Ken Rader Interiors-Painters in Northwest Arkansas "Up and Coming Kitchen Colors"

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 Kitchen Color Combinations that can't fail!
Walking down the paint aisle at the home improvement store can be overwhelming. With so many paint chips to choose from, where do you start? Let us help you whittle down the choices with our picks for the best kitchen color palettes.


Make your kitchen an expression of your personal style by drenching it in the colors you love. For a no-regrets approach, be safe and choose neutral tones for the expensive foundation elements (cabinets, floors, counter tops, appliances) and introduce color on the walls, back splash, window treatments, lighting, and other less-expensive accents. With this strategy, you can easily and affordable swap out the color scheme as your taste and popular trends change.

Want to pick the perfect palette and color combinations for your kitchen? These bright and up to date color combinations are sure to please.
<strong>Orange and Green</strong><em>:
 Bring your kitchen to life with this energetic duo. Juicy citrus hues are the latest trend in kitchen design, perhaps due in part to Pantone naming zippy "Tangerine Tango" its color of the year for 2012. These bold tones are perfectly suited to the aesthetics of Craftsman-style homes because they pair well with rich brown woodwork. They can also provide lively punctuations against the austere backdrop of minimal modern design.
<a href="http://kenraderinteriors.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/andreas-house-023.jpg"><img src="http://kenraderinteriors.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/andreas-house-023.jpg?w=225" alt="Quality detail, always" width="225" height="300" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-575" /></a>

<strong>Red and Yellow</strong>:
 This regal combination has been popular in Europe for generations. Pair a deep red with muted golden yellow to evoke the sense of a stately English manor, a relaxed French country cottage, or a beautiful Tuscan villa. To make your kitchen feel larger, use yellow as the room's anchor color (lighter colors visually expand space), and then use red accents to punctuate the design. Checked, striped, and floral patterns are popular in this style, as are fringe and other embellishments.
<a href="http://kenraderinteriors.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/tangerine-cabinets-570.jpg"><img src="http://kenraderinteriors.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/tangerine-cabinets-570.jpg?w=215" alt="tangerine-cabinets-570" width="215" height="300" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1267" /></a>


<strong>Blue and Brown</strong>:
This color combo has universal appeal. For modern or transitional homes, pair chocolate brown with crisp sky blue, and throw in a few bright accent colors for pop. In a country kitchen, pick robin's egg blue and wheat brown, and then layer on cream-color accents for a warm and cozy look. To give the duo a traditional feeling, choose deep shades of both colors and break up the dark tones with crisp white and rich gold accents.
<a href="http://kenraderinteriors.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/green-cabinets-650.jpg"><img src="http://kenraderinteriors.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/green-cabinets-650.jpg?w=300" alt="green-cabinets-650" width="300" height="207" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1268" /></a>
<a href="http://kenraderinteriors.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/blue-true-blue-650.jpg"><img src="http://kenraderinteriors.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/blue-true-blue-650.jpg?w=300" alt="blue-true-blue-650" width="300" height="207" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1269" /></a>
<a href="http://kenraderinteriors.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/saturated-neutral-tile-650.jpg"><img src="http://kenraderinteriors.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/saturated-neutral-tile-650.jpg?w=300" alt="saturated-neutral-tile-650" width="300" height="207" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1270" /></a>


<strong>Gray and Anything Gray</strong>:
Gray is gaining ground on white as the new go-to neutral for a contemporary kitchen. Create a sense of calm by using gray for a background color for black, white, or brown cabinets (yes, even brown and gray make great partners). To keep with the relaxed feeling, pepper the space with accents in a cool blue or soft green. To make the room more vibrant, introduce a bright accent color -- the sky is the limit, as gray pairs well with almost every bold color, from pink to yellow.
KEN RADER INTERIORS L.L.C. IS PROUD TO OFFER THIS INFORMATION.  WE OFFER ARTICLES ABOUT PAINTING AND DECORATING FOR YOUR EDUCATION AND ENJOYMENT.
And this time “ How to search the Web”.
   
WE ARE PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS AND DECORATORS IN FAYETTEVILLE ARKANSAS.
WE OFFER PAINTING AND DECORATING SERVICES THROUGHOUT NORTHWEST ARKANSAS.

FOR ALL OF YOUR PAINTING NEEDS CALL US AT (479) 443-3686
EMAIL US AT kennethrader@att.net and be sure and visit our web page at http://www.kenraderinteriors.com
  AS ALWAYS “HAPPY PAINTING AND DECORATING!”

Northwest Arkansas Best Painters "Painting Problems you should know about"

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Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.  is happy to offer information all about painting and decorating.  Check out our Blog and we are sure that you will find other articles that offer information on a wide array of painting subjects.
This article will offer you some insight into some paint problems that you may have to deal with.
Peeling Paint

Another common symptom of a failed paint coat is when the paint peels off from the surface. The paint may commonly appear to curl and flake from the work surface for a number of reasons. Most commonly, the peeling occurs because of poor paint adhesion, due to improper prep work or lack of primer.
Before any new paint is applied to the exterior of your home, the surface must have the necessary "roughness" for the paint to grip to. Sanding and/or applying a layer of primer is sufficient to provide this "roughness."
Efflorescence

This condition most commonly occurs on painted masonry surfaces, such as brick or concrete. Efflorescence appears as crusty white salt deposits emerging through the paint film. This situation transpires when salts in the brick or concrete become dissolved with water, and then attach to the surface as the water evaporates.
Some common causes of paint efflorescence include moisture emanating from indoors, inadequately waterproofed below-ground walls, and poor surface preparation. If basement walls are not adequately waterproofed, ground water may penetrate the paint and induce efflorescence. Cracks in walls and other water damage are also common causes. If the concrete or mortar was not entirely cured and dried out when the paint was applied, or if prior efflorescence was not entirely removed before the last paint job, the condition may materialize.
Mildew/Mold
Another common symptom of failed paint is the appearance of mildew and mold. Mildew is easily recognized as dark green, brown, or black splotches on the paint surface, and is usually found in damp, shaded areas. Mildew is actually a living fungus which feeds and grows on paint film.

