Scraping off Popcorn style ceiling texture

How to remove Popcorn style ceiling Texture. By Ken Rader Owner: Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C. In the 1970's and 1980's a lot of homes were built and the ceilings were textured with popcorn style texture. Sometimes heavy and sometimes light. They even sprinkled a little glitter on some ceilings. Well here we are in the 21st century and that texture will not do. Out of date and no chance of coming back into style. IT HAS TO COME OFF! Here is a list of the tools you will need. 1. 6" putty knife (for scraping) 2. Small bucket or dust pan (to catch the scraped texture) 3. 30 gal. trash bags 4. Plastic film for covering up floor and anything else left in the room. 5. Step Ladder 6. Gloves 7. Masking tape and paper and a masking machine if you can afford it. (Cost about $50.00) 8. Safety glasses 9. Ball cap or hat to cover you head 10.Dust Mask. Everything about this job works against you because gravity is pulling everything down. To keep the mess to a minimum you will need to use the bucket or dust pan to catch the texture as you scrape it. 11. Pump up garden sprayer Begin by removing as much furniture and items from the room you are going to scrape the ceiling in. Whatever you cannot remove will have to be covered with plastic or a drop cloth. Fill up the sprayer with hot water and adjust the spray to a fan pattern, not a single stream. Wet down a section about 5' by 5' square. Wet it down two or three times since the texture will usually soak up the water. The wetter it is the easier it will scrape. Now take your bucket or dust pan and hold it under your scraper and scrape the texture off allowing it to fall into the bucket or dust pan. You will not catch all of it but whatever you catch is that much less on the floor. After a few scraping passes you will have to empty your bucket into the trash bag. Wet texture is heavy. Go at an even steady pace, no need to hurry. If the texture begins to dry out then wet it down again. Keep it wet because it will scrape easier. Once you do the first section then move on to another section. Sometimes ceilings have been painted and this makes it a little more difficult to scrape because the water will not soak into the texture because of the paint. It this is the case you will have to scrape in layers. First layer texture nibs, next layer some of the texture sheetrock mud, and finally the last of the texture from the sheetrock. Once this is done you will need to do some repairs from gouges and perhaps replace some sections of sheetrock tape. Then you will need to decide if you are going to texture the ceiling again or not before you paint it. You will almost always have to texture the ceiling again. The texture covered up a lot of mistakes in the original sheetrock job and all of them will be visible again. Most people will either texture the ceiling with orange peel or knockdown texture that matches what they have on the walls of their home. Here are some picture of a large room we just finished. Texture was removed, repairs made, Ceilings textured with a knock down and the wall textured with an orange peel. Paint was then sprayed on the ceiling and then rolled on the walls. Be patient and remember this is not a quick clean job. Most people will tire out quickly because you are working with your hands and arms above your head. So take a break every few minutes and keep the texture wet so that it will scrape easier. Have fun, call in a few favors for some extra manpower. Don't take any shortcuts and be thorough. If you leave gouges or do not make the repairs needed, a coat of paint will not make the go away. They will still be there only in a different color. If you put on a new texture it will usually not hide any problem areas that you should have fixed. We hope this information helps Happy Painting and Decorating Ken Rader Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C. Professional Painters and Decorators Serving Northwest Arkansas since 1987 Licensed and Insured visit our web site at www.kenraderinteriors.com or follow us on facebook at www.facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors

BEIGE-- WHAT IS IT AND IS IT FOR YOU?

BEIGE!

What is Beige and is it for you?

A neutral that has a big impact.

What, exactly is beige?  Isn’t it just a shade of something else?  Why should we give it color, and not just a hue?

  Beige is a term that originated in the mid 19^th century for unbleached wool.  As you can imagine, even the reference would always have an ambiguous reality--- somewhat gray, white or brown.  Since its descriptive origin, it has become even more loosely defined.

  Today it describes a hue that has a hint of color from any color family but is dominated by its tonality or presence of gray.  Plus, it works!  It is not the most saturated hue, but can paint out beautifully in a space that needs a touch of color.

  Beige was originally a yellow-brown that was the color of cotton cloth with no dye added.  Slowly it became a grand word that was placed on almost any neutral or tan color.  It is distinguished by its ratio of white blended with black, green, yellow, umber, or red which separates it from pastels that are primarily colorant with little white existing.

STUCK IN NEUTRAL?

  Even if it is a neutral, it’s important to put some thought into it.  Just like an ill-advised off-white can create a funny caste in a room, it’s important to know what your beige is made of to properly relate it to other colors.

