An Exterior Painting Transformation: From Dated Salmon Stucco to a Modern Dream

Oh yes you can paint stucco! In fact, you can dramatically transform the exterior of your home with just paint! That is exactly what we did this Summer, and let’s be honest Fall too because our weather was not cooperative in Edmonton this year.

We forged a beautiful relationship with Kira from Northern Style Exposure. While her and her family did some big renovations to their interior space, she wasn’t sure what could be done to the exterior of their home. The trendy peach/salmon stucco of the 90s is no more to be desired. In fact, we repainted many of these homes this year, and all very dramatic transformations.

Kira was interested in working with a local Edmonton company, and so the hunt was on. She contacted us and we met to discuss her vision. We were excited and inspired by her ideas and could not wait until the weather gave us a break so we could begin!

We will let her show you the reveal. Visit her site here to see this exterior transformation. We are certain we will be doing more of these homes next year.

See the image below for a sneak peak. Photos are by Pam Kriangkum Photography.

To book a FREE estimate to transform your exterior, click here.

Three Gray Colours We Love

It’s true, gray is the new popular colour you will find in a lot of homes. Why? It’s a classic colour and it is also sensible. It’s an update from your traditional beige. It offers a more modern look that can fit into any style or lifestyle.

We also recommend gray as a colour to use for walls if you are painting to sell your residential home, moving in, or renovating.

However, we do know how difficult it can be to choose the right gray. Most people consider the colour to be cool and void of warmth or character. We think the opposite. Choosing the right gray for your space can bring a level of space and coziness at the same time.

We also know that finding the right gray can be tricky. Often times there may be undertones of blue, green, or even purple. There is nothing more disappointing then not loving your space.

As Edmonton painters for residential and commercial spaces, we have been creating beautiful gray spaces for quite some time now and have culled our list to our THREE TOP GRAYS that we know you will love

Gray Owl Benjamin Moore (OC-52)

Gray Owl is an all-out unadorned, approachable colour that pairs beautifully with stainless steel appliances in a modern kitchen; chrome or steel accents, AND any oak that you may be stuck with.

Stonington Gray (HC-170)

Described as a more traditional gray with a stormy mood or look to it. It can have the wet concrete look and depending how you accessorize your space, it can throw a little blue.

 

Coventry Gray (HC-169)

A beautiful medium gray with a cool undertone. This is definitely not brown/beige in tone and will feel light, fresh and clean.

Finally, once you have narrowed down your selection we always recommend that you visit your paint store and ask for a sample size of paint to test on your walls. When you are testing the colour in your home, be sure to paint different areas in your home where the lighting is different. The colour will show differently depending on the light source in your space and how much.

We are always happy to help you select the right colour for your space. When booking your Free Onsite Estimate be sure to ask us if you need assistance. Book here.

Design Trends for 2015

We took some time today to check out the latest design trends and predictions for 2015. Then, we made our own predictions. You can check out our inspiration board on Pinterest.

Here’s the scoop.

What’s In:

Well, Pantone declared Marsala as the colour of the year for 2015. However, many in the design community are in favour for blue, particularly navy as the choice colour for this year. You can check out more trends at Elle Decor.

We are loving this colour as decor accents, walls, doors, and painted furniture. Will you be adding blue to your decor this year?

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Nature has always been an inspiration for all artists. This year is no exception. Be prepared to see Mother Nature taking on a more central and organic role in home decor like wood slabs for tables, mantles, and side tables. We love it painted and left naked!

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Metallics have not left, and will they ever? However this year, mixed with gold we will see silver, pewter and bronze. Think frames, accessories and light fixtures. We especially love metallic light fixtures. It adds interest and sparkle to any room, especially against a blue backdrop.

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It’s a desert out there! Succulents are popping up as the house plant to have. Not only are they easy to take care of, there are so many varieties you can choose from. It’s a great low maintenance plant for any room.

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What’s a room without glamour! We still covet a grand chandelier in any room. This year, why not be adventurous and explore with colour.

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What’s Out:

Inspirational phrases tattooed on your walls and other surfaces are out! And we couldn’t be more happier, especially when it comes to painting beautiful walls.

Accent walls, well, are just a nuance. Treat your space like an art gallery and opt for one colour throughout your space to help showcase all your treasures. It’s easy on the eyes and gives you freedom to play up your accent pieces.