Mold spores can float through the air and form new colonies where they land. Mold and mildew have been found to cause several health problems, such as sinus problems, respiration problems, sleep difficulty, and an impaired immune system.

Mildew and mold is most commonly caused by heavy moisture, poor ventilation, and lack of sunlight. A combination of these conditions will provide an ideal habitat for mold and mildew to thrive and grow. Some of the most common areas on the exterior of your home where mildew may grow include the underside of soffits, eaves, and similar shaded areas.
Chalking

Paint chalking occurs as a formation of fine powder on the surface of the paint film. Chalking paint will rub off of the surface and get on to skin, clothing, etc. Chalking paint can also have a fading effect on the paint coat. Chalking is actually a natural cleanses process of paint, however, excessive film erosion can result in heavy chalking.
This problem is typically caused by the use of a poor quality paint, or the use of an interior paint on the exterior of the building. Before applying a new coat of paint, be sure to fully remove any excess chalk from the surface. Primer may also be needed.

KEN RADER INTERIORS L.L.C. IS PROUD TO OFFER THIS INFORMATION.  WE OFFER ARTICLES ABOUT PAINTING AND DECORATING FOR YOUR EDUCATION AND ENJOYMENT.
And this time “ How to search the Web”.
                     
WE ARE PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS AND DECORATORS IN FAYETTEVILLE ARKANSAS.
WE OFFER PAINTING AND DECORATING SERVICES THROUGHOUT NORTHWEST ARKANSAS.

FOR ALL OF YOUR PAINTING NEEDS CALL US AT (479) 443-3686
EMAIL US AT kennethrader@att.net and be sure and visit our web page at http://www.kenraderinteriors.com
  AS ALWAYS “HAPPY PAINTING AND DECORATING

Popular Colors for 2013

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We get asked a lot about which colors are the latest and which ones will stay around for a while.  Coming up on the end of January we are beginning to see what the front runners are.  And we here at Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C. have already completed several painting projects for the new year and are starting to notice what is popular.
We have also been reading articles and looking at the latest trends and what other decorators are seeing and saying on this subject.  So here are some highlights that we have gleaned so far.

The Hottest New Paint Colors

Will we be basking in purple? Is gray the new blue? We asked color experts from leading paint companies to tell us what they see as the most popular color for the new year.

First up is a blue that has been around for some time but like they say "Blue never goes out".

Aqua Chiffon

"I think everyone is looking for a little change, but nothing drastic. Aqua Chiffon is playful and happy, not too dark and not too light. I'd use it as an accent to bring some freshness to a bathroom or a bedroom. And since blue is relaxing, it would bring peace of mind, which everyone is yearning for right now." —TINA McHENRY: OLYMPIC PAINTS AQUA CHIPPON A58-3

Next is a deeper blue which you are beginning to see in accessories and fabrics.

Oceanside

"People want more color, and they're not afraid of it like they used to be. We think teal blue is going to be important. It's already on the fashion runways. This is highly saturated, more blue than green, with undertones that make it feel sultry and mysterious. I could see it in a dining room or a bed-room, paired with red, amber, or earthy brown." —JACKIE JORDAN: SHERWIN-WILLIAMS OCEANSIDE SW 6496

Grey is coming on strong so don't be surprised that you seem to be drawn to it.  It is a classic that is gaining popularity.

Cathedral Gray

"We're introducing a new gray, which goes along with the Belgian look of natural wood and natural linen. In the past, people thought gray was a drab, boring color, but now it feels modern. This is on the warm side, and it works well with other neutrals or brighter colors like yellow or blue. It helps balance things out." —DONNA SCHROEDER: DUTCH BOY CATHEDRAL GRAY DT 136

I know, you are probably thinking 60's.  However, for an accent color this is the choice of many.

Forsythia Blossom

"This color we're seeing for spring 2013 is a high-energy yellow. It's bright and positive — a concentration of happiness that gets you away from the seriousness of the world. It would work really well in a kitchen, or in a sunroom with a lot of white. But not a master bedroom — you'd never be able to go to sleep!" —DEE SCHLOTTER: PITTSBURGH PAINTS FORSYTHIA BLOSSOM 212-4

Blue/Gray is everywhere.

