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Don’t make your final color selection in the store; instead, take color cards home so you can see them right in the space that will be painted.
Before you le ave the paint store, make sure that you have the right tools and brushes to do the job. Here again, quality counts — high quality brushes and rollers apply the paint more smoothly and evenly than economy-grade equipment. In addition, quality tools apply a heavier coat of paint that will help hide the color below, be more durable, and stand up better to cleaning and scrubbing.
Philadelphia, PA, January 21, 2009 –With the holiday season a memory and warmer weather still months away, now is the perfect time to look around your home and take stock of areas in need of repair or an inexpensive spruce up. Debbie Zimmer, color and decorating expert with the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute states, “A simple change of paint color can rejuvenate a tired kitchen, warm a family or living room or help to create a restful bedroom.”Foaming or Cratering: |
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Mildew: |
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Brush and Roller Marks from Poor Paint Flow and Leveling |
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Finally, Zimmer acknowledges that many homeowners are apprehensive when it comes to choosing color. “Before purchasing paint or hiring a professional painter, visit www.paintquality.com to view the new 2009 PQI color trend information.”
Four Easy Paint Steps to Add Color and Sparkle to Homes this Holiday Season 
Enter the ‘Spruce Up Your Home’ Paint Contest
Philadelphia, PA, November 6, 2008 – Many homeowners plan to spend the upcoming holiday season at home. They will open their doors to celebrate with family and friends. Homeowners can gain big, easy returns with interior paint by adding a colorful touch to their living space with a minimal time investment of one or two weekends.
“By simply painting those dull and out-of-date walls, homes will shine this holiday season. Interior painting remains one of the easy ways to inexpensively update your home,” Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert with the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute says.
| Interior Painting Tips | |
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1. Prepare the Surface Good preparation requires the surface be clean and sound. Check for handprints, greasy fingerprints, as well as dirt and scuff marks. Lightly sand glossy spots so the new paint will adhere properly. |
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2. Pick the Correct Tools For latex paint application, purchase synthetic materials because they will hold their shape and maintain the proper stiffness when used with water-based paints. The general rules for naps are the smoother the surface, the shorter the nap; the rougher the surface, the longer the nap. |
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3. Decide on the Appropriate Paint Sheen and Color Sheen is another factor. Higher sheen paints tend to offer a bit more durability than flat paints and are appropriate in areas that get a lot of use. Satin or low lustre finishes tend to impart more warmth and depth to a room than a flat paint. The ceiling is a great place to use higher sheen paint for additional lighting reflection. |
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4. Purchase Quality Paints Always purchase top quality acrylic latex interior paint. A quality latex paint will go on smoothly and allows easy soap and water clean up for long lasting beauty. |
Visit www.paintquality.com to enter the “Spruce Up Your Home” competition. One Grand Prize winner will receive a package valued at more than $20,000, including an exterior home paint job and $8,000 home improvement gift card. Eight first place winners will receive a new paint exterior for their home. In addition to Zimmer, the judging panel includes Doug Wilson, author/designer and host of TLC’s Moving Up and Trading Spaces; Brian Schenk, corporate partnerships manager, Arbor Day Foundation; Liz Robinson, executive director, Energy Coordinating Agency; and Katie Hunt, director of sustainability for Rohm and Haas.
For contest details and additional budget-friendly tips on painting, visit www.paintquality.com, where a great paint job begins.
COLOR TRENDS 2009
Authentic and Traditional Paint Hues Refresh and Excite the Senses
Color style for 2009 draws inspiration from both nature and nurture. With increasing numbers of homeowners remaining in place, many are searching for options to refresh and reinvigorate their living spaces. By the simple change of paint color, any room is a reinvention candidate.
Debbie Zimmer from the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute says, “Key drivers for 2009 color choice include aspirations to create a comfortable, tranquil home environment coupled with a return to authentic and sustainable materials. In contrast, lively color use and bold patterns will find their place as an alternative to more sedate living areas.”
Zimmer shares the 2009 paint hue directions along with potential rooms for incorporation and decorative effects reflective of each.
“Menswear”
Like a warm argyle or paisley sweater, consumers increased yearning for artisanship, authentic materials and design motivates “Menswear”. Menswear allows for a more traditional use of hues than recently seen such as navy blue, leather-like brown and rich grey.
Texture-like finishes and decorative techniques are also important to this palette. Incorporating herringbone and argyle paint patterns provides a focal point in living and family rooms.
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 Grey, Navy Blue, Brown and Black  Argyle, Herringbone, Pinstripes |
“Weather or Not”
Our eco-consciousness continues to expand and “Weather or Not!” glances upward for inspiration. This palette takes a cue from the continually changing skies, provides the homeowner with colors represented by sunrise or sunset resulting in a shift from the more expected botanical hues.
