I had a vision for dramatically transforming a room through a bold and unconventional use of wall color.  But applying the color would be challenging and I knew it could only be done by an experienced professional painter.

Thinking of painting your walls? Here’s some advice straight from painter Keith Williams of Southpoint Painting in Greensboro, NC:

“First do the prep work.  
- Prepare the walls by patching holes and sanding rough spots. 
- Protect the floors and furnishings from dust and paint splatters. Use plastic to minimize cleanup.  
- Prepare the ceiling and trim to paint perfect edges, especially when you have dramatic colors changes. I use 3M Clean Edge blue tape. Take your time and be patient. It takes practice, skill and the right tools to create clean, hand-cut edges.

“Next choose the right paint.  
- For this project, Lisa wanted the black color to have some shine so we used semi gloss paint. Semi and high gloss paints are difficult to apply, show roller lines and any wall imperfections in the wall. However, once dry they are more durable and easier to clean. Flat paints do not clean well and would not have been a good choice for the fireplace wall.
- Select good quality paint because you get what you pay for. Without getting into chemical properties, the more expensive paints are easier to apply.  They do not sag or run as they’re applied.  Their finish is harder and more durable. Primer is usually not necessary if using two coats of quality paint.  And good paint doesn’t smell."

Thanks to Keith my vision for a dramatic transformation is complete using a bold color choice shown below. 

If you’re having trouble choosing wall color, go to my earlier blog post. Prepared?  Paint selected?  Then you’re ready to start painting!

Lisa Stewart is an Interior Designer in Raleigh, NC.

No longer a luxury item, granite countertops in kitchens and baths have become standard with builders and the expected norm with homebuyers. In less than a decade granite went from being opulent to ubiquitous.

This sudden shift can be attributed to lower prices due to globalization and new technology. Granite is more affordable because of the easy access to many sources around the world. And granite is easier to work with because of computerized saws and other technology advancements. 

Are you convinced that granite is the best choice for you?  Like many things it has advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages
- Is easy to clean.
- Can take the heat of hot cookware.
- Will last forever with its extremely hard and durable surface.
- Has a natural finish with a deep, luminous look when polished.
- Comes in many beautiful colors and character traits. 
- Can be the room's focal point because each piece is unique like a piece of art.
- Adds resale value to your home.

Disadvantages
- Has natural cracks and inclusions, and can stain permanently.
- Is considered high maintenance, with annual sealing required. 
- Can crack when hit by a hard, sharp object like a meat cleaver.
- Creating a uniform look is difficult because each slab is different.
- Is very heavy and often requires additional structural support.
- Has higher installation costs. 
- Is difficult to remove if changes are desired in the future.
- Creates hazards to workers and the environment during quarry operations. 
- Uses large amounts of energy as it is quarried and transported.

So, is granite truly the best choice for you? Only you can decide after carefully weighing the pros and cons.

Lisa Stewart is an Interior Designer in Raleigh, NC.