Empire Newsletters

December 2020 | THE PAINTING BRIEF

Your Community Newsletter Connecting You with Your Locally Owned & Operated Painting Company

Kitchen Design Trends for the New Year

While spending more time at home this past year, you’ve probably been caught staring at your kitchen walls and cabinets wondering, how do I transform this space? Remodeling can be a challenge, and that’s why we’re sharing the top kitchen design trends for 2021. Changing up the color of your kitchen while adding well placed decor and thoughtful accents can be a great way to mix things up and refresh a space that feels all too familiar these days.

Transform Your Kitchen Cabinets

Exploring popular kitchen cabinet colors, our design experts have gathered the newest color trends ranging from warm whites to hues of blue that will surely have your inner designer inspired. When it comes to kitchen cabinets, the use of the entire color palette has gained ground in recent years. It used to just be limited to the safe classics of white, brown, or gray. That has changed to include bolder and more vibrant colors that make a big statement.

Embrace Warm White

Classic white cabinetry is an enduring classic, and for 2021, we predict a trend towards softer whites. Sherwin-Williams Alabaster SW 7008 is stunning. For those who want to mix things up, building onto a white color palette has never been easier! Try mixing muted colors such as Polished Concrete SW 9167 and Fleur de Sel SW 7666 for your kitchen island. Or, add a pop of color to an accent with Sherwin-Williams Coral Clay SW 9005. These changes are easy to incorporate and will have you craving more color in your home.

Add a Pinch of Cocoa

If you have ample light or white cabinets, brown is a great color choice that grounds the heart of the home. Think milk chocolate or cocoa for a sophisticated yet casual scheme. One of our favorite brown shades is Rockwood Dark Brown SW 2808, which will bring a warm, rich tone to your kitchen cabinets. When adding darker brown shades, be sure to include some brighter and lighter details for contrast and balance. This could be in the form of gold or brass hardware, adding well placed greenery to the space, or picking out some playful decorations such as a shiny gold mirror for an accent.

Be Cool with Green and Blue Shades

Embracing the cooler color family lends a dramatic, editorial feel to a kitchen and can provide must needed contrast to an otherwise flat color scheme. Still questioning these colors? While they fall perfectly in line with kitchen trends for 2021, they also lend themselves to a wide array of different shades that will fit any type of aesthetic you’re hoping to achieve. Our experts recommend Sherwin-Williams Dard Hunter Green SW 0041 for those who prefer a deeper, evergreen tone and Sherwin-Williams Naval SW 6244 for those who can’t get enough of deep blue.

Bold in Black

Black is an often overlooked option. While it’s best for new cabinetry, it can give your kitchen an elevated feel. Shades of black such as charcoal work wonders on an island or lowers. A black kitchen can border on the dramatic if too glossy or overly matte. Obviously, as with any darker colors, too much can shrink a kitchen. That’s why we recommend choosing a two-tone color scheme by pairing black lower cabinets with a lighter shade of upper cabinets. This creates a visual trick that extends the height of your uppers if not already stretched to the ceiling or soffit.

Revitalize Your Kitchen Walls and Ceilings

Now that we’ve got you covered on all of the latest kitchen cabinet color trends for 2021, our design experts have presented us with their top picks for kitchen wall and ceilings colors. Most people start their days in their kitchen, and the color white can really energize a room, making it fresh and clean. A completely white kitchen will wake you up the moment you enter it. You can add a touch of color on countertops, tiles, or accessories such as chairs, lamps, or tables.

Blue is another great color that works well on kitchen walls. When light blue tones are used, they can create a clean and wide look, and it is recommended for both walls, cabinets, or even the ceiling. Dark blues also work well on kitchen walls, but it is important to dim the rest of the room with shades of white, gray, or other neutral tones to avoid feeling too intense and dark. Blue is a toning color and works best when used sparingly, otherwise it can dominate a room. It can be used in country style kitchens, vintage style, as well as ultra modern and elegant kitchens. From grayish blue to light blue, through all its shades, blue is one of the most used colors in decoration and is also very popular in the kitchen.