While suitable for all areas of the home, these combinations are an especially good choice for bathrooms, bedrooms and family living spaces.
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“What's
in Bloom?”
Consumers increased desire for healthy and sustainable locally grown fruits and vegetables provides fresh inspiration for “What’s in Bloom?”. Another twist on the “green” movement, this palette is inspired by fresh hues including citrus green, mango and lemon yellow.
Not just a one season offering, “What’s in Bloom” also derives inspiration from fresh fall produce such as pumpkin orange and apple red.
“What’s in Bloom” is ripe for use in a child’s bedroom, playroom
and kitchens. Use in closets and pantry areas to provide an unanticipated pop of color.
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 Citrus Green, Mango, Apple Red, Lemon Yellow, Pumpkin Orange  Black as an accent color on trim or doors provides an interesting and unexpected frame for the What’s in Bloom color palette. |
Low
Cost, High Impact
Paint, Your New Best Friend
Spring House, Pa., July, 2008 - Nothing creates more immediate impact than a fresh coat of paint and in these challenging times, paint is overwhelmingly one of the best low cost options when infusing style in a living space.
Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert with the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute states, “By simply changing your wall, ceiling or trim color, rooms can go from boring to bright in just a matter of hours. Not many home improvement products can provide as much punch for the dollar.”
For a low cost, high impact style change, pull out the brushes and rollers and reinvigorate your home, one room at a time.
Zimmer’s Top Five Tips for A Quick and Inexpensive Style Change:
• A simple change of hue in any space refreshes and revitalizes
while adding a sense of updated style.
• Large polka dots or other geometric patterns add instant
impact to a child’s bedroom or play area.
• Not ready for a whole room redo? Change the trim or door color and the entire space will feel new.
• Highlight that new flat screen television by “framing” it with paint. Before hanging it on the wall, paint a rectangle large enough so a six-inch, colorful “frame” is exposed once the TV is in place.
• Create interest in a dining room by painting the
ceiling with a glossy finish. Light from the chandelier will
have
extra sparkle.
Family
Fun Weekend Painting Projects
Save Gas and Improve Your Home
With
escalating gasoline prices, many families are searching for
local weekend activities. Why not consider painting as that
family weekend project? With a gallon or two of paint, you
can easily transform your space in just a day or two. And,
if you think you can’t do much with young children,
think again.
Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert with the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute says painting is a great way to get the whole family involved in making a house a home.
Painting is a great way to easily change and update the look of your home,” Zimmer offers. “What’s especially nice is that it is truly something the whole family can do together.”
One
of the best ways to get children involved in painting projects
is to help them create a whole new look for their bedrooms
or play areas. Children of all ages can be involved in choosing
a paint color. The first step is a visit to the home center
or paint store to check out the color card display.
“The paint chip display is a fun place for children to explore how colors work together, so they are actually learning while they are having fun looking at the rainbow of choices,” Zimmer says. When it is time to do the job, children of all ages can help with the painting.
When you are considering painting, don’t forget to look beyond the walls. Furniture can also be updated and dramatically changed in just a few hours. Beds, dressers, and tables are only a few of the pieces that might benefit from a quick change.
This weekend be creative, gather your family and hold a painting party. Not only will you quickly update your home, you’ll also have fun and save gas.
Hot Hues for Unconventional
Spaces
Tips from the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality
Institute
Spring
House, Pa, Wednesday, June 26, 2008 – Look
inside your favorite shoes or that newly purchased handbag
and take note of the unexpected dash of colors and patterns.
“Fashion designers are adding a punch of color in some of the most unlikely places. From pink to purple to citrus green, color sizzle is showing up in the most unlikely spaces and this color punch can be easily incorporated into home decorating as well,” Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert with the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute says.
“While you may be color shy when painting a family living space, take a cue from the design and decorating community and add an unexpected hue to an unconventional space such as a drab closet, a lackluster hallway or even a kitchen pantry. These and similar spaces are prime areas to create unexpected finishes by adding a bold paint color or design pattern. So, add a little color and be amazed at your own unconventional painted spot.
| Zimmer’s Five Color Punch and Design Tips | |
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Choose a bright, high gloss hue for an enclosed closet area. Not only will the color brighten your morning, but also the glossy finish will reflect light. |
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Incorporate large geometric patterns such as circles or stars in a child’s bedroom closet. First, paint the entire closet space with a top quality paint and use store purchased or handmade stencils to add fun pattern color. It just might help with clothes cleanup! |
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For a touch of luxury, paint a foyer or linen closet with a gold or silver metallic finish and surprise guests each time they open the door. |
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Rev up your pantry with red! Not only will this vibrant hue add pizzazz to a typically mundane space, it may also spark your appetite. |
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Sheen stripe your hallway with a combination of flat and glossy paints in the same bright hue. For a new take on this decorative technique, run thick stripes horizontally for a fresh and updated look. |
Common
Paint Problems and Handy Solutions
Tips from the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute
Paint
is a valuable ally that can help protect and rejuvenate your
homes exterior. “The spring or early summer is an opportune
time to look for signs of early paint failure, offers Debbie
Zimmer, paint and color expert with the Paint Quality Institute”.
Some paint problems may be caused by using a low quality
paint, not preparing the surface properly or painting when
it’s too hot or cold.
No matter what the cause, now is the perfect time to check
those painted outside areas, identify any potential problems,
and make valuable corrections before your minor paint problem
becomes a larger issue.
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Blistering: Bubbles resulting from localized loss of adhesion and lifting of the paint from the underlying surface. |
Possible Cause
Solution
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Cracking
and Flaking The splitting of a dry paint film through at least one coat, leading to complete failure of the paint. Early on, the problem appears as hairline cracks; later flaking of paint occurs. |
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Solution
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Mildew Black, gray or brown areas of fungus growth on the surface of paint of caulk. |
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Solutions
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Wrinkling A rough, crinkled paint surface occurring when paint forms a “skin.” |
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Solutions
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Set Sail this Summer with Nautical Paint Hues
Crisp blues, bright whites, a dash of red. With summer just around the corner, there is no better way to celebrate summers arrival than to create a sea-faring environment in your living space. Through the simple use of paint hues, a single room or your entire home can become a harbor for family and friends. Incorporate these easy paint ideas and treat your family to a day at the beach without ever leaving the driveway.
Traditional navy blue coupled with crisp white evokes a living space reminiscent of a beach vacation. Using blue and white, paint wide nautical stripes and finish with a band of red around the ceiling. Update furniture with a new coat of white paint and decorate with seashells and sailboats.
Create a soothing ocean getaway in your bedroom or bath by incorporating sandy tans, sea glass greens and aqua blues. For a child’s room, use beach towels and surfboards as summer color inspiration.
Not ready for an entire room makeover? Transform a foyer into a welcoming reception area by simply painting an accent wall in a hot weather hue complementary to your current color scheme. Sunny yellow, lime green or crisp blue are the perfect paint colors to create a vacation entranceway.
By incorporating summer-like paint hues, your living space may just become your favorite vacation location as well.
Boost Your Home’s
Curb Appeal with Paint
SPRING
HOUSE, Pa., March 6, 2008 -
Are you planning to spruce up your home’s exterior
this spring? Or, are you considering placing your home
on the market? No matter
what the reason, a fresh coat of paint can immediately
revive the overall appearance of your largest investment,
your home.
“When it comes to exterior painting, many people choose to repaint using the same colors that already exist on the house. However, choosing a new color scheme can be exciting and provide a new and updated look. Refreshing your home with a new paint job is one of the most cost effective projects a home owner can invest in that adds value,” Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert with the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, says.
Choosing a new color scheme might seem daunting at first but Zimmer offers some suggestions that will help you through the color selection process.
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1.
Consider the architecture of the home Some architectural styles, such as Victorian, lend themselves to elaborate four and even five color schemes. Others, like Georgian or Colonial styles, are better suited to tow or tree colors. Usually this includes a main body color and one or two accent colors for trim, shutters, and doors. |
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2.
Note the material of construction. If your home is made of wood, brick, masonry or aluminum siding you can paint it virtually any color. However if it has vinyl siding, it might be best to paint it a similar hue to the original, although newer paints on the market have been formulated to allow for a wider choice on this surface. |
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3.
Take into account fixed colors Consider the colors on and near the house that either cannot, or will not, be painted. This includes the roof color, and wood, masonry, or stone that will be left unpainted. |
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4.
Consider the surroundings Look at the hues of neighboring homes and buildings – particularly those that are right next door. You would not want a color that is exactly the same as that on your neighbor’s home, and conversely, you don’t want to clash with it either. Also, be sure to take into account any plantings that are in your yard or landscaping. |
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5. Check
for restrictions. Some historical districts, newer developments and townhome or condominium communities have restrictions on what paint colors or color combinations may be used. To avoid disappointment, it’s best to find out about these limitations before choosing and applying your new hues. |
Color Expert with the
Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute
Offers Three Tips that Draw Eco-Friendly Inspiration from
Nature
SPRING
HOUSE, Pa., February 13, 2008 -
Today’s
versatile palettes of blues, greens, and browns, encompass
colors inspired by the earth, sea and sky along with metallics
and brights to add “pop” and excitement. Steadily
gaining popularity in recent years, homeowners are taking
this trend a step further by extending it to the type of
paint they choose.
