Optional Bathroom Add-Ons

A bathroom renovation can be a cookie cutter style job or you can jazz it up with different details to make your bathroom completely customized. Many optional add-ons can be included in your bathroom renovation project to create the perfect space for you to start and end your day. 

Heated floors may not sound like something you need, until you step on those cold tiles in the winter. Adding heating underneath your floors can make your morning routine more manageable in the winter and help you wake up on those cold mornings. 

Toe kick lighting is another addition to your space that helps ease the wake up process or even those middle of the night bathroom trips. Overhead lighting can be too much on your eyes late at night or early in the morning, toe kick lighting can prevent that strain on your eyes. It provides minimal lighting where you can see just enough without hurting your eyes.

Adding in a custom bench, shelf, or niche can be that perfect element to complete your shower. Adding these details can even be multipurpose. The bench can be a seat when you don’t feel like standing or act as a foot rest for shaving your legs. The addition of a shelf or niche can add style in your storage. The adhesive or suction shelving that you can add after your renovation is complete can often take up space in your shower or even fall off the walls, having a shelf or niche built right in can keep your products hidden and safely resting in your shower.

You can never have enough storage space. Add vertical storage can get the space you need without taking up too much of the floor plan. Utilizing the space above countertops can add extra storage and even be easier to reach. Little details in the countertops can be added to add countertop space and be the perfect ledge or lip to place most used products like a toothbrush or your skin care. 

These additions are not necessary for a bathroom project, but they really take your space from good to great. Having a space customized to the way you use it is always the best option. Adding details to your bathroom that make it YOURS will make it that much more enjoyable to use your space. 

Are you ready for a refresh?

A kitchen refresh is one of those projects that can have a show stopping change on your home without changing the layout of the space. Pairing a few small projects together can elevate your kitchen and keep your home refreshed. 

Cabinet refinishing is a great place to start a refresh project. Taking cabinets that are currently a dark cherry or super orange maple, and painting them a neutral color or even a bright shade can elevate your space. Cabinet refinishing projects are a great choice because they can entirely change the look of your space without affecting the layout or losing the integrity and quality of your current cabinets.

Another small job that can elevate your kitchen is changing the hardware and fixtures. Selecting new knobs or handles can bring life back to your cabinets. Whether you love the current finish but want to update the style or want to switch from brushed nickel to matte black, updating hardware is a small detail that really refreshes the kitchen. If you decide to update those drawer pulls, don’t leave out your fixtures. Updating the faucet can seem like an unnecessary task in your refresh but it will make all the difference at the end of the project. 

Picking out a new backsplash or adding a backsplash to an area that once wasn’t there is a stylish and logistic choice. A backsplash's main purpose is to protect your walls from any messes that come along with cooking. So on top of being a fun addition of style to your space, it actually will better the space you prepare food in and make it easier to clean.

Doing just one of these projects will give your kitchen the face lift it deserves. When you pair all three projects together you may forget who’s kitchen you are actually walking into. A kitchen refresh can be as simple or complex as you’d like it to be. Are you ready to refresh your kitchen?

How to Use Sherwin Williams 'Match a Photo' Tool

We know how great Pinterest is for finding inspiration for a home project, but how many times have you seen the ‘perfect’ color and can’t figure out what it's called or who sells it? Sherwin Williams has your back. 

With their home color tools you can use your inspiration photos to find colors that pair well with your vision or even find similar colors to what you have found online. Keep reading to see how you can use the Sherwin Williams Match a Photo tool to color match your Pinterest finds with paint colors Sherwin Williams sells. 

Your first step is to visit Sherwin Williams Website.

Once you reach the home page, use the toolbar across the top of the page to locate “Services & Resources” and click the drop down arrow.

The drop down menu will appear and you will want to click “Home Color Tools”

Scroll down until you see the title, “Try Color in a Virtual Space.” This page offers three great tools to use to be able to visualize a color in your home. The focus of this post is the “Match a Photo” tool. Click “Match a Photo”

Next, you will see another page, click “Match a Photo” again. This is the step where you will need your inspiration photo from Pinterest.

