront. Want to bring a bit of this design style into your own home? Look for warm white tones and unique pieces that work together to create an overall charming effect.

Which of these Williamson County design looks do you love? Let us know in the comments below!

And when you’re ready to start your next painting project, be sure to reach out and get your personalized consultation from our ProTek Painting Services team right here.

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