A Happy Guest Room

Do you want your guests to say they'd stay here more often?  Create a guest room that suits not only to their comfort, but to yours as well.  D.J.'s Painting and Remodeling believes that a room that welcomes will keep your guests delighted during their stay.

A Space Full of Knowledge

Maybe your guests didn't bring a book with them to keep themselves distracted during down time.  A bookshelf fits ever so nicely in these rooms.  It will give them a variety of books they might find interest in.  This can also work as your own personal library.

An Office For Their Needs

Maybe your guests still need to do some homework.  A desk is suitable to keep give them a work space they might need.  Grandparents, this works for your grandchildren who still need to stay focused in school during their stay.

A Colorful Environment

Bring some notable color to their surroundings.  It will have them feeling bright when they wake up.  A happy guest is a happy homeowner.  They'll probably take some tips for their own home as well!

Your guests will enjoy their stay if you create an atmosphere that speaks to them as well.  At D.J.'s Painting and Remodeling, we want you to enjoy their stay as well.  Although, you might get a lot of unexpected visits if they really enjoyed their stay!

An Elegant Dining Room

Your dining room is one of first things your guests will notice for your style.  D.J.'s Painting and Remodeling knows the ways to create a dining room that will make you feel classy.  A few key features will give you that atmosphere.

Tables

Do you have a large family where a long table is needed?  Tables should be the center of the whole room.  The chairs to go with can either match or they can be different which will make the table really pop.

Lighting

You don't have to bring in a lot of lighting to the table if you have a large window.  A simple hanging light or chandelier will create a luminous atmosphere.  

Cabinets 

Show your elegant dishware through china cabinets that go with your tables and chairs.  These really bring sophistication to your dining room.  The more you can fit, the more your guests will say "wow!"

A dining room should be a spot to marvel at your own treasures.  D.J.'s Painting and Remodeling believes elegance is a way to show how unique your home is.  Create a surrounding that your family will feel joy when gathered at the table.

Upgrade Your Garage Into Something More

Upgrade Your Garage Into Something More

A garage doesn't just have to be an area for extra storage and cars.  If you've got the space, you have numerous possibilities.  D.J.'s Painting and Remodeling knows different ways that a garage doesn't just have to be a garage.

Workshop

Do you keep your tools in your garage?  Create an entire work area with them.  Enough storage will give you the room to work on things such as cars, woodwork, repairs, and more!

Studio Garage

For the crafty ones, use your garage as your work spot.  This is a good spot for bigger projects.  And did we mention the space for storage?  It's truly a benefit.

Need An Extra Room?  No Problem!

It's not uncommon to turn a garage into a living area.  This garage was neatly turned into a living area for those who want to think outside of the box.  Why not?

D.J.'s Painting and Remodeling believes you should use your garage to your advantage.  Use the space for your needs or for your enjoyment. 

Lighting For Your Home

Lighting For Your Home

Changing up the lighting in your home is an easy way to update your atmosphere.  D.J.'s Painting and Remodeling wants help you decide on what kind of change you have in mind with your lights.  There are many styles out there that are new and trendy, or classic and timeless.

Chandeliers
These have been around for ages, but still bring elegance to any room they're put in.  They highlight the areas underneath it, normally for a table.  If like a more classic look, you should consider one of these for your home.

Lamps

You can put as many lamps just about anywhere.  They are easy to replace if bulbs go out.  If want just enough light to create a glow in your room, these are your best option.

Recessed Lighting

This give you more control over the brightness of the room.  You can also put these anywhere you feel necessary.  They also create the allusion of more space.

Picking new lighting can bring in some new definition to your home.  At D.J.'s Painting and Remodeling, we you to keep your house well lit while bringing some style for your enjoyment.  Stay bright! 

Which Flooring is right for you?

Having issues deciding on what flooring to decide for a particular room?  D.J.'s Painting and Remodeling wants to help you with that.  Don't fret over which you think will work better, because honestly, all the choices have benefits.

Hardwood Flooring

These give your room an elegant design.  They also are easier to fix if it needs to be sanded down and refinished without the need to replace them.  Also, messes are easier to clean up.

Carpeting
More comfort on your feet has it's benefits.  Carpet also lowers the noise level of feet & things dropping.  If kids are running around, they have a less likely chance of slipping.

