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 →

Dear Customer,

With Fall rapidly approaching I thought it would be a good idea to bring you up to speed on all the great things happening at Ragsdale, Inc. This November we will begin our 34th year in business! I am truly indebted to our many long time, loyal customers who have allowed us the privelege of serving them in meeting their painting and decorating needs all these years… Continue reading →

ALTHOUGH HE DID NOT PLAN for a career in the painting and decorative art business, Steve Ragsdale has no regrets that this became his life’s work. As the founder of Ragsdale, Inc. in Lake Bluff nearly thirty years ago, Steve has taken the company from its humble beginnings as a one-man-painting operation to what it is today – one of the finest painting, restoration and decorative art companies on the North Shore… Continue reading →

Beside Kira, Grace’s Akita/Samoyed mix puppy, we’ve always maintained an imaginary mascot of a “Knight in Shining Armour”.  I threw together this little sketch of him, just for fun!

Congratulations to Carlos!  An ever so talented Ragsdale craftsman who has been in our employ for seventeen years, Carlos recieved his United State citizenship this year!

I came across this newspaper clipping the other day. Back in the day, one of the local banks used Steve in an advertising campaign to promote their relationships with local small business owners. Absolutely great photograph, isn’t it?

This is a very interesting article that I came across in DECO, the official magazine of the PDCA. Freeman discusses how research shows that by manipulating work spaces to be more personalized and aesthetically pleasing, employee well being and productivity improves. Who would’ve thunk? Change your space, change your mood! I’m glad to see that attention is finally being paid to this issue in the workplace! We’ve seen this idea applied to school building and remodeling, particularly with the trend toward LEED certified school buildings. Let’s hope that we’ll soon see this idea applied to public housing! Imagine the possibilities! … Continue reading →