If you live in an older home, it's likely that you have wood trim in at least one (or all) rooms of your house. We've talked before about the pros and cons of painting wood. For purists, painting older wooden trim is nothing short of tragic. For others, however, painting the trim is a way to freshen it up and, in a lot of cases, brighten a darker material. And sometimes, you just need a change!
If you're worried about compromising the quality and look of the wood but can't take its existing condition/hue any longer, why not try staining it as opposed to painting? Stains are available in a wide range of shades, meaning you could go for a rich, dark hue or try something that's on the lighter side.
Plus, the stain will allow the grain and details of the wood to show through, rather than obscuring them with paint. Think of it as a happy medium between doing nothing and painting.
With fall quickly approaching, you may have the urge to change something in your home. Personally, I find myself spending more time on decorating, de-cluttering and organizing my abode in the weeks before winter, almost as if I'm preparing for cold weather-induced nesting.
If you're seeking a dramatic change but aren't ready for a top-to-bottom renovation, applying new paint might just do the trick. Focus on one room or, if you're feeling ambitious, try a range of new hues throughout your home.
With help from Canadian House & Home, we've rounded up some of the top picks for fall-inspired paint colors. Sure, there are some dramatic dark tones on the list, but you'll also find multi-dimensional neutrals that work with a variety of decor.
1. Farrow & Ball's Setting Plaster: This is the perfect choice if you love the crisp look of a neutral but want something beyond white. Depending on the light, the color shifts from "a muddy peach to a pink-ish beige," according to H&H, and is an ideal choice for a bedroom.
During the sweltering days of summer, painting your roof white seems like a fantastic idea. The idea is to make your roof more reflective so that it doesn't absorb as much heat, which will keep your house cooler--and likely lower your energy bills, too.
If you aren't due for a new roof, you can consider painting your shingles. Yet before you take the plunge, here are a few things to consider.
*Roofing type: If you have a composite or asphalt shingle roof (as most people do), you'll be able to paint it. Clay, concrete and metal may be more difficult to paint, so you might want to consult a local roofing expert before proceeding with your project.
*Budget: Roofing paint isn't cheap. It averages $35/gallon, and you'll need a lot. Measure your roof to help decide how much paint you'll need. And keep in mind that your roof will require two coats of paint, so you may want to double your initial price to ensure you have enough paint. You'll find that roofing paint has a limited availability, and you'll likely need to order by mail, which means you should factor shipping costs into your price, too.
The garage has become more than just a place to park your car and store a few tools. Many of use use it as a utility room or want to create a space that is a bit more inviting and not always considered "dirty".
The first step in converting your garage into a more useable and appealing space is to redo the floors. Our friend Matt recently shared his process of installing an epoxy coating over his stained and chipped garage floor and so far he's very pleased with the results. Matt lives in Mesa, Arizona which has extreme summer temperatures (115 degrees+). Garage floors must withstand hot tires and not stick or melt in the heat.
For his garage floors Matt chose a local product, Veron Coating's Granite-Cote System, that simulates the look of granite or terrazzo flooring. He went with a medium brown base and paint chips in dark brown, cream, and black. Granite-Cote is a durable, chemical and abrasion resistant seamless system and is easy to clean. Perfect for a garage floor which must withstand a ton of abuse.
Here are the steps he took.