Tile

Generic for a bathroom or kitchen, tile offers more depth in style.  They are made for water resistance and are tough to crack!

Whichever you decide, D.J.'s Painting and Remodeling can tell you that there's benefits to any of these choices.  Still having a tough decision?  Just take it from us.  We can suggest what would work best for your room.  Keep your feet happy!

Home Theater Possibilities

Home Theater Possibilities

Having a home theater might be something that you dream about but aren't sure how to make it happen.  Well here at D.J.'s Painting and Remodeling, we want to make it possible for you.  Whether you have a specific image in mind or on a tight budget, there are many ways to create an entertainment room.

Pick the Right Spot

Pick a spot that has a lot of space and preferably closed off from light and sound.  Your living room can be your home theater if you're feeling limited.  Basements make great entertainment areas as the closed off sound and light make for an "at the movies" feel.  

Seating

The more seating you have, the more guests you can invite!  Pick seating that's extra comfy.  You can go with chairs that look like actual movie theater seats and put them in rows, or a nice long couch works just as well. 

Center of Attention
Your television or projector should be put in a spot with a perfect view.  Above a fire place works for any living room to make it cozy.  For closed off areas, pick a rather long wall so you can then fit more seats in rows.  Also pick an area that surround sound can accommodate.

Accessories
Why not create your own concession stand?  For limited space, add in shelving to house candy and popcorn.  Draping curtains also really make it look like you're putting on a show.  These can easily be attached with rods above the television/projector.  Get fun and creative to make you feel like you just saved yourself a ticket to the movies!


Bringing the theater to your home is more achievable than it seems.  At D.J.'s Painting and Remodeling, we want to bring that possibility to you.  Give us a call for advice!

Choosing The Right Design for your Living Room

Living Room Styles

What's the first color that comes to mind when you think of a nice living room?  Are there any patterns included?  Maybe you want to have a theme included.  Whichever you choose, D.J.'s Painting and Remodeling can assist you in how you want to style your living space.

Keeping It Traditional

The easiest approach is a traditional living room if you want to have an atmosphere of simplicity.  But that does not mean it's a bland option!  This should appease to your comfort level.  Neutral patterns are a good fit for this kind of living room.  Whether you like blue hues, fierce reds, natural greens or beige, choose colors that you want to come home and sink into your couch with.  If you decide with beige, you have more options with decor and furniture.

                  

The Modern Age 

Take a bold approach to new trends for living rooms.  For this, something needs to stand out that your guests can say "Wow, that's different!"  The first thing you want to think of is shape.  Something definitive such as rectangular shapes will create a voluminous atmosphere.  What kinds of things can you think of that have a rectangular shape?  Bookshelves?  Television  Fireplace?  Work around these to give your self a sense of pattern.

            Themes, themes and more themes!

If you're wanting to go outside of the box for living rooms, then you're wanting to set the tone the way you want it!  Popular styles today include country, old world, exotic, and many more!

Whichever style you choose, D.J.'s Painting and Remodeling knows your living room should suit your expectation.  Come home and relax the way you want to!

Nursery Necessities

Nursery Necessities
Creating a nursery can be one of the most exciting moments in a parent's life.  Especially if she is expecting her first.  While you probably already know the basic items of need such as a crib and a diaper station, D.J.'s Painting and Remodeling Inc believes details create the perfect space for your little one.

Furniture
Can't have a nursery without a crib!  With the space you've chosen for your nursery, plan out where you want the crib, diaper changing station, and rocking chair. Take measurements to see how much space you have to work with.  For decorating, decide on the color that you want to work with. Darker patterns can bring in a bold modern look, while lighter can create a sophisticated look. Don't feel constricted based on gender, unless you are going the pink/blue route.  D.J.'s Painting and Remodeling suggest keeping it neutral if you plan on having more than one child.

Storage
A baby requires lots of essentials.  Plan for more than enough storage.  Keep the most used items, such as diapers and bottles, conveniently located.  Proper shelving will help you stay organized and can be great for adding decor, but we suggest not placing any shelving above the crib for prevention of falling items.  If you are limited on space, investing in furniture with built in storage will be to your benefit.