This step will vary depending on the device you are using. On a computer, you will select a photo to match that is saved in your downloads or photos. On a smartphone, you can use a picture right from your camera roll. Once you pick the photo you want to match, upload it and accept Terms of Use. 

Clicking anywhere on the photo will populate Sherwin Williams paint colors. You can click and drag to find different colors too! There is also a color palette feature to save the colors you like together. 

Do you have any Pinterest inspiration photos you would like to try out with this tool? Give us a call once you narrow down your color choices.

Interior Paint Project Prep

Getting ready for a home improvement project can sometimes seem daunting. These projects can often create a mess, putting your home in disarray. Preparation is the most important part of a project. Prepping properly is the best way to make sure the paint is applied correctly and lasts as long as possible.  We focus on our prep work to make sure the project is completed properly. There are ways you can prep your space for an interior paint project too. You may be asking where you should put your belongings or how you can help. Here are 5 things you can do to help prep for your interior paint project:

1. Where do I put my valuables and breakables?

The best first step for you to do when getting a room painted is to remove all important items from the work area. This could be loads of things in particular rooms. From knick-knacks, heirlooms, or even your children’s irreplaceable art masterpieces. Removing all valuable or breakable items from a room being painted is the best way to keep them safe throughout the painting process. 

2. Do I take things off of my walls?

Removing all artwork or wall hangings before the paint crew arrives is a great way to keep your items in pristine condition and be able to hang them back up after the work is completed. Having all items removed from the walls allows our painters to prepare the space the best way possible.

3. What do I do with all of the nails in my walls?

There are two options when it comes to the nails in the walls, leaving them in the walls to rehang items or take them out for all holes to be patched. The easiest way to decide what to do with each nail is to determine if you want to rehang your wall hangings in the same place or move things around once the painting is done. If your plan is to update your space with a fresh coat of paint and hang all items back in the same place, leave the nails in the wall. If you are in need of a total reset and are planning to start from scratch with new paint and new décor, take the nails out of the walls. 

4. Do I move my furniture?

Once all wall hangings are down, move all items and furniture into the center of the room being painted. This gives the crew space to move around the room while they work on the walls. We will then cover all items in the room to protect from any paint that could possibly get where it is not supposed to be. If you need help moving some furniture pieces, let your project manager know.

5. What’s next?

Sit back and relax. No need to worry about straight lines or climbing a ladder. Let Blue Star do it. We will bring the ladders, the brushes and the paint. All you need to do is pick the color and we will do the rest. 

All Small Spaces Don’t Need to Look Small

Some rooms are small and others may just look small. Certain paint colors can accentuate how small a room is or looks and other colors can create a space that appears larger than it really is. There are some ways to paint a room that can make it appear larger. You may be thinking that interior painting consists of whatever color you want on the walls with white trim and white ceilings. Switching it up from that classic combination is a way to change the appearance of the size of a room.

One way to make a room appear larger is to paint your walls, ceiling, and trim all the same color. Whether you are picking a shade of blue or a light beige color, this paint technique can create a larger looking area in a small space. When using the same color from the walls all the way on to the ceiling, it is harder to see where the walls end and the ceiling starts. This illusion allows for the ceiling to look higher than it actually is. If your home has lower ceilings, this is a strategy you may want to consider when painting your home’s interior. 

Using high contrast colors in a space can create a wider appearance to a seemingly narrow room. Pairing a very light color with a deep dark color can enhance the width of a room to make it look and feel wider than it really is. You can never go wrong with a classic pairing of black and white but considering other colors with high contrast is a unique way to achieve the look of a wider space when you have a narrow room. 

Utilizing shades that complement the natural light that a space has is another way to make a room appear larger than it really is. Warm tones can provide an environment to create as much light as possible. On the other hand cooler tones do not create as much light which would not complement natural light in a way that would make a space look larger than it really is. 

