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Gray is the New Neutral – Choosing the Right Gray for Your Home

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Move over beige, gray is taking over as the new “It” colour. Gray has become a very popular neutral colour to use in many homes. With its many different undertones and shades you are sure to find the right colour for your space. There are so many different options though, and many of my clients ask me where to begin when trying to select the right color. Because there are so many options I’ve compiled tips for choosing the right gray for your home.

Gray has so many undertones so it is import to know the feel you are looking for in your space.

Light grays in a well-lit space will give you luminous silver looking paint that can be very elegant and enticing to the eye.

A very pale light gray is a great selection if you want the classic clean feel of white with a little warmth.

Charcoal and dark grays are very calming and are often the colour of choice in a bedroom. Charcoal can be very elegant if used with the right accessories.

Homestar Designs

If you’re looking for something a little more laid back and casual why not try a gray with a purple undertone.

If you’re looking for warmth and are still hesitant to embrace gray at its fullest try greige a gray and beige combination. You could also look at something with warm earthy undertones. These are great for gathering spaces in your home like kitchens and family rooms.

Homestar Designs

If the modern cool steel look is what you’re going for select a gray that has a blue or green undertone.

Gray is best when paired with high contrasting colours like white and or yellow. A white trim against a gray wall adds a very clean touch to a space. Pair it with some yellow accent pillows and accessories and you’ve got a beautiful modern space.

Homestar Designs

Remember to allow your other pieces or current colour schemes to guide you through the process of picking the right colour. If you’re keeping some staple pieces you want to make sure the gray you pick is going to complement then and make your space look its best.

There are so many options out there so take the time and think about what it is that you’re looking to gain from a space. If you’re still confused we are here to help and can provide you some ideas or show you some sample colours. At Domain Decorating we are here to guide you through the painting process beginning to end.   For more information feel free to contact us, we are always here to help.

Common Painting Mistakes

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Project with Homestar BC

There are some very common painting mistakes that novice painters commit frequently leaving a space looking less than perfect. There are a few simple tips that we’ve complied here at Domain Decorating that’ll assist you in making your painting projects easier and the finished product look great

Using cheap paints

Low costs paints are often low quality as well. These paints are difficult to apply and don’t usually stand the test of time. Your project will take longer and you’ll have to repaint much sooner. The original savings will cost you time and more money in the long run.

Not preparing your surface for paint

Even if your walls appear clean it is good to give your walls a wash. Clean walls allow for the easiest and smoothest application of paint. Correcting any flaws or imperfections in the walls is also important. Make sure if you fill any holes that you remember to prime them so they don’t have a different finish than the rest of the wall.

Using poor quality brushes and rollers

Just like cheap paint, cheap supplies will also cause your paint job to appear less than perfect. Poor quality rollers and brushes will make the job take longer and often you will be needing new brushes faster as the cheap ones start to fall apart and leave those pesky brush or roller fibres on the wall.

Applying your second coat to quick

Patience is key when taking on a home painting project. If you fail to allow adequate time to dry between coats you’ll often begin to see brush strokes in your paint or the paint will start to pull off the walls and appear patchy. All paints have different directions so make sure you know the recommended times for your product.

If this is all a bit too much for you, you could always hire a professional painter whose years of experience has taught them the tricks of the trade. At Domain Decorating we pride ourselves on our high quality paint and supplies. Our staff and their attention to detail is sure to get your project done to the highest of standards. We make sure we follow the above mentioned tips as well as many others that are required for a high quality paint project.

For more information or a free quote contact us and we’ll be happy to assist you. For more tips or design ideas follow us on Facebook.

How to Pick a Painter

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A question that many people have is how do you choose the right painter?

It seems like a simple task of finding someone online or using the company that offers the best price. As a painter with 30 years of experience I’ve had to fix many other peoples mistakes, so it can’t be that easy. My tips for you on how to pick a painter are as follows:

1) Request an onsite estimate.

Often painters will give you a quote without seeing the job. This can lead to costly extras and additions that were not factored into the original cost. The painter who had what you though was a fair estimate may end up costing much more than anticipated.

2) Get the details in writing.

Once the onsite estimate has been completed request a written scope of work with the total estimated cost. This ensures everyone is on the same page and that the end goal is clear. If there are any details specific to your home ensure they are included.

3) Ask questions.

If you’ve got a question or concern be upfront and ask. If you’re concerned what will be caulked or if the painter will repair any existing wall damage, ask. Don’t be afraid to ask what type of paint is used or if the painter has any opinions on what you are looking to do. An experienced painter will be able to work with you to complete the job the most effective way.

4) Find out how long a company has been in business and if they have any references.

A company that has been around for some time has proven their ability and will be able to provide you references or direct you to examples of their prior work.

At Domain Decorating we stand by our work and want every project to be done at the highest quality. We have many return customers who have continued to call us back to their homes. We’ve been in business over 25 years so I think that speaks for itself. View our gallery or contact us now to request more information.

Why You Should Hire a Professional Painter

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Do you know why you should hire a professional painter? These days everyone is looking for places to save money, and who can blame them? Times are tough and the last thing you want is to waste your valuable resources. Your nephew’s cousin says he knows a guy who can paint your house for half the price. Doesn’t it make sense to hire him instead?

Unfortunately, the answer is no. A good paint job will raise the value of your home, and a good paint job is a complex task. From start to finish the proper steps have to be applied at the right times, and these vary depending on both the surface involved and the environmental conditions surrounding it. Any number of mistakes can turn into thousands of dollars in complications.

Everyone knows you have to thoroughly wash a surface before you paint it, but how long does it take to fully dry? What happens when you get moisture in behind your paint? How many coats is enough to protect your surface? How long do you have to wait until you can apply the next coat? An experienced painter will have encountered all the problems before and will know how to prevent them before they occur. Your novice painter may be very talented, but this could be his first time working on a house like yours. Do you really want to take the risk of losing your investment?

An experienced painter has had years of feedback on his work. He knows which jobs looked the best over time, and he has adjusted his work accordingly. He will buy quality paint and equipment directly from the manufacturer. He will get the job done for you 100% of the time, no matter what. With a novice painter your money is less of an investment and more of a gamble. It might pay off, but can you afford the cost if it doesn’t?

When selecting a contractor you have to be diligent. Put in the extra time to research their past work. Do their clients give them praise? Do they get repeat business? Do the houses still look nice? Go out and see some of them for yourself. A good painter will satisfy your every curiosity about the process. A bad one will give you vague answers to hide his own ignorance.

We at Domain Decorating & Restoration stand by our work. You will see the pride we have in our profession. For us, painting is personal. We make every room shine. View our gallery or contact us now to request more information.