Lighting
While you want to have enough light to see their adorable face, a soft amount of light will do for a nursery.  Chandeliers or ceiling lamps are a great idea to create a serene room, which is what a baby needs to get lots of sleep.  Get creative with night lights by using a plug in, a wall lamp or a projector.

D.J.s Painting and Remodeling Inc. believes that a happy surrounding means a happy baby, and happy new parents.  Enjoy creating a space for the newest addition to your family.

Hallway and Stairway Décor

There are many ways to decorate a vacant area such as a hallway or a stairway.  D.J.’s Painting and Remodeling believes that a hallway can be used for multiple purposes such as:  A timeline to reminisce on your lives, mirrors for when you gotta run out and make sure you look decent, or artwork you appreciate.

A Timeline of Your Favorite Moments

These are probably the most popular to put in a hallway.  Whether it’s your life you want to look back on and feel fulfilled, photos of you and your significant other and how your love has prospered, or photos of your children to see how they grow before your eyes!  Bring extra volume by arranging by size, shape, or color!

Mirrors Here, There and Anywhere

While having a mirror nearby to make sure your hair looks combed is useful, these actually have a way of making your walls seem bigger than they really are.   They’ll also add some brightness to your home!

Wall Gallery

Do you have a favorite artist that you want to include in your home?  Centering the artwork in a visible area gives it a lot of focus.  If you have a lot of space in your stairway or hall, a big canvas will certainly make your home look timeless.  Smaller areas should go with smaller canvases, but you can certainly go with more than one!

Keeping it Simple

Less can certainly mean more.  Put in a rug, a shelving unit, or a small table to make your hallway appear bigger.  The décor will grab your guest’s attention if there’s only one area of focus.

We at D.J.’s Painting and Remodeling Inc. think an empty area shouldn't be too bland for your taste.  Make the most of your hallway or stairway by adding things you want to pass by every day.

Paint Palettes for the Fall Season

Summer comes and goes so fast doesn't it?  Before you know it, school is back in session and it's time to gear up for football season!  But D.J.'s Painting and Remodeling thinks one of the best things about the upcoming cooler weather is the most colorful time of the year.  Nature always has a way of giving you great ideas for colors to put in your home.

Leaves and Outdoors

Don't you love it when the trees lush with color?

Harvest and Autumn Comfort

Are you already thinking about pumpkin bread?  Or maybe some cranberry pie?

Feathers & Fall Fun

Don't be sad about summer ending.  Let's get excited for Halloween, football, and the upcoming Pumpkin Festival!

Keeping Your Work Space Organized

Keeping Your Work Space Organized

You're a busy person whether you're at the office or at home.  Make your busy work simple: everything has a designated, accessible place.  D.J's Painting and Remodeling Inc. knows how to make your work space neat and organized.

Activity Area

Whether it's using a computer, drawing, crafting, or any craft, your designated working area operates efficiently when clear of clutter.  Keep items that you use frequently close (such as pens, post-its or scissors), and anything that's more for referencing or less frequent tools stored nearby. Items such as printers, scanners, and copiers can be placed on your work desk if the space allows.  Investing in a big desk with built-in storage might be to your benefit if you have a lot of tools to use.

Shelving

Is your office also your library?  Appropriate shelving can make your workspace also a place for knowledge.  Built-in shelves  give you comfortable space to put more furniture such as cabinets or chairs.  Shelving above your work desk can be useful for reference binders and miscellaneous supplies.  Be sure to organize your items, whether by importance, category, or alphabetically.

Cabinets

These are optimal for storage of stocked up supplies.  It's better to have them lower than the shelves.  High cabinets may require a ladder or step stool if you feel you need them.

Whether you're thinking of putting in additional cabinets, shelving, or maybe a built-in desk, D.J.'s Painting and Remodeling Inc. knows your office should be built the way you want it to work for you.  Stay focused!

Introducing Your Home

A Welcoming Foyer

Don’t we all feel at ease when we finally get home after a long day?  D.J.’s Painting and Remodeling Inc. has the expertise for what kind of pattern you want to come home to.  Give your guests a welcoming first impression when they walk through the door!

Colors and Lights

Your foyer can either have a similar or different layout than the rest of the house.  Think of the color and lighting that you want to really “wow” your guests with, because that’s usually the first things they notice.  Would you have an elegant chandelier or some modern lamps?  Door windows will also reflect your patterns especially during the day time.