Painting a room a deep dark color at first doesn’t seem like a way to make a small space look larger, but dark colors can actually make a room appear larger. Similar to the concept of painting the walls, trim, and ceiling the same color to make a room appear larger, dark colors can provide the illusion of a wall being farther away than it really is. Unlike the previous concept of painting the entire room the same color, when using a dark color it is best paired with bright white trim to bring a crisp brightness to the room. 

Adding an accent wall in the far end of a room and painting the ceiling that same color can elongate a space. Having the ceiling and the wall at the far end of the room a deep burgundy while keeping the rest of the walls in the space a soft beige, can make the ceiling look longer and the accent wall feel further away.

There are many ways to make a room appear larger, paint is one of the ways to do so.

Front Door Color Inspiration

An exterior paint job is the perfect project for the spring. Keeping up with exterior paint around every 10 years protects your home from the elements and it’s fun to be able to have a home that looks brand new without moving. To go with a new exterior color a complementary front door color is also an important decision to make. You may not be looking to change the color of your siding but you want to switch it up in a small way, changing the color of your front door is a great way to change the look of the exterior but on a smaller scale. 

Light and Bright

Having a lighter shade or muted exterior color can be paired well with a bright front door color. Having muted green siding and pairing it with a bright yellow front door can complement each other well. Light blue siding with a bright blue or teal front door is another way to have a light or muted siding and a bright front door.

Monochrome Moment

A front door can often be painted to be the focal point for a home’s exterior by using a front door color with strong contrast to the siding. Another color idea would be to go for a monochrome look by painting your door the same color as your siding or picking the same color but one shade lighter or darker can bring a simple but chic look to your home’s exterior.

Pop of Color

You may be interested in painting your home’s exterior in a class white are going bold and painting your home black. Your house may already be black or white. But adding a pop of color with the front door is a great way to change the look of your home. Whether you prefer classic colors like red or green or want to switch it up with a teal, these homes have similar concepts but look completely different with the front door color choice. 

Wood and Neutral 

Sometimes, multiple colors is not what you want. Having a home exterior that is a color and pairing an unpainted dark wood door can create a traditional look. A dark stained door is an option that would go with many of the 2024 home trends. Keeping things natural is trending in many parts of the home for 2024, why not bring that style inside and out by having a natural stained wood front door

Primary Pairing 

You may not have put much thought into the colors you learned about in elementary school but sticking to the basics of primary colors is another way to pick a front door color. If you are painting your home’s exterior blue, consider the idea of a yellow front door. These are two of the primary colors and have good contrast. The contrast between these colors creates a classic look while utilizing a simple idea like pairing primary colors together.

2024 Colors of the Year

What is 2024 going to be when you think of paint? Warm neutrals? Deep bold shades? You may not know what colors to paint your home. The 2024 colors of the year may help you narrow down your color search. If not, it may help you decide what colors you don’t want… 

Every brand has different colors and shades for their color of the year but something that seemed popular among many of the brands was the color blue. Over here at Blue Star, we were thrilled to see the popularity of the color blue, it is in our name afterall. Keep reading to see what colors will be trending in 2024.

Benjamin Moore: Blue Nova

Ben Moore chose the perfect mix of violet and blue for their 2024 color of the year. Blue Nova blends these colors to create a bold statement in any room the paint is used. Consider adding this blue to a room in your home in 2024. It may just be the perfect color to pull your space together. Whether you use this as an accent in the room by painting a bookshelf or making a bolder choice and painting the full room. Blue Nova is a great choice for your 2024 paint project.

HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams: Persimmon

Persimmon is a warm earthy terracotta. With its tangerine undertones, it complements many of the other home trends for 2024. Pairing this nature inspired shade with earth natural earthy trends like live edge wood shelf or raffia light fixtures will help bring the outdoors in which is expected to be very popular in 2024. This bright shade is going to leave a statement in the home no matter what other details are paired with it. 

PPG: Limitless

The warm yellow PPG chose for their color of the year is the perfect balance between adding color to your home while still keeping it neutral. This shade is sure to last in your home for years no matter how many times you redecorate. You may have all white cabinets and all white walls and have been debating adding some color into your space. Limitless is a great color to start adding more color to your space. 

