Sundeleaf Painting Blog » Apogee Tips on Painting

Sundeleaf’s Painting Tip: Using Black

Chuck — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:11:57 +0000

Often the color of our trim (window casings, doors, door casings, crown moulding, baseboard, etc.) is something that we assume will be painted white, cream or a variant shade of the wall color. However, a new possibility for the trim in our homes is to paint in vibrant black.

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 After a proper professional sanding, cleaning and priming of the outdated white oak handrails, they could be finished with a beautiful satin black paint.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:

Cozy Retreat: A Newly Painted Bedroom

Chuck — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:28:28 +0000

The rainy, fall weather in Portland and the winter doldrums can certainly leave our spirits feeling low! Summer vacation is a distant memory and busy holiday schedules won’t allow for a quick get-away. A new paint job with just the right color choices could certainly provide that winter lift! Choose a modern theme with bright blues, pinks or greens or opt for a cozy cottage feel with beiges and browns. Bedrooms are designed for our comfort…just that perfect getaway at the end of a long day. Many homeowners do not consider bedroom decoration to be a high priority, but the bedroom retreat should be first on the list of home improvements.

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

NW Portland custom home

NW Portland colonial home