“Environmentally
friendly low-VOC paints are popular for a variety of reasons,
most notably because they lack odor. This allows consumers
to put recently painted room back into use almost immediately
after being painted,” Debbie Zimmer, paint and color
expert with the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute says. “Another
added benefit according to health and environmental authorities
is that low-VOC paints are not considered hazardous waste,
so consumers can take pride in knowing that they are not
harming the environment when disposing of any leftover paints.
With the spring painting season just around the corner,
Zimmer offers three fresh ideas to help bring the outdoors
inside.
Accent
on Nature
Just as in nature, nothing looks more refreshing than a muted landscape punctuated
with an unexpected burst of color. For inspiration, look to your backyard.
A ripe tomato still on the vine, a bright yellow sunflower swaying in the breeze,
even a blazing sunset, can offer inspiration for an eye-catching color scheme.
True
Blue
Blue, in all its tints and hues, has long been a favorite.
In previous seasons’ trends,
it has mostly been confined to the bedroom and bath. But since blue is so prevalent
in nature, it is now one of the important colors in home décor. The
latest clear, true blues are being used through the house, both as an accent
color and as a color scheme anchor.
Blue’s popularity is extending to other colors as well, particularly
with the emerging popularity of blue-based greens. The most modern greens take
their inspiration from moss, pine and the lush vegetation of the rainforest.
Down
to Earth
Deep, dark chocolate brown, a popular color in recent season, will continue
to factor into the earth tone palette. However, lighter tints such as beige,
tan and other desert-toned hues offer a fresher take on the trend. They are
an especially good choice for those that are color-shy and ideally suited to
pair with a bright-colored accent wall or metallic trim.
Put Your Walls
on a Diet!
Illusions of Space from the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute
SPRING
HOUSE, Pa., January 4, 2008 - Did you know that
paint color can actually alter the dimensions of a room?
Well, it can’t literally do that. But it can alter
how the dimensions are perceived, which is the next best
thing. Debbie Zimmer, PQI’s paint and color expert,
states, “By taking a cue from fashion, one’s
living space can be viewed as larger or smaller, taller
or shorter.”
A light-colored paint will make a small room appear bigger, for instance. And darker shades will make a large room seem much more intimate. These types of paint-induced optical illusions can be used with excellent results in almost any space.
Zimmer offers several simple tips
to “adjust” your
own living area:
1.
Raise or Lower the Ceiling
If a ceiling feels too low, bright white can “raise” your perception of its height. By taking a cue from clothing designers, adventuresome homeowners can paint their walls with vertical stripes to enhance the sense of height.
On the other hand, dramatic high ceilings may cause a living
space to feel cavernous. Add a mid-tone to deep hue on the
ceiling to visually lower the height. Another alternative
is to paint horizontal stripes on the walls.
2. Shrink or Expand Rooms
Just
as a dark monochromatic outfit can visually “slim” an
appearance, a monochromatic paint scheme can do the same
in a large space. Choosing darker shade for the walls will
reign in a large room and create a cozy and intimate space.
And, as mentioned earlier, a light-colored paint will make
a small room appear bigger.
Is your room too narrow and long? Just widen it by painting the shorter walls a deeper color than the longer walls. If color alone isn’t enough to change the perceived dimensions, use color combinations to create visual breaks. Divide your wall space horizontally with a chair rail and paint the upper and lower portions different hues.
3.
Don’t Forget the Sheen
For both visual and practical reasons, selecting the right sheen of paint is just as important as the actual color. Glossier finishes lend greater warmth and depth to surfaces than do flat paints. For example, a room with white gloss paint on the ceiling will seem larger than a room whose ceiling is painted with a white flat paint.
For additional tips on choosing hues that can impact room dimensions, visit www.paintquality.com, where every great paint job begins.
Consumers
Self-Rating of Painting Skill or Knowledge
SPRING
HOUSE, Pa., September 18, 2007 - In a recent telephone
survey conducted by the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute,
consumers shared their personal painting experiences and
attitudes for this common do-it-yourself home improvement
project. Debbie Zimmer, PQI’s paint and color expert
believes homeowners continued desire for home personalization
through color is evident in the recent results. “Based
on questions we receive via our website, www.paintquality.com,
we believe color incorporation and quality paint products
are increasingly important and this survey quantifies that
assumption.”