Sherwin Williams: Upward

2024 may be your year of meditation and relaxation. Sherwin Williams chose the perfect color to add your home to create a calm space. Upward is a cool toned breezy blue. With its underlying tones of silver this shade is a perfect color to add to a primary bathroom to create the feeling of a spa getaway in your own home. 

Valspar: Renew Blue

Similar to Sherwin Williams Upward, Renew Blue by Valspar also has a calming effect on the space it is in. This shade of blue has notes of green that adds to the calm energy the paint color can bring to the space it’s used. Whether you use this in a communal living space or your children’s bedroom, a sense of peace will be present with this blue-green paint color on your walls.

Behr: Cracked Pepper

This moody soft black is the perfect color to add depth and a statement to your home. If you want to make a bold change in 2024 this is the perfect paint color for you. Behr chose this soft black as their color of the year which will pair perfectly with gold hardware or and decor around your home. Whether you want to make a bold statement in a dining space, powder room, or a home office, Cracked Pepper is a perfect color to make a bold change in 2024

Minwax: Bayblue

Paint and stain can sometimes go hand in hand. Minwax chose an out of the box color of the year for their stains. Bayblue may not be a color you would have ever thought to add to your home, but now you may be reconsidering. Another color of the year that has a goal of combining the indoors with the outdoors, this blue green-shade is inspired by the oceans and the bays. Minwax drew a connection between water and wellness when choosing this color for their color of the year in hopes that adding a nature inspired color to the home will bring wellness to people in 2024.  

Blue Star Paint & Property: Hague Blue (Farrow & Ball)

This year, we wanted to join in on the fun and select our very own color of the year. With all of the trends expected in 2024, the word classic continues to come to mind. Classic and timeless go hand in hand. Many trends expected for 2024 are trending because of the desire to create a timeless space with classic elements. We chose a paint color for 2024 that we think is classically Blue Star. This color can be used to create a moody bathroom, add a pop of color on your trim, or even as an exterior paint color. Blue Star’s 2024 color of the year is Hague Blue by Farrow and Ball. This deep blue can be added to any room to create a timeless look in your home.

2024 Lighting Trends

Whether you are the kind of person who likes overhead lighting on at all times or you prefer a dimmer option by using only a few lamps, the right light fixture can make or break a room. Light fixtures can sometimes be one of the parts of a home renovation or small home refresh that gets forgotten about. No worries, you won’t forget about the lighting after you see the expected lighting trends of 2024.

Polished finishes, natural materials, and retro styles are a few of the trends that we are expected to see in lighting in the new year. The most popular finish and color of light fixtures is always changing. Whether it’s silver or brass, matte or shiny, every year's trends seem to be different. This coming year polished fixtures have been expected to be the more popular choice over matte fixtures. If you prefer silver over gold or black over brass, shiny fixtures are the way to go with lighting in 2024, no matter the color. 

Natural materials and soft lines is another way to go with lighting in 2024. Bringing the outdoors in has been gaining more and more popularity over the years as the push for sustainability expands. People are starting to prefer organic and handcrafted shapes instead of factory finishes and sharp edges. Looking for fixtures that highlight natural materials like rattan or raffia, different types of wood, or even twine. Adding these materials to your home through a light fixture will create a softer space instead of dark metals that are often the materials used in light fixtures. 

If adding bold and unique elements to your space is up your alley, this trend will be perfect for your dining area or any other place you think a chandelier should be. Bold chandeliers are still gaining popularity and are expected to rise in popularity next year. 2024 is expected to see even more abstract shapes of chandeliers. The style of these trending chandeliers may be different than what’s hanging in your house or maybe your parents house. Traditional style chandeliers are not what is currently trending. Cool shapes and fun styles are trending for chandeliers. With shapes inspired by art and sculptures, a unique chandelier is the right choice for your next light fixture. 