Organic Garden

"We need to feel grounded, and a color like this suits the nesting instinct. It's both warm and cool, the perfect balance of gray and blue and green. You could push it toward blue by adding orange or yellow, or bring out the green by accenting it with red. White would shift it to gray. It's malleable, which makes it a good investment for the long term." —CATHERINE POOLE: THE FRESHAIRE CHOICE ORGANIC GARDEN FA064

Grape Hyacinth

"I think this is the year purple will really get picked up. People want a sense of their own personal space, and this is something different — a grayed purple, like a field of lavender on a foggy morning. It's soft, not scary. I see it in a bedroom, or as a secondary color in a living room with warm beige and camel." —PEGGY CAN ALLEN: GRAPE HYACINTH 31-24

Green is soothing but can add life to any room as this choice of green does.

Cedar Green

"Green is symbolic of growth. It also embodies another word that's going to be extremely important in the next decade, and that's 'flexibility.' Green goes with anything — just look outside. It can work with what you already own, as well as anything you'd like to add. It can feel classic or contemporary. And it's restful. It makes me feel balanced." —SONU MATHEW: BENJAMIN MOORE CEDAR GREEN 2034-40

Turquoise

"If I had to pick one color, it would be turquoise. It's not just blue or green, it's both, which means it's calming and invigorating at the same time. And it makes you think of escaping to someplace tropical and beautiful. It's got a little spark, like sun shining on water. I used it in a powder room and people walked in and said, 'Wow!' " —LEATRICE EISEMAN: PANTONE TURQUOISE 15-5519 TPX

This is the first offering of the new year in the earthtones.

Maple Glaze

"All the trend reports have been saying purple, purple, purple, and I want to say something different. I think a color like this rich saddle-leather brown speaks of our American heritage — Craftsman homes and Native American textiles. It's earthy and sophisticated. And it would look terrific with purple, mossy green, or blackened burgundy." —ERIKA WOELFEL: BEHR MAPLE GLAZE UL120-5

Following are some pictures of the colors that we have selected above.  See if you agree how they are gaining popularity.

We hope that this will give you some food for thought when it comes to choosing your next color to paint.  To be sure, new variations of these colors will surface in the months ahead.  Of course it all boils down to what you personally like and what furniture and accessories you already have and want to use with the new paint job.

It is fun though just to browse through the magazines and online articles and see what people are choosing.  Change is the spice of life, so spice it up!

KEN RADER INTERIORS L.L.C. IS PROUD TO OFFER THIS INFORMATION.  WE OFFER ARTICLES ABOUT PAINTING AND DECORATING FOR YOUR EDUCATION AND ENJOYMENT.

WE ARE PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS AND DECORATORS IN FAYETTEVILLE ARKANSAS.
WE OFFER PAINTING AND DECORATING SERVICES THROUGHOUT NORTHWEST ARKANSAS.

FOR ALL OF YOUR PAINTING NEEDS CALL US AT (479) 443-3686
EMAIL US AT kennethrader@att.net and be sure and visit our web page at http://www.kenraderinteriors.com
  AS ALWAYS “HAPPY PAINTING AND DECORATING!”

FIND YOUR FAVORITE PAINT COLORS WITH EASE

Choosing Colours When Painting and Decorating

       

Painting a new room or painting over an old wall colour can be an exciting event; after all, you'll be completely changing the dynamic of the room. However, many people worry about the wall colour when painting and decorating and aren't exactly sure how to go about choosing it. Before hiring painters and decorators take a look at the below tips on how to choose a wall colour. When it comes time for the painting contractors to paint the room, you'll be happy knowing the colour is exactly the one you want.
Paint Chips
The first step to painting and decorating a new room is to start gathering up paint chips. Your local paint or hardware store will have a huge variety to choose from. Pick colours that you not only love, but that you'll be able to match with a wide variety of items in the room (i.e. curtains, furniture, rugs, etc.). If you're hiring professional painters and decorators, they'll be able to help you out here.
Plan a Color Palette
For the most part, when painting and decorating a new room you're not going to have one colour throughout. A color palette is essentially all of the colours that will make up the room including the walls, ceiling and accessories. Professional painters and decorators are experts at putting together a colour palette that flows well; however, there are also a number of websites that have pre-created colour palettes for you to choose from.
Try It Out
Before you have painting contractors come to paint your room, purchase a small can of it and paint a little on the wall. As any painting and decorating expert will agree, paint often looks different depending on what room it's in due to a variety of factors such as natural light and the other colours in the room.
Find Inspiration
Painters and decorators often find inspiration from things in nature or things they love. When deciding on what colour to have painting contractors paint your room or home look for inspiration in places such as paintings, pictures or scenery outside your home. With the ability to color match any colour, the possibilities are endless.
Personality
Often when painting a room you want your personality to show through. For instance, if you're a bubbly and outgoing person choose fun colours such as orange, yellow, or green. This can be a great way to ensure once the painting contractors finish the job - you'll love the colour. After all, most of us love ourselves!

AS ALWAYS,”HAPPY PAINTING AND DECORATING”

 

Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C. --  Painting Northwest Arkansas Beautiful, “ One house at a time”.

 

Serving Northwest Arkansas and the greater Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers and Bella Vista area.

 Professional Painters since 1987.

 

Check us out at www.kenraderinteriors.com

Like us at www.facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors

 

Ken Rader

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

BEIGE, WHAT IS IT AND IS IT FOR YOU- PART 2

BEIGE, WHAT IS IT AND IS IT FOR YOU?

PART 2

Neutral and Safe

What is Old is New!

Beige is a pretty safe collection, so there are lots of places in the home that it can go.  The Benjamin Moore, company has a number of colors that use the word beige in their names.  Let’s see how they work.