Patterns are cool, but no longer are we seeing wallpaper and the mighty chevron print. Instead, we are seeing creative groupings for the wall and more cultural/tribal prints.

Idols be gone. Although we love a beautiful Buddha statue, we feel it needs to be front and centre on an alter in your personal sacred space. Instead, we are adoring nature in all her glory from rocks and crystals, to plants and animal sculptures.

Check out more trends that are on their way out.

What are you trend spotting this year?

Be well,

Sam + Pam

 

 

Exterior painting weather is almost here

PicMonkey Collage2It’s that time of year again, and we hope the weather in Edmonton will cooperate with us this year. That time is exterior painting for your home or business. Often times we will quote on an exterior project and then schedule it into our queue. Once we see that the weather has turned for the best, we show up at your place and get ready to do some serious transformations!

Edmonton’s exterior window is between June and September. Before June we typically have periods of heavy wind and rain, and this does not create a good environment to clean, prep, paint, and have the surface dry completely. Our hot, hot, hot, summers are sometimes not the best either. Painting in extreme heat can cause the paint to bubble, and well, a dehydrated team too! After September our evenings and early mornings start to cool. With the coolness comes dampness and that does not help with paint drying and properly adhering to the surface.

Some things to think about when planning for an exterior paint:

1. Is your surface in good condition? Is it damp and is there signs of mold or rust? Damaged surface area is not ideal to paint. You may get one great season as the paint masks what is really going on underneath. This is quite typical for old decks.

2. When was the last time you gave your exterior a good wash? Blue Nile Painting will provide pressure washing. We also sand surfaces too. It’s important to remove debris before apply fresh paint.

3. Did you know you can paint your vinyl and aluminum siding. There are so many great products on the market to deal with almost any exterior surface. Before considering a massive renovation, perhaps a paint job will do the trick.

Now is the time to contact us for a free quote for your exterior. Have a visit to our gallery and check out our exterior projects.

Be well

Sam + Pam

Transitioning into Spring

Yet again, we at Rachel S no headshotBlue Nile got to meet another extraordinary Edmonton designer. Rachel Schofield is known as the Queen of the 90 minute home makeover and (unofficial) Patron Saint of incredible style. She is an Edmonton interior decorator and home stager. We had Rachel over to our place to help with our bathroom renos and overall design tips. It was worth every minute!

A few weeks ago when warm weather graced us in Edmonton, we began to feel a bit of Spring Fever. Our space felt heavy and dark and we were craving some sunshine and lightness. Was it too soon to begin to de-winterize our place? When is it the right time to transition into the next season and what are the easiest and most effective ways to make an impact in your space?

We picked up the phone and called Rachel. After a very fun and informative chat, we HAD to share what we learned. So here it is, ways to make the leap into the new season.

BNP: Now that the holiday season is over and we are eagerly awaiting Spring, what are some ways we can we begin to prepare our interior space for the changing seasons?

RS: Removing old layers (blankets and pillows) and introducing a new colour is a great way to ease into Spring. You can work with what you already have in your space. Lighten up! Choose lighter colours and lighter fabrics. Change your bedding to white or a floral print. Opt for less bulk as well and change out your pillows.

BNP: Are you still seeing “Winter” trends in January and February? Should we wait before we transition into more of a Spring decor?

RS: We are full on into Spring trends. Although we may still be experiencing sub-zero weather, the key is to follow fashion trends, so Spring is on it’s way.

BNP: What are the Spring trends you are seeing?

RS: The colour we are seeing is Radiant Orchid. It goes well with greens, yellows, and greys. I recommend using this colour as an accent colour like a wallpaper, pillow, fabric, maybe a feature wall. With textures and patterns we have made a shift from stripes into more floral, lace, fringe, and macrame. Wallpaper is also very popular, just do one wall. When thinking furniture think lightness, airiness, glass furniture, mirrored, reflective, and glass doors.

BNP: What are your favourite places to shop and online spaces to visit for inspiration?

RS: I love Jonathan Adler. It’s a great site to gather inspiration and ideas. A place I enjoy to browse and shop is Z Gallerie. I also adore the Celebrity designer collections at Target online.

BNP: What are your design/decor inspirations for 2014?

RS: Do-it -yourself projects! I am committed to trying out some projects this year. I have started a Pinterest Board.

BNP: And finally, we like to share goals. Our goal for this year is expansion. Expansion in our dreams, service, and how we do business. Hopefully a new company van and maybe an office later in the year. What is your goal for 2014?

RS: To introduce decluttering and organzation services. I think it’s a stumbling block to many people creating their perfect home. Once they reduce the clutter it’s a lot easier to see what can and needs to be done. It’s a necessary pre-cursor to a successful design project.

Ready for Spring? We are! Give Rachel a shout and put a spring into your step and your home decor!

Designing for the Holidays

Kim Ross from Redress Your Home

Meet Kim Ross from ReDress Your Home. She’s a great friend of ours and we were so excited when she decided to launch her own company! Kim has always had a passion for interior spaces and design. Creativity just naturally courses through her veins.

So one morning over some fabulous breakfast at Under the Highwheel, we got to talking. The holiday season is now upon us and I asked Kim what her design strategies are in making your home or office a festive space for family and friends.

Here’s the conversation…between sips of yummy coffee and Remedy Chai!

BNP: Where do you begin in dressing your space for the holidays?

ReDress: The first step to any decorating is to go through what you already have. Does it feed your soul? Do you still love it and use it?

First, purge and donate.

Now you have what you can work with. Next decide what your budget is. Can you add to what you have already?

If you don’t have a budget then use what you have by grouping and creating vignettes rather than spreading them across your whole space.

Great options for the budget conscious are Canadian Tire, and Bouclair.

BNP: How do you discover what your style is?

ReDress: Begin looking at ideas and inspiration. Visit Pinterest and search holiday decor. You will find so many amazing ideas. Also, flip through magazines and visit stores. You will begin to gravitate toward certain styles. The longer your eye rests on something, the more likely it speaks to you.

BNP: What are the trends you are seeing this year?

ReDress: I am so excited to report that teal and limes are trending right now. These colours can work well with purple and red. You will also see coloured and feathered trees making a come back! The de-constructed look is popular too: sculptural branches, whites, minimal decorations.

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BNP: What are the essential elements for holiday decor?

ReDress: Really there is no rule. It’s what resonates with you. Perhaps it is a tree,  or maybe stockings. Start with the thing that pops into your mind when you think of Christmas.

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BNP: When is the right time to start putting up holiday decorations?

ReDress: Some people will begin after Remembrance day, or the night before Christmas. It depends on your culture and tradition. I like to start on December 1.

BNP: How can ReDress help to style your home or office?

ReDress: Before we even begin, I ask the client to do a little bit of homework. Bring everything you want me to see. We will then go through each item and determine if you love it or not. Next we will discuss the direction based on what you love, recommendations, and budget.

Another option for ReDress is to come to your home to help you get ready for that night of entertaining. Sometimes people want help with creating that special holiday table.

Kim's Holiday Table

Top tips recount:

  • Edit your decorations first: purge + donate.
  • Start with what you love and add if you can or arrange in vignettes throughout your space to get the greatest impact.
  • 2013 trends: coloured and textured trees, whites, teal + lime, and deconstructed decor.
  • Consider your dinning table or entertaining area a place to dress for the holidays.
  • Get decorating with ideas from Pinterest and magazines or contact Kim at Redress.

 

For any occasion or holiday, drop Kim a line at ReDress and get styling! Follow her on Facebook, Tumblr, and Pinterest.

Happy Holidays!

Sam + Pam

 

 

 

 

Welcome to our new digs!

It’s been a renovation-in-progress. We have redesigned our website, improved our quoting and invoicing system, and we have been growing so we can provide Edmonton and surrounding area with the best service ever.

We’ve done our research. We realized that it’s a very difficult and sometimes scary proposition to invite strangers into your home and business. This means that there is some disruption to your home and business life.

We make sure that we leave a very light footprint. That means when we work in your home or business we take care to keep things safe and clean. When we are finished painting your space, we return it to you better than before.

As a business, shutting down and compromising your profit is not ideal. As a team we are flexible. We can work after hours and weekends to make sure there is no time wasted.

What’s even more great, is that we provide all these little extras and a finish that will exceed your expectations.

Our hope is that our website provides you with the information you need as a homeowner, a business owner, and a home builder or contractor. The people you see on this website are indeed the people that answer the phone, respond to your email, visit your home for a quote, and show up to turn your space into something beautiful.

Visit us here often. Learn some tricks of the trade, links to resources, and some style ideas.

See you later,

Sam & Pam

Sam&Pam