Trends move in circles. What was once popular years and years ago often becomes popular again. Have you noticed brass is becoming all the rage again? Retro style light fixtures are set to gain popularity. These retro pieces have become more popular from the increased interest in creating timeless spaces with design. One specific retro style that is increasingly popular is the use of milk glass. You may only think of milk glass when it comes to vases for your floral arrangements but finding light fixtures that utilize milk glass will also create a timeless look in your space. The 1950s has many style elements that are making an appearance in different parts of the home, milk glass in lighting is just one of them. 

Whether you are looking to add some subtle throwbacks into your home or create a space that embraces the outdoors, lighting is a fun way to bring your project together in the end. You may not know what light fixture you want to add to your home, and that’s okay. We can help you make sure your project makes your house feel like home, one light fixture at a time. 

2024 Woodworking Trends

Woodworking may not be top of mind when you think of home trends changing. But trends and styles are always changing and are changing everywhere. 2024 is going to see some different trends that Blue Star can help you add to your home. 

You may have been debating adding custom shelving into one of your rooms but have not figured out what exactly you want or where you want it. 2024 is going to be the year of dark wood tones. Adding custom floating shelves or other wood installs is the perfect way to add this 2024 style to your home. Utilizing a naturally darker wood or staining a lighter wood with a dark stain is another way to add this trend to your space. These wood installations featuring dark wood tones can keep your home up to date with 2024 styles.

Built-ins are a great way to add storage and style to your home. Whether you want to add them to a living room, wine cellar, or even a primary bedroom, built-ins are the way to go in 2024. Updating a room in your home to stay on trend is always a fun project but when you add style and functionality it makes it even better. Built-ins can create a cohesive look in your home and reduce visible clutter. Creating custom built-ins can keep your home in-style, functional, and customize your space to fit the needs of your family.  

Natural wood and sustainable materials have been gaining lots of popularity over the last few years. Using a wood piece that has a live edge can create a much softer look than straight edges and sharp corners. A live edge can bring the beauty of the outdoors in with its natural look. 

Thinking sustainably in woodworking is one more way we can help the environment. Finding pieces to add to your home in a sustainable way can add character to your home while helping the planet. Salvaging wood from somewhere else or using reclaimed wood can add some charm into your home that a brand new piece of wood may not be able to. 

Harsh lines are on their way out but organic edges on softer shapes are going to be all the rage. Adding soft edges and abstract shapes into the wood elements in your home can create a unique and customized style instead of a ‘cookie-cutter’ look that sharp edges can create. 

Millwork is another way you can add a unique and customized look to your space. Adding vertical shiplap as an accent wall in your primary bedroom or board and batten in a powder room can create a handcrafted look in your space. Beadboard could be added to the back of your island cabinets is a hidden detail in your kitchen. 2024 is going to be all about creating personalized timeless spaces and millwork is one of the ways to add a custom style to your home. 

Adding built-ins, live edge shelves, soft lines and millwork can turn a house into a home. Adding any of these elements will allow your personality to shine through in your space while keeping up with the trends of the new year. The trends expected in 2024 have a timeless look allowing your space to tell the story of you for years to come.

2024 Tile Trends

Tile is one of those materials that can be used almost anywhere in your home. In 2024, new and exciting trends are expected. Most years trends are out with the old and in with the new. With tile being a material that can make your home look dated quickly. 2024 is expected to see trends that offer a more timeless look and have traditional elements and keep your home looking “current” longer. 

Something that possibly seems like an overwhelming idea for flooring is checkerboard tile. Don’t let the idea of a 1950’s diner scare you. This classic pattern can be done in many different ways. It can be subtle be using two colors with a low contrast or going for the classic look white high contrast colors like black and white. This pattern is not exclusively for floors either. It makes a great option for an updated backsplash.