 To begin with Benjamin Moore has a very robust off-white collection that offers 140 colors to choose from.  The undertones can run the spectrum of color so, yes, it

Can certainly tug at our emotions and bring forth color associations each of us subscribes to.  In other words, it’s not just background music—it can change and impact the personality of a room.

 The beauty of beige is that it can have the influence of a red, a yellow, even hints of blue.  The tonality of different beiges allows them to work into many rooms and environments.  It feels familiar and livable, often offering change without drama.

  Finally you have your cake and eat it, too!  If you want beige to ‘pop’, it’s simply a matter of color in context.  Create a dramatic contrast of color saturation to bring attention to each color individually.  For example, Benjamin Moore Soft Beige (2156-60), partnered with a color that is brighter and whiter like White Heron (OC-57) or deeper and cooler like (Green Tint 2139-60)or warmer and toned like (Seaside Sand 2110-40).  All these potions create a distinct contrast in combination, bringing out the actual color of the soft beige.

  A benefit of it being a neutral is that it can resolve an argument between two other colors that don’t seem to go together.  If they both go with beige, no one has to have issues with them.  Beige is a neutral that can either blend colors together or really make a statement.  It can be used to blend colors that are conflicting in the room on the drapes, the curtains and perhaps pillows.  It can make a statement in being the cool background color to display art or it can be a bold contrast with intense colors everywhere else.

It can also make an appearance as a supporting role to other colors to help them pop out.  Some people recommend using contrast.  If you want to create a more soothing space, try using neighboring colors on the color wheel.  Use blues, greens, and a beige with hints of these cooler colors for a calm and interesting look.  Try this, Benjamin Moore (Gossamer Blue 2123-40), (Feather Green 625) with (Moonshine OC-56)

  If you want to spice it up try partnering the blues and greens with a warm beige with undertones of red, yellow, or orange.  Combine (Gossamer Blue and Feather Green with Hillsborough Beige (1033

  Another good thing about beige is that it will work with something old and something new.  You can use it to tie together the 1950’s and the 21^st century.  Beige can take a room that feels chopped up in color choice or different design and blend it all together.  Yes, from traditional to contemporary beige is a popular color choice.

  Beige can be a calming addition for the bedroom, bathroom, spa or can create a larger room visually by painting the walls this light shade.  If you are not careful though, the beige can wash a room out and make it feel empty or cold.  (We don’t want that).

  Next, choose a great color for the walls and then pull in beige for the ceiling. But once again, watch out, using beige on the ceiling and the floors will give you a tunnel effect. (we don’t want that either).

  Well, is this enough for you to chew on for a while?  Much more can and probably will be said about beige.  It has been around a long, long time.  Though the name will continue to be used I am sure that the color that it is attached to will change.  So you will have to re-paint from time to time. Today’s beige will be yesterday’s beige is a short time.

Please check out our web page at www.kenraderinteriors.com

Please like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors

You can also email your comments and questions to kennethrader@att.net

As Always “Happy Painting and Decorating”

Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.

Ken Rader---serving Fayetteville, Arkansas and the Northwest Arkansas area since 1987.

Color, What is Hot and What is Not, Part 2

COLOR, COLOR, COLOR

PART 2

WHAT ARE THE DESIGNERS’ SAYING?

WHAT DO THE EXPERTS THINK?

THEY DON’T ALWAYS AGREE WITH THE REST OF US.

According to some designers’ a kitchen should always be white!  Others say that a kitchen is usually a mess so be careful and make sure that white does not accent the mess.  However, the overwhelming color for kitchens is WHITE.

The Dining Room gets the most striking color, RED.  It creates warmth and drama- it’s great at night.  Red is passionate- a delicious ambiance. People look great in red rooms!

The Living Room is the next room that we spend most of our time after the Kitchen.  So it is important to choose the right color.  The color that the Designers’ picked was “Drum roll , WHITE!

Closely following White is Gray.  White and Gray won’t compete with art and rugs.  Warm white is like being bathed in sunlight.  Some gray’s can go tan, yellow and even green.  Which gray you pick will need to be tried with the furnishings in the room to make sure it works for you.

The Bedroom deserves the most attention according to designers.  These experts agree with the majority of people polled and said the color BLUE should be used in the bedroom.  Why?  It is like water- refreshing and restful at the same time.  Dreamlike, cloudlike, heavenlike.  There is a blue for everyone- it’s a safe color.

These are the color’s that the designers say will work in certain rooms, “at the present”.  But what does the future hold according to these color guru’s.

Well here it comes!

29% say green will start making a big statement.

27% pick purple as a sure winner.

24% still like pink

21% will use gold

20% stay with light blue (seems to never go out of style)

18% choose the passion, warmth and ambiance of Red

14% will suggest Orange

13% Will still favor White

12% Like gray because it is Fresh, Modern Neutral and works with everything.

10% Want us to use brown somewhere in the house.

9% bring Black in as the least to be used.

Now let’s get a little more detailed.  What colors were the top picks of the designers.

