Tuesday 29 January 2013

Wall Graphics

Here at Pro Painters, we're serious about our residential interior and exterior painting because wall color has a dramatic effect on the energy and aesthetic appeal of a room. We feel the same way about our commercial projects. First impressions are incredibly important if businesses want to retain a loyal customer base. We recommend giving every little detail, from trim paint and light fixtures to comfortable sitting chairs and office plants, careful attention. The subject of this post is the ever-popular wall graphic, an easy thing to incorporate into your home or business environment that will impress guests and visitors.

 The topic of conversation

A well placed wall graphic can become the topic of conversation. We love the effect of the bold color combination in the example below. Entertain guests as the Canadian geese elegantly fly across the horizon of your living room wall. Unlike a conventional painting or art piece, the entire wall serves as the canvas. Our second example below is a little more light-hearted.



At Pro Painters, we think it's great to have fun and let loose every once and a while. Why should it be any different when it comes to your interior wall color and design? While a little less sophisticated, we're crazy about these silly monkey decals. It may make a nice contribution to a summer home or beach house with light flooring, wall paint, and bright furnishings. Plus, your little monkeys will love it!




For the artist in all of us

This third example is a great option for all of you out there who are artistically inclined. While many may not have the patience for each intricate piece of this wall graphic, we think the final effect is definitely worth it. It's placement near the window is also quite wonderful. The red feather stands boldly out against the clean, white wall.




Remembering favorite characters

Here's a great idea for a birthday present or anniversary. If you think back to your youth and the pop icons, artists, singers, cartoons, and films that influenced you the most, we're sure you can find a few that you wouldn't mind seeing every day. Well, at least for a little while. The Snoopy and  Woodstock wall graphic below would be great for an artistic space or entertainment center. If you get tired of seeing it, simply peel it right off.



An inspired work space

At Pro Painters, we think all work and no play makes for a very dull day. A simple and colorful wall graphic can do wonders for your work space. When we're working out a problem, we often find ourselves staring into space or at a blank wall. If you aren't lucky enough to have a desk by the window, you may consider a clever wall graphic like the one below. After all, it's better to have Tetris on your wall than open on your computer.




Show your tub some love

In our final and favorite wall graphic example, we found something to transform your bathing experience. This may be too scary for really little children, but it's definitely 8+ friendly. While this particular wall graphic is playful, it still has a vintage feel. The dark blue tentacles pair nicely with the light blue wall paint and bright white tub. Can you think of way wall graphics can be incorporated in or around a shower? As always, we would love to hear your suggestions below in the Comments section.




Thursday 17 January 2013

Much Ado About Old Paint

At Pro Painters, we hate wasting paint. When you start a home improvement project, it's sometimes difficult to know how much you will actually need. You may end up with five too many gallons. Or, you may end up with a few extra pints. In either case, you don't have to let any of it go to waste. after putting our heads together, we came up with a few ways to put that extra paint to good use. 

Have a vase? You have art

Not everyone has the luxury of fresh flowers everyday, so if you have an extra vase or two, add some vibrancy and elegance to them by dipping their tops in extra paint. The glossier and brighter, the better. Once they've dried, go out an find a fresh or fake flower to complement the new hue. 



All eyes on the frame!

Old paint and old picture frames go hand in hand. You might say they were meant for each other. If you're at your wit's end for what to do about that extra gallon of paint, find some old frames (or buy some at a thrift store) and spruce up their coats. Then, hang your new collection of empty frames on a prominent spot on the wall and voilĂ , you have art! 



Give an old piece some panasch.

When you have little kids, your paint palette for their bedrooms might be a little brighter and more cheerful than usual. Extra, eccentrically-colored paint can be particularly hard to handle. Here's what Pro Painters suggests: apply that brightness to an old furniture piece to give it a complete face lift. It may be the very thing your bedroom or living room was lacking. Be brave. Take it a step further and pair it with a boldly colored lamp!  





Minimalist, but slightly immobile...

For our last extra paint tip, we suggest sprucing up a bare bedroom (perfect for college kids or starving artists) by creating the illusion of a head board. Simply  put: paint it on! While this will render your bed unmovable, you have the freedom to create any headboard you so desire. Make it kingly and elaborate! 




Last words.

If none of these tips have inspired you to grab your old jeans, a stiff paint brush, and that can of paint, we have a few final routes you can always take:

- Give the paint away to a neighbor or family member for smaller projects

- Donate the paint to a school, church, or local arts center

- Properly dispose of your paint by dropping it off at a home chemical collection center

Happy painting and as always, feel free to share your own painting projects with Pro Painters. Just leave a comment!