Painters in Northwest Arkansas- Ken Rader Interiors-"What is the latest HOT COLOR!

BROWN? YES BROWN! By Ken Rader Ken Rader Interiors, Painters and Decorators in Northwest Arkansas. Brown Living Room Paint Design Ideas | Photos Pictures Galleries and ...Matching Colors With Walls And Furniture Brown Paint Colors | Home Design Ideas Brown has something for everyone! It can be benign, friendly, versatile and totally up to date. How can you not love brown? What do you think of when brown is mentioned? Milk Chocolate, a Brown Dog, Mother Earth? Brown is not a threatening color and it can balance out almost any color. With the right brown you can make an environment feel stable or well grounded. This ability is the reason that brown can be seen on many historical buildings. It has stood the test of time. You will find a combination of browns, beige and whites. Some have described brown as friendly. Keep it brown, but add some red-tones and create a southwest look. Or add Terra Cotta or Brushed Clay and it appears warm. Even the addition of Black can warm up the look as apposed to White. It is very versatile! Browns can be great neutrals that when paired with other colors, can really make them POP! Oranges, Yellows, Reds and Greens all work wonderfully with brown. Think about pairing brown with Salmon, Slate, Bayberry Green, Sea Green or pick up a piece of drift wood and choose one of the grays that you see in the wood. Brown and Blue can also be a great combo, for instance Chocolate Brown looks fabulous with Federal Blue. But then what about Snow White, or Pitch Black or Barn Red or Marigold Yellow,all winners. The hit color for the beginning of 2013 was Gray. It is still very popular as the year has continued but Brown is appearing with Gray and is gaining in popularity so perhaps it will be the "Top Brown Dog". Wood tones are always popular and people are falling in love with dark wood stains again. I have painted over a lot of cabinets that were stained and it looked like dark stained wood was on the way out. However, it is gaining momentum and a renewed interest. I painted the outside of my house last fall "Espresso". The house is cedar sided and it was looking pretty worn out. I live in country and the color fits in wonderfully. I have also painted several sets of Kitchen Cabinets this year and guess what color the customer is choosing? Brown! I also bought a new laptop computer and it is Brown. So if you are not on board with brown, maybe you should be. It is the latest "Hot" color and will stay around for quite a while. As Always " Happy Painting and Decorating" Check out our web site www.kenraderinteriors.com Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors We have been painting and decorating in Northwest Arkansas since 1987. If you live in the area and have a painting projects, give us a call (479)443-3686

Popular Faux Finishes you can do!

 Faux Painting Techniques

By: Ken Rader

Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.

Professional Painters in Northwest Arkansas

Through the last decade faux painting has experienced ups and downs.  Several of the big box home improvement stores have gone through times of pushing faux finishing products and how to do it classes.  Perhaps because it is not as easy as regular painting or maybe we just don’t seem to have the time needed.  For these and other reasons faux painting has never taken off.  However,  you can really create some fantastic effects and looks for your home that are unique and a real pleasure to have in your home.

Perhaps a little explanation of the steps required and some explanations will get you inspired to try one of them.

Faux painting techniques can bring the look of leather, stone or fabric to walls and furniture using certain application methods and a variety of faux painting tools. Most techniques call for layering colors of paint or glaze with everything from sponges and rags to plastic sheets. Learning the different techniques and understanding the results is important in choosing the best faux painting technique for your projects.
Base Coat: All faux painting techniques require a base coat. Then other layers are either added to it (positive) or added and then partially removed (negative). The base coat is the color that will show through with either technique.
Color Washing: The top coat of glaze is applied over the base coat with a rag or sponge in a circular or "washing" motion. The end result is a soft, swirled look.
Dry Brushing: This technique requires a paintbrush dipped in glaze that is applied to the wall in a criss-cross pattern. Most dry brushing faux painting techniques require two different colors of glaze for best results.
Frottage: This is an example of a negative faux painting technique, where glaze is removed using a plastic sheet. Apply the glaze over the base, and then spread a plastic sheet over a section. Press the sheet over the glaze, and then remove. The texture left behind resembles marble.
Ragging: This technique is similar to sponging in that glaze is applied over the base coat with a crinkled dry rag. By moving the rag and rotating your arm, you will create a texture that looks like stucco.
Sponging: This technique is similar to ragging, but gives a much more subtle texture. Use a sea sponge to apply one or two colors of glaze over a base coat, and take advantage of the unique texture of this natural substance.
Verdigris: For the green patina look of copper sulfate, try this technique to mimic weathered copper or bronze. Apply a copper or gold base coat, and then apply dark green paint with a sponge, allowing the base to show through. A light green paint color should be sponged on top of the dark green, giving the item a mottled appearance.
These are just a few of the many faux finished you can do.  Give one of them a try.
As Always "Happy Painting and Decorating"
Ken Rader
Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.
Painting Northwest Arkansas beautiful, "One house at a time"
Check us out at www.kenraderinteriors.com

