During the Valentine’s season, our thoughts often turn to ways we can show love to those around us. But what about our homes? Don’t they deserve some TLC too? 

We think so!

And what better way to care for the heart of your home than by keeping up with maintenance on your painted cabinets? These surfaces work hard for us, facing the brunt of daily wear and tear while never complaining. Over time, however, they can start to show their age. So let’s give these hard-working surfaces a little love, ensuring their beauty and durability can stand up against life’s hard knocks. 

Why Maintain Painted Cabinets?

Painted cabinets are more than just a design choice; they’re an investment in your home’s aesthetic and value. Well-maintained cabinets can transform a kitchen, making it feel cleaner, brighter, and more inviting. On top of that (and  beyond mere aesthetics) regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of your cabinets too, saving you from costly replacements or extensive repairs down the line.

Cabinet Cleaning: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cleaning sounds easy enough, right? It is! But there are definitely a few tips that can make the job more effective. 

1. Empty the Cabinets: Begin by removing all items from your cabinets. This gives you the chance to declutter, organize, and inspect the interior of the cabinets for any signs of wear or damage.

2. Prepare Cleaning Solution: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a bucket. For greasy buildup, you can add a half cup of vinegar to the solution for its degreasing properties.

3. Wipe Down Interior/Exterior Surfaces: Dip a microfiber cloth or soft sponge into the cleaning solution, wring it out well so it’s damp but not dripping, and wipe the exterior/interior surfaces of the cabinets. Use a toothbrush or small brush to get into corners and crevices if necessary.

4. Have Tough Stains? Make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the stain. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing gently with a soft brush or cloth, then rinse with a damp cloth.

5. Rinse and Dry: After cleaning, rinse the surfaces with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue. Then, dry the surfaces thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth to prevent moisture damage.

6. Clean Hardware: Remove knobs, handles, and pulls to clean separately if they are very dirty. You can clean these with the same soap and water solution or use a metal cleaner for the appropriate type of metal. Rinse and dry thoroughly before reattaching.

Cabinet Painting Touch Ups

Do your cabinets have minor chips or scratches? Nothing a little touch-up can’t handle. Lightly sand the spot to create a smooth surface for better paint adhesion. Be sure to match the paint used on the cabinets as closely as possible. Using a small brush or sponge applicator, apply the paint in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry thoroughly before applying the next. 

If you’re an A.G. Williams Painting customer and need touch-ups, please call us. We can make short work of the process and guarantee a fantastic finish.

Cabinet Repainting: Knowing When To Start Fresh

If touch-ups are no longer enough, or if you’re just plain tired of your cabinet’s paint job, it might be time to repaint your cabinets altogether. Take a look at this overview for helpful information as you decide whether to repaint or replace completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I clean my painted cabinets? Aim for a gentle cleaning once a week to prevent buildup of grease and dust.

Q: Can I use regular household cleaners on painted cabinets? It’s best to avoid harsh chemicals. Stick to mild dish soap and water for cleaning.

Q: What should I do if the paint on my cabinets is peeling? Peeling paint usually requires removal of the loose paint, sanding, priming, and repainting the affected area.

Q: How can I prevent my painted cabinets from fading? Limit direct sunlight exposure with blinds or curtains and use paints with UV protection.

Q: Is it necessary to hire a professional for repainting, or can I do it myself? While DIY is possible with the right tools and preparation, hiring a professional can ensure a durable and high-quality finish, especially for extensive projects.

The answer lies in the use of color harmony. 

What is Color Harmony?

Before diving into techniques, it’s crucial to understand what color harmony is. In interior design, it refers to the strategic use of colors to create a balanced and aesthetically pleasing effect. The color wheel is a visual tool that is essential for understanding and applying color harmony principles. It organizes colors in a circular format, making it easier to grasp the relationships between different colors and how they interact. 

With that in mind, here are a few common principles. 

1. Complementary Colors: These are pairs of colors that are located opposite each other on the color wheel, such as red and green, or blue and orange. When used together, they create a strong contrast and can be visually striking.