Ralph Lauren Paint- Light Sky RLIB221

Valspar- Prussian Cadet 4008-6C

Sydney Harbour Paints- Apple Crunch (Granny Smith apple green)

Benjamin Moore- Dusty Miller CSP-755 (Not quite gray and quite green, this is a putty color

Pratt & Lambert- Flint 32-20 (Smoky gray)

Pittsburg Paints- Applesauce Cake 316-5

Glidden- Hazy Sage GLN27

Valspar- Tropical Breeze 2002-2A

Glidden- Cherries Jubilee GLR03

Farrow & Ball- Borrowed Light 235 (Combination of serene blue and sedate gray)

Sherwin-Williams- Demure SW6295 (Pink with a touch of burgundy)

Stark Paint- Plum Brandy

All are very nice and lovely colors.  Without a doubt, our mood is affected by color.  Give it due attention and time. 

There is a lot of advice out there.  In the end it is what you personally like that will serve you the best.  Don’t be unduly influenced by polls.

They just give you a base to start from.  The polls and choices that I have written about can be found in the latest edition of HouseBeautiful, Sept. 2012.  I take no credit for the excellent advice and help that the polls and the insights of the designers provide for you.  I have picked and shared just some of the good information you can find in the magazine.

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Email us at kennethrader@att.net with any comments or questions you have.

Please like and comment on our Blogs.  We have posted over 100 articles.  Some is our original information and others are based on other sources.

As always “ Happy Painting and Decorating”

Ken Rader

Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.

COLOR, COLOR, COLOR! What is Hot and What's Not!

COLOR, COLOR, COLOR!

THE PERFECT COLOR FOR EVERY ROOM

Over the past few months I have blogged several articles on the subject of color.  What is Hot! What is Not!  How you can choose your perfect color.

Just the mention of the word “COLOR” can send thousands of images through our minds.  Example, “ Orange, you might see a carrot one minute and then a sunset and then, your favorite shoes, well you get the point.

Color is clearly a hot topic with everyone of every age.  You might say “we are obsessed with color”.

What I will endeavor to do with this blog is to give you the findings of several surveys.  For instance, what are the favorite colors of people in general and then, what are the favorite colors of decorators and designers.  This will be fun so here we go!

The Favorite paint Color of the average person (not that I am saying you are average), is broken down in percentages of likes

RED- It is a fun, vibrant color and it energizes, but it was favored by only 8% of those polled.

PURPLE- It also only caught the attention of 8%

ORANGE- Though making a comeback in some areas, only got 4%

BROWN-  A meager 3%

BLACK- Is classic, contemporary, chic.  And for many “the only color” but a favorite of only 2%

PINK-  Many get a warm glow when in a pink room. And 7% like it.

GOLD-  6% is all it gets

GRAY- 6% but holds promise of coming back.

White- Only 5%, Which was surprising.

GREEN- Was runner up to the most popular at 21%. Green looks good in any light and makes you feel happy.

BLUE- Topped the list at 29%.  Blue is fresh and makes you want to take a deep breath.

Now, where do these colors go?  Even the colors that ranked low in percentage were very popular is specific rooms.  Go figure.

YELLOW- Conjures up delicious things like butter and cream, egg yolks and lemons.  It just add a sunshiny feeling!  Bright, Cheery and a fun color.  SO the room we paint yellow the most is “THE KITCHEN”!

GREEN- Fresh, like a salad.  Organic and alive.  It makes food look good.  Therefore, Our dining rooms  are the #1 choice to paint green though, believe it or not, RED came in #2 for dining rooms.  I have painted more dining rooms RED than any other color.

BLUE- Like waking up in the clouds.  There is a serenity in blue, it is calming and is the color most BEDROOMS are painted. This was far and away the #1 choice for bedrooms.

White- Last but certainly not least is white.  It can be warm, classic, timeless, airy and bright.  The Living Room is where you will find white used.  It did barely edge out Beige and Gray for the top spot in this room.

I personally do not like Beige and I prefer Gray over white.

In my next blog I will present the choices of the Designers.  What they say will be the next hot colors and once again which rooms get what colors.

Keep in mind that the colors and the rooms for them that we have presented in this article will be around for some time.  They will not change in the near future.  But if you like to be on the cutting edge then you will need to wait for the next article to pick your colors.

Ken Rader

Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.

Visit our web page at www.kenraderinteriors.com

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And of course look through our archived articles.  I promise a wealth of information to guide you in your painting and decorating project.

As always “Happy Painting and Decorating”

Ken Rader

EXTERIOR COLOR SCHEME-FIVE TIPS TO CHOOSE YOUR COLOR

EXTERIOR COLOR SCHEMES

FIVE TIPS TO SUCCESSFULLY PICK YOUR COLOR!

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING YOUR NEXT COLOR.

COLOR TRENDS, PAINTS AND GOOD PAINTING PRACTICE

Do you plan on sprucing up your home exteriors this fall?  Or, are you considering placing you home on the market?  No matter what the reason, a fresh coat of paint can immediately revive the overall appearance of what typically is your largest investment, YOUR HOME.

   When it comes to exterior painting, many people chose to repaint using the same colors that already exist on the house.  However, choosing a new color scheme can be exciting and provide a new and updated look.  In addition, remind yourself that refreshing your home with a new paint job is one of the most cost-effective projects you can invest in and one that truly adds value.

   Choosing a new color scheme might seem daunting at first; however, here are some suggestions that will help and guide you through the color selection process.

1. CONSIDER THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE HOME

Some architectural styles, such as Victorian, lend themselves to elaborate four and even five-color schemes. Others, like Georgian or Colonial styles, are better-suited to two or three colors.  Usually this includes a main body color and one or two accent colors for trim, shutters and doors.