Introducing Your House and You

Your foyer should speak personality to your guests.  Adding things like bookshelves, plants, chairs, trunks, pictures, even mini bars can introduce your taste to your guests.  If you’re having a big party, your guests can keep themselves entertained right by the door! 

Rugs

These are what necessarily tie the room together.  You can also have different flooring set by your entryway.  Your guests will definitely notice when they’re taking off their shoes.  Give them something to look at!

Make It Welcoming to You Most Importantly

Have your favorite chair be the first thing you think of when you’re about to walk through the door.  A beautiful flower or your favorite picture can make you feel at ease.  With our help, D.J.'s Painting and Remodeling Inc. will know how to make you feel "finally at home."

Keys to Kitchen Storage

When looking to update a kitchen space, one of the first things you should consider is improving the storage. Following a few simple principles will enhance the overall use and efficiency of your kitchen. So, trade in those deep, dark cupboards with unused pans sitting in the back for modern and simplistic designs that really will improve your whole kitchen.

Shallow Depths

For the above the counter cabinet storage, deep shelves will get you nowhere except needing a step ladder. You only need one layer of storage in the upper cabinets. This way, you can easily see and access those items, especially those on the top shelf.

Inside Scoop

Drawers are the answer to your prayers in the lower cabinets. Instead of having to bend down and reach your arm deep into the cabinet, pull out the tray and have it all out in the open for your choosing! This makes it easier to store pots, pans, appliances, and dishes in the lower cabinets without having to worry about getting them out later.

Designated Storage

Pick a place for everything and keep it specific!  When remodeling, consider what you need storage for and accommodate that need. There are specific storage solutions too that will keep dishes in places, food accessible, and cooking utensils organized.

Easy Access

Open shelving is a great solution for staying organized. With dishes and food in view, whether in the kitchen or the pantry, the open design will give you easy access, but also motivate you to keep it orderly. Wire shelving in the pantry will keep food remnants and dusts from gathering. An open design encourages a naturally cleaner space.

At D.J.’s Painting and Remodeling, we feel that a kitchen updateshould include updating the storage capabilities of the cabinets, drawers, and shelves. There are a lot of great designs and mechanisms for the greatest kitchen storage possible.

Bath Remodel Details

The Little Details in a Bath Remodel

It’s the little things when it comes to achieving a whole look in a bath remodel. D.J.’s Painting and Remodeling thinks the details are what pulls a whole look together. So while you’re considering the big changes like flooring and paint, tub and vanity, remember the small things as well.

Found on Houzz.com

Plumbing fixtures and other accessories

You may think that plumbing fixtures, knobs, and pulls are a pretty standard selection to make; however, they can add a great amount of character to your bathroom. The color and style will contribute to the overall style and design in a bath remodel. Even the variety of fixtures and accessories you choose to install can aid in the overall look and use of the bathroom.

Light fixtures

You’re not limited to a standard flush mount when considering the lighting for your bathroom at remodel time. Lighting really is the finishing touch to a remodel. The right amount of light will show off your new space rather than hiding the updated features. The fixture itself contributes to the look of the bathroom and enough options are available that budget won’t hem you in as much as you may fear.

Shelving and storage

You may have considered where to put toiletries, linens, and other items, but there are even more storage and shelving options such as what built-in shelves would you like to put in the shower and what unused space could be utilized for storage. You may end up with a lot more space than you thought possible by considering these details from the beginning!

Mirrors

D.J.’s Painting and Remodeling recommends putting a great deal of thought into the mirror. Whether it’s the mirror over the vanity or a full length mirror on a wall or door, if this is the bathroom you spend the most time getting ready in, make sure the mirror is what you need! There are plenty of style options to suit your tastes, so focus on how much reflection you want to do in the bathroom space.

Little details are what add up to the big picture and, at D.J.’s Painting and Remodeling, we want to make sure you hit the mark with your final bathroom design by planning the details from the beginning. Planning ahead will help achieve your vision for your bath remodel.

Living Room Lighting

Light up your Living Space

Lighting can make or break a room. Improper lighting will lead to less use of the room and wasted space. At D.J.’s Painting and Remodeling, we believe you should make every space in your home a place you want to spend time in. There are legitimate reasons the lighting in your living spaces like the living room, family room, dining area, or kitchen should have the proper glow.