2. Analogous Colors: These, on the other hand, are colors that are adjacent to each other on the color wheel, like red, orange, and yellow. Using analogous colors can create a sense of harmony and a smooth transition between hues.

3. Triadic Colors: These are found by selecting three equidistant colors on the color wheel, creating a triangle: a combination which provides a vibrant and balanced look.

4. Achromatic Colors: Achromatic color schemes use only neutral colors like black, white, and gray. These schemes are clean, minimalist, and can be very elegant.

Strategies to Differentiate Spaces While Maintaining Cohesion

Everybody knows the value of having clearly defined areas of the house that serve various functions, but it is also nice to have some consistency across the board. The good news is that it doesn’t need to be one or the other. Here are a few ways to accomplish both. 

Transitioning with shades and tints: One effective way to differentiate spaces without causing a jarring visual break is to use varying shades (lighter) or tints (darker) of the same color. This technique subtly sets apart different areas while maintaining an overall cohesive feel.

Accent walls: Designate a particular area, like a reading nook or dining space, with a contrasting color. This not only draws attention but also creates a clear boundary.

Flow with furnishings: It’s not just about the walls. Furniture and décor can play a pivotal role in demarcating spaces. Align your furniture’s color with the surrounding paint or use it as a transition between two paint colors.

Incorporating architectural features: Structural elements, like beams or half-walls, can be painted in contrasting colors to signify transition between spaces.

The Role of Neutral Colors 

Neutral colors play a crucial role in open floor plans by providing a cohesive and harmonious backdrop that ties different areas of the space together. 

Creating Visual Continuity: Open floor plans often encompass multiple functional areas like the living room, dining area, and kitchen. Using neutral colors on the walls, ceilings, and even floors helps create visual continuity, making the entire space feel connected and unified.

Expanding the Perception of Space: Neutral colors, particularly light ones like soft whites or light grays, can make an open floor plan appear more spacious and airy. They reflect light effectively and create a sense of openness, which is especially valuable in smaller or more confined areas.

Balancing Design Elements: Open floor plans often feature a variety of furniture, decor, and materials in different zones. Neutral colors serve as a neutralizing element that balances the various design elements, preventing the space from feeling overwhelmed or chaotic.

Importance of Lighting

Lighting can make or break your color harmony. Natural sunlight might make a color appear warm and inviting, while artificial lighting can drastically change its appearance. Always test how colors look under different lights. Additionally, consider reflective surfaces and their influence on color perception. A mirror or a glass-top table for example can bounce light and influence how a color appears in a particular space.

Tips for Testing Paint Colors

Before committing to a color, always test with samples and swatches. Paint a small section of the wall and make sure to observe it during different times of the day. Modern technology also offers tools and apps that can help you visualize your choices before making the final decision.

Need Help with Your Interior Painting Project?

Contact us at A.G. Williams Painting Company! We’d be happy to help you take your interior painting project from concept to reality.

So how do you know you can get a beautiful paint job while protecting your belongings from paint drips on the floor or paint dust from a sprayer on surrounding surfaces? Find a skilled painter that can minimize risk and mess. To get you started in the right direction, we have a few key tips for you to keep in mind.

How do you protect your home during an interior painting project?

1. Ask for references

Would you allow someone to babysit your child without references? Do you eat at a restaurant before you read the reviews? If not, you can take the same type of care when choosing people that will be working in your home. A reputable painter should be able to provide you with references from past clients who can speak to their level of professionalism and attention to detail. 

2. Request a written proposal

A written proposal should outline the work to be done, as well as any precautions the painter will take to protect your belongings. Be sure to review the proposal carefully and ask any questions you may have before hiring the painter before you sign.

3. Discuss the use of drop cloths and plastic sheeting

An excellent painter will use plastic sheeting, drop cloths, and painter’s tape to protect your floors and furniture from paint splatter. Ask the painter how they use these materials and how they will ensure that they stay in place throughout the job.