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF COLOR. SO, YOU'RE IN A MOOD.

The Psychology of Color

What Color is your Mood?

By Ken Rader-Ken Rader Interiors l.l.c.

Of the many things in our world that affects us, Color is on the top of the list.  You cannot escape color.  It is ubiquitous.  Yet what does it all mean?  Why are people more relaxed in green rooms?  Why do weightlifters do their best in blue gyms.

Colors often have different meanings in various cultures.  And even in Western societies, the meanings of various colors have changed over the years. But today in the U.S., researchers have generally found the following to be accurate.

   BLACK

Black is the color of authority and power.  It is popular in fashion because it makes people appear thinner, that’s right thinner.  It is also stylish and timeless.  Black also implies submission.  Some fashion experts say a woman wearing black implies submission to men.  I am not a fashion expert so I am not saying anything about this.  Black outfits can also be overpowering, or make the wearer seem aloof or evil.  Villians, such as Dracula,  often are portrayed in Black.

WHITE

Brides wear white to symbolize innocence and purity.  White reflects light and is considered a summer color.  White is popular in decorating and in fashion because it is light, neutral, and goes with everything .  However, white shows dirt and is therefore more difficult to keep clean that other colors.  Doctors and nurses wear white to imply sterility.  Painters, of which I am one, also wear white.  It implies clean and neat though some of my white pants have every color that I have painted in the last 2 years on them.  You start wearing them like they are some kind of badge of excellence, I think.

RED

The most emotionally intense color, red stimulates a faster heartbeat and breathing.  It is also the color of love.  Red clothing gets noticed and makes the wearer appear heavier. You disagree?  I’m just sayin’.  Since it is an extreme color, red clothing might not help people in negotiations or confrontations.  Red cars are popular targets for thieves and get stopped more often by the police for speeding.  In decorating, red is usually used as an accent.  Decorators say that red furniture should be perfect since it will attract attention.

The most romantic color, PINK, which is a variation of red, is more a tranquilizing.  Sports teams sometimes paint the locker rooms used by opposing teams  right pink so their opponents will lose energy.  Pink is also a symbol of hope and cure.

BLUE

The color of the sky and ocean, blue is one of the most popular colors.  It causes the opposite reaction as red.  Peaceful, tranquil blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, so it is often used in bedroom.  Blue can also be cold and depressing.  Fashion consultants recommend wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty.  People are more productive in blue rooms.  Studies show weightlifters are able to handle heavier weights in blue gyms.  I tried it.  I am not a weightlifter so guess what?  It did not help me.

Food for thought.  While blue is one of the most popular colors it is one of the least appetizing.  When food is dyed blue and is served, study subjects lose appetite.  Perhaps we can come up with a” Blue Diet”.

GREEN

Currently the most popular decorating color, green symbolizes nature.  It is the easiest color on the ey and can improve vision.  It is a calming, refreshing color.  People waiting to appear on TV sit in ”green rooms”.  Hospitals use green because it relaxes patients.  Brides in the Middle Ages wore green to symbolize fertility.  Dark Green is masculine, conservative, and implies wealth.  It is not by chance that the phrase “Green” is used to described environmentally safe products.