What color is your kitchen? Isn’t it time to paint the walls with a more lively color? Consider shades of green. Look for inspiration in the earthy sages that pair well with nearly every wood stain tone and metal hardware option. Green is appetizing, grounding, and adds just enough visual interest and contrast with white cabinetry. For older homes with flair, a mint green can give a retro vibe.

Gray has been the center of attention in many homes for the last few years. It is often classified as too cold, but with the right tone, it can work wonders in the kitchen. Best of all, it combines perfectly with a wide range of other colors and can be the perfect base to your kitchen canvas. It also works well as color in cabinets or countertops. Just take a look at the beautiful kitchen our in-house painters transformed pictured above!

Incorporate Decor

With your inner designer inspired, don’t stop at color! Incorporate textures, lighting, and well-placed decor to finish off your look. Thoughtful pieces could include greenery against a dark accent wall, reupholstered bar stools, and updating your lighting to match the mood of your space. Sick of the cool white lights hanging above your kitchen island? Replacing these with warm white bulbs is a quick and budget friendly way to quickly transform any space. Our design tips don’t stop here, but we’re running out of room! Call Empire at (262) 303-6472 to learn more about how you can transform your kitchen into the kitchen of your dreams!

Sherwin Williams 2021 Color of the Year Revealed

Breaking news in the design world: Sherwin-Williams has officially released their pick for Color of the Year 2021, and we are obsessed! Their top pick for the new year is Urbane Bronze SW 7048, solidifying the up and coming trend of dark tones becoming the new neutral. This color is inspired by nature at its simplest and most elemental – embodying the richness of the Earth’s stone, metal, and wood. Let a color rooted in nature create a sense of calm and bring all you cherish together in one beautiful shade!

Sherwin-Williams recommends that those who dare to amaze with Urbane Bronze pair it with the following neutral tones, Modern Gray and Messenger Bag, as shown below. We have been seeing Urbane Bronze everywhere lately! Since this color is more saturated, it amazes when used as an accent color to give a room a bold pop. Exceptions are areas like powder rooms or spaces in which cozy are the main goal. We’ve also seen this color grace exteriors – paired with an off-white trim this color combo will surely rule the color wheel for years to come!

As a pure, minimalistic expression of nature, Urban Bronze effortlessly conveys a feeling of warmth and welcome. This brilliant ash brown is a refreshing alternative and complement to gray, while its hue combines beautifully with pale woods, rich leathers, and understated natural stone tones.

The Everyday Benefits of Epoxy Flooring

The floors are one of the most important, yet often discounted, elements of any residential, commercial, or industrial space. Floors add an aesthetic element to your area, ensure your safety, and improve the productivity of your day-to-day tasks. As such, it is a must that you opt for a flooring solution that can withstand the hustle and bustle of your space’s daily activities.

One of the sought after flooring solutions is epoxy flooring. This incredible surface offers endless benefits, which is why more people are ditching the old flooring system of their business and switching to epoxy flooring. Before we go over what epoxy flooring can do for your space, let us first address the elephant in the room. A lot of folks have the impression that epoxy flooring applications are only used in mechanic shops and garages. There’s no truth to that. In fact, epoxy floors are so versatile that you can use them pretty much anywhere! May it be for residential polished concrete or interior flooring, epoxy flooring gets the job done. Here are more reasons why you should consider the switch.

It is durable. One of the things we love the most about epoxy flooring is that it can endure the wear and tear caused by strenuous activities. In fact, it is tougher and lasts longer than your conventional flooring system. What makes epoxy flooring better than concrete is that it does not crack or chip easily. Because of this, you don’t have to worry about breaking your flooring each time you drop an item or move heavy pieces. In addition, epoxy coatings can withstand most stains.

It is easy to maintain. Cleaning and maintaining epoxy interior flooring is a breeze. Because of its resin and glossy finish, almost all substances or liquid that spilled can be mopped and wiped with ease. This means that there’s no need for you to get overly concerned or anxious about getting unsightly blotches on the floor. The seamless nature of the epoxy resin floor installation also prevents mold and bacteria from growing and thriving in the nooks and crannies of your floor, making it hygienic and free from allergens.

It is unique and impressive. An epoxy flooring system can definitely add an extra aesthetic value to your space as it comes in a multitude of finishes -flake, metallic, and polished concrete. We highly recommend a polished concrete coating for residential and commercial buildings since it exudes sophistication and style. Using epoxy in your interior flooring is the perfect choice when decorating your floors. It comes in different colors and can be arranged in a variety of patterns and designs.

It is economical. Unlike the traditional flooring options such as hardwood and vinyl, epoxy is a more economical alternative. Installing an epoxy flooring system is highly affordable, not to mention that it can stand the tests of time. In addition, it will help you save a lot of money from buying unnecessary  cleaning tools and products since stains and dirt can be easily managed. To learn more about Empire Painting’s epoxy flooring services, visit our website at empirepaintingwi.com or call us at (262) 303-6472 to schedule your FREE estimate.

October 2020 | THE PAINTING BRIEF

Your Community Newsletter Connecting You with Your Locally Owned & Operated Painting Company

Your Cabinetry Reimagined by Empire

The cabinets can set the tone of any room – especially the kitchen, considerably a space with the most impact. In fact, cabinets make more of a visual impact than virtually any other aspect of design. That’s why it’s worth it to put time into the cabinet selections you make for your home.

Eco-Friendly Cabinets

Many homeowners and designers are seeking cabinets made of sustainable materials like recycled wood. It’s also a priority to choose cabinet refinishing methods that limit waste. 

Rich, Dark Cabinets

Deep colored cabinets can give a room warmth and make a significant impact in kitchens with enough square footage. See how one of our favorite spaces was transformed with warm wood grains contrasting the white scheme that has become increasingly popular in recent years.

Two-Tone Colored Cabinets

Want to spice things up a bit for your kitchen cabinets? Try one of the endless combinations for the tuxedo cabinet trend. This is where one color is used on the upper and another is used on the lowers and/or kitchen island. Stick with a bold color on the bottom, and a brighter, neutral color on top. This expert design tip raises your visual height without a costly remodel while also providing an high impact contrast that will transform your space.

Contact Empire Painting to Start Your Cabinet Transformation

For 17 years, Empire Painting has provided high quality workmanship at fair prices. Our knowledgeable consultants offer FREE estimates for all projects regardless of scale and will provide recommendations catered to your design aesthetic. Not sure what color or stain to use for your cabinets? Just talk with our colorist who provides a complimentary color consultations upon proposal acceptance.

Soft, Neutral Cabinets

Neutral colors like gray and white are clearly here to stay. Pairing these cabinets with soft, bright walls and flooring also delivers a clean and sophisticated look. Gentle pastel tones like powder blue or mint green are also considered good neutral cabinet colors, especially for bathrooms. These neutral tones can open a space, especially bathrooms with a tight layout. On the other end, the timeless choice of natural grain wood cabinets is proven to carry on into favored design trends to come. This year, we’ve seen many soft, warm wood stains become increasingly popular such as ask or oak.

Applications and Advantages of Epoxy Flooring

Epoxy floor coatings are a great way to preserve residential, commercial, and industrial flooring. Epoxy coatings are normally applied over concrete floors, such as in your garage or warehouse, to provide a high-performance, smooth, and durable surface that can last many years and withstand heavy loads. Want to learn more? Call us at (262) 303-6472 to schedule your FREE estimate today!

Epoxy Floor Coating Preparation

An epoxy coating requires a clean and slightly porous surface to adhere to properly. Epoxy may not bond to sealed or polished concrete. The concrete also must be fully cured. Before apply epoxy floor coating, it is important to patch and repair all major cracks and chips in the concrete surface and to remove all grease. If the concrete is old, test the surface for previous layers of epoxy or other products that might have been applied over the years. Further, unfavorable temperatures can cause epoxy to bubble and peel.