4. Ask yourself what value you put on your peace of mind

Everyone wants a bargain, but  a more expensive painter may offer a higher level of professionalism and attention to detail. It may be worth it to pay a little more to ensure that your precious belongings are protected and the job is done well. Some of your things can never be replaced if they are damaged.

At AG Williams, we take pride in our ability to provide a beautiful paint job while protecting your property. Contact us today, and we will walk you through our process step by step.  We want you to have a worry-free experience.

The heart of your home is now clean, fresh, and looking like new. So…how do you keep it that way? 

You may be used to using some pretty heavy duty cleaners in your house, especially on floors and tile and soap scum covered glass. Even though the kitchen cabinets may have grease splashes and coffee stains, you don’t want to use cleaners that will strip the finish or scratch and dull the paint.

What not to do…

It might be best to start with what not to use when you are cleaning your wood cabinets.  Stay away from the following:

1. Magic Eraser or similar sponges
2. Cleaners with abrasive particles
3. Petroleum products
4. Spray polishes containing silicone
5. Abrasive powder or scrubbing pads
6. Intense detergents
7. Wax citrus/orange cleaner

What to do…

Here is some general advice for regular upkeep:

1. Clean as you go while cooking.
2. Don’t let spills sit on the finish.
3. Don’t hang damp towels over cabinet doors or drawers.
4. Deep clean the exterior and interior every three to six months.

How to do it…

If you’re not supposed to use caustic cleaners, what are you supposed to use? Follow these simple recipes:

1. 1 tablespoon of baking soda, one cup vinegar, 2 cups warm water
2. 1 part water, 2 parts baking soda for scrubbing
3. 50/50 solution of water and vinegar in a spray bottle
4. Warm water and degreasing dish soap
5. Gentle, all natural cleaners 

Remember to use a microfiber cloth or super soft sponges while you work.

Keep these things in mind when you clean your kitchen and your cabinets will stay fresh and bright longer. You won’t have to repaint for years! And, if you have further questions about cabinet painting, contact us today. We’d love to hear from you.

What’s new from Sherwin-Williams?

The Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year is Redend Point, a twist on beige that will make your heart go pitter-pat. “It’s if beige could blush,” says Sue Wadden, the color marketing director at Sherwin-Williams. “It’s a pink-undertone neutral that is warm and earthy, and it has a certain softness and soothing quality to it that is really unique.” Try this color in your living room. Like a tender suede shoe, this color will add a soft spice in the room you like to lounge in–and you’ll look good doing it!

Craving something bolder? 

You might want to try: 

• Blue Peacock, a deep sultry teal that looks fantastic anywhere from kitchen island cabinets to a bold splash in the bathroom.
• Peppery, a twist on a spice with a kick, this color would look amazing as an accent wall in a family room.

Benjamin Moore makes a wild statement!

Benjamin Moore’s take on blush will ring a bell in any room. “Never a backdrop, Raspberry Blush is the definition of charismatic color,” says Andrea Magno, the paint company’s director of color marketing and development. “This unapologetic shade of red-orange had us thinking: bold, bolder, boldest.” This color is reminiscent of a fabulous new pair of heels or a bling of a new lipstick.  Take your style out for a spin!

Prefer a slow stroll in nature this year?

If you’re leaning a bit to the soft side, Benjamin Moore has something for everyone.  Check out: 

• Savannah Green, is a rich golden ochre that Benjamin Moore says brings “whimsy and drama.” Try it in a powder room or on an accent wall in the bedroom.
• New Age is a “light purple with a drop of gray” that will sooth you to sleep in a bedroom or add subtle calm in a meditation room.

For more inspiration check out these articles:

5 Popular Kitchen Cabinet Trends

How To Choose Interior Paint Colors

For more info or a consultation contact us today.  We would love to hear from you.

Ready for a little inspiration?

Blue

Blue is the favorite color of many of us–just ask a sociologist. The new kitchen blues are either light and airy like Windy Sky by Benjamin Moore or bold like Gale Force by Sherwin-Williams. Both are unique, stylish choices and will bring a fresh new look to your kitchen.