A checkerboard pattern may not be your style, and that's okay! Patterns in general are expected to be seen in all tile in 2024. Whether it is tiled patterns or patterned tile. Intricate geometric patterns with a handcrafted look are gaining popularity. This trend does not need to be an explosion of color to make a statement. Laying neutral tiles in a basket weave or herringbone pattern are a perfect way to use tile in 2024. Using a detailed pattern when laying tile is great in any room but is going to be especially popular in smaller areas like entryways or mud rooms. A patterned tile on the other hand can bring a simple space to life. You may want to add some pattern to bring color into a simple white kitchen or jazz up a wall in a bathroom. Patterned tile can create a bold look in any space. 

Terrazzo is another tile that can be bold and create a unique look in your space. Utilizing this type of tile as a kitchen backsplash or any other place in your home. Whether you hold earth tones close to your heart or you're interested in branching out to add some vibrancy with bright colors to your space. Terrazzo has been a popular tile choice for years and it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Maybe this is your sign to add terrazzo to the floor of your bathroom or a focal point in your kitchen.

Nothing beats a classic look. Another classic style is mosaic tile. This timeless look is supposed to rise even more in popularity in 2024. Mosaic tile is a very versatile option. It can add charm to your house whether you pick a custom pattern or use precut sheets. Having the option to use a precut sheet or create the pattern on your own is one of the reasons mosaic tile is a great and versatile option for your space. 

For several years, monochromatic and neutral designs were all the rage in every part of the home. 2024 is expected to see the return of colors, especially in tile. Rich colors with lots of texture are going to be trending in tile. Adding color to your space does not need to make your bathroom design seem complex. You can use bold rich colors and still have a simple style bathroom.

With the return of traditional elements in the limelight. Terracotta tiles are going to be seen more often in 2024. This tile has an endless variety with the option to come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, shades, and textures. Terracotta gives an effortless and timeless look to any room it is added to. 

2024 is going to see lots of new trends but tile isn’t going anywhere. This coming year is seeming to be the year where traditional elements make their way back into the home. Whether you go for the classics like checkerboard patterns or mosaic tiles on your bathroom floor or update your backsplash with terrazzo, 2024 is going to be trendy in tile. If any of these styles made you interested in a home project, let us know and we can provide an estimate to make your ideas a reality.

2024 Cabinet Trends

As 2023 comes to a close, there will be new home trends gaining popularity for 2024. Whether you want to keep your home up to date with the latest trends by adding the color of the year, replacing your backsplash with the trendiest tile pattern or want to see what's new in woodworking, our blog is going to be the place to be every Friday until 2024.

We will be counting down to 2024 by sharing the latest home trends on our blog. Are you looking for kitchen renovation ideas? This week we’ve got your back. Kitchen cabinet styles have changed many times over the years from material to style to color or even having cabinets at all. Open shelving has had its moments of popularity. The new year has many different trends expected. Keep reading to find out what cabinet trends are coming in 2024.

Painted cabinets have been all the rage. If you held off on that home project, you’re in luck! Natural cabinets and wood grain are expected to become popular again in the new year. The appreciation for natural materials is slowly but surely showing up in homes again. Utilizing the natural look of certain woods and different materials can create a space of warmth when paired with the right hardware, backsplash, and countertops. 

Wood grain may not be your thing. Don’t worry, painted cabinets are still expected to be trendy next year. Bright whites are a common color chosen for kitchen cabinets. 2024 is expected to see creamier colors in cabinets. Off white and creamy taupes are going to be the popular color choice for cabinets once we ring in the new year. 

Do you currently have plain white cabinets and want a change? Consider refinishing them. Did you know cabinet refinishing is one of our favorite projects? We can help you pick a color to change your space without a reno. Another cabinet trend expected in 2024 are orange and red undertones in painted cabinets or natural cabinets. Looking for a paint color that is still neutral but has warmer undertones like red and orange can switch up your space without fully committing to a brighter warm tone like clay or terracotta colors and staying on trend for 2024.

Keeping with the red and orange undertones trend but staying away from painted cabinets, woods with warm undertones are also expected to make a comeback in 2024. Warm red and orange colors have been popular for years in materials other than cabinets and it is expected for those paint colors to move into wood materials next year. Having wood cabinets that have a red hue will be popular in the new year along with the lighter wood grain cabinets that are also expected to trend in the coming months. 