    2.   NOTE THE MATERIAL OF CONSTRUCTION

         If the home is made of wood, brick, masonry or aluminum siding, IT CAN BE     PAINTED virtually any color.  However, if it has vinyl siding, it might be best to paint it a similar hue to the original, although newer paints on the market have been formulated to allow for a wider choice on this surface.  And several primer/sealers of the acrylic variety will stick to the vinyl siding and allow premium exterior paint of any color to be applied. These include Bulls Eye 1-2-3, Glidden Gripper, Kilz Total Premium.  If you read the labels of these products you will see that they claim to stick to any surface.  I have used all three of these and they deliver on their promise.

   3.  TAKE FIXED COLORS INTO ACCOUNT

   Consider the colors on and near the house that cannot, or will not, be painted.  This includes the roof color and wood, masonry or stone that will be left unpainted.  Just remember that all of these surfaces can be painted with the technology of paints and primers that are on the market today.

4.      CONSIDER THE SURROUNDINGS

Look at the hues of neighboring homes and buildings-particularly those that are right next door. You would not want to suggest a color that is exactly the same as your neighbor’s home, and conversely, you don’t want to clash with it either.  Also, be sure to take into account any plantings that are in your yard or landscaping.  If your house is in a neighborhood where the houses are fairly close together, then you would likewise consider the plantings and landscaping of a nearby neighbor.  This can make your house and property appear larger than it is when it compliments what is next door.

5.      CHECK FOR RESTRICTIONS

Some historical districts, newer developments, and townhome or condominium communities have restrictions on what paint colors or color combinations may be used.  To avoid disappointment, it’s best to find out about these limitations before choosing and applying new hues.

Well, there you have it, 5 excellent tips to help you pick your new color for your home.  This is the easy process.  Next comes, the painting process.  This is probably the most difficult and misunderstood process of all home improvement projects.  I know, you have been bombarded with the idea that you can do it yourself.  Yes you can, but at what cost.  I mean, what will it going to cost you in your time, energy and any relationship you have with your mate or neighbors.  It can be ugly.  Please give consideration to hiring the professional painter for this.  Exterior painting is a different animal than interior painting.  It is a big ugly animal that will bite you, maul you and leave you whimpering on the ground.  I have seen this happen and witnessed this ugly truth.

Check out our web page at www.kenraderinteriors.com

Look us up and like us at www.facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors.

Be sure and check out our other blog posts.  We have endeavored to cover a wide range of subjects within the painting industry.

Also, if you are in need of carpet cleaning or carpet cleaning advice, please visit our partner site www.kleensmart.net and look up our blogs on www.kleensmart2012.wordpress.com

As always “Happy Painting and Decorating”

Ken Rader

Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.     Serving Northwest Arkansas U.S.A.

Choose the Professional Painter and save yourself the stress

House Painters – Choosing the right Professional Painter is easier that you think.

 

Your Home is your Castle, when you're looking to make a alteration or improvement to it, you have to consider not only the final finished product, but likewise the experience, and of course professional behavior and all around worth that goes into the project. When you think about house painters, you can measure their service from the bottom up to see if they perform up to a professional level.
When you hire a painting contractor, the expense of materials consumes a significant portion of the currency you pay. Quality House Painters simply use only the highest quality materials to guarantee that your painting investment endures and looks attractive for many years.  If they use cheap paint, DO NOT HIRE THEM!
Of course, the labor itself is the other major cost, and if a house painting company employs the right people, that can go a long way towards ensuring you receive quality for your money.  The best companies are usually owned and operated by one person or perhaps a husband and wife team.  They usually do all the work thus keeping control of quality and time spent on the job. That means that the company has to invest in itself and its employees, with the proper compensation, benefits and treatment, to ensure that the benefits of high quality employment is passed along to you.
The work of completing a chore also has to come with safe procedures and efficiency. Is the company insured?  It is a valid and good question.  Accidents must be prevented, or repairs may have to follow.  Is the company properly licensed?  It is very rare these days to find that licenses are not needed.  Rather, with each passing year more licenses are required, both state and usually city. Projects ought to be completed within the budget or estimate, and on schedule with what has been projected. Meeting these challenges is the distinguishing factor of a true high quality company.
When you employ skilled and qualified House Painters, you will be getting much more than coats of paint on your walls. They are experts in their field, bringing all of their experience along to your project to insure superior results. Skilled house painters will do surface preparation to guarantee a flawless finish, and will spot potential troubles before the work starts.  A skilled professional is proud of his work and it is the best advertising he can have.  So he will do the best job possible.
This kind of skill and professionalism can only come with experience. House painters of this level of skill and knowledge can accurately judge the amount of paint and other materials are needed, and will have all of the tools or gear required to complete a job of any type, or deal with any and all issues which may arise.
So if you are getting ready for a painting and fixing up project this year make your selections wisely. Purchasing experience and professionalism will make a big difference. Scan their reviews, ask for references, and check to see if they are A+ rated with the Better Business Bureau. Do they maintain a five star evaluation in reviews and have been in service for many years. The qualified painting company always puts the customers first. This is the reason great painting companies have so many repeat customers. They know they can count on them to deliver the service they require.
Ken Rader is owner and operator of Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C. in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Ken shares his knowledge on house painters. House painting. (Interior and Exterior) and other home improvement topics. Check out all of our blogs.  We are sure you will find some information that will assist you in your Home improvement projects.
As always “Happy Painting and Decorating”
Check out our web site at www.kenraderinteriors.com
Please see our facebook page www.facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors and mark us “liked”
You may also leave comments and they are always welcome.  We are always striving to improve our articles and have a share in a wonderful experience for you on your next home improvement project.
Ken Rader

VOC's, What are they and what do they do?

