Black can be a striking color choice, especially on large windows or in rooms with tall ceilings. Carefully coordinate the color choice for walls as dark wall colors with black trim could make the room seem dark or small. Consider tan or taupe wall paint or a paint color with a light tinge of olive. Tall windows with black moulding paint and black wooden slat blinds will be quite stunning. If there are columns and chair railing, they too can be highlighted with the black paint.

If trimming a whole room in black seems risky, try painting the handrails in your stairwell. After a proper professional sanding, cleaning and priming of the outdated white oak handrails, they could be finished with a beautiful satin black paint.

The kitchen too is a room where a small section of black paint can have an enormous affect. Black crown molding around white cabinets or an island painted black gives a sharp, clean feeling to the room. It is surprising how the eye is drawn to the black highlights in any room.

Talk to Sundeleaf Painting, Portland’s experts on interior painting, about framing your kitchen, handrails, family room or doors with black trim.

Here are several examples of using black trim paint:

First, photos from the House Beautiful blog, an interview with designer Windsor Smith

Next, black moulding and built-ins, from the Design Sponge blog:

And black interior doors from the Design Around Denver blog:

There is still time to schedule a painter and choose colors.  If you want to make a striking curbside statement, choose a bold color like a tulip red or a bright gold color.

Look for a color that will complement the exterior color of your home, but will draw attention to the entryway.  A more subtle color can complement the exterior and also enhance the interior foyer color. Your paint professional can provide information about the correct type of paint to use on the door and will assist in providing color suggestions.  The project may require a primer (for color enhancement and adhesion) and several coats of paint may be needed to provide adequate coverage.

This entryway “facelift” project will create the perfect back drop for the holiday wreath and will enhance the beauty of your home all year long!

NE Portland modern ranch home

Alameda bungalow – NE Portland

West Linn home

NE Portland Bungalow – Alameda neighborhood

Irvington duplex – NE Portland

Grant Park colonial

NE Portland bungalow

The first step should actually already be done. Considering the type of paint for the room (high-traffic room vs. low-traffic room) is crucial. Gloss and semi-gloss are easier to clean, but matte and satin finishes are often preferred in bedrooms and living spaces.

The second step is to take measures that may prevent marks and dirt from staining your walls. Chair railing, wainscoting and baseboards can all help to hide marks or prevent future marks.  Also, when hanging artwork, affix a small piece of rolled painters tape to the back of the frame. It will keep the frame from shifting and creating scratch marks.

Third, keep touch up paint on hand. Mark the paint can well and place in a cool dry environment. Also, keep small, clean paint brushes on hand so they are available when needed. Remember that over time, paint color can change slightly and the touch up might be slightly different than the original color. To minimize the color difference, slightly dab a minimal amount of paint onto the wall.

The fourth step involves learning how to carefully wash those beautiful walls! Use some warm to semi-hot water with a sponge. Gently, wipe over the walls, rinsing well. Make sure that you start at the bottom of the walls, and thoroughly wring out the cloth you are using.  Water running down walls can create marks, so carefully wash and carefully dry the walls.  For tough marks, use a small amount of baking soda, but rub gently over the stain. Most marks will disappear with a little cleaning and your walls will have a fresh look! And finally, remember that starting with premium paint on your walls will give you a better value for your money. Premium paint allows for easier cleaning and better touch up. Keeping your walls clean and mark free will create a beautiful backdrop to that beautiful room!

Since the bedroom is not typically a high traffic area, painters will offer the choice of flat, eggshell or soft sheen paint finishes and all are appropriate for the bedroom. Any of these paints can offer hundreds of colors and color choices, but don’t be overwhelmed. Consider a main color with an accent color to create interest and definition in the room. Or choose a beautiful piece of art and build colors around that.

Neutral colors are a popular choice in a bedroom retreat. With neutral colors, splashes of color from bed linens, window treatments, plush pillows and eye-catching art can be scattered throughout the bedroom.  Sleep, rest and rejuvenation should come in this quiet retreat. Start planning your winter project today! If you need help, we’d love to hear from you.

Here are a few examples of bedrooms painted by Apogee Painting. For more examples of our interior and exterior painting, take a look at our gallery.

NW Portland

North Portland condo

North Portland condo

NW Portland custom home

NW Portland colonial home