You may think your traditional cabinets or furniture is outdated but blending some of those traditional pieces with modern elements is the way to go in 2024. Creating a cohesive look with your traditional pieces and adding modern elements can create a timeless space that has sentimental value. This hybrid style is perfect for your cabinets because it will create a cohesive feel throughout your entire home.

The last cabinet trend expected in 2024 is mixed color cabinets. This has been a project we have done for many years but this coming year it is going to be more popular than in the past. Having 2 different colors for your cabinets is expected to be popular in the new year. Maybe your upper cabinets are off white while your lower cabinets are a natural light wood grain. If you have an island, your island cabinets could be refinished to a shade with red or orange undertones and the perimeter cabinets are a creamy taupe. 

These trends may have sparked an idea for a kitchen project. We do all kitchen renovations, big or small. You may want to gut your whole space or just do a small refresh. Contact us and we will get you in touch with our property services division. You may be interested in cabinet refinishing which we like to call our “no demo reno” which can update your whole kitchen without the mess of a full renovation, let us know and we will get you an estimate for cabinet refinishing. 31 more days until 2024!

Picking the perfect tile

Picking the right tile for different parts of your home can be a tough task on its own, but then figuring out what pattern to lay your tile is quickly your next step. A fun pattern can add character to a simple tile while a simple pattern might be the perfect pairing for  a unique tile.

A bathroom can be a great place to create a fun space, especially with different tile options. Picking a classic subway tile can be a great option for shower walls but laying them in a herringbone or parquet pattern can elevate this simple tile. 

Laying tile vertically rather than horizontally can also change the look of the space. Vertical and horizontal patterns can be straight stacked or offset by different distances. Depending on the look you are going for, straight stacked tiles can look great with other details in your space. On the other hand, laying your tile offset by ½, ⅓, or even ¼ can add a different look to your shower, backsplash or anywhere else you put tile in your home. 

Adding different shaped tiles together can also change the look of the space. You may want a simple and clean look with all white tile, but want to add something unique yet subtle. Using different sized squares together can create a different look than a regular grid of all the same size tiles. Mixing squares and rectangles in the same design can also add some extra character to your space.

These decisions may be hard to make, but our team at Blue Star can help you out every step of the way. From helping you decide which pattern to lay the tile or giving you options for the tile themselves, we want to make sure you love the updates to your home.

Downtown Annapolis Painter

Have you ever visited Main Street downtown? Maybe you have purchased a dress at J. McLauglin or art for your home from Kim Hovell. If you have been downtown recently, you probably have seen our trucks in the area.  You could have seen some of our work and didn't realize. We recently painted the storefronts of Wheat, J. McLaughlin, Kim Hovell, and Tyler Böe. 

We started out each of these projects with the most important step, the proper preparation. Prepping the area before painting is crucial to getting the best possible results during a project. We want to ensure that each day the store looks brand new to all people walking by and those shopping in the stores. 

We take our time painting all of our projects to make sure all customers are satisfied with the work and it lasts as long as possible. The exterior of the store is the first thing someone sees and often determines if they will enter the store. We want to make sure that the storefronts downtown have as many potential customers as possible. 

Your business could be the next storefront on Main Street that we paint. Contact us if you want to be the next property Downtown that we paint. We hope you enjoy looking at these storefronts as much as we do.

Make a statement with your backsplash

Backsplash can completely change the way your kitchen looks. You can use a unique design, a tile with a bright color, or even the same material as your countertops. Backsplash is used to protect your walls from the potential damage that could come from everyday use in a kitchen. Whether you accidentally spray water out of the sink or turn on your mixer speed too high when making a cake, the backsplash can make sure your kitchen stays looking pristine.  

Just because your kitchen’s backsplash serves a helpful purpose does not mean it needs to be boring. Adding a pop of color to your kitchen with backsplash can allow your kitchen to make a statement. There is not a right or wrong choice when it comes to backsplash, but you want to make sure it complements your countertops and cabinets. 