YELLOW

Cheerful sunny yellow is an attention getter.  While it is considered an optimistic color, people lose their tempers more often in yellow rooms and babies cry more in yellow surroundings.  It is the most difficult color for the eye to take in, so it can be overpowering if overused.  Yellow enhances concentration, HENCE THE YELLOW LEGAL PAD.  It also speeds metabolism so it is a very popular color for dining rooms.

PURPLE

The color of royalty, purple connotes luxury, wealth and sophistication. It is also feminine and romantic.  However, because it is rare in nature, purple can appear artificial.  Purple is the color of my high school.  We were “The Purple Bulldogs”, that sounds ferocious.

BROWN

Solid, reliable brown is the color of  earth and is abundant in nature.  Light brown implies genuineness while dark brown is similar to wood or leather.  Brown can also be sad and wistful.  Men are more apt to say brown is on of their favorite colors.  I painted the exterior of my house “Espresso Brown”.  My home is in the country and blends in with the surroundings,  I think is was the perfect choice.

Well, there you have it.  You may or may not agree with my thoughts on color.  But I do think that there is a measure of truth in what I have presented.  Check it out, you may surprise yourself at how each different color affects you or those around you.

Of the many wonders of this beautiful planet that we live on, color is the most spectacular.  Blue skies, green grass and trees, the endless variety of color in the animal kingdom, rich dark dirt, cotton white clouds, flowers of every color and of course “ The Rainbow”.  Drink it in, enjoy it everyday.  It is a gift from our creator.  We do not need color to live or survive but oh how wonderful it makes life.

As always “ Happy Painting and Decorating”

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Visit our web site at www.kenraderinteriors.com

Smiles

Ken Rader

Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.

Serving Northwest Arkansas since 1987

PAINT WITH RED,PAINT WITH PASSION

I’M SEEING RED !

We usually get emotional about this.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAINT THE TOWN RED!

JUST ONE ROOM !!  HA HA

Yes red is passionate.  People love it with a passion; sometimes it makes people passionate. Not many people are neutral about it.  Though is some cultures, red is a neutral.

I have been reading some articles about red lately.  So I thought, “why not write something about red”.

I have purchased several items through the years that were red.  Cars, Trucks, furniture, clothing.  And if you were to look at what you have, you would probably find the same.

This brings me to the subject of using red paint.  Some will not use it because it does not cover as well as other colors.  This is true.  Some paint companies are now mixing red paint with primer which cuts down on the number of coats of paint needed.

Convincing those who are not red lovers to use it can be challenging.  These people will hardly get outside the box of ‘warm neutral’.  But for a little punch, RED IS IT. 

Still, just like any other color, different reds evoke different reactions.  It can have an aged, het contemporary element.  A vibrant intensity, romance, strength, power, royalty and security.

Red spices up a room like no other hue, but few dare to integrate this powerful primary color into their color selection.  Red has had a historical use and has been used as a great place to find inspiration.  You find it in every culture and nationality.

In the U.S.A. shades of red have played a very important part in shaping our views. Wallpaper patterns of circa 1900 sported ‘deep vermilion’.  In the 1930’s red was a favorite for furniture and was used to spice up a tired interior.  Mid-century modern décor used strong reds on accent walls or room dividers.  Today applications of red are paired with unexpected shades like gray and blue.  Or gold and yellow-based neutrals are also ideal complements to red.  I will call the 21^st Century palette, ‘rich in berry red’.  The use of these reds has expanded too any rooms of the home and is no longer limited to dining spaces.  Even cabinets and furniture are painted red.

Red is now classified as a ‘signature’ color.  Indeed it is bold but we now pair it with neutrals that complete the look.

Look at it this way.  What if stop signs were taupe with black letters.  Just not the same.  What color would you prefer for a ‘stop light’?  Do you get the point?

We do tire of red quicker that some other colors but it does come back around.  Some people say that ‘Blue never goes out of style’.  That is true but I would say ‘Red’ is right there with it.

Oh, by the way, I have two recliner chairs in my living room that are red leather.  I purchased them in 1990 and they are still my favorite chairs.  While we have changed the colors on our living room walls several times, they always work with what my wife chooses.  I have two fish tanks and my favorite fish in them have red color on them.