Comfort

Lighting is just as important as seating in the comfort level of a living space. Too little light will strain the eyes and not allow your guests to see your faces during conversation. Your living room doesn’t need to rival the brilliance of Times Square, but too little will make it an awkward place to entertain. Like a lot of home design decisions, balance is best.

Activity

When considering the lighting of your living space, consider the activity that goes on in the room. Is it used for reading, entertaining, board games, or movies? Determine the type of use that the room will get and cater the room toward that.

Aesthetics

If you have carefully coordinated the design of the living room, don’t let the design fall apart at the lighting. With thousands upon thousands of types and styles to choose from, there is no reason to compromise your vision for the design in your living space.

The lighting in your living space affects the comfort level of you and your guests, the activities you can do, and affects the look of the design in the room. In a home, those are three exceptional reasons to pay attention to lighting.

4 Garage Updates

4 Essential Garage Updates

Your garage is a part of your home too even though it may sometimes feel like a separate space. With some simple upgrades, you can blend the garage space into your home to give yourself a little extra living space for work and play as well as great storage.

Floor

Most homes have cement garage floors which is perfectly functional.  However, garage flooring options are available and can ease in maintaining the cleanliness of your garage and make your work space an easier place to be when you’re not standing on cement floors for extended lengths of time.

 

Storage

Inevitably, the garage will serve as storage. This can be done without reducing the amount of work and play space. Add shelving and cabinetry, hooks and bins with specific uses in mind to increase the efficiency of your garage space.

 

Doors

If your goal is curb appeal, paint the existing doors an updated color. Or, replace the doors entirely with a style that suits your tastes and the look of your home.  Beautiful options exist, so you are not limited to the standard doors you are probably picturing right now. Different materials, colors, and styles available will make your home as unique as you!

Lighting

Lighting is key in making a space feel like part of your home. In the same way the proper lighting can make a deck or patio feel like another room in the house, the right lights in the garage will make you and your family more willing to utilize the space. Coordinate the lighting with what you will be using the space for the most.

At D.J.’s Painting and Remodeling, we believe it’s important to get the most out of your home and that means making the most out of every space in your home, including the garage! Simple upgrades in basic features of the garage will enhance the space and make it more useful to you!

Details for Fire Pits

Six Essential “S” Words for Fire Pits

Think all fire pits are the same? They offer more variety than you would think! D.J.’s Painting and Remodeling thinks you should know they come in all kinds of styles, shapes, and sizes to accommodate your needs as a homeowner.  If you are looking to add a fire pit to your outdoor living space, we have six things you should consider in order to achieve a unique design that’s perfect for you!

Surroundings

A fire pit rarely stands alone. While you are designing your ideal fire pit, consider how the elements surrounding the fire pit will affect it. Will you work it into your deck or patio? Where will it be in your yard? What landscaping do you want to add to complement? A good plan is a great start to the perfect fire pit.

Style

Make sure your goal for a fire pit aligns with the style of your home and the elements already in your outdoor living space. You can achieve a variety of styles including modern, contemporary, traditional, and rustic. Know which direction you are heading before getting to the details.

Size

This is where budget can affect your decision, but beyond budget, the dimensions of the fire pit as well as the dimensions of the surrounding area. Also, consider how far into the ground and how high above ground level you prefer. A fire pit is something for your family to enjoy, so these decisions are about what you prefer.

Shape

A fire pit has a lot of flexibility in the shape from semi-circle, circle, oval, square, to rectangle and if you want to get crazy, I’m sure you could pick another shape! Base the shape on personal preference, but also how many people you want to be able to gather around.

Stone

Stone selection for your fire pit can vary in color, size, shape, and style. Different choices in stones will achieve a different look. D.J.’s Painting and Remodeling stresses the value of having visual examples so that the end result matches what you had in mind from the start.

Seating

The purpose behind a fire pit is typically that it serves as a gathering area in your outdoor living space. Built-in seating is an option or regular patio furniture can be a great complement too! You can combine the two seating types for flexibility. Check out other patio designs to be certain you like the look of built-in seating or furniture.

Consider the details when looking to add a fire pit to your outdoor living space and you’ll love watching those elements come together to match the vision you had for your fire pit!