Yellow

Believe it or not, earthy yellows are making an entrance. If you have always loved yellow but have been afraid it will be too bright or look too much like cream or ivory, try one of these organic yellow shades. You can check out Honey Bees by Sherwin-Williams or Ochre by Benjamin Moore. This is also a great color to try on your kitchen island to bring a pop of color to your neutral color palette.

Gray (and darker!)

We’ve been seeing pale gray cabinets in kitchens for a while, but these sultry, dark grays offer a new twist. Try Chelsea Gray by Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams’ Peppercorn. There’s another trend that just might knock your socks off! You could go with an interesting, complex black. Benjamin Moore has excellent examples in Black Satin or Black Beauty. Be adventurous and paint all your cabinets black or use it as an accent color on your kitchen island or bathroom vanity.

Green

Green is one of the most fashionable interior paint colors these days. The shades range from soft and sagey like Evergreen Fog by Sherwin-Williams or October Mist by Benjamin Moore to a richer, forest tone like  Dard Hunter Green by Sherwin-Williams or  Laffayette Green by Benjamin Moore. These greens will have a calming, earthy effect on your kitchen and draw you in, not only to cook, but to spend time in your kitchen.

Whether you are looking for a little jingle or a big bang, there are some amazing paint colors to choose from to add some spice to your kitchen cabinets.  For more information or a quote, please contact us today.

Sometimes choosing paint colors can cause a lot of anxiety, and so your walls stand covered in colors from a style you no longer love. Walls can also sustain damage over time and may be marked with handprints from greasy popcorn or scratches from the dog’s claws. Here are some ways you can clean up your walls with as little stress as possible.

How do you want to feel in your home?

Designers know that colors can affect your mood. The feelings change for each person so it’s important to know yourself and know the mood you want to be in when you are in your favorite, most-used rooms in your home. Blue is a popular bathroom color because it can be calming or invigorating. Check out Sherwin-Williams Silvermist for a gentle waterfall feel or Blue Peacock to get yourself up and going in the morning. Maybe you will feel elegant in the living room by trying soothing Redend Point, a blushing shade of beige by Sherwin-Williams or a trendier pop of color like Raspberry Blush by Benjamin Moore. Just think, “How do I want to feel in this room?” and you will be off to a great start!

What do you love the most?

Sometimes all it takes is an inspiration piece to get you going. Do you have a favorite green t-shirt or a cute pair of pink sneakers? What about a white seashell from a trip to the sea or soft brown stone from a walk in the woods? Take these pieces to your paint supplier and compare them to paint chips. Order a few paint samples and try the green in your bedroom or the pink in your powder room. Before you know it, you are surrounded by your favorite things!

The space

Do you want a smaller room to feel bigger? A northern facing room to feel brighter? Lighter colors always lighten, but did you know that darker colors can also make a room feel bigger? Brighter can also mean bolder. This season there are some pinks, greens, and even purples that will knock your socks off! If you want to take it easy though, a clean, crip white will make your space feel inviting.

Don’t be afraid to step out on your own and use your imagination.  You never know what direction you will go in, but you will ease yourself into a change, big or small, in your home.  For more help with colors, more information, or an estimate, contact us today.  We are looking forward to hearing from you.

4 powder room paint color trends

Black

You’ve heard of the little black dress, right?  No wardrobe is complete without one. It’s possible your home isn’t complete without a little, black powder room. Did you know painting a small room a dark color can actually make it look larger? Black can be used for an elegant, dramatic look or for a more casual modern farmhouse vibe. Try Tricorn Black by Sherwin Williams, Limousine Leather by Behr, or Noir by Valspar.

Green

While sea-water tones of green may be a safe choice, the newest trends in green are deeper and darker, like a shady, mossy forest. Try Rainforest by Behr, Rock Garden by Valspar, or

Dreamy Teal Valspar.

