Painting Advice
& Ideas
Practical guidance. Real local projects. Find the ideas and answers that help you plan your home’s next chapter.
Ready to talk? Schedule a free estimate →
Good decisions start with good information.
Get a clearer picture of the process, the budget and the possibilities for your home.
Plan your painting project with confidence
A Southeast Wisconsin homeowner’s guide to estimates, preparation and choosing the right service.
Read Article
What does exterior painting cost in Lake Country?
Explore Empire’s 2026 cost guide and the details that influence an exterior painting estimate.
Read Article
Refresh your kitchen with cabinet painting
Understand the preparation, finishing steps and options behind a professional cabinet refresh.
Read ArticleSee the details behind the difference.
Follow an exterior transformation in Pewaukee and explore the rich woodwork of a Whitefish Bay interior.
A detail-driven Pewaukee exterior refresh
Before-and-after views, multiple elevations and a closer look at siding, windows and architectural trim.
Read Article
Interior wood staining in Whitefish Bay
French doors, windows, built-ins and a staircase as this detailed staining project nears completion.
Read ArticleMore advice, ideas & project stories.
Browse by topic, from preparing a room to seeing how a local home was transformed.
Browse the article library below.
A Fresh Finish for a Pewaukee Lake Home
Full exterior painting, with the shed by the lake included. Explore the finished siding, trim and architectural details of this lakeside home.
Explore the Project →
A Fresh Finish for Outdoor Living
See the coordinated deck, steps, railings and privacy fence in this finished outdoor project.
Explore the Project →
Wood Siding, Preparation & Exterior Details
See the weathered coating, window protection and wider views of this Waukesha project.
Explore the Project →
Familiar Rooms. A Fresh Finish.
A room-to-room wall refresh with careful preparation, existing-color matching, and two coats of Sherwin-Williams Cashmere.
Explore the Project →
A Fresh Exterior, From the Entry to the Backyard
Explore the finished siding, garage, screened porch and backyard details in six photographs from this Lake Country home.
Explore the Project →
Light, Space & a Fresh Interior
Step inside this Waukesha home for living room, kitchen and dining-area project photos.
Explore the Project →
Red & White Exterior Details in Caledonia
Explore the finished porch railings, decorative trim, gables and outbuilding from this local exterior project.
Explore the Project →
A Fresh Finish for Ixonia Offices
See completed offices and hallways from an Ixonia commercial repaint, with a clean, coordinated neutral finish.
Explore the Project →
Weathered Cedar to a Fresh Finish in Waukesha
See the before photos, preparation in progress, and finished siding and garage on this local exterior project.
Explore the Project →
Siding, Trim & Interior Details in Mukwonago
Explore a local collection of exterior finishes, interior stairwell details and painting preparation.
Explore the Project →
Exterior Details & Color Inside in Nashotah
See nine photos of siding, entry trim, dining room walls, bedrooms and bathroom colors.
Explore the Project →
Fresh Trim & Light Interiors in Shorewood
Explore eight photos from this stone-home project, including the portico, dormers, doors and interior work.
Explore the Project →
Charcoal Siding & Crisp White Trim in Wales
Explore this recent Wales project with 15 photographs, from the front entry to the rear elevation and finishing details.
Explore the Project →
A Fresh Finish at Bristlecone Pines
See the completed court and fence painting, with an aerial video and project photos.
Explore the Project →
A Complete Brookfield Exterior Refresh
Explore the finished exterior from the front entry to the backyard and garage.
Explore the Project →
A Fresh Look for a Lake Country Home
Revisit the lake-view rooms and exterior details of this Oconomowoc project.
Explore the Project →
Warm Siding & Dark Trim in Greenfield
Explore the finished exterior, porch, windows and roofline details from this Greenfield home.
Explore the Project →
A Mequon Home, Inside & Out
Explore exterior finishes, interior rooms and the crew’s preparation, with a complete project gallery from the entry to the backyard.
Explore the Project →
Fresh Details, From the Front Entry to the Pool House
Explore the columns, exterior trim and outdoor woodwork at this New Berlin home, with finished photos and a look at the crew at work.
Explore the Project →
Color & Character in New Berlin
Explore blue walls, green built-ins, cabinet details and finished exteriors in the New Berlin project collection.
Explore the Project →
A Richfield Home Taking Shape
Follow the exterior and interior details of this new construction project, from blue siding and porch trim to rooms still in progress.
Explore the Project →
Whitefish Bay Interior & Exterior Remodel
A fresh chapter for this Whitefish Bay home, with bright interiors and exterior details coming together as the remodel nears completion.
Explore the Project →
A Full Exterior Repaint in Pewaukee
Gray siding and white trim carry a coordinated finish from the front entrance around to the rear elevation.
Explore the Project →
Germantown Blue-Gray Exterior Transformation
Fresh blue-gray siding gives this Germantown home a new look, finished with clean trim and careful attention to the details.
Explore the Project →
Erin Exterior Painting & Barn Staining
Crisp white exteriors and a rich red barn make this Erin property feel fresh, cohesive and full of character.
Explore the Project →
Fresh Details in Delafield Homes
Explore living rooms, kitchens, vaulted ceilings and exterior details from Empire projects close to home.
Explore the Project →
A Brookfield Exterior, Before & After
Compare the original siding and trim with the refreshed finish on this brick Tudor home, then explore the details up close. The same local collection also includes condo and apartment details.