The most
cited reason respondents shared for undertaking an interior
paint job is to create a “fresh look” (52%)
or to use a fashionable color (28%). Paint quality and color
choice were the two most important reasons for choosing a
particular brand and more than half of those contemplating
a paint job search for information about these two features. 
Sources
of paint information include paint manufacturer’s brochures
(62%), in store point-of-sale displays (36%) followed by
advice from friends and family. Zimmer adds, “Paint
related websites are growing in popularity as an often-used
information source.”
Finally, while many consumers search for the most up to
date information on paint and color, a pocket of consumers
consider themselves expert or at least very confident in
their painting skill and knowledge (14%).
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SPRING
HOUSE, Pa., August 13, 2007 – Fashion
runways have long been the inspirational source
for home furnishings and decorating color choices.
Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert with The
Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute shares
2008 trendy paint palettes.
“Go
Green”
SPRING
HOUSE, Pa., May 22, 2007 –“As
the summer season approaches, decks are the living
and entertaining space of choice for many homeowners.
However, before homeowners pull out that table
and umbrella, they should consider re-energizing
this space with a fresh coat of paint or stain,” Debbie
Zimmer, color and paint expert with the Rohm
and Haas Paint Quality Institute says. “Not
only will this step enhance this often-used exterior “room”,
but it can also protect the actual wood surface
allowing the deck last longer.” 
1.
A coat of semi-transparent stain can be a great
way to spruce up a wooden deck. It lets you add
some color to the wood without hiding its grain
or texture. 
2.
If viewing the wood grain is not a high priority,
an opaque deck stain can be a better choice. These
products, which can be oil based or latex, are
more like paints in their pigmentation and so typically
hold up longer than a semi transparent stain.
2.
Buy top quality acrylic latex paint
3.
Use the right tools and brushes
4.
Paint in the right weather conditions
Spring
House, PA February 8, 2007 – “If
you are contemplating selling your home, consider
sprucing it up with a fresh coat of paint before
putting up the “For Sale” sign,
Debbie Zimmer of the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality
Institute explains. “This relatively
inexpensive investment can enhance your home’s
curb appeal to prospective buyers.” 
Use
a top quality 100% acrylic latex paint
Comfort
Colors
Yellows
and blues, leaf-like greens, along with organic
browns combine to bring the outdoors in. Add
translucency and a glass like quality by incorporating
varying paint sheen levels. As a subtle accent
color, add rust or copper-like metallics into
the scheme. Bedrooms and bathrooms are perfect
places to incorporate the back to nature hues
or in rooms where an accent wall is employed. 
Stark
Contrast
A
homeowner’s time may be limited so a quick
room update can be accomplished by adding color
and shine to no more than the trim and doors.
Highlight these areas with semi-gloss or gloss
paint in a complementary hue to the wall color. 
Add
a glossy frame
Look
up and celebrate your ceilings
This
holiday season let your ceilings and chandeliers
sparkle. Add shine and sophistication to dining
spaces by painting these often bland areas
with a high sheen product. If you are not quite
ready to change your entire ceiling add a stencil
pattern in a glossy hue for a touch of high
style. 
Take
a cue from this season’s fashion runway
and integrate texture into your space for added
interest and appeal. “When working with
a monochromatic or single color scheme, wall
texture will provide depth and warmth”,
states Zimmer. The addition of bead board,
paintable wall coverings or glazing over an
already painted surface will provide subtle
interest and a three dimensional appearance. 
SPRING
HOUSE, PA, September 5, 2006 – Fall’s
sun-filled days and clear, cool nights set the
stage for great outdoor painting conditions. But
before you brush on that first coat of paint, review
these tips from the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality
Institute. “Primers and sealers help to improve
the appearance, performance and longevity of a
finished paint job, however, the necessity of using
either a primer or sealer varies from job to job
and surface to surface,” offers PQI’s
spokesperson Debbie Zimmer.
“Primers
perform several valuable functions”, states
Zimmer. “They help the topcoat adhere better
to the surface that’s being painted. They do
this by making the surface more uniform and accepting
for the top coat, so that when the paint is applied,
it can get a better “grip” than it would
on a bare surface.” In addition, primers help
give the finished paint job a more uniform appearance
in terms of color and sheen, thereby making it more
attractive. This is especially true when the surface
being painted is porous or uneven. Finally, some
primers help prevent stains from coming through the
paint from the surface below. 
“Just
like paints, primers and sealers perform best when
the surface is properly prepared. Regardless of the
application, the surface to be primed or sealed should
always be clean and free of dirt, loose or flaking
paint and other contaminants before the primer or
sealer is applied,” Zimmer advises.