   Picking the right beige can be tricky if you are unfamiliar with undertones existing in colors.  Usually you want to pinpoint colors in the room from rugs, drapes, sofas and other items and determine the undertone within each.  Then, strive to blend with a green, yellow, red, or gray undertoned beige.  This will help blend all the furnishings while making a stunning backdrop for further décor.

  To pick the right beige with other home décor elements, see where the root of the beige is.  Are most of the other décor elements grey-beige?  If so, then choose a grey-beige for the walls so that you have an integrated, seamless look.  The root color of the paint and the other décor elements will follow through from piece to piece and not look wrong.  If it’s an orange-beige, same situation—find a beige that has a hint of orange in it.

  Plus, it can work with itself.  Beige also begs for mixes of textures and using layers of different beiges together--, pulling from nature where we see such a variety of hues and beige, beige, beige.

Our next blog will continue on the subject of beige.  What beige’s are trendy.  What are the new names for beige and where to use them.

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

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Send us your Comments--  kennethrader@att.net

As Always “ Happy Painting and Decorating”

Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.

Ken Rader 

Serving Fayetteville and the Northwest Arkansas area since 1987

PAINT YOUR HOUSE AND MAKE IT A HOME

Painting Your House Upgrades, New Paint will make it a HOME!

OPTIONS FOR PAINTING YOUR HOUSE

There are plenty of options to upgrade your home. Painting your house is one of the best ways to change the look and feel of the home from the inside out. A fresh paint job makes a home look sharp and feels clean. The upgrade can be done quickly and is one of the more practical home improvements. This upgrade is always suggested when trying to sell a home. Overall it is generally safe to say that painting your house is one of the most popular and cost friendly upgrades.
Painting your house can always be considered a part of home maintenance. Not only do paint jobs and touchups clean up a house but they can drastically change the aesthetics of a room or exterior of a home. Nicks and dings are bound to make their way to your walls and doorways. Keeping leftover paint is always suggested to help make touchups easy. Professional companies can also come make free in home estimates and match exact color swatches if you do not have leftover paint of your existing color.
A new paint job can be made throughout the inside and outside of the home. Any room can enjoy a number of different services to enhance its look and feel. Everything from the ceiling to the floors and woodwork can benefit from a new paint job. The ceiling alone has multiple different upgrade options. Homeowners have to consider what color to use, if they want to add any texture, or if they want to remove any current texture there is on the ceiling. Hiring professionals to handle these tasks is always suggested. They are trained to safely paint hard to reach spots, high walls, and ceilings. Decks and garage floors are two more examples of paint upgrades that can be made throughout the home.
Painting your home not only upgrades it, but it adds style! Moving into a new house often means starting from a blank canvas of white or eggshell walls. Adding interior design can be quickly done with paint jobs and lets you custom decorate any room. Changing wall colors can add depth to a room, add comfort, and open a space up without having to spend a lot of money.
Hiring a contractor to handle your upgrades is always a smart idea. Not only can they give you free home estimates, but they can match exact colors and complete jobs quickly. Their professional services are available for a full range of services inside and out.
Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C. services Northwest Arkansas including the cities of Fayetteville, Rogers, Bella Vista, Springdale and Bentonville.
Check out our web site www.kenraderinteriors.com
Also like our facebook page   www.facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors
As always “ Happy Painting and Decorating”
Success with your project
Ken Rader

PAINT OVER YOUR OLD WALLPAPER. YOU CAN DO IT!

Paint over Wallpaper? Yes You Can!

Stripping wallpaper is a tedious job, and sometimes it's not merely tedious, but almost impossible. If there are numerous layers, or it has been pasted to an un-painted, non-primed and un-sized wall, you simply cannot remove it without doing major damage to the underlying wallboard, requiring extensive repair. There's an easier way. It is possible to paint over wallpaper. If you do it correctly, you can hide all the seams too.

• Remove all the loose paper, taking special care around the seams. Using wallpaper seam glue, paste down any remaining loose edges.
• Prime the walls with one coat of fast-drying acrylic primer.  Use a short nap roller, one sold for smooth walls.
• Using the widest drywall knife you can, apply drywall mud over all seams and flaws. Sand smooth. Prime over all of the areas. You may need to go back and re-drywall some flaws. Take time with this step, and make sure you have good light. Use a large sanding sponge, available in paint or hardware stores, rather than sandpaper. It will be easier to get a smooth, flush finish.  Remember,” Painting over flaws or a bad finish job will only change the color, not fix the flaws”.
• Using clear or white caulking, caulk along the ceiling, baseboard and trim. This will help you get a nicer line when you cut in the edges with a brush.