Epoxy Primer Formulas

Depending on the product being applied, a primer may be needed. The primer is applied just like paint and is allowed to settle for several hours before the epoxy goes on. The finisher is applied in the same manner as the primer but without a water layer.

Epoxy Floor Coating Advantages

• Creates a shiny high-gloss surface that can significantly increase the brightness of interior areas.
• Offers a hand-wearing durable surface able to withstand heavy and continuous traffic.
• Quick and easy to install, requiring no layout, cutting additional adhesives, or special tools or equipment.
• Durable and easy to clean.
• Ideal for warehouses and industrial applications.
• Ideal for residential garage applications.
• Resists oil stains and water.
• Creates a seamless surface that can last many years.
• Can be combined with paints and colors to mask off chips and cracks.
• Provides a chemically resistant surface ideal for manufacturing plants.
• Offers enhanced safety when the surface contains anti-slip additives.
• Can be applied in different patterns to create visible driveways and or identify walkable areas.
• Prevents wear and tear on existing concrete floors.
• May be compatible with self-leveling products that can be applied over new or old concrete, depending on product.
• Requires little or no major maintenance.

Product Spotlight

Sherwin-Williams Cashmere is Empire’s preferred interior residential wall paint. For a smooth, rich finish, Cashmere is perfect for a variety of surface textures from sand to knockdown. This paint easily glides, provides ample coverage in two coats for most color changes, and looks fresh for years to come.

Selecting Suitable Paint Shades

Adding fresh paint to the walls of your home is a simple way to change the style and breathe new life into your interior design. While the project might be easy enough, the paint selection process can be challenging when looking to switch things up. With literally thousands of different colors to choose from, it can be hard to decide which one is best for your space. We’ve put together a few tips to help steer you in the right direction while creating a fresh, new look.

Before looking at paint samples, determine how you plan to use the room and what type of mood you want to set. For example, bedrooms should be calm and relaxing while game rooms or family rooms should be fun and energetic. Use magazines and catalogs to find some design inspiration. Follow these tips if you’re not sure which colors to choose for the mood:

• Bright, saturated colors like red, yellow and orange bring energy into the room. These colors are perfect for rooms where friends and family interact, such as a kitchen, family room, or game room.
• Cool colors like blue, aqua, and green give off a calming vibe. These colors are reminiscent of a spa-like atmosphere and create a relaxing environment in your bedroom or bathroom.
• Neutral colors work in just about any room of the house. The natural shades of beige, taupe, and warm gray also match just about any other color, so you can change up the mood of a room by simply adding a few accent pieces in different colors.
• For an elegant and sophisticated style, tone down the colors. You can go light or dark in your color selection, just make sure that there is an undertone of gray. These colors add a touch of class to just about any room in the house.
• With minimalist style, avoid the bright colors all together and go for a simple white. It has a calm appearance and makes the room seem more spacious.
• If you want to show off your adventurous side, opt for a bold color. Black, espresso, charcoal, navy, and red shades have a dramatic effect on the finished look of the room.
• Consider the lighting and existing environment you want to transform and how these elements might affect the appearance of your ideal shade!

Once you have the base color for your room, the rest of the design will come together. Create a focal point in the room by adding a contrasting accent wall. Brighten up the design by adding colorful accessories. Still not sure what color to choose? Rely on Empire Painting’s Color Consultation Service to put your mind at ease. With your accepted proposal, our service provides you with a FREE color consultation to give you full confidence.

August 2020 | THE PAINTING BRIEF

Your Community Newsletter Connecting You with Your Locally Owned & Operated Painting Company

Top 8 Tips for End of Summer Upkeep

As the summer comes to a close and the holiday months quickly approach, it’s time for homeowners and property managers to start the new season off right. Conducting end-of summer maintenance can help you save money during the winter and improve the curb appeal of your home or business.