VOCs: What are they and what do they do to you and the environment?

A fresh coat of paint doesn’t seem so fresh when you consider that over 10,000 chemicals can be included in paint formulas. Many of these chemicals emit breathable gases that are potentially mutagenic, neurotoxin, and carcinogenic. Some of these chemicals interact and create detrimental compounds not present in the original product.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — easily evaporating organic compounds with one or more carbon atoms — was up to 100 times higher indoors than outdoors. According to the EPA, indoor air pollution is one of the top five leading health risks in the United States. Paint, glues, and synthetic fabrics are among the leading contributors of VOCs in the home.
There is also a growing understanding of the health concern called,” multiple chemical sensitivity”, which throws the immune system out of balance. This environmental illness can develop through massive exposure to toxic chemicals through industrial spills or occupational exposure. More often, however, people develop” multiple chemical sensitivity”, through prolonged exposure to lower levels of some chemical or a mix of chemicals.
People who develop” multiple chemical sensitivity”, must restrict their contact with chemicals including those in many paints.
Volatile Organic Compounds
In an attempt to improve air quality, the 1990 Clean Air Act required the EPA to set national limits on air pollutants, including VOCs that could be released into the air.
VOCs are found in the solvents of all oil-based paints and in some additives in latex paint. The VOCs off-gas as the finish dries. They mix with nitrous oxide — a by-product of fossil fuel combustion — and sunlight to produce ground-level ozone, which is a component of smog. There are toxic chemicals that off-gas in many paints including acetone, formaldehyde precursors, and ammonia, but they don’t count as VOCs because they don’t react to produce smog.
There are two popular misconceptions about VOCs in paint: That they are the “stink factor” in paint and that dry paint no longer off-gases. In reality some VOCs give traditional paint its characteristic odor but many more VOCs have no detectable odor. And it is estimated that more than 50% of the VOCs in paint are still being emitted one year after application.
The terms “low-odor” or “low-VOC” paint can be used to identify the VOC content that meets the EPA standard of 250 grams per liter (g/L) for latex paints or 380g/L for oil-based paints.
This standard is confusing for a number of reasons, including:
• The 250g/L refers to flat latex paint but not higher sheens with higher VOCs.
• The standard applies to untinted paint. Universal tinting machines add VOCs.
• The standard refers to interior paint. Exterior paint would have more VOCs.
• The standard was set to address exterior air pollution, not interior air quality.
• The standard can be used by manufacturers to advertise paint as low-VOC and low-odor when it simply is in compliance with EPA regulations.
• The Green Building Industry has pushed companies to develop paints with much lower VOCs than the EPA regulation.
Green Seal, the non-profit organization that does independent third party certification for environmentally preferable products, sets a more stringent standard of 50g/L for flat interior paint or 150g/L for other paint.
Green Seal’s GS-11 standard for new paint also prohibits a host of EPA-allowed chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde, and toluene. Green Seal also requires paints to meet stringent performance standards for abrasion resistance and washability.
Interior flat, un-tinted paint with VOCs in the range of 5 g/L or less can be called “Zero-VOC Paint” according to the EPA’s Reference Test Method 24.
While zero-VOC paint is a healthful trend, the toxics still remaining in paint promoted as low-odor or even zero-VOC paint can still make sensitive people sick. Even Green Seal’s GS-11 standard allows ammonia, which is a physical irritant. And many low-VOC paints contain such toxic ingredients as crystalline silica, fungicides, and bactericides.
Natural Paints
Natural paints are not produced from man-made petrochemical-based ingredients. They are specialty paints made from naturally obtained raw ingredients including citrus peel extracts, essential oils, seed and nut oils, tree resins, mineral fillers, tree and bee waxes, and natural — not chemically processed — pigments.
The binder in casein paint consists of milk solids. One product contains only milk products, hydrated lime, and natural earth pigments. The classic binder in natural oil paints was linseed oil, but contemporary versions may use castor oil with citrus or eucalyptus oils to speed drying and improve the aroma.
Water-based natural paints give off almost no odor, but oil-based natural paints are not odor-free, and chemically sensitive people may want to try samples to test for personal tolerance.
Manufacturers of natural paints believe that because their ingredients are not synthesized, they easily assimilate into the natural world without harmful effects.
They also point out that the product-to-waste ratio is greatly reduced by selecting raw natural ingredients that do not need extensive processing. Synthesizing ingredients for ordinary paint from petrochemicals can result in a waste ratio as high as thirty tons of waste to one ton of finished product.
Precautionary Principle
Generations before us lived by the proverb “Better safe than sorry.” Recently this adage has grown into the “precautionary principle.” The 1998 Wingspread Statement on the Precautionary Principle summarizes the rule: “When an activity raises threats of harm to the environment or human health, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically.”
The greatest flaw in most toxics policies is that they are based on the belief that science must provide definitive proof of harm before protective action is taken.
Not knowing the long-term impacts of the combinations of ingredients off-gassing in paint, it is wise to for pregnant women or people with health problems to avoid painting and not go into a freshly painted room until it has ventilated for at least 72 hours.
Others should paint with proper ventilation. Provide cross-ventilation by keeping windows wide open during painting, for two to three days after painting, and longer if possible. Use a box fan secured to the window frame to blow paint fumes outward.
Air-conditioning units and most heating systems do not provide ventilation because they re-circulate air even when the system is set to “vent.” They should not be substituted for the use of a window fan blowing outward and fresh cross air ventilation. Likewise, bathroom/kitchen exhaust fans do not always vent outside and should not be used.
While painting, take frequent fresh air breaks and if possible avoid newly painted rooms for several days.
Don’t paint when the temperature is low — for most paints that means below 55º F (surface temperature) — or when the humidity is high — 70% or above — because the paint will take longer to dry. Don’t even paint inside when it is raining because using a box fan during wet weather can be an electrical shock hazard.
Paint fumes rise as paint dries, so it takes the longest time to dissipate paint fumes from the ceiling because there is no fresh air above the fumes once they hit the ceiling. If the room has a ceiling fan turn it on as well as having the windows open to bring in fresh air.
Points to remember:
• Read label precautions.
• Never use exterior paint inside.
• Proper preparation makes paint last longer, and less frequent repainting means fewer VOCs released into the air.
•Dark, deep (highly saturated), or bright colors made from transparent tint bases usually have little titanium dioxide for hiding power. These colors will require multiple coats and that translates into more VOCs released.
• Lighter colors using less universal tint will release fewer VOCs.
I realize that this article is a bit heavy.  However, during the last few years most of the premium paint manufacturers have developed “low or zero VOC’s”.  They really are much safer than the paint that was used even 5 years ago.  So the danger from VOC’s has been drastically reduced.  Even most primers are Low or Zero VOC’s.
These paints and primers are the “Gold Standard”, so do not settle for less.  You will of course have to pay more.  Only top quality, premium paints offer this.  Just read the side of the paint can and see the difference.
Most professional painters will recommend a Low or Zero VOC paint.  These are the professionals that you will want to use.  Your health and the environment should be a primary concern for any painter.  Just ask them what paint that they recommend.
We at Ken Rader Interiors use only Low and Zero VOC paints and primers.  And we only recommend premium paint.  So if you live in the Northwest Arkansas area give us a call.
As always, “Happy Painting and Decorating”
Visit our web site at www.kenraderinteriors.com
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EXPERT INSITE ON CHOOSING COLORS