Pink

Who knew finding your new, bolder powder room paint color would be like finding the perfect shade of lipstick? This isn’t your mother’s baby pink.  These pinks will make it feel like a little party in your powder room every time you use it! Try Peony Benjamin Moore, Radicchio Farrow and Ball, or for a more romantic choice, try this velvety Deep Mauve by Benjamin Moore.

Blue

We all love those sweet watery blues–maybe for a bedroom or a livingroom. But for the biggest bang in your smallest room, try a darker, bolder, or brighter shade. We like Marine Blue by Benjamin Moore, Frank Blue by Sherman Williams, or for a twist on navy, Salty Dog by Sherman WIlliams.

We are excited to work with you to liven up one of the most used spaces in your home.  To get started on your powder room, contact us for an estimate.  Have questions?  We are waiting to hear from you.

Here’s why wintertime interior painting is such a good idea

1. Painting is easier to schedule in the winter because painting companies are less busy. Their schedules are also more flexible because they don’t have to wait for daylight or good weather. They can paint indoors anytime. 
2. It’s also possible you will get a better deal on the work because some companies lower their prices in the colder months. Spreading out your home improvement jobs over the year makes it easier on your budget than trying to accomplish everything in the summer. 
3. As the days grow shorter and darker, it may help to have the walls painted a light, calming color. Even if you just repaint the walls the same color, they will be clean and fresh for all the comfy times you spend keeping warm indoors. Real Simple magazine recommends high-impact home improvement jobs, like painting, as well as setting an easy-to-achieve goal and completing it to make winter a little more bearable. What could be easier than scheduling a painter?  In a few hours, you have a whole new look in your space!
4. The less humidity, the faster the drying times which is why painting in the cooler, drier air of winter is more efficient.  The faster the paint dries, the quicker you can get your art back on the wall and your furniture back in place so you can go back to getting cozy.
5. If you have plans to sell your home in the spring, painting in the winter will ensure that you are ready to put your home on the market the week of March 31-April 6 when realtors say you can list your home for more money and catch the eager buyers. Planning ahead makes all the difference when it’s time to sell your home.

Interior painting in NY and CT: we’re ready to help!

Whether you are ready for a big color change or just want to refresh what you already love, wintertime is the best time to schedule a painting company.  If you have questions or want an estimate, contact us.  We would love to hear from you!

Entryway

The first space that invites you in is the entryway. First and foremost, choose a color that makes you feel at home and your guests feel welcome. When choosing a color, keep in mind the color scheme of the other rooms in your home so that you can create a continuous look. Then, choose a classic color that will last a while. For a bit of romance, choose a dusty rose.  For a more traditional feel, try navy or a dark teal. Soft, greenish blues invoke the sights and sounds of the ocean offering a calm, relaxing atmosphere. Like your favorite song, the entryway paint color sets a tone for your guests’ experience in your home.

Kitchen

No matter how large your home or how many rooms you have ready, everyone gathers around the island in the kitchen, glasses of wine in hand and stimulating conversation filling the space.  It’s almost as if the island is the new dining room table!  Balance the space with either a bold paint color on the walls and white cabinets or a warming neutral on the walls and a deep color on the cabinets that adds texture and interest. This holiday season you can decorate and display a trendy look by painting your kitchen cabinets, or maybe just the island cabinets with a moody green. Try Peale Green or Caldwell Green by Benjamin Moore or Pewter Green by Sherman-Wiliams. You will not only be choosing one of the most popular holiday colors, but you will be bringing a modern touch to your kitchen as well.

Living Room 

If your guests ever leave the kitchen, they’ll head to the cozy couch in your living room to watch A Christmas Carol. When choosing a paint color for your living room, you will want the perfect backdrop for your furniture.  Not many of us want to spend their holiday gift money on all new furniture! Think also of your wall art and accessories.  Maybe the best living room paint color is one that looks beautiful in the glow of candlelight or the light from your wood-burning fireplace.

No matter where you entertain this holiday season, the most-used spaces of your home will benefit from a fresh, new paint color. Call AG Williams Paints for your estimate today.