Today I watched the webinar on Color Pulse 2012 and I wanted to share some of the trends for the coming year. Overall, things are moving in a direction of handcrafted influence. The retro/vintage/whimsical look is dominating design, with an emphasis on up-cycling items for infinite human use. Scraps, like scarves, t-shirts, ties, wool blankets, and reclaimed or scrap lumber are being repurposed to create artwork and furniture.  The experience of fun is rearing its head in the design world. There is a movement toward playfulness, an intent of designing to create conversation, inspiration, innovation. Color is being used like … Continue reading →

What are VOC’s? Volatile Organic Compounds. Finish materials can contain toxic compounds (such as formaldehyde) that off-gas into the environment (including paint, carpet, fabric, etc.) and cause health and safety concerns for those exposed (including cancer, asthma, etc.). These conditions can persist for days, weeks, months, and even years after initial installation. example: “New Car Smell” example: “Sick Building Syndrome” Solution: Design with Indoor Air Quality in mind. Specify finishes that are low or zero VOC products (for paint, Benjamin Moore’s Aura, Regal Select, Advance and Natura are great options!). Be sure to check the affect of color tinting on … Continue reading →

Recently, people in the know about such things have convinced me of the value of blogging about our business.  I never thought of myself as a blogger.  In fact, I don’t think I have ever read a blog.  In spite of these facts, here I am, blogging…a blogger! I suppose I do have a few things to say about the business and industry that have provided my livelihood over the past 35 years.  We’ll see where this goes. Though I have a tendency to get caught up in things to complain about, there is, and always has been way more … Continue reading →

Please review our November 2011 Newsletter, including the following features: -Letter from Management -Employee Spotlight -New Divisions -Website Features -What is “REGREEN”? -PDCA Standards -”FYI” Special Feature: What Qualifies as a Properly Painted Surface? -”Mission Possible”   Please click here to download the file.   Thanks!  -Steve & Grace Ragsdale

As an Industry Partner of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), our company is invited to participate in various events offered through the organization. We were recently invited to a training program being offered by ASID in partnership with the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) called “REGREEN”. REGREEN was launched in March 2008 with the release of the REGREEN Residential Remodeling Guidelines. These guidelines, developed by a diverse group of industry experts, address the major elements of any green renovation project, including the site of the home, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, material and resources, and indoor environmental … Continue reading →

Taken from the PDCA Standards – please refer to the Painting & Decorating page of our site for a full description of our Standard Surface Preparation Levels. A “properly painted surface” is defined as uniform in appearance, color, texture, hiding and sheen. It is also free of foreign material, lumps, skins, runs, sags, holidays, misses, or insufficient coverage. It is also a surface free of drips, spatters, spills or overspray caused by the contractor’s workforce. In order to determine whether a surface has been “properly painted” it shall be examined without magnification at a distance of thirty-nine (39) inches or … Continue reading →

  The world of interior design and decoration has recently seen an incredible resurgence of wallpaper.  With beautiful and innovative new paper designs, now more than ever is the time for you to consider paper installation for your next remodeling project. Wallpaper comes in three major types – paper, natural and vinyl. Papers can be delicate, so they are best suited for low-traffic areas such as powder rooms or sitting rooms. Traditional paper does, however, offer the widest variety of patterns and colors, so if you’re looking to make a statement you’ll probably want to go this route. Natural wall … Continue reading →

We have 33 years serving the North Shore with an outstanding reputation for excellence. We tell our customers that good painting is 80% preperation and 20% application. All too often today much of the 80% portion is missed either intentionally, or due to a lack of basic procedural competency.. Continue reading →

  Each year during the Holiday Season, Steve and I make some sort of charitable contribution in appreciation of the continued support of our great customers!  This year, we will be sponsoring a Holiday Dinner at the PADS Homeless Shelter in Waukegan on December 26.  We are looking for volunteers to help serve dinner that night, so give us a call  at 847-234-4567 if you’re available and willing to lend a hand!  We will also be accepting donations for the shelter. Please refer to the list below – items can be dropped off at our shop, 709 Sheridan Road in … Continue reading →

As we watch the beautiful fall leaves slowly fall to the ground and anticipate the stark grays and whites of winter, it may be time to think about bringing some color into your home to help you get through the approaching season. Color is highly psychological; few of us realize what an impact the colors of our environment can have on our emotions and general sense of well being. I thought it might be helpful to share a brief description of each color’s psychological characteristics in order to get you thinking about how adding a little color to your life … Continue reading →