So take it out for a test drive.  Use a little or a lot of red.  I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

As Always “Happy Painting”

Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.

www.kenraderinteriors.com

Follow us at facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors

Pick you Winning Color Palette

Pick Winning Color Palettes

You Can Confidently Choose Your Color Scheme

A freshly painted home adds to its value as well as its appeal. Many people find it very difficult to decide what color scheme will be the best to use to paint the inside of their homes. Some people do not trust their ability to match complementary shades. Still others are afraid they may not still like the color palette they chose in several months' time. Others just do not know where to start.

But you can pick a winning color palette for your home by considering a few simple guidelines. What colors do you know you like and usually choose to wear? What color scheme are you usually drawn to? What colors have you already painted in your home?

KNOW WHAT YOU LIKE

Before you head to your local hardware or home improvement store, take some time to think about what colors you like. You can start by investigating your closet. Is there a color that you see repeatedly in your clothes? What shade is your favorite sweater or shirt?

After you have discovered what colors dominate your wardrobe, flip through some magazines you have. What colors catch your eye? Don't analyze the why for the moment; just rip out the pages that appeal to you. If you are trying to pick a color scheme with your spouse, give him or her the opportunity to create a personal color file as well.

Once you have gathered a decent stack of images, go through and try to group them. Maybe you have a lot of warm colors, such as reds and yellows. Perhaps you have picked a more neutral palette. You should start to see some patterns as to what colors appeal to you the most. This is a good place to start when considering a winning color palette for your home. Most decorators recommend using three values of one shade of color in a room: light, medium and dark.

Now, think about the room you want to paint. What color is the floor and ceiling currently? If you don't plan on changing the rug or carpeting, you will want your new color palette to work with what you already have. This also holds true for your furniture.

Another aspect of your room to consider is the rooms that adjoin it. If you aren't planning on repainting those rooms, you will want to select a color scheme that coordinates with their wall colors. Go back to your color file, pick one or two color schemes from it that will work with your room. These do not have to exactly match any existing colors in the room. Your wall color will be a more interesting backdrop for your room if it coordinates instead.

Take Your Time
When you think you have a color palette, make a visit to the paint counter. Find the color palette you were interested in and grab some swatches in shades that are darker or lighter than you think you want. Even pick some that have slightly different tints to them. For instance, if you were thinking of painting your kitchen green, try some swatches that are a bit more blue or a bit more yellow.

Once you are home, look at the swatches in the room you are planning on painting. Try to look at them at different times of day. You may be surprised to see how different the color looks from how it did in the store. The changes in the light of a room throughout the day may also alter how the color looks.

After you have selected a color swatch that works, head back to the paint counter. Now it is time to buy enough paint for a sample. Paint a section that is at least two feet by two feet and wait for it to dry. Not only can paint dry darker than it is depicted on a sample card, but the tint may be slightly different as well. Once you are certain you are happy with your chosen palette—time to paint!

Mood and Atmosphere
Paint can be very helpful in creating a visual illusion in a room. If you have a low ceiling and you want it to seem higher, paint it in a lighter color. Or if you have the opposite concern, you can make a ceiling appear lower by painting it a darker color than the walls. Any of these useful tips can boost the perception of your home's value. Here are some other painting tricks to consider:

• Make a large room appear smaller by painting the walls with warmer or darker hues.
• Give a small room a spacious, airy feeling with the use of light colors on the walls, floors and ceiling.
• Create a focal point in a room by painting one wall a darker shade than the rest of the room, or even a complementary hue.
• If you want a more lively color palette, pair several tones together.
• Use an upholstery pattern you like to select your paint scheme and match your shades(s) to it.

Well, that was fun.  This process can become addictive. Once you do one room and it looks better that you thought. LOOK OUT!! You will want to do more.

As Always “Happy Painting”   

Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.      www.kenraderinteriors.com

Follow us on www.facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors

HOW TO DO FAUX FINISHES

YOU CAN DO FAUX FINISHING: HOW TO DO WASHING

In recent years Faux finishing has taken a back seat to conventional painting.  This I feel is because most faux finishes are a bit fussy and require more time and attention to the project.  Most people are not willing to commit the needed time or attention. 