Check the Air Flow

Check your vents, room fans, dryer vents, baseboard heaters, and HVAC units for any built-up dust. Make sure to clean these areas thoroughly so that the dust doesn’t cause any blockages in the air flow.

Turn Up the Heat

Make sure that the HVAC unit is thoroughly and professionally inspected and serviced. Furnace filters should be changed and the heat should be checked to make sure that it’s working properly.

Light the Fireplace and Clean Chimneys

A fireplace is a great attribute to your property, especially with the frigid Wisconsin weather. Check the fireplace and chimney to make sure that they are clean and free of any debris. The fireplace flue and liners should also be cleaned to prevent the build-up of ash and soot. If your home has an electric fireplace, test it to make sure it is in working condition.

Wash Away Dirt

Maybe your home is not ready for a full exterior painting this season. Pressure washing is a great improvement, cleaning the winter dirt away from your pathways, siding, and trim. Best of all? Empire’s skilled team will take on all the hard work for you so you can sit back and relax as we restore your home’s curb appeal like new with our gentle, professional cleaning services.

Service the AC Unit

Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and service the outside unit of your air conditioning system. Clean coils operate more efficiently, and an annual service call will keep the system working at peak performance levels, keeping your family cool all summer long. Change interior filters on a regular basis.

Ready Power Equipment

Check your gas and battery powered lawn equipment to make sure it is ready for use all summer long! Clean equipment and sharp cutting blades will save time and make yard work easier.

Inspect Cedar Areas

Gently probe the cedar areas that look loose or damaged around windows, doors, railings, and decks. Make or schedule repairs now before the summer storms do more damage to the exposed wood and interior insulation.

Look for Paint Chipping

Give your home a fresh, updated look with primer and two finish coats of exterior paint. Empire Painting knows that paint is more than cosmetic. It’s a restorative process that increases the longevity of your home’s exterior for years to come. Whether you have cedar siding, aluminum, or cement board, neglecting basic care will cause premature failure or worse damage.

If you have any questions about your home’s exterior, we invite you to call us at (262) 303-6472. We are happy to offer our professional expertise or refer you to a reputable service provider we know.

Designer Approved Interior Color Trends for 2020

Any interior designer can confirm that color has the power to transform a space, whether it be a bold accent wall or an unexpected ceiling treatment. Finding the perfect color for your room and taste can be time consuming, so we’ve done some research to ease the process.

What colors will continue to dominate interior spaces in 2020? From rich, moody hues to elegant neutrals, here are our top picks you’ll be tempted to incorporate into your home in the year ahead.

Stately Jewel Tones

Jewel tones are a regal way to add a bold statement to any interior. Insert for drama to a small bathroom or use as savvy pops of color in an otherwise neutral space. They always do the trick in creating environments with elegance and flair.

Warm Creams

Warm creams are ready for a comeback. This classic look can transform a room from cold and shabby to chic and sophisticated. In addition to warm white tones, another trend we’ll see continue to complement it is a more natural wood stain or whitewash on furniture, decor, and cabinetry. Soft, soothing, and natural will lend to a calm environment.

Unexpected Color Bursts

People are more likely to try out a bold accent color in a smaller space, such as an office or sitting area. Along with jewel tones, contrasting a neutral space with a deep shade like charcoal gray or forest green accent wall builds visual interest.

Brighten the Room

For those who prefer a dreamy look with darker wood stains, consider Sherwin Williams Romance (HGSW2067) or Benjamin Moore First Light (2102-70). Both are lovely blush tones. Mixed to bring elegance and luxury into a home, these shades pair well with greens and gold hardware pieces.

Sherwin Williams 2020 Color of the Year

This year Sherwin Williams announced Naval SW 6244 as its flagship creation. This saturated navy lays the foundation for a stately exterior siding shade great with warm white trim. It’s also perfect to anchor a kitchen island. Anchors away!

Two-Tone Cabinetry

Get creative and mix things up a bit with two-tone cabinets. Popular combinations for this year include contrasting white and blue island accents. This fresh new look will surely brighten up any kitchen and keep your kitchen aesthetic bright and inviting!

Cabinet Ideas for Your Home

Cabinet refinishing provides a cost effective solution for homeowners as an alternative to buying expensive new kitchen or bathroom cabinets. Use our guide to uncover the latest cabinet trends and find stylish kitchen and bathroom cabinet ideas that will stay modern for years to come.

Have you ever remodeled your kitchen flooring with a new waterproof vinyl, engineered hardwood, or tile and then discovered that your walls and cabinets now look dingy by comparison? If you’re thinking about doing a kitchen renovation, don’t overlook each surface’s condition.

A top kitchen design theme this year is contrast. The kitchen is the hub of the home, so making a statement can transform the aesthetic of your entire interior. Growing numbers seek expansive kitchen islands that serve as storage and seating, as well as a perfectly placed focal point. There’s also been an upswing in mixing and matching materials used for the same kitchen. We are now seeing textural interest with mixed doors styles, such as shaker and raised panels, coupled with differing stains.

Another trend emerging in kitchens since the premier of Grace and Frankie is blue kitchen cabinets. Most blue kitchen cabinets aren’t cerulean or primary blue, but rather a gray-based navy making them a more approachable palette choice. As high-contrast looks gain popularity, blue will certainly stay at the forefront. It’s an ideal accent for the Greater Milwaukee area and lake homes!

Ready for a subtle change? Two-toned kitchen cabinets offer the best of both worlds. Typically, two-toned kitchen cabinets are neutral toned uppers paired with a darker color base cabinet. The white uppers keep the space feeling roomy while the darker lowers anchor the kitchen. Still, that doesn’t mean you cannot try color on both in the same shade family.

Refinishing cabinets the right way calls for a premium paint product. Benjamin Moore Cabinet Coat is Empire Painting’s recommended paint to do the job. This urethane-acrylic formula offers an ultra-smooth finish. Empire Painting specializes in renewing varying cabinetry surfaces and millwork including oak. Oak is a porous grain that can be minimized by back-brushing primer, using grain filler, and spraying two finish coats. Update your kitchen cabinets or bathroom vanities without the cost of custom cabinetry. Your envisioned cabinetry is possible with proper preparation, paint application, or custom staining.

Empire Serves Businesses

Have you spotted Empire Painting’s handiwork this year? If you drove along downtown Hartland, shopped for a deal at Sierra in Delafield, or signed up for a plan at the Verizon store on Capitol Drive, then you certainly did! Empire is proud to offer interior and exterior services to both residential and commercial clients.

What makes servicing businesses different than our residential clientele? Empire coordinates with each owner to minimize disruption to ongoing operation. It’s also an ideal time to get your office ready for workers before reopening is in full swing. Empire approaches commercial projects with the same level of care as those for homeowners. If you own a business or manage a property in need of top quality interior and exterior painting, power washing, or epoxy floor coating, give Empire Painting a call at (262) 303-6472! 

June 2020 | THE PAINTING BRIEF

Your Community Newsletter Connecting You with Your Locally Owned & Operated Painting Company

Home Maintenance Tips for Summer

Warm weather and sunshine are finally here! The only downside? That shining sun spotlights your leaf-filled gutters, damaged shingles, and cracked exterior paint. Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. See our home maintenance tips for summer so your home is maintained and you can sit back, relax, and enjoy that sunshine!

Use Compacted Soil

Low areas in the yard or next to the foundation should be filled with compacted soil. Spring rains can cause yard flooding, which can lead to foundation flooding and damage. Also, when water pools in these low areas in summer, it creates a breeding ground for insects.

Check the Gutters

Check for loose or leaky gutters. Improper drainage means water going where it’s not supposed to! Ensure downspouts drain away from your foundation and are clear of debris.

Inspect the Concrete

Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs except pool decks should drain away from the home’s foundation. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. When weather permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete.

Winter Dirt Got Your Home Looking Drab?

Maybe your home is not ready for a full exterior painting this season. Pressure washing is an easy improvement, cleaning the winter dirt away from your pathways, siding, and trim. Best of all? Our skilled team will take on all the hard work for you, so you can sit back and relax as we restore your home’s curb appeal like new with our gentle, professional cleaning services.

Service the AC Unit

Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and service the outside unit of your air conditioning system. Clean coils operate more efficiently, and an annual service call will keep the system working at peak performance levels, keeping your family cool all summer long. Change interior filters on a regular basis.

Check Power Equipment

Check your gas and battery powered lawn equipment to make sure it is ready for use all summer long! Clean equipment and sharp cutting blades will save time and make yard work easier.

Probe the Wood Trim

Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows, doors, railings, and decks. Make repairs now before the summer storms do more damage to the exposed wood.

Exterior Paint Chipping Away?

Give your home a fresh, updated look with a fresh coat of exterior paint. Empire Painting knows that paint is more than cosmetic, but a restorative process that increases the longevity of your home’s exterior for years to come. Whether you have cedar siding, aluminum, cement board, or a variety of different surfaces, these will all break down if left neglected. If you have any questions about your home’s exterior, we invite you to call us at (262) 303-6472. We are always happy to offer our professional expertise.

First-Time Home Buyer Tips

Being a first-time home buyer is exciting! Current market conditions offer an incredible opportunity for home buyers to lock-in historically low mortgage interest rates. It can also feel overwhelming, which is why we’ve put together the top 10 tips for first-time home buyers tackling the home-buying process. Put these into practice today so your first home is a pleasant milestone, not a burden, or share with a friend!

1. Build an Emergency Fund
2. Budget How Much You Can Afford
3. Save a Down Payment
4. Plan for Some Home Improvements
5. Get Preapproved for a Loan
6. Research Neighborhoods for Best Fit
7. Attend Open Houses
8. Prepare to Hire a Home Inspector
9. Make a Competitive Offer
10. Be Ready for Closing Costs

And if you need a helpful hand in the Greater Milwaukee neighboorhood, contact Bob Beisbier, a Certified Master Home Inspector at BK Home Inspections. He will be sure that home is not a lemon.

Kitchen Trends for 2020: From Mixing Metals to Adding Pops of Color, Try These New Ideas

While the all-white kitchen will never go out of style, there are many new design trends for 2020 that will make you just as happy. We know, you’ve already carefully chosen every appliance, piece of hardware, and planned your kitchen design to a T, but there are always ways to spruce up your kitchen without messing up your current aesthetic.

On the color front, why not try painting your walls a fun color, like Jargon Jade? How about updating your cabinets with a fresh coat of paint and new hardware? These up and coming kitchen trends are sure to inspire your inner designer!

Mix-and-Match Kitchen Hardware

The year 2020 is not about being matchy-matchy. That goes double for your heavy metals. Try out a nice nickel for your knobs and then pair with a cool brass or matte white for your faucet. Choose a whole different metal for your lighting fixtures.

Pops of Color

You don’t have to throw out an all white kitchen design to stay on trend. Dip your toe in the pool of color instead from storing colorful dishes in glass-front cabinets or open shelves, bringing in some fun accent furniture, or giving kitchen cabinets a makeover with fresh paint!

Hidden Kitchen Appliances

Not a fan of the stainless steel look? Try adding fronts to your appliances that mimic your cabinetry. Refrigerators and dishwashers disappear when clad to match their cabinet cohorts. Even your massive oven hood can get in on the action!

Tons of Texture

For those who prefer a more neutral look, focus on mixing up the finishes. Try white bead-board on the ceiling and shiplap for your kitchen walls. Use unlacquered brass strap hinges and latches on the cabinets, black marble on the counter top, and tons of warm woods on the floors, backsplash, and remaining counter tops.