SPRING
HOUSE, PA, July 13, 2006 – Hoping
to change the look of your living spaces? It’s
easy to do with just a simple change of paint
color and decorative painting techniques. Just
take a cue from the winners of the Rohm and Haas
Paint Quality Institutes recent competition, The
Prettiest Painted Rooms in America. |
1. Plain walls receive an instant lift through the addition of varying directions of beadboard and wainscoting. This media room provides a tranquil and inviting atmosphere with cool paint shades of turquoise and subtle green. |
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2. A hand painted mural sets the tone for gracious living in this two story entrance. While hand painting a mural may not be for everyone, the use of easy-to-do stencils can replicate wall coverings or a favorite scene |
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3. A tone-on-tone strie technique provides this room with an every changing appearance. The walls of this living room where first painted with a cantaloupe colored paint. A slightly deeper hued glaze coat was then applied and, working from top to bottom, a clean, dry brush was “dragged” through the colored glaze. |
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4. A young boy’s bedroom receives a real color punch by incorporating bold paint stripes. The lampshade provided the inspiration for both color and pattern. Use painters tape and a level to achieve this striking effect at home. |
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5. This soulful space is a wonderful place to relax at the end of a busy day. Painted in the palest blue and punctuated with chocolate brown furnishings, this bedroom color combination is easy to duplicate in any home. |
“Whether you are decorating one room or hoping to reinvent your entire interior space, the addition of color via beautifully painted walls, ceilings and trim is both inexpensive and simple to complete,” Zimmer said.
Remember, whatever look you hope to achieve, use a top quality interior paint for the best long-term appearance and performance. For regular painting tips and color trend information, sign up for the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute do-it-yourself newsletter by simply logging on to www.paintquality.com.
Remember, whatever look you hope to achieve, use a top quality interior paint for the best long-term appearance and performance. For regular painting tips and color trend information, signup for the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute do-it-yourself newsletter by simply logging on to www.paintquality.com .
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SPRING
HOUSE, Pa., June 7, 2006 – The
Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute (PQI),
the educational arm of the global specialty
materials company Rohm and Haas, announces
the winners of its “Prettiest Painted
Rooms in America” competition. The panel
of judges selected Penny Drue Baird, a New
York City-based interior designer, as the Grand
Prize winner, along with four Runners-up. The
competition invited professional designers
to submit images of work they had completed
within the last three years. Entries were judged
on the creativity employed in the use of paint
and color and the overall design of the room.
The competition ran from February 9 to May
1, 2006. The
Winning Entries Baird divides her time between New York City and Paris. Her work has appeared in leading magazines and show houses and she has been quoted in more than 100 publications in the United States and abroad. She has a Ph.D in psychology and is the mother of four boys and two stepsons. Grady Cooley, (Runner-up), painted a botanical theme on the walls of a spec house to replicate an 18th century wallcovering. He has clients in the United States and Europe, worked in the fashion industry before entering the world of interior design and has designed a number of the hottest restaurants in Southern California. Cooley divides his time between New York City and Los Angeles. Justine Cushing, (Runner-up), painted the walls of her own small Manhattan apartment with a cantaloupe strié glaze that changes character with the changing light throughout the day. Her work has appeared in Vogue, House & Garden and House Beautiful and she studied at the Foxcroft School in Middlebury, Va., and Radcliffe College in Cambridge, Mass. Karen Harris, (Runner-up), created a room for a seven-year-old boy with an abstract rainbow theme. Harris, an Allied Member, ASID, is president of eff.ess Studios, LLC, a firm specializing in residential and interior product design, presently based in Akron, Ohio. She has a B.S. in architecture from the University of Virginia. Keita L. Turner, (Runner-up), designed her award-winning room for the Fall 2005 ESSENCE Showhouse in Harlem. It featured soothing blue punctuated by rich chocolates and vibrant fuchsias. Turner is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence and the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Her work has been showcased in print, film, TV and in the African American Design Archive at the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum. Debbie Zimmer, color and decorating
expert with PQI and a competition judges said, “This
competition has attracted talented designers
from across the country. The numerous submissions
showcased a diverse range of work that was fascinating
to see. Choosing the winners was a challenging
process for the judges who were amazed to see
such a variety of submissions.”
The Grand Prize winner has
a choice of either a “Deluxe New York City
Weekend for Two” or a “South Beach
Extravaganza for Two.” Runners-up receive
a Howard Miller clock. |
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One
Grand Prize Winner and Four Runners-up Selected;
Designers Nationwide Participate
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“With outdoor living spaces gaining in
popularity, many homeowners are incorporating
color on decks, patios, and outdoor furniture
as well,” Debbie Zimmer, of the Rohm and
Haas Paint Quality Institute, explains. “Given
today’s vast selection of hues, there’s
no reason these entertaining areas can’t
be a showstopper.”
Today’s outdoor spaces are often viewed
as an extension of the homes interior and are
designed to be inviting, relaxing and personal.
By incorporating a dash of color, these exterior
rooms will be a favorite gathering spot, long
after the sun goes down. |
Spring
House, PA, May 2, 2006
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 Spring
House, PA, March 24, 2006 – As
warmer weather arrives in many parts of the country,
homeowners are beginning to take stock of their
exterior painting needs.
“Paint serves two important purposes: To help protect your home’s exterior surface and to decorate or personalize your outdoor spaces,” Debbie Zimmer says, of the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, “and Spring is the perfect time to begin this process of protection and decoration.” Zimmer offers simple suggestions for an attractive and long-lasting paint job whether the paint project involves a whole house repaint or a simple front door color change.
• Always use the right tools and brushes. Good quality rollers and brushes last longer and help a job move along more quickly. • Weather plays an important role during exterior painting so plan to paint when the temperature is between 60° and 85° F, and when there is little or no wind. |
• To lessen the anxiety and uncertainty of choosing a new paint color, start by considering the architectural style of your home. Some styles, such as Victorian, lend themselves to elaborate four- and even five-color schemes. Others, like Georgian or Colonial styles, are better suited to two or three colors. Usually this includes a main body color, and one or two accent colors for trim, shutters, and doors.
• Consider the surroundings. Look at the hues of neighboring homes and buildings – particularly those that are right next door. • Finally, choose a quality paint that is designed for the job you’re doing. Using a lower quality paint just to save a few dollars will end up costing you more in the long run, as you will have to repaint much sooner than if you used a top quality product. By following these simple painting tips and suggestions, your home will sparkle this spring. For regular painting tips and color trend information, signup for the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute newsletter by simply logging on to www.paintquality.com .
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Get
Ready For Spring Exterior Painting
Five Simple Tips for
Hiring a Professional Painter
Spring House, PA, February 21 – Thinking of hiring a professional painter to spruce up your home’s exterior?
“Late winter or early spring is the perfect time to begin selecting a reputable contractor who will perform a quality exterior paint job”, states Debbie Zimmer of the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute.
One of the best ways to find a reliable contractor is to check with friends and neighbors for recommendations. Once you have a few contractor candidates in mind, Zimmer offers the following steps to assist with choosing the right professional for your painting project.
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1. Personally meet each contractor and obtain written estimates from at least three painting professionals based on the specified work to be completed. In addition, check references and verify their insurance coverage. |
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2. Specify the work and proposed painting process. To make a fair comparison, make sure each contractor submits a written bid based on the same materials, surface preparation, number of coats of primer and paint, and each type of surface that will be painted. Make sure these quotes include when the work will start and expected completion date as well as the crew size. Inquire about how your planting and landscaping materials will be protected during the project. |
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3. Warranty protection. Reliable contractors will back up their work. Discuss the warranty in detail; does it cover both labor and materials? How long is the warranty and what is the procedure to resolve problems? These are important questions that should be addressed prior to the start of the project and included in the written bid. |
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4. Presentation and responsiveness. Is the contractor responsive, punctual and businesslike when returning phone calls or arriving for an appointment? Is the submitted estimate complete showing the breakdown of material and labor costs as well as payment terms? |
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5. Paint quality. Will the contractor select and use premier quality paint? A quality acrylic latex paint may cost more initially, but will save money in the long run because of its long lasting durability. |
For regular painting tips and color trend information, signup for the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute newsletter by simply logging on to www.paintquality.com .
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Color
Psychology - The Impact of Paint Color In Your Living
Space
Spring
House, January 19, 2006 – The words "paint" and "personality" aren't
often used together, but they certainly could be. “Studies
show that paint and room color can have an effect on
the body and mind”, states Debbie Zimmer, color
and decorating expert with the Rohm and Haas Paint
Quality Institute. “By understanding the impact
of color, consumers can better incorporate the hues
that help create the desired living space mood and
setting that best suits their family and personal lifestyle.”
When repainting a room, here are some
simple guidelines you should know about the hues you
might use:
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• Red packs a wallop, physiologically speaking, increasing blood pressure, heartbeat and energy in most people. It instills feelings of intimacy and passion. Red also increases the appetite, which explains why it is used so often in restaurants, and why it can be a good choice for a formal dining room. |
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• Orange, like red, tends to warm a room, but in a more friendly and welcoming way. As a result, paints in various shades and tints of orange work well in living rooms and family rooms. |
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• Yellow is also warm and welcoming, but it is more attention- getting than either red or orange. For this reason, it is a good paint color to use in poorly lit foyers or dark hallways. |
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• Blue, which is part of the cool color palette, makes us feel calm and tranquil, so it is ideal for use in bedrooms. But since blue works as an appetite suppressant (perhaps because there are few blue foods) it is not the best option for a dining room ... unless you're on a diet. |
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• Green is another relaxing color that is much more versatile than blue. Light greens are ideal for bedrooms and living rooms; midtones are good for kitchens and dining rooms (many foods are green). Also, because green is calming, it is often used in hospitals, workplaces and schools. |
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• Violet is a tricky color, psychologically speaking. Many adults dislike purples, but are fond of the rose family, which can work in many rooms, including dining rooms, bedrooms and libraries. Young children, on the other hand, respond favorably to violet, so this color can be used successfully in children's bedrooms and play areas. |
COLOR TRENDS
2006 - Style for your Walls!
Spring House, PA December 5, 2005 – Fashion may be fickle, but it has nothing on the ever-changing world of home décor. “While many of last year’s color trends are still enjoying popularity, homeowners are already interested in the latest paint color palettes, and new ways to use them,” states Debbie Zimmer, color and decorating expert for the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute.
Exotic
Enhancements
“Perhaps the most talked about trend for 2006 is the use of travel-inspired
colors to decorate the home”, offers Zimmer. “Some consumers
are starting to suffer from “bright- color fatigue,” and now
favor richer,
deeper
hues that evoke thoughts of far-off destinations.” This palette takes
inspiration from the rich jewel-tones of Oriental rugs, or the vivid sights of
a Moroccan market. Key colors include rich red-purples, deep browns and
dark yellows, as well as ebony and ivory accents. This dramatic trend works
especially well in family or dining rooms, and adds a feeling of warmth and excitement.
Skintone Neutrals
The
exotic color trend finds its balance in another palette, Skin tone Neutrals,
which includes a wide spectrum of flesh-toned hues.
Zimmer
adds, “These latest neutrals take their inspiration from the cosmetics
counter in both color and purpose.” Just as a powder or liquid
cosmetic can be used to enhance the skin, or serve as a backdrop for
brighter colors, so, too, do the new skin tone paint colors.
Applied on their own, these hues appear particularly fresh when used
in an open floor plan.
But they also serve as an ideal backdrop for any room where a bolder
accent wall is employed.
Mi
neral,
Spirits!
For a consumer who would like to add color to his or her home, but isn’t
quite ready for the vivid hues of the Exotic Enhancements
palette,
then Mineral, Spirits! hues may be the best choice. Drawing inspiration
from lush forest landscapes, these earth tones have more “pop” and
are a bit brighter than in previous years.
Dusty shades of blue and lavender, as well as rosy browns, echo colors
found in nature. Because of their softness, and their welcoming appearance,
they are especially good choices for use in the kitchen and bath.
Soulful Serenity
While the spa-inspired trend of 2005 continues to be a hit with homeowners
looking to create relaxing retreats in their own homes, the color schemes
are now moving beyond
the
traditional blue and white. Zimmer adds the following suggestion, “For
those who would like to try something new for their bedroom or bathroom
sanctuary, consider using true pastels, such as soft pink, pale yellow
and misty lavender. These tints offer a fresh twist on the spa
concept, while still encouraging a relaxing atmosphere.” And
since the Serenity color schemes are more diverse, they can even be expanded
into family or sitting rooms.
Also on the Horizon …
2006
paint trends extend beyond colors and hues. Zimmer
forecasts a growing interest in incorporating texture
into an interior paint job. “This trend
can take many forms, through textured paints and 3-D
appliqués, or in more complex ways such as raised
techniques using bas-reliefs.”
Another trend is rethinking the ceiling as a canvas for color and decorating inspiration. This fifth wall is no longer just the domain for flat white paint.
Today’s savvy homeowners are bringing them to life with color, decorative techniques and imaginative color schemes.
Finally, the use of higher sheen paints in unconventional areas, such as ceilings and walls, and the incorporation of metallic paint accents to add an unexpected bit of gleam to a room will continue to be popular with those homeowners looking to personalize and enhance their living space. “Paint color is a homeowner’s best decorating tool.” You can change the appearance, the perception of size and even the emotional temperature, through the simple inclusion of exciting palettes and quality paint,” concludes Zimmer.