Explore the Project →
Gray Siding, White Trim & a Backyard Deck
Explore this 2024 project, from the stone-accented front entry to the finished siding and raised deck.
Explore the Project →
Hartland Homes, From Porch to Gable
See painted siding, contrasting trim and wood porch details in our local Hartland project collection.
Explore the Project →
Downtown Apartment Interiors
Explore the living space, kitchen, hallway and window preparation from this apartment painting project.
Explore the Project →
Streicher’s Storefront
See local storefront and exterior trim work alongside our other commercial exterior projects.
Explore the Project →
Flex Car Wash
A crisp white exterior, navy trim and bright blue entrance give this customer-facing building a fresh finish.
Explore the Project →
A Larger Milwaukee Facility Project
A wide view of facility painting underway, showing high ceilings, long work areas and the scale of the coordinated scope.
Explore the Project →
Deer Creek Condominiums
Broad exterior views and closer siding and trim details from a multi-building condominium community.
Explore the Project →
Martin Luther Lutheran Church
Protected windows, ladders and lift equipment show the exterior painting project underway on Bluemound Road.
Explore the Project →
A Homeowner’s Guide to Hiring a Painter
Compare estimates, preparation, crews and warranties, with practical questions to ask before choosing your painter.
Explore the Project →
Why Winter Is a Great Time for Interior Painting in Wisconsin
Planning an interior refresh this winter? Explore room ideas, color and preparation tips, and a practical estimate checklist for your Wisconsin home.
Read ArticleInterior wood staining in Whitefish Bay
French doors, windows, built-ins and a staircase as this detailed staining project nears completion.
Read ArticleA detail-driven Pewaukee exterior refresh
Before-and-after views, multiple elevations and a closer look at siding, windows and architectural trim.
Read Article
A navy-blue transformation in Waukesha County
See how navy siding and crisp white trim changed the character of this home.
Read ArticlePlan your painting project with confidence
A Southeast Wisconsin homeowner’s guide to estimates, preparation and choosing the right service.
Read ArticleWhat does exterior painting cost in Lake Country?
Explore Empire’s 2026 cost guide and the details that influence an exterior painting estimate.
Read Article
A closer look at Empire’s painting projects
Project videos covering interior, exterior and commercial work from the Empire team.
Read ArticleSpring 2026 exterior painting guide
A seasonal guide to evaluating winter wear, planning preparation and scheduling exterior work.
Read ArticleA new website for Lake Country homeowners
The 2026 announcement introducing Empire’s updated services, project photos and online estimate path.
Read Article
7 signs your home needs a fresh coat of paint
Recognize fading, peeling and other signs that your home’s exterior needs attention.
Read ArticleRefresh your kitchen with cabinet painting
Understand the preparation, finishing steps and options behind a professional cabinet refresh.
Read ArticleWhat to expect from a reputable painting contractor
A practical look at communication, a written plan and the details behind a professional result.
Read Article
Refinishing cedar siding
Learn about cleaning, surface preparation and finish options for weathered cedar siding.
Read Article
The Smiley Barn returns
Revisit the 2018 exterior transformation that brought this Delafield landmark back to cheerful yellow.
Read Article7 questions to ask before choosing a painting contractor
Questions to help you compare experience, estimates and the team that will work on your home.
Read ArticleEmpire sponsors Elm Grove Village Market
From the archive: Empire’s support for the 2018 market’s live music and local community.
Read Article
A warmer exterior for a Hartland ranch
A project story covering cement board siding, cedar trim, surface prep and a coordinated color palette.
Read ArticleSupporting the Penfield Children’s Center mural
From the archive: paint donated by Empire helped local artists create a community mural in 2017.
Read ArticleRefreshing a Pabst Farms home
Follow the preparation and finishing work that renewed a contemporary colonial’s siding and trim.
Read Article
A cheery Sussex colonial
See the preparation, carpentry repairs and color update behind this exterior transformation.
Read ArticleChoosing the right paint sheen
Understand how flat, eggshell, satin and glossier finishes affect appearance and everyday use.
Read Article
5 steps to exterior home improvement
Questions about your home’s age, surfaces and maintenance to consider before exterior work.
Read ArticleAn Oconomowoc painting giveaway story
From the archive: meet the 2017 giveaway recipients and see the color chosen for their bathroom.
Read Article
Empire at the Realtors’ Home & Garden Show
From the archive: a look back at Empire’s 2018 show appearance. Event dates and offers are historical.
Read Article
Design spotlight: black + white finishing
Explore the contrast, natural wood and finishing details in a country-chic barn project.
Read ArticleHiring a painting pro: 4 benefits to consider
Compare professional preparation and project planning with common do-it-yourself challenges.
Read Article
Supporting a Walker’s Point mural
A community story about local artists and Empire’s support for a Radio Milwaukee mural.
Read Article
How to prepare for professional interior painting
A homeowner checklist for belongings, furniture and rooms before the painting crew arrives.
Read Article
Planning an interior refresh for winter
Consider the colder months for interior painting and plan your project ahead of time.
Read Article
Renew your Lake Country kitchen
Explore the benefits of keeping existing cabinetry and changing its finish.
Read ArticleHave a project in mind?
Tell us about your space. We’ll help you plan the next step.