Pretty Pantries

Say goodbye to the days of having a dark little pantry to house dry goods away from prying eyes. Today’s kitchens boast roomy pantries with shelving aplenty for your favorite cereals and collectibles. Finish off the look by painting your pantry door an eye-catching color!

Two-Tone Cabinetry

Get creative and mix things up a bit with two-tone cabinets. Popular combinations for this year include contrasting white and blue island accents. This fresh new look will surely brighten up any kitchen and keep your kitchen aesthetic bright and inviting!

Product Spotlight

Sherwin-Williams Emerald® RainRefresh™ Exterior is an ultra-durable exterior coating formulated so dirt washes away upon contact with rain or water for a clean, fresh look with minimal maintenance. The new coating offers UV and weather protection and can be tinted.

Choosing the Right Paint Color: How to Find the Ideal Shade for Your Home

The easiest way to choose the best interior and exterior paint colors is to start with the colors you love! We know, this sounds obvious. Well, when you start with the colors you love, you aren’t bound by the traditional color schemes for a particular decorating style. Your favorite colors can be the perfect inspiration for your new color palette to achieve exterior and interior excellence. Keep reading to find out what your favorite colors can do for your color scheme and where you can find inspiration for exciting, new colors to try out for yourself!

Find Paint Color Inspiration

Magazines like Elle Decor and Architectural Digest have always been a staple of decorating inspiration. Having the internet at our fingertips, you have access to thousands of pages of inspiration. Retailer sites can be inspiring with their room vignettes, and paint company sites can also show you ways to use color in your home.

Check out our brand new website at www.empirepaintingwi.com to see what we’re talking about! Social media sites such as Pinterest and Instagram offer color inspiration that is refreshed in real-time. Pinterest is also great for creating boards for your favorite ideas, so you can keep them all in one spot!

Use Color Theory to Create a Color Scheme

You don’t have to study color theory to get great ideas from a little color wheel. These inexpensive color tools generate color scheme ideas quickly. With a turn of the wheel, you can see how the colors might relate to each other and learn the basics of color theory. While you might not be painting your home in the exact colors you see on the wheel, you can choose shades of those colors. Still having trouble?

Give us a call at (262) 303-6472 to speak with our color consultant! The Empire Painting team is confident we can help you achieve your ideal look.

Get Creative with Neutral Paint Colors

Just because you choose a neutral paint color doesn’t mean they have to be laid-back. You can amplify your neutral color palette by getting creative with how the colors are used. A striped wall in neutral colors adds a ton of style but keeps the room relaxed. Tone-on-tone layering or selecting the same shade for ceilings and walls are worth trying.

Consider Your Home and Your Style

What color is your roof? How about your flooring? Consider your unchangeable design elements when picking your colors. Think about how your color choices will interact with your current aesthetic. Factor in how lighting will affect the appearance. Don’t forget to sample!

Painting the Town

Have you spotted Empire Painting’s handiwork this year? If you drove along downtown Hartland, shopped for a deal at Sierra in Delafield, or signed up for a plan at the Verizon store on Capitol Drive, then you certainly did! Empire is proud to offer interior and exterior services to both our residential customers and local businesses.

We approach commercial projects with the same level of care as those for homeowners. Remember, when you select Empire Painting for any project, whether it be reviving your kitchen cabinets with a fresh coat of paint or painting the exterior of your home, we promise to go above and beyond to ensure 100% satisfaction.

If you own a business or manage a residential property in need of top-quality interior and exterior painting, power washing, drywall repair and texturing, woodwork staining and painting, or epoxy floor coating, give Empire Painting a call at (262) 303-6472!

Empire Painting’s New Website Is Live

Drum roll please…we are thrilled to announce the launch of our updated website! Our primary goal during the redesign process was to create a more valuable, user-centric, and responsive website across all platforms and devices. Featuring reviews, our blog, information about our services, and beautiful photos of the homes of our loyal customers. Thank you to all of our customers who are featured on our website, we are honored that you have allowed us to showcase our excellent workmanship.