Now you're ready for paint. Don t use cheap paint over all your hard work. Go to a good paint store, one that real painters use, and buy the best quality available. Use Paint and Primer combinations.  Several companies make this wonderful product. Since glossier paints will show remaining imperfections in your wall, consider some of the excellent, washable flat paints now on the market or an eggshell finish if you want luster. No matter what finish or color you choose, count on doing two coats for the best-looking, most-washable surface.
Does this sound like too much work? You can save some steps and texture your walls. No sanding required, and you can be a bit messy. Prime the walls as above, and caulk the edges. Buy a four- or six-inch flexible drywall knife and a five-gallon bucket of joint compound for an average-size room. On a scrap board or piece of cardboard, experiment with applying the compound until you have a pleasing finish. Have fun with it. If you don't like the way it's coming out, scrape it off and try again until you have a technique and finish you're happy with. Tape the trim before applying it to the walls. Once your walls are done and the texture is dry, you can use a large, wet sponge to smooth out any rough edges.
Prime the walls with premium acrylic fast dry primer. Glidden Gripper is great. Now apply two coats of your chosen finish paint, using a medium or long napped roller.
Nobody will ever know there's wallpaper under your gorgeous new paint job.
It is a lot of work for the do it yourself person.  Make it easy on yourself by using quality tools and products.  I have painted over a lot of wallpaper over the years.  For the best results you will want to consider texturing the walls.  It will hide a multitude of problems.
If you have an air compressor then all you will need is a “Texture Hopper”.  These cost about $75.00 dollars.  Be sure and mix the texture pretty thin.  Just follow the instructions on the hopper box.  There are also videos and sites on the internet that will give you more information and training for texturing.
Of course you can hire the professional.  It is money well spent and you can save your sanity.  In Northwest Arkansas “Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.” can do you a marvelous job.  They can also advise you on whether you need to strip off the paper or paint over it with success.
As always “Happy Painting and Decorating”
Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.
www.kenraderinteriors.com
Link us at www.facebook.com/Ken.Rader.Interiors

HAWAIIAN DECORATING, ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FUN?

The Hawaiian Decorating Style - Fun And Colorful

By Lee Dobbins

Decorative accessories are to your room decor what jewelry is to an outfit, and your Hawaiian decorating style is no exception. You should try to add to the fresh and inviting feel of Hawaii by using exotic island accessories. Adding accessories such as artwork, pillows and knick-knacks can help add interest your Hawaiian décor.
Wall art adds depth to any design, but you should learn how to hang it properly for the ideal impact. When displaying art, think like a gallery and keep the center of the piece at eye level. Try laying a grouping of artwork out on the floor first to get the best configuration. To compliment your Hawaiian decorating style, try decorating with floral prints in colorful frames.
Knick Knacks add charm as well as interest to your decorating approach. To compliment your Hawaiian home decorating, stick with accessories that have a fresh and inviting feeling. Adding palm tree and hula knick knacks on shelves and tables can produce a great look and so can an arrangement of hibiscus flowers in a vase. Spend time choosing appealing accessories which really reflect your personality. If you don't have lots of cash, you might try looking at the local flea markets and garage sales where you should be able to discover great accessories for little money.
Another decorative accessory you can display to add interest to your design theme is decorative pillows. You can have a use for pillows in most every room even the kitchen and bathroom. Pillows on the couch or chairs in your family room, den or living room will help inject a bit of the Hawaiian home decorating style. Stacking them in rows at your headboard can lend a professional appeal to your bedroom. Displaying pillows in the bathroom is one decorative touch a lot of folks don't think about but you can conveniently put one on the hamper or in shelves or racks with towels. Pillows which have colorful flower prints will help add appeal to your room style.
You could also accessorize with bamboo, light breezy fabrics, and plants to generate the style of Hawaii. To best benefit your room design, you should acquire accessories that not only match each other, but also the design theme. If you choose decorative items without much thought, then you can end up confusing the feeling you are attemptimg to develop.
Employing plants and colorful décor can add charm and interest to your Hawaiian decorating style. But before you go out and obtain a variety of things, you should get an idea of the kinds of things you want and stick to those pieces. You will need to be certain that your accessories are in the correct scale to each other so you need to be aware of the sizes of your items when picking them. Pick your items wisely and your design style is certain to look terrific!
Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.homedecoratingstuff.com where you can learn more about different decorating styles and get more information on Hawaiian decorating style.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins
Interior Decorators are a special breed of people.  Living in Arkansas I have not seen any of the Hawaiian décor.  I found this article and wanted share it.  Perhaps you had not thought about this style of décor.  I enjoyed reading the article and will use some of the advice in my decorating projects in the future.
As Always “Happy Painting”
Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.
Follow us and like us at (www.facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors)

What should I paint my house with? Choices in sheen

Exterior Paint-“What should I choose?”

COLOR, TEXTURE AND SHEEN

Exterior paint offers a big array of color, texture and finishes. What to choose is time consuming and it can prove to be very difficult for homeowners to make the right choice.
SATIN PAINT: Satin finish exterior paint is a bit glossy but not too shiny either. If you want to give a subtle yet classy look to your home exteriors you can try using these paints. The best part of this finish is it suits wooden surfaces well, so you need not worry about painting the doors and windows with other paint finish. It is easy to clean and maintain walls painted with satin finished paints. Very durable, washable, fade resistant, will not chaulk. But you must use premium paint, NO CHEAP STUFF!
FLAT PAINT: This is the most popular choice among exterior paints. This paint typically does not have any sheen when applied to the walls and do not reflect light too. If your walls have minute flaws flat finish can conceal them in the best possible manner. Just make a smart color choice. These paints do not have shine so it is advisable not to coat your doors and windows with such finishes. Satin finish paints are a better choice for that purpose.
SEMI-GLOSS: This is about as glossy as you will want to go on the exterior of your home.  It works well on Doors, Shutters and sometimes big columns.  And this is usually the extent of gloss that is offered by most paint companies.  Some people use it on the garage door.  If you use an accent color in semi-gloss it can add life to your house.  But use it sparingly.  It will accent or make whatever you paint with it stand out so it needs to be something that you want to stand out.
All top quality exterior paints are washable and will not fade, so you do not need to worry about adding shine to extend the life of the paint.
Gloss finish paints: As the name suggest, gloss finish exterior paints have too much of shine element to them. This is a major reason why one should avoid using them heavily to paint exterior walls. This finish is ideal for painting door and windows. You can also use them to highlight something that you want visitors to call attention to. Wherever you want the eye to reach you can make use of this finish but do not to overuse this paint finish.
Textured finish paints: More textured paints which are excellent for exterior painting are offered now. You can choose from sprayed effect or the “do it yourself’ method of roller and or  brush effect, these can make a huge difference to the appearance of your home exteriors. If you are using subtle colors then textured paints are just right for you.  But I must warn you,’this is a lot of work’.  Hand rolling and brushing the exterior of a home is not easy. While there are always areas that require some brushing, the use of an airless sprayer is beyond belief.  It makes this project so much easier and the results are wonderful. Our homes are filled with textures and sheens on the inside but you can bring it in your exteriors too and make your home appear equally beautiful and unique on the outside.
I have written several articles and shared many from other authors on this subject.  You may be getting tired of reading on this matter.  However, I feel that choosing the right product for your project is the first and most important step towards a successful paint job.
Of course hiring the professional is in my humble opinion the best first step.  But if you are determined to do this yourself then spend some time to make the right choice at the start.  It does not cost any more to do it right but will usually cost you more if you do it wrong.  You know,’redo’.
I cannot over emphasize the importance of buying quality paint and primer.  A never before the difference between quality paint and the cheapest thing you can find is huge.  You can pay $100.00 for the paint and have to do it every year. Or you can pay $1000.00 for the paint and never ever have to paint again.  It is your choice.  “Im’, Just Say’n”
As always “ Happy Painting”
Ken Rader Interiors
www.kenraderinteriors.com
follow us at http://www.facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors
We are now listed on Angie’s list.

MAMAS’ COMING,”PAINT THE HOUSE WOW!”

The In Colors are Bright and Bold

I have been browsing through several magazines and noticed how bold and bright the color trends are.  Have You?  I was a teenager in the late 60’s and early 70’s and the popular colors then are back today.

Of course the names of the colors are different. Back then ‘Burnt Orange’, ‘Avocado, and Coppertone’. Those were BIG.  The colors now are ‘Monet Moonrise, Wythe Blue, Ice Breaker, Carrots.  But, “they are still bold and bright”.

The influence of Tuscan and Beach motifs’ are everywhere and in pretty much every décor. Greens, Blues and Oranges are offered in paints, accessories, furniture and well ‘you name it’.

That brings us to the subject at hand. Mama is coming “Paint the House WOW!”

We were contracted to paint the inside of a house that was originally built in the 1970’s.  It has been added too and changed somewhat but has a definite Tuscan flavor.

The new owner wanted to really bring the Tuscan décor to the forefront.  The interior really had the potential to accomplish this.  The openings between rooms were arches and the trim is massive and very dark.  There are beams on the ceiling in the great room and a wonderful patio out back with tile, rock and even some grape vines.  The walls in the various rooms are all hand trowel plaster.  Each room has a little different texture.  This is evidence of the different remodels and additions that were made to the house.  Each contractor had a different style.  This just adds to the Tuscan look that the homeowner wants to show off even more.

The ceilings needed to be painted so we started with them first.  The called for massive cover-up.  We have posted several pictures of this process.  This will give the do-it-your self group some idea of what is involved.  This is a very time consuming task when the people are living in the house while this is being done. We at Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C. are very conscious of the needs of people when we are in their home or shall I say “Villa”.

The floors in the Kitchen and Breakfast area are tile.  This too works well with the theme.

Next decision was the color for the walls.  Remember, the homeowner want WOW!  Her mother and sister are coming to visit and see the house for the first time and she wants to make a good impression.  The decorator has chosen “Bus Top Tour” from the ‘allen + roth’ collection.  It is orange.  Very bold and it takes your breath away.  I have to admit that I was a little worried about having so much of this color.  I could see accenting with it and having some accessories but not so thrilled with the idea of painting all of the walls.

Much thought went into picking this color and as I looked at the floors, furniture, trim and the pictures that would be used, I became more comfortable with the color.  So, “a painting we will go, a painting we will go’.  

Here are some pictures of the paint on the walls and a few of the finished project.  The heavy texture on the wall needed a lot of paint.  We used Behr primer and paint combo and were able to do the job with just 2 coats.  We were afraid it would take 3 or 4.

We definitely produced the WOW factor.  And the paint color is not over the top.  It is beautiful.  It is a success.

We were on a time limit to accomplish this project needing to get it done before the company arrives.  We painted the ceilings and walls of the Kitchen, dining room, hallway, entry, great room. Wet bar area and pantry in 3 days.  That’s right, three days, are we good or what?

My lovely wife is in some of these pictures, doing her thing, “attention to detail”.  I was doing the work too,’ I was just taking a few pictures’. 

We will be returning to this house in about 1 week to start painting 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and a laundry room.  The Tuscan theme will continue but with a different color.  We will keep you posted on the progress.

I learned a couple of things on this project.

1. Keep up to date with the colors people like

2. Other decorators have good ideas also.

If you are planning a new paint job for your home be sure and check out some of the newest magazines for ideas of color and theme.

As always “Happy Painting”

Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.

www.kenraderinteriors.com

Follow us at http://www.facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors

BRING MOROCCO INTO YOUR HOME

Want to Bring the Moroccan Decorating Style into Your Home?

 

The Idea of living like ‘Grace Kelly’ may dance in your head when you think of Moroccan Decorating. 

You can use some of these ideas and feel like a Prince or Princess in your home.

It is often difficult to tell one style of furniture from another, they are so much alike. That is not a situation that is likely to happen when it comes to Moroccan furniture.
A motif beloved by hippies, poets and artists, Moroccan decor as well as furniture is now becoming popular among the rest of us. It creates a tranquil oasis of beauty to any home.
The main feature that you will notice about Moroccan furniture is the use of color. The word "plain" barely exists in this vocabulary. Stunning, vibrant colors, mirrors, fabrics, mosaics are all incorporated to create and exciting world of color and texture. The most prevalent colors are the bright colors of the Mediterranean on which it is bordered on the north, such as blue green and red and the fiery colors of the desert on which it is bordered on the south, such as gold and yellow. Do not expect subtlety in Moroccan furniture; everything is bold, brash and makes a definite statement.
The tropical feel of the desert and the sea are woven into this style of decorating. The idea is to bring the outdoors alive and into your home, since it is too hot to go out into it. Furniture is heavy and very sturdy, with exotic designs that reflect the natural themes surrounding the home. Leather chairs, gilded arms and legs, mosaics worked into table tops and around mirrors are all common features of the Moroccan look. The materials are of the best quality with a wide range of bright colors and varied textures.
Mixed patterns are used extensively in Moroccan design. Fabrics are not just on curtains and sofas, but draped loosely over chests and chairs. The fabric may be interesting mixture of diamonds, squares and other shapes that you would not expect to find together in any other style of decorating. But these pieces are considered more art that furniture, and so the mixture works well in this context.
The fabrics used are usually intricately patterned silk. This offers an interesting contrast to the heaviness of the furniture pieces. Tapestries hung on walls, shades on lamps, and fabric draped on tables will be of a heavily designed but fine silk. Other materials such as leather and wool may also be used and are made a part of the furnishings. If you have ever seen a lamp in this style, you will be astounded at the intricacy and detail it contains. They may be carved out of wood, hammered out of metal and be adorned with brightly patterned fabric.
If you have ever dreamed of a life as a pasha, lounging on pillows and surrounded by bright colored but soft feeling fabrics against your skin, the Moroccan style is for you. Another may find it too garish, but if it suits your taste, it can make for a beautiful home.
Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.
www.kenraderinteriors.com
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Use Paint to update your Bathroom

How to update your Bathroom for Minimal Expense

Paint, Texture, Fixtures, Pictures and of course A Theme!

Every homeowner wants their bathroom to look nice, but not every homeowner has the budget set aside to do extensive remodeling work. While nothing can take the place of a full remodeling job (replacing or refurnishing cabinets, putting in a new tub, expanding the space), you might be surprised at how many little tricks can make a big difference. If you have a sense of style, you can make the space look interesting and even expensive without spending a lot of money. If you're ready to get started, here are some tips that can help.

Define a Theme

Bathrooms are the one space in your house where you can really let your creative juices flow. Yet, so often people neglect the room, doing little more than just making sure it looks clean. It can be so much more than that! Have some fun with it. Think of a theme (it really doesn't matter what) and start decorating around that theme. Take the beach for example. This is an easy one, because you can readily find a million odds and ends that you can use to complete the theme. But don't restrict yourself to mass market items like those shower hooks from Target and those beach-themed rugs from Wal-Mart. Get creative.

Hang Pictures

When you think about places to hang your pictures, the bathroom is probably the last place you think of. And while it probably isn't appropriate to put your child's school portrait above the toilet, there's no reason why the walls need to be bare. Buy some artwork and hang it up. A giant, elaborate painting won't look quite right, but there are plenty of smaller pictures and pieces of art that will fit in beautifully. If you're following the theme idea, you'll instantly know what to look for. Your theme might even be "art museum", in which case maybe that elaborate painting will fit right in after all.

Update your Fixtures

It costs a lot less to put in a new faucet than it does a new sink. The same goes for the bathtub and even the toilet. Head to your favorite hardware store and take a gander at some of the choices you have when it comes to faucets and fixtures. Many homeowners never think to replace these unless the ones they had already broke. But replacing that old chrome faucet with a new gold one might be just the update your bathroom needs to look like you spent much more money than you really did.

Paint the Walls and Ceiling

Painting is probably the least expensive of all updates.  Paint is now offered in a very wide selection.  Most bathrooms can be painted with 1 to 2 gal. of paint.  And even if you have to pay $40.00 a gal. it is a small ticket item considering what it will do for your bathroom.

You can also hire a professional painter.  Most of these companies have a decorator/designer on staff that will be glad to assist you in picking the Theme and helping you decide what you can do to update the room.  This is usually a free service if you go with them for the paint job.  WOW a free service.  Doesn’t get any cheaper that that.

Be sure and have the ceiling painted as well.  And, if there happens to be.” popcorn type texture” on the ceiling.  Consider having it removed and an up to date texture applied.  This will definitely produce a big change for you.

Have fun

As Always ‘Happy Painting’

Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.

www.kenraderinteriors.com

Check out www.facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors

HOW TO FAUX FINISH--HOW TO DRAG PAINT

FAUX FINISHING: DRAGGING

What Roller You'll Need

• Dragging Tool
• Paint for Base Color
• Roller
• Glaze for Top Coat
• Paint to Mix with Glaze

Step 1:
In this two-coat technique, first cover the wall in a base color (either satin or semi-gloss) and let dry. Prepare the glaze coat by mixing one part paint (in any color) with four parts glaze.

Step 2:
Working quickly, paint the prepared glaze on the wall in two foot wide strips from top to bottom, being sure to spread it evenly.
Step 3:
Take the dragging tool (a whisk broom, stiff bristled paint brush, or the like) and, with a steady movement, pull it through the glaze from top to bottom, so the bristles leave fine textured lines behind. Keep your hand steady as the look requires consistency down the wall.
Step 4:
Wipe the brush with a clean cloth after every pass to avoid a glaze build up.
Step 5:
Continue around the room, working quickly. (This is a great two-person project!) Before you know it, you'll have a beautiful new room!
*Colors for Dragging:
For a subtle effect, choose colors with similar tonal qualities. For more pronounced stripes, select highly contrasting base and top colors.
This technique and Faux finish will provide what I call a ‘Tuscan’ look.  This is because the dragging will leave behind some texture.  You can drag in patterns and produce a unique and different look.  Don’t expect a sophisticated look, it is more random and appears somewhat ‘Rustic’.  You can imagine that it will be more ‘Rustic’ with Earth tone colors. And a more ‘Futuristic’ look with bright and highly contrasting colors.

You can also use this technique to produce a ‘stripe’.  Just mark off the width of stripe you want and then drag every other width mark.  As you can tell, the possibilities are many.  You will need to decide what you want before you start.  That is sometimes the most difficult decision to make but is the most important.
You can also drag on doors and give them a worn or antique look, once again depending on the colors you choose.
This is a fun Faux technique but I suggest you look at some pictures of it before you attempt it.  It is not for everyone and I am sure you don’t want to spend your time and end up with a look you do not like or want.
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.
As Always ‘Happy Painting’
Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.       www.kenraderinteriors.com
Follow us on Facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors

Hire a Professional Painting Contractor for a successful painting project

Hiring A Painting Contractor Is A Great Investment

There are many reasons people choose to paint their homes. Some want to update the home or simply change up the colors and décor in the room. Sometimes the walls have wear and tear and are in need of some touch ups, patching and a fresh coat to brighten the home again. Whatever the reason may be for your paint project, remember that hiring a painting contractor is important.
You’ll soon realize if you take on this challenge without one why it’s a good idea to leave painting to a professional who has the expertise and skill for the job. Painting is a very time consuming task.
Before you can even begin to paint, you normally have to tape off edges and corners, drape tarps over carpets or furniture and prep your walls.
A painting contractor will know what prep work is necessary for the job. This may sometimes require patching, spackling, and sanding. This job alone will take hours and is very tedious. It is also physically laboring. You may not think that this kind of work is very difficult physically, but it really is. A professional painter does this work on a daily basis and therefore not only has the physical capabilities but also the skill to get the job done much faster than the average person.
When it comes to the actual painting process, they’ll take time with the client to ensure that they are happy with the colors and textures before they begin, and during the process. Once again, they’ll be able to perform the job in a much timelier manner. When most people paint, they find it difficult to not get bleed through onto the tape and the wall or ceiling beneath.
This can be frustrating because often times you’ll have to touch up all the edges with the ceiling color afterwards. A professional painting contractor will be able to avoid these types of issues.

Paint really makes a big difference to the overall look and feel of a home.
It can add warmth and a more inviting feel. It can also really bring your home up-to-date and provide you with a more marketable property if you’re looking to sell your home in the near future. A painting contractor can be a very valuable asset in these types of projects and will really pay off in the end.
Once you find a reputable contractor to paint your home, make sure you keep their information on hand for future use. If you need to find someone to help you paint, you may want to ask family and friends for referrals on a good painting contractor to beautify your home.
A reputable contractor will have insurance and the appropriate Licenses.  Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C. carries all appropriate Licenses and is fully insured.  We have served the Northwest Arkansas Area since 1987.
Check out our web site ( www.kenraderinteriors.com )   You can also see some of our projects of Facebook  (www.facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors )  Please check us out.  You can also find all of our Blogs on the facebook link.  If you see something of interest please mark it “Like”. 
A reputable paint contractor and premium paint are the ingredients for success on your next Paint Project.
As Always  ‘Happy Painting’
Ken Rader

CHOOSE YOUR BATHROOM COLOR'S AND THEME WITH THESE EASY SUGGESTIONS !

YOU CAN DECIDE YOUR BATHROOM COLOR’S AND THEME- HERE’S HOW!


