Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Which interior paint is best?

What's the latest news in the finish of interior paints?  Consumer Reports has completed its annual evaluation.  This year Benjamin Moore's semi gloss types Aura Satin and Regal Select have won due to the superior ability of the paint to maintain it's shine after its been scrubbed.  Getting rid of those fingerprints, furniture scratches, etc. can take time when you have to find the leftover gallon of paint and brushes, touch up, then clean and put away.  After that you realize there's a place you missed!  Isn't it nicer to select a paint that can simply be scrubbed and done?  A less costly high performing alternative is Behr which is also easy to scrub.

Here's what Consumer Reports recommends based on the finish you're using...

Flat and Matte Finish - Glidden Premium Flat and Behr Premium Plus Flat Enamel

Satin - Glidden Premium, Kilz Casual Colors and Behr Premium Plus Satin Enamel

Semi-Gloss - Benjamin Moore, Behr, Royal Interiors and Glidden Brilliance

One other thing... Don't fret about the smell of the paint fumes as most manufacturers are formulating their paints to contain nearly zero VOC's!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Why hire an interior designer when design services at a furniture store are free?

We have been asked this question from time to time.  Well, you're technically not getting the services for "free" at a furniture store as the retail or sale prices include such things as meeting with a salesperson.  Even more importantly the look of buying everything from a furniture store can be quite stale and underwhelming. 
Why would you want your home to look like the inside of a furniture store?  A few key pieces from these franchises can be great, but diversity is the key to making the space feel like your own and differentiating it from your neighbor's down the street.  Not to mention, interior designers love getting to know their clients!

How about the vigorous training we as interior designer's go through to obtain and maintain our credentials?  The top designer's have a four year college degree, followed by an internship and work experience before qualifying for an interior design exam.  There are also continuing education requirements. 

Think of us as helping you with the complete package.  From stain colors, to wall finishes, tile selection to cabinet design, lighting selection to window treatments; we don't just recommend furniture, but collectively pull everything together to form a concept.  The design is brought to you so you have time for other things!