A Purposeful Sunroom

A Purposeful Sunroom

D.J.’sPainting and Remodeling knows that you work hard and want your home to be a place you can relax. If you have an existing sunroom or have been considering adding on to your house, a sunroom can have as much purpose as any other living space in your home.

Retreat

A sunroom can serve as a sanctuary, a space with little clutter and easy access. Create a breakfast nook to enjoy the morning rays, a comfortable chair to read a book in the afternoon sun, or set up space to play board games or work on a puzzle with the kids on a rainy day. The benefit of a sunroom is that it allows you to feel like you are experiencing the outdoors no matter the season or weather.

Entertain

The beauty of a sunroom is it can serve multiple purposes with very little changes. If you would like an entertaining space for your book club or for when your kids and grandkids come for dinner, a sunroom can be designed to accommodate a social calendar. The room protects food from bugs during a neighborhood barbecue or can let you enjoy some natural light away from elements like humidity. A sunroom marries indoor and outdoor living space.

Live

Above all, a sunroom is a living space. The natural light will make it a natural haven of your home. The perfect sunroom will accommodate interests, activities, and relaxation. At D.J.’s Painting and Remodeling, we think that the sunroom is not just an extra room, but the room that can make your house the place you want to be!

Home Office Elements

ABC’s of the Perfect Home Office

At D.J.’s Painting and Remodeling, we are into details and the details of your home office are important to us! We want to share with you some important details to consider when remodeling your home office or office work space.

 

Above projects completed by D.J.'s Painting.

Appropriate storage

In a home office setting, the amount and type of storage installed is vital. Make sure there is enough! On the upper cabinets, shallow storage is best because you won’t want things out of reach behind a first layer of books. In the lower cabinets, go deep. File cabinets need plenty of space for documents and you will want adequate space for your supplies and tools.

Brilliant lighting

Naturally, you’ll want natural light if possible. For large windows, you may need to consider installing curtains or another way to block out the morning or afternoon sun if it will affect you. If not a lot of sunbeams are available to you, proper lighting is absolutely essential. You’ll have no regrets if you contract electrical work to ensure adequate lighting.

Convenient electrical

Speaking of electrical work, your work space may not already be suited to handle your desktop, tablet, phone charger, printer, fax machine, or a television all at once. If these are all items you need to work, make it happen by having additional electrical installed to suit your needs.

Decent work space

Having an adequate amount of space to work is possibly the most important element of your home office. If you work from home, but spend a fair amount of time out of the office, you may not require a large work space, but if you are in your office most of the time and have multiple tasks going at once, a large work space is vital. Consider the amount of books or materials you use at one time and that will provide an idea of what is needed.

Exceptional seating

If you rarely stray from your desk chair, it better be comfortable. You may not want to spend a fortune on a chair, but you will want to spend plenty of time on the decision. Make sure it is comfortable, the right height, and the proper style. If you hold meetings in your home office, make sure the seating options will accommodate your guests needs as well.

D.J.’s Painting and Remodeling would like to help you think through all the details of your office space. We would even go through the whole alphabet to make sure the result is the ultimate office!

Color Trend: 'Greige'

A ‘Greige’ Area

We could argue whether ‘greige’ is a real word, but the trend in interior design color may have Webster adding it to the dictionary soon! Neutrals are no longer standard gray, beige, white, and black as painters and interior designers combine gray and beige to set a whole new standard in color design and there are some benefits to this rising trend.

Plays well with others

Greige offers flexibility in your home’s color design as it is easily coordinated with a variety of textures and gives unity to a space. You’ll find that it creates a subtle statement with a little more excitement than a standard gray or beige and allows you to have flexibility with the remaining elements in the room.

Earthy and elegant

This new tone also fits with a variety of styles. Whether you are working toward an earthy look or a more elegant appeal, greige can work with different styles to achieve entirely different looks.

Undertones

If you think greige might be just as dull as the rest of the neutrals, think again! This shade comes loaded with undertones depending on which shade of greige you choose. You can add color to the room based on the undertones present in your greige of choice.

At D.J.’s Painting and Remodeling, we see a lot of beige going into Bloomington homes. Greige is a way to stray from the trend while achieving the same classic look. It also gives you much more options outside the range of the typical beige or gray colors.