With easy designing suggestions, anyone can beautify a bathroom to make it enjoyable, large or small, with or without windows.
1 – The small dimensions of many bathrooms means that you can paint the surfaces yourself, not having to utilize the services of skilled painters. Though it is recommended to hire the professional.  Before starting redecorating your current bathroom, clean the walls and remove all items on the walls and vanity.  If it is not nailed down, take it out.
2 – Choose a light color to paint for the bathroom surfaces: this particular will give it luminosity, that’s important particularly if the bathroom does not have an exterior window. Or vibrant, brilliant or even dark earth tones are the rage in bathrooms. Or paint the walls, after which install a line of tiles at the very same height on all four walls, or perhaps paint a series designs on the walls.  Use vibrant colors to give it a Fiesta look or Earth tones for a more classic look. This allows a person to use accessories of a wide variety to give the room some punch.
3 – Select the accessories in accordance to the colors you used.   A Soap dish, a tooth brush holder, utility accessories and also sponges, towels, washcloths etc.
4 – Set on the floor any desirable basket.  If you have space for it. Place in it extra paper goods, designer soaps in the boxes or maybe a bag of potpourri.  You get the idea. Use the accessories and baskets to add the color to the room.  Make sure the colors complement your walls, counter tops, fixture color.  Complement is a big word and implies you can pretty much go wild with your choices.
5 – Indoor plants lighten up the bathrooms and therefore are a cheap approach to beautify. Decide on abundant plants that don’t need a lot of lighting.
6 – In case you have lots of room on shelves, various other feasible accents could be old-fashioned colored bottles or even glass containers filled with colored salts, unique rocks, colored sand.
7 – Candles are an appeal in bathrooms – romantic and passionate or maybe calming. Place large candles in the sides of the bathroom or on shelves. Candles placed around the tub can be extremely relaxing.
8 – Acquire exciting and colorful soaps. Synchronize the colors of the soaps along with the color of the surfaces as well as candles.
9 –On the subject of shower towels, use exciting strong colors.  You have probably noticed that vibrant colors are in this spring.  And, you can always use some new towels.
These are just a few suggestions for your bathroom.  If you give it a little thought you can pick your color and theme.  It does not have to be expensive. A little paint, a few accessories and ‘Voila’ , your dream bathroom.
As always ‘ Happy Painting’
Ken Rader
Ken Rader Interiors
www.kenraderinteriors.com

DECORATE WITH COTTAGE STYLE

DECORATING WITH COTTAGE STYLE

“THERE’S A CERTAIN SOLIDNESS TO OLDER STRUCTURES AND FURNISHINGS”

Plan smartly and succinctly- The best type of home that will work with the Cottage style is a small to medium size.  Extra rooms such as spare bedrooms were non-existent when Cottage’s were built.  It all starts with the entrance to your home.  Make it easy for the guest to get to your front door and feel invited in.

Eat-in Kitchens- The theme of the eat-in kitchen us based on 1800’s French Kitchens.  Think Julia Childs.  A Farm Table would make a good center piece to build your theme Kitchen around.

Main Living Area- The main living area need lots of old stuff.  Search Antique stores, Pawn shops, Flea Markets for items big and small that are already old or that can be made to look old.  We will talk about this in a bit.  Pick one wall and have floor too ceiling Bookshelves, lots of shelves that you can put books, Nic-nacs, pictures and odd items.   Fill the shelves with these items.

Old furniture with many layers of paint, old lamps, Old light fixtures, old hardware, ‘you get the picture’.

Key Architectural Components- Vintage accessories and furniture as mentioned above are good choices and they do not have to match in style or color, that’s the beauty. “Decorate with Timeless Style”, be resourceful and become enthralled with this process.

ADD AGE WITH PATINA- Some items are not old but can be made to look old.  The trick for wood furniture is to add multiple layers of paint.  Usually of different colors, so that they can show through in places.  “ The worn look”.  You can distress the wood by hitting it with chains, straps, ropes, hammers, you name it.  This can also be done to the book shelves.  Your walls can accent the Cottage look by using earth tones.  Some people use white but it will have to be what I call a “Dirty White” to give the aged look.

PLANK FLOORING- You can use old wood on your floors.  If you locate some that was taken out of an old building’ grab it’.  This can be laid over your existing sub-floor. Then put a few coats of floor varnish to seal it and make it nice to walk on.  Remember, ‘small rooms are easy to install floors in’.  This is called “Salvage building material”  You want to give the home a ‘period feel’.

MAKE A LIST- Starting a list of items and writing down your description of what you want will give you direction.  Even though the “Cottage Look”  is very random and open to personal interpretation, it does require a little direction.  The direction is defined by YOU.  Your house will become YOU. Then it becomes “Your Home”.  As time passes your list will be added too and will change.  Some items you purchase will not be used immediately but be stored for future use.  If you find an interesting item, ‘get it’.  It may not be available again.

Look at magazines, surf the internet, you will be amazed how quickly you will find what you are looking for as a theme of your home.

As Always “ Happy Painting

Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.

www.kenraderinteriors.com

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