An Expert's Insight on Choosing the Right Colors

New York City designer Scott Sanders answers some of the toughest color questions with sound advice for how to choose and use the right colors in your home.

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As the principal of the New York City design firm that bears his name, designer Scott Sanders provides fine-tuned color strategies to his clients, tailoring his palettes to be the most appropriate and effective for any given interior. Here, he shares his color advice with us.

Q: What's the most important role color plays in a room?

A: It sets the mood for a room. The color you choose is really about what you want the room to feel like.

Q: Do you tend to use one color scheme throughout the entire interior, or mix it up room to room?

A: In general, I feel it's important to have continuity throughout the entire house. I'll use one or two colors throughout the house, and then mix in other accent colors. That gives continuity, but at the same time allows the various rooms to have different personalities.

Q: What kind of classic color combinations do you think work best?

A: Blue and white, yellow and green for a kitchen, red and black for a very formal dining room. For a library, I would suggest chocolate brown and camel or dark green and navy blue. I like burgundy and khaki, navy and khaki, or dark green and khaki. And grays and blues look really great together.

Q: What kind of guidelines would you suggest if someone wants to use bold colors?

A: You need to be aware that you will likely get tired of bold colors very quickly. If you really want to incorporate a strong, bold color, use it as an accent. Bold colors are often attractive because they are the color of the moment; this can quickly date a room.

Q: How should the homeowner account for different lighting in choosing colors?

A: Select three shades of the color you want: where you think you want to be, and one shade lighter and one shade darker. Do this with paint, wallpaper, or fabric swatches. Put the samples in two places: next to the window and in a darker corner. Look at them at different times during the day and at night. Then make your decision.

Q: Is a neutral color scheme always appropriate?

A: No. It totally depends on the house, the location, the architecture, and the personality of the homeowner. It's about trying to keep a balance. An entire neutral house can be boring.

Q: How do you use color to affect relationship and the relationship with other decorative elements?

A: Color is key to how the decor is perceived. If it's a big room, paint it a brighter, warmer color to bring the walls in. Paint a smaller room a cooler color to push the walls out. Color also establishes visual weight and balance. If you put a bold primary-based piece of art in a pastel room, it's probably not going to seem right. The colors of the art should balance the colors of the space.

Q: What are the challenges homeowners face in choosing colors and color schemes?

A: Sometimes people are scared of color, especially dark colors. Ultimately, people should really follow their heart: If they love a color, test it, and like it in place, they should not be afraid to choose it.

These are among the most asked questions about colors. I hope the answers give you some assistance in choosing your colors for your home.

As Always “Happy Painting and Decorating”

Ken Rader

Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.

Like us at www.facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors

Visit our web site at www.kenraderinteriors.com