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…

UPDATED

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).

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BEFORE YOU HEAD TO THE PAINT STORE

Image: Cottonbro Studio, Pexels

Take a long hard look at the room you want to paint. Is it on the north or south side of your home? North-facing rooms tend to get cooler color of light, so colors with a warm undertone generally look better. The opposite applies to south-facing rooms. Speaking of light, does your room get a lot of the natural kind or do you rely on artificial lighting? That will also affect the way a color looks.

Now you’re ready to dive into the world of color. Once you’ve found some you like, it’s time to …   

GO HOME AND GO BIG

Image: Angi.com

Don’t even think about making a final decision on a wall color from a tiny square on a paint color card. That’s a good place to start, but once you’ve narrowed it down to a few favorites, you’ll need something bigger. Many paint companies have apps that allow you to upload a photo of your room and virtually paint it. That’s a great way to narrow the field but remember that the color on the screen may not be an exact match to the color in real life.

You can buy stick-on color samples (like giant Post-it notes) that are about a foot square. You can move them around without leaving marks on your wall, but the texture won’t be the same as your wall, and texture matters. The best option? Buy a sample or quart of your top contenders and paint a big ol’ area of each of your walls—like two-to-four feet tall and wide big. Then, once you’ve got some color on your wall …

TAKE YOUR TIME

Image: Natalie Vaitkevich, Pexels

First, give your sample area(s) time to dry. You might need two coats depending on the current color. Then live with it for at least a couple of days. Why? Your mood can affect the way you see the color. Other members of the household may have opinions that could sway yours. You could change your mind. Remember, paint in haste, repent in leisure. While you’re pondering your choice …

LIGHT IT UP

Image: Pixabay

Study your color options at different times of day and in different lights. Daylight vs. artificial. Morning vs afternoon. It can make a huge difference. The color that makes your heart sing in the morning may become a “what was I thinking?” shade by evening. Finally …

BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR

Image: Blogspot

Are there other colors in adjacent rooms that can be seen from this one? Will your new color play well with the one “next door” or will it clash? If contrast is what you want, that’s perfectly fine. Just make sure you know how much contrast you’re getting to avoid a shocking surprise.

Don’t worry, you’ve got this. It’s just paint, after all. When you’ve made a decision and you’re ready to take the plunge, contact us to take your chosen color from dream to done.

The post HOW TO AVOID BUYER’S REMORSE WHEN CHOOSING A PAINT COLOR appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.

WHAT IS A SCULLERY, ANYWAY?

Image: The Funky Kitchen

Once upon a time, aristocrats (think Bridgerton or Downton Abbey) had a) big houses and b) lots of staff. Their kitchens were used for actual cooking, while prep work and cleanup happened in another room called the ‘scullery.’ Nowadays, a scullery is an extra space, often right off the kitchen, that serves much the same purpose. It’s what your granny might have called a “back kitchen.” They can be anywhere from enormous to pint-sized, but a proper scullery always includes these three things…

ESSENTIAL ELEMENT #1: STORAGE

Image: Verve Magazine

You might think of a scullery as a pantry but not for food. Instead, it’s a place to store things like small kitchen appliances, extra plates/serving dishes, specialty pans/utensils (like that paella pan you just had to have but only used once), and the like. Bonus: The extra storage allows any open shelves in the “public” kitchen to concentrate on looking pretty while the actual work goes on backstage.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENT #2: COUNTERTOPS

Image: Pinterest

“That’s too much counter space” said no one ever. You can use it to hide that showstopper dessert until you’re ready to wow your guests or as a place to keep/use kitchen workhorses like stand mixers. Bottom line, you need a place to set things down. Otherwise, you’ll just have to turn around and take them back to the kitchen, which defeats the purpose of having a scullery in the first place.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENT #3: SINK

Image: Unique Design

That sexy farmhouse sink in the main kitchen doesn’t look nearly as Insta-worthy when it’s piled with dirty pots and pans. The scullery sink—or the optional-but-useful scullery dishwasher—is the perfect place to hide the mess, so it doesn’t distract from your dinner party. Or your evening of binge-watching. Or whatever it is that you’d rather do than the dishes.

REMEMBER: PRACTICAL CAN BE PRETTY

Image: Apartment Therapy

A scullery is useful, yes, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful—luxurious, even. Since modern-day sculleries don’t, alas, come with a scullery maid, you should make it a space you enjoy being in. This could be the perfect place for that bold color you love but didn’t want in a bigger space. Since it’s smaller than the main kitchen, it’s more cost-effective to add a higher-end backsplash or countertop here. Even a little bit of bling can make cleanup feel less like drudgery and more like TLC for your things.

So, what do you think? Is a scullery in your future?

The post KITCHEN TREND: THE RETURN OF THE SCULLERY appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.

Whether it’s a dedicated space the size of a Manhattan apartment or tucked in the corner of another room, here are some thoughts on how to make your mudroom uniquely your own.

HIDE IT IN PLAIN SIGHT

Image: Inspiration for Home

News flash: a mudroom doesn’t have to be an actual room. If space is an issue, create a spot by the door that serves the same purpose. You don’t have to invest in custom cabinetry or fancy accessories. Install some hooks or shelves (or both), maybe a place to sit and boom! Instant mudroom. Use paint or wallpaper to visually define the mudroom zone or downplay the area if you prefer it to go unnoticed.

CONVERT A CLOSET

Image: Good Housekeeping

Do you really need a coat closet? Or do you need a mini mudroom with storage space for more than just coats? With a little planning and a few basic accessories, you can probably transform a hall closet into a functional mudroom over a weekend. Whether you remove the door for easy access or keep it to hold more things (and hide any clutter) is completely up to you.

LOCK(ER) IT UP

Image: ApartmentABC.com

Remember how cool it was when you got your first locker? Lockers are still a good way to store things, especially for homes with children. Giving each member of the family a designated space offers a sense of ownership over their spot and—in theory—will help keep them organized. Can lockers turn the morning rush craziness into peace and calm? Probably not, but they can save time by cutting down on the places to look for bags, shoes, etc., so that’s a win.

ADD PERSONALITY

Image: Simon Upton on House Beautiful

Just because a mudroom is functional doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful, too. While a mudroom that’s integrated into another room is often designed to be discreet, feel free to go a little wild with a separate space.  It’s often the first place you see as you enter, so it should welcome you home. Think of it as an opportunity to have a little fun with color or decor that makes you smile.

MAKE IT WORK FOR YOU

Image: Place Ideal

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Families with children need kid-friendly storage. Dog owners need a place to dry a wet pet, hang leashes, etc. Gardeners could use a spot to stash muddy shoes. Before you recreate a picture-perfect mudroom, make sure it will work for the way you’ll actually use it.

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When it’s chilly outside, there’s no better place to be than a nice, warm, cozy kitchen. If your kitchen’s current look leaves you cold, check out the top trends we’re seeing in kitchen colors.

NOT (ALL) WHITE

Image: Pinterest

According to Houzz, all-white kitchens are out and color is in, though the non-white alternatives are a mixed bag of paint colors and wood tones. Off-white still has a place in homeowners’ hearts, as do white upper cabinets paired with wood or colorful lowers.

LEAFY GREENS

Image: The Savvy Folks

Emerald green and other jewel tones are moving away from out of the kitchen spotlight and heading backstage into smaller spaces like pantries and bars. This year, designers are into nature-inspired shades of green that help bring the outside in.

STAINED WOOD

Image: HomemadeGraceful

Likely a continuation of the “bring nature inside” trend we’ve seen over the last few years, stained wood cabinets are moving up the charts. These are not the deep, dark cabinets of the nineties, though, as medium-to-light wood tones are favored.

WARM NEUTRALS

Image: Pinterest

Warm neutrals (think mushroom, stone and putty) are at the top of several lists—and not just for cabinets. Refreshing a kitchen’s walls can make a huge difference at a fraction of the time, effort and cost of changing the cabinet color.

SOFT BLUES

Image: ApartmentABC

Soft blues are also predicted to be popular. It’s no wonder: depending on how and where they’re used, dusty or powder blues can evoke a calm, cottage feel or a cool, modern vibe. And who doesn’t want to feel calm and cool while they’re cooking over a hot stove after a long day?

When you’re ready to spice up your kitchen’s color scheme, contact us for a quote. Together, we can make your kitchen look delicious­­—whether you actually cook in it or not.

The post WHAT’S COOKING IN 2026 KITCHEN COLORS appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.

1. DRAMA!

Image: MyDecorInspo

Simple, clean lines and minimalism are so 2025. This year is all about drama and has Pinterest boards bulging with what MSN calls “Opera Aesthetic.” Think velvet drapes (on windows and beds), tufted furniture, deep jewel tones, and crystal chandeliers. The trend isn’t just for interiors, either, with one architect noting that ornamentation is making its way outside onto buildings. Inside or out, if you want to make your home diva-worthy, all we can say is “Bravo!”

2. NATURAL WOOD

Image: Amazon

The trend toward natural materials is nothing new, but over at Real Simple one designer is calling for “natural finish” (aka unpolished and presumably not stained) wood and other materials that will “develop character over time.” Is that really a design trend or just an excuse for stains, nicks, and scuffs? You decide.

3. RICH COLORS

Image: Tumbler

Never mind Pantone and their “lofty white” color of the year. Word on the design street is we can expect to see more saturated colors adorning walls in 2026—possibly in high gloss and lacquered finishes. If that feels a little bit much, you can dip your toe into this trend with richly colored accessories, like throws, pillows, etc.

4. PERSONALITY

Image: Aulivin

Whether it’s the latest “core” trend—grandma-core seems to be the one in favor at the moment—or the addition of more prints and textures to generic gray rooms, impersonal is out and personality is back. And why not? Shouldn’t a home’s decor reflect the people who live in it? You do you!

5. CURVES

Image: Foter

There’s no doubt that sharp angles and clean lines are striking. However, their appeal may fade when what those edges are striking is your shin, hip or other body part that dared to get in their way. Maybe that’s why curves—especially in accent furniture—are keep popping up in 2026 designs. Rounded chairs, ottomans, and the like soften all those angles and look good doing it. Probably still best to avoid running into them, but if you do, at least it will be less painful.

Will these be the trends that take over magazines and TV design projects? We’ll just have to wait and see. One thing you can count on is that when you have a painting project, we’ll be ready to help make your home look fabulous, whatever you choose.

The post 5 DESIGN TRENDS TO WATCH IN 2026 appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.

GET ORGANIZED (FOR REAL THIS TIME)

Image: Container Store

Try it, you’ll like it! At least, you’ll like the result. If the thought of tackling this kind of project makes you want to go hide under the covers until the urge passes, these hacks for storing your holiday items are a good place to start. Then check out our general tips on organizing for other parts of your home. For extra credit you can tackle the garage.

GO ALL IN WITH COLOR

Image: Marie Flanigan Interiors, photography Julie Soefer

Color drenching—painting walls, trim and ceiling all one color—is a trend that looks like it’s going to stick around and we’re loving it. Before you grab a roller and go to town, you’ll need to make some decisions…like which type of paint to choose. (The sheen can make a big difference to the final look!)

REDECORATE WITH THINGS YOU ALREADY OWN

Image: interiordesign.lovetoknow.com

According to people who track these things, one in five Americans included financial goals in their NY resolutions last year. Here’s one way to save money: before spending shelling out on new décor, shop your house before clicking the “place your order” button. Here’s how.

ADD PIZAZZ TO A CLOSET

Image: Next Luxury

So, your home looks fabulous, but you still have the itch to redecorate something? Or you don’t have the time or money for a big project but would like to do something to add a little flair. Look no further than your closet.

GET PROFESSIONAL HELP

Image: Kaboompics.com

Design help, that is. Sometimes the best design decision you can make for your home is to call in a professional. Before you do, check out these 7 tips for working with an interior designer. FYI, you don’t necessarily have to do your own painting, either. Like mama used to say: just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Why don’t you put down that paintbrush and contact us for a quote?

DECORATE WITH JOY

Image:  Novus Decor

“Love and joy come to you…” the Christmas carol says, and 2026 could be the year for joy to come to your home décor. Ingrid Fetell Lee, designer and author of Joyful: The Surprising Power of Ordinary Things to Create Extraordinary Happiness, says, “A joyful home is the foundation of a joyful life.” See her thoughts on how to make your home joyful.

Happy new year!

The post NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR YOUR HOME appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.

TO HIDE OR NOT TO HIDE

Image: CravingSomeCreativity.com

First things first: Do you want your switches and covers to blend in or stand out? There are good reasons to make a light switch or outlet cover as discreet as possible—and equally good reasons to use them as an opportunity to make a design statement. Which way to go often depends on where it is. If it’s in an awkward place or draws unwanted attention, then blending in is probably best. Paint or wallpaper the covers to match the walls and watch them fade into the background.

On the other hand, if your cover is in a prominent location (or you’re feeling adventurous) then it could be a chance to add a touch of personality. If that sounds more appealing than the semi-invisible route, here are some options to consider:

EMBRACE YOUR DESIGN AESTHETIC

Image: Pinterest

Do you love French country? Art deco? Craftsman style? Cabin chic? Cottagecore? Whatever your design style, there’s a light switch cover out there for you. You can find everything from ornate metal to rustic wood to art glass and more. The problem likely won’t be finding some you like as much as narrowing down your choices. Do a little online searching when you have some time to spare…you’ll be amazed at the wide range of options.

CONSIDER A CONSISTENT FINISH

Image: RoomForTuesday.com

Perhaps you prefer to keep things simple while complementing the rest of your room. Enhance your design with a switch plate and/or outlet cover(s) that tie in with the existing decor. For example: do you have sconces or fixtures that are brass, black, or silver? Match their style and finish for an understated, elegant look.

ADD A LITTLE ART

Image: CreativeKismet

Think of the cover as your canvas. You don’t even have to be an artist: Washi tape or stickers can liven things up, or you could decoupage pretty paper on the cover or even glue on fabric. There are plenty of online videos to show you how.

If you’re not the crafty type, fear not: you can purchase pieces with virtually anything on them from a multitude of online retailers. If you can’t find exactly what you want, you can probably even find someone who will make it for you.

PUSH A BUTTON

If you love the idea of pushbutton light ‘switches,’ you’re not alone. It may not quite be a trend (yet) but there’s a fair amount of chatter about these on design blogs, so we expect to see more of them. One small downside: they may require a bit of rewiring. That said, button switches add an extra touch of elegance and a bit of a Downton Abbey vibe, so it might just be worth it.

Whether you choose to make a change or leave your covers as is, bet you’ll notice them more now. You’re welcome.

The post THE OVERLOOKED ACCESSORY THAT’S ALREADY IN EVERY ROOM OF YOUR HOME appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.

SPORTS

Image: Pottery Barn

We won’t tell you not to build bleachers in your living room, drench the walls in your team’s colors and cover them in pennants and posters, but there are more sophisticated ways to show team spirit. The basketballs in the image, for example. Elegantly displayed, they look more like a work of art than sport.

Stately homes and castles often have ‘weapons rooms’ where the walls are covered in interesting arrangements of swords, battle axes, and so on. What if you showed off your pickleball racquet or golf club collection the same way? Think outside the (batter’s) box and you’ll find many ways to share your love of the game in unexpected ways.

BAKING

Image: Etsy

If The Great British Baking Show inspires you to create a pastel kitchen draped in bunting, with a life-sized cutout of Paul Hollywood glaring from a corner for extra inspiration, you do you. For a less specific approach, consider hanging your collection of rolling pins, aprons, Bundt pans or what have you on a wall. Pretty cake stands look beautiful on open shelves. A personalized bakery sign might be a fun touch. Bonus: if your utensils double as décor, they’re easy to find and you’ll have more shelf/drawer space, too.  

TRAVEL

Image: Pinterest

A gallery wall of vacation photos is a classic choice and a conversation starter. But what do you do with all those pieces of this and that you just couldn’t resist bringing home? Why not follow the example of Renaissance adventurers and display your souvenirs in a “cabinet of curiosities.” Not to be confused with Guillermo del Toro’s horror anthology with the same name, these cabinets were used to show off the owner’s treasured mementos from their various adventures. You might think of it as an oversized shadow box, but doesn’t “cabinet of curiosities” sound more mysterious and exciting?

BOOKS

Image: Pinterest

It is a truth universally acknowledged that all devoted readers in possession of numerous books must be in want of their very own library. While a whole room (or even a corner) devoted to books is a definite design choice, don’t hesitate to think outside the shelf. When it comes to decorating with books, there are as almost many options as there are bestsellers. Need ideas? Check out this post from The Turquoise Home.

VIDEO GAMES

If video games are your passion, you probably already have the appropriate set up and seating. But do you have a custom-made neon sign? A mural of your favorite character(s)? Themed rugs? All this and more is out there waiting whenever you’re ready to level up.

Happy decorating!

The post DECORATE WITH (YOUR) PASSION appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.

HIDDEN GEM BY BEHR

Image: Behr

Behr describes Hidden Gem as “a smoky jade that embodies an air of mystery and sophistication” and promised it will create “spaces that feel both grounded and alive.” It’s a color that speaks in hushed tones—definitely there, but not pushy.

WARM MAHOGANY BY GLIDDEN

Image: Glidden

More outgoing than Hidden Gem, Glidden says Warm Mahogany is “bold enough to draw immediate attention and reserved enough to make a timeless statement” and claims it’s suited for “any style, any space, any mood.” A good option for places where you want to make a statement, but don’t want to shout.

MELODIOUS IVORY BY DUTCH BOY

Image:  Dutch Boy

When you want the attention to be on the items on your wall rather than the wall itself, Melodious Ivory may be just the color to make your heart sing. Dutch Boy calls it “a timeless, creamy shade that makes your space feel effortlessly you” with a “nostalgic, elevated vibe.”

WARM EUCALYPTUS BY VALSPAR 

Image: Valspar

If you feel the need for comfort and reassurance—and these days, who doesn’t?—consider adding Warm Eucalyptus to your home’s color scheme. “This is a color that encourages restoration and resilience,” says Sue Kim, director of color marketing at Valspar. “Its warm undertones create a grounded, welcoming mood while drawing inspiration from nature and the familiarity of retro design.”

ANTHOLOGY: VOLUME TWO BY SHERWIN WILLIAMS 

Image: Sherwin Williams

Not content with choosing just one color (maybe they couldn’t decide?) Sherwin Williams offers up four palettes of colors for 2026 in what they’re calling “Anthology: Volume Two.” Grape Mist (shown) is from the Frosted Tints collection of “icy tinted pastels in whispers of blue, green, and purple.” Other options include Sunbaked Hues (“natural clay, buttery yellow, and intensely enriched red”), Restorative Darks (“deep, nocturnal colors” that “make a quietly compelling impact”) and Foundational Neutrals (“the most essential neutrals of the moment”).

SPECIAL WALNUT BY MINWAX

Image: Minwax

Did you know? That “color of the year” designation is not just for paint. Stain colors go in and out of fashion as well. For 2026, Minwax offers up Special Walnut, which Lisbeth Parada, their Color Marketing Manager, says was “inspired by the comfort of familiar spaces and the charm of reclaimed materials,” and designed to help you “slow down, try something new and create with confidence.”  

There you have it: the 2026 Colors of the Year. Do any of them strike your fancy? If so, make the process of applying it as calm and comforting as the color and leave the painting to us. Contact us for a consultation today.

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