However, for those of you that think that you would enjoy a faux finish in one of your rooms, I will be posting ‘How-to’ articles for your education and enjoyment.

To begin with you will need to decide which room of the house you want the faux finish in.  As I mentioned, most of these finishes are fussy or busy.  So pick a medium to large size room for this.  And if you have one or two large walls that are not cut up that is even better.  You will see the wisdom of this when you do not have to work around windows, doors, etc.

My personal favorite room for a faux finish is a Home office or study.  I choose these rooms because you want these rooms to be comfortable yet put you in the mood for reading, meditating, working etc.  My Home Office has a rag faux finish on it.  I will present an article on this process later. 

It is a very masculine room with all of the furnishings chosen to look like the office on a popular TV mini series ‘ Nero Wolf ‘.  The colors are very deep and the “rag on” color is very subtle and muted.  My Colors are Deep Royal Blue and Deep French Roast.  I told you ‘very masculine’. 

Well, enough of my personal taste.  Presented in this article are the tools and some of the techniques you will need for ‘Washing’.

What You'll Need

• Latex Satin Paint for Basecoat
• Latex Satin Paint for Topcoat
• Rags (Terry cloth works best)
• Painter's Tape

Step 1:
Start by selecting two colors for the washing technique, the basecoat color usually being the brighter of the two. This is so that it will be able to be seen through the top washing coat. It is recommended that your paint choice be a satin so that the topcoat is easier to apply. If you choose to use a flat paint, the washing effect will be more of a rubbed appearance. For best results, select two colors that are similar, like gold and rust. The gold as the basecoat with the rust swirled over it is a stunning but subtle effect. Both colors need to be about the same lightness or darkness for the technique to be successful. Another beautiful technique is to use a white with a soft color. The color can be either the basecoat or the washing coat, but as you can imagine, the results will be quite different. The white on top softens and produces a "cloud" effect. In reverse, the color stands out against the white.

Step 2:
Paint on your basecoat according to manufacturer's directions. Please do two coats and please use either Satin or Semi-gloss sheen.  Flat will not work very well as a base.
Step 3:
You may begin the washing technique once the basecoat has dried for the paint manufacturer's recommended time. I seem to have gotten ahead of myself.  Before any painting is done tape off all of your baseboards, ceiling, door, and window trim. Now  dampen your towel, bunch it up, and dip it into the topcoat paint color you have chosen. Take the towel directly to your wall, use a swirling motion apply the topcoat as lightly or heavily as you please. Work from top to bottom and left to right moving across the wall. Periodically step back to make sure your paint swirls are similar in size. Leave yourself enough uninterrupted time per wall so you are sure not to stop once you've started a wall!  The top coat paint will need to be mixed with a ‘Glaze’.  This is available at most paint or Home Improvement stores.  Just follow the directions.  This gives the paint a transparent look and gives you more time to work with it before it starts to dry. 
Use of the glaze will make the top coat paint go much further.  So you will not need to buy as much as you purchased for the base coat.  The glaze really makes this process fun and you do not have to hurry as much.  You’ll like that.
Step 4:
Congratulations! You have created a one-of-a-kind, soft effect that is sure to make any room a masterpiece!
This how to project is provided as a guide line. Any do-it-yourself activity involves some risk and the reader remains responsible for the selection and use of tools, materials, and methods.
I am a firm believer that any person that attempts a faux finish must have some natural artist ability.  This is what will become apparent as you progress through the finish.  Also, I believe that “ A- symmetrical” are the only people that can live with faux finishes.  Symmetrical people just can’t take the random, chaotic pattern of a faux finish.  If you have to have matching furniture and square angles, trust me, you will not like a faux finish. “ I’m just saying”.  
Also, only one person needs to do the wash process.  Two people will produce two different looks of effects.  That is the individual artist in each of us coming through.
A well done faux finish will be a part of your home décor for many years.  It is an expression of your personality and you will love it.  I did a ‘Faux Wash’ for a client 10 years ago.  They still love it and it remains their favorite room in the house.
Here’s to your success!
As always “Happy Painting”
Ken Rader
Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.                            (www.kenraderinteriors.com)
You can follow us at (www.facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors)