MAKE IT FRESH

Image: Behr

The quickest way to make a big impact on your kitchen is by updating your cabinets. A new color—like Behr’s 2027 color of the year, Grounded, on the cabinets pictured above—can make a dramatic difference. If you still love your current shade, a fresh coat of the same color can work wonders, too. Consider updating your cabinet hardware while you’re at it.

MAKE IT SPICY

Image: Houzlook.com

Sure, the all-white cabinets look is a classic. But if you’re a little bored by all that vanilla, how about spicing things up with some color? You can go all in, like the kitchen pictured above, or spice things up a little with a sprinkle of color here and there. (Island, we’re looking at you.)

MAKE IT YOURSELF

Image: FamilyHandyman.com

Are you fearless in the kitchen? Painting your kitchen cabinets is something you can do yourself. But be warned: this is not the home decorating version of a 15-minute one-pot meal. It’s more of a Julia Child, multi-day, lot-of-steps haute cuisine kind of thing. Nine steps to be exact, according to This Old House’s article How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets in 9 Steps. You can handle that, right? Of course you can. On the other hand, you could…

MAKE IT EASY

Image:  Sven Brandsma on Unsplash

Let us do it for you. The ProTek team has the technical knowledge, tools and experience you need to get the job done right in no time. While we transform your kitchen, you can focus on preparing for (or resting up for) all that holiday fun. Just think how much more fun it will be to make holiday treats in your beautiful new kitchen.

FYI, we stain and refinish cabinets, too. So, if you love your wood-tone kitchen but your cabinets look like they’re past their sell-by date, contact us to bring them back to life.

Let’s get started.

The post THE QUICKEST TO MAKE A BIG IMPACT ON YOUR KITCHEN appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Image: Dunn Edwards

The green on the walls above is called “Midnight Garden.” According to Dunn Edwards, “A name doesn’t just describe a color—it brings it to life. It evokes feeling, sparks imagination, and sets the stage for how it’ll be embraced in interiors, from statement walls to accent furniture and everything in between.” No pressure to get the name just right, then. What do you think about Midnight Garden? Did they nail the name?  

On the other hand…

IT’S NOT ALL IN THE NAME 

Image: Farrow and Ball

When it comes to paint names, eco-friendly, luxury paint company Farrow & Ball stands out. They’re English (you can tell because they have “colours” instead of “colors”), which may partly explain it. But even their Colour Curator Joa Studholme admits, “We’re known for our slightly unorthodox paint names.” She is not lying. They have a color—sorry, colour—creatively named “Light Blue.”  In contrast, the room pictured above is drenched in “Dead Salmon,” Doesn’t that sound appealing?

Before you get grossed out, you should know that the story behind the “Dead Salmon” name is not quite as grim as it sounds. Joa explains it all in this video.

GIVING ALL THE FEELS

Image: Behr

However odd they may be, color names are designed to persuade you to buy one company’s paint over a rival’s similar shade. Choosing a color is not a financial decision, it’s an emotional one. That’s where names like “wheat bread” and “cracked pepper” come in. Not only are they more appealing than “beige” and “blackish” they sound like the perfect combo for a kitchen. And to be fair, they do look pretty tasty in the kitchen pictured above.

WHO DECIDES?

Image: Ketut Subiyanto

If you dream of a career making up names for colors, be advised that it’s more scientific than you might think. There may be a paint company out there with a lone color-namer in the back room pulling adjectives out of a hat, but for the big guys it’s more of a team sport. Think of a group of experts that includes marketing pros, designers and color specialists carefully studying trends, market research and more. It still sounds kind of fun, though, doesn’t it?

THE BOTTOM LINE

Image: Ali Mkumbwa

No matter what you, or the manufacturer, call the color(s) you want to use on your next painting project, contact us for a quote. We’ll make getting that new color up on your walls a lot easier than choosing it. And we promise not to judge your paint by its name—even if it’s Dead Salmon.

The post WHAT’S UP WITH PAINT COLOR NAMES?                                  appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.

LIVING ROOM

Image: ProTek Painting Services  

A bold color choice can get old fast in a room where you spend a lot of time. That’s probably why most designers suggest using neutrals as a base for living rooms. Neutral doesn’t have to mean boring, though. Just look at the image above! But starting with a neutral background gives you the flexibility to tweak your décor to suit the season or your mood without having to change everything.

Two colors rise to the top of the neutral pile for living rooms. Browns give a feeling of dependability and comfort. Grays feel balanced, calm and sophisticated. Both are good backgrounds for prints or colorful furniture, art, etc. that will keep your room interesting and relaxing.

DINING ROOM

Image: Chris Tombrella

Before choosing a color for your dining room, it might be best to consider who uses it most often. If it’s a family affair, and your family includes children, you may want to consider calming colors (blues, greens or grays) to help cut down on mealtime squabbles. If your dining room is reserved for guests, consider a friendly, cheerful color (orange or yellow) or one that feels warm and sophisticated (red or burgundy).

KITCHEN

Image: Artfasad

There’s a reason white continues to be the top choice for kitchens. White is associated with cleanliness, purity and space—all important for the place where food is prepared. Pairing white with stainless steel appliances adds even more umph to a clean, modern vibe. Those two colors alone might feel a little cold, though. Consider adding another color to the mix, like red or coral (stimulating), green (the color of herbs and veggies), or warm neutrals (wood tones, taupes or soft grays).

BEDROOM

Image: Benjamin Moore

When you want to rest and relax, blues and greys are soothing while earth tones are grounding. For example, the walls in the room above are in Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year, Silhouette. They describe it as “a distinctive color that weaves luxurious burnt umber with delicate notes of charcoal…” (That’s a designer-speak description of an “earth tone.”) For a more luxurious option, consider purple, a color long associated with royalty, sophistication and elegance. Or think pink for a room that inspires love, nurturing and tenderness.

BATHROOM

Image: Pinterest

See how the white tub pops against the green walls? Together, those colors convey nature, growth and healing (green) alongside cleanliness and purity (white). If you don’t want to go that green, add a houseplant for some actual nature on a smaller scale. To avoid green altogether, consider yellow. A color that inspires optimism and happiness seems like a fantastic way to start your day, don’t you think?

HOME OFFICE

Image: Kemaleddin Novruzlu

There are many color options for a home office, depending on what you do and how you do it. Is your job stressful? Blue offers feelings of wisdom, peace and competence. Are you starting a new role? Orange inspires confidence and success. Creatives might prefer yellow, with its promise of optimism, creativity and clarity. Bottom line: choose a color that makes your workspace your happy place.

Whether you decide to give one of these colors a try or follow your heart to a different color, we’re ready to help you change your home’s mood with a fresh coat of paint. Contact us to get started.

The post DOPAMINE DÉCOR: A ROOM-BY-ROOM GUIDE TO USING COLOR PSYCHOLOGY AT HOME appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.

RED

Image: Graham & Brown

Red walls are nothing to be afraid of. Not when 2026 offers beautiful shades like Divine Damson (pictured), Graham & Brown’s 2026 color of the year, which they describe as “luxurious yet comforting.” If that’s a bit too dramatic for you, check out Benjamin Moore’s Dinner Party, “a deep, understated red that can be used in everyday spaces…” For something that leans a little browner, Glidden’s color of the year, Warm Mahogany, is “a rich, grounded red that’s bold enough to draw immediate attention and reserved enough to make a timeless statement.” None are ‘flag red’ but any of the three would be stunning in the right location.

WHITE

Image: Protek Painting Services

Crisp and clean, white was a classic long before the modern farmhouse trend swept the country. It can stand alone, but also plays well with others, whether you pair it with its opposite like the beautiful white and black home above (a recent ProTek project) or use it with subtler shades.

While “white” may seem like an easy choice, be warned: when it comes to paint, “white” options are in the thousands. Here’s a thought: Pantone’s color of the year, “Cloud Dancer.” Pantone promises that their white “is a shade that can adapt, harmonize, and create contrast, bringing a feeling of airy lightness to all product applications and environments….” You can have color-matched in your preferred paint at places like Lowe’s or Home Depot.

BLUE

Image: Benjamin Moore

According to BobVila.com, “blue is well-known as America’s favorite color…”  No arguments here, especially when it comes in so many beautiful shades. (Yes, we’re also counting all the teals and grays that lean blue.) While blue may not be the first color that springs to mind for a kitchen, according to Benjamin Moore, “Blue kitchen cabinets offer a charming blend of sophistication and renewal, adding a fresh vibrancy to the space.”  Something to think about the next time your kitchen needs a refresh.

ALL OF THE ABOVE

Image: HomeDesignLover.com

Of course, your patriotic color scheme doesn’t have to be limited to paint. There are many ways to include USA’s theme colors in your home. You can make it a seasonal thing with items that come and go—pillows, throws, themed art objects, etc.—or a year-round choice. After all, red, white and blue look good together no matter what month it is. Need a little inspo? Check out these 20 Living Rooms with Blue, Red and White Accents.

Remember, when you’re ready to paint your home, contact us. We’ll make sure the finished project looks picture-perfect, no matter which color you choose.

The post PATRIOTIC COLORS FOR YOUR HOME, 2026 EDITION appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.

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).

The post THE POWER OF PAINT appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.

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.

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!

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