There are several material options when it comes to backsplash. Here are some options that may fit in your space. 

Using a bright color backsplash can bring a once boring kitchen to life in a unique way. There is more freedom with using colors than you might think. Using a few different shades of one color can create a different look from just using one shade of blue for example. If you would like to use just one color you can add extra spunk to the backsplash with the pattern the tile is laid in or the shape of the tiles themselves. 

Marble can create a show stopping look when used for backsplash. If you are thinking of getting marble countertops, consider extending the same marble up your walls as backsplash. This style of backsplash will add a luxurious feel to your space and make your space look more high end. In addition to looking great this material works great for backsplashes because it is durable to heat and any messes you may have. 

Backsplash isn’t just about the tile. It’s also about the grout. Picking an out of the box color for your grout can add a different look without having to commit to a large amount of color. Using a dark grout with a lighter tile can emphasize the shape of tile you chose and bring more attention to your backsplash. 

There are many different options and materials when it comes to choosing a backsplash. Let Blue Star help you pick the right option for your style and your home.

Thinking of heading to the beach?

If you are planning to visit Fenwick Island soon, we have just the place for you to stay. Blue Star recently completed a complete renovation of a property on Fenwick Island in Delaware. If you are ready to put your feet in the sand and watch the beautiful sunsets at the beach, make your way to one of the Delaware beaches and stay at this iTrip Rental. It is the perfect place to take your next vacation. 

The Delaware shores property is just steps away from the beach and has been fully renovated. We remodeled the bathrooms and the kitchen. Our crews also updated the flooring, painting throughout, and fixtures all around the property. It is right on the water so making sure the style of the rooms reflected the beach was important. Utilizing beige and blue shades throughout kept with the beach theme of the property. These colors can be seen throughout the flooring and tile in the bathrooms as well as paint colors throughout the rest of the rooms.

This Fenwick Rental sleeps 9 with one room having two sets of bunk beds making it a great place to stay with lots of kids. Blue Star is happy we were able to renovate a property where many people will be able to make memories with their friends and family. Being able to go back to a great place after a day at the beach makes the vacation that much better.

After a long day at the beach all you want to do is take a relaxing shower and have a nice dinner. These brand new bathrooms are the perfect spot to unwind after a day at the beach. The kitchen is spacious and open, perfect for cooking meals for all 9 guests. The next time you are traveling to Fenwick, make sure to remember this property for your travel accommodations. We loved this project, and we hope you do too.

A Guide to Paint Sheens

Different paint sheens work best in certain rooms. Some sheens make a wall easier to clean, while others can hide imperfections better. At the end of the day it is your preference what sheens of paint you use throughout your home, but we do have some suggestions of the best place to use each paint sheen.

Glossy and High Gloss

The highest reflective sheen is glossy and high gloss paints. This sheen can have a glass-like effect and is the easiest to clean. This sheen is the most durable. This paint is best used in kitchens, cabinets, on doors and window trim. 

Semi-Gloss

This sheen is slightly less reflective than high gloss paints. Semi-gloss paint provides a slick smooth surface for your walls. One of the great advantages of this sheen is its resistance to moisture and the ease of cleaning these walls, all you need is a damp cloth. Semi-gloss paint is perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, window trim, and crown molding throughout your home. 

Satin

Satin is another popular finish for its ease of cleaning. With it being less reflective than other paints it is more flattering over imperfections in a wall. This sheen is perfect for high traffic areas of your home. Since this sheen is easy to clean and hides imperfections well, it is a great choice for kid’s bedrooms, foyers and family rooms. 

Eggshell

If you want a paint sheen that is not shiny but not completely matte, eggshell is the best choice for you. This sheen is slightly easier to clean than flat paint. Eggshell covers imperfections in a wall very well and looks great in dining rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms. 

Flat/Matte

Flat paint is the least reflective sheen and easiest to touch up when needed. Flat paint is great for hiding bumps and scratches on your walls and is most commonly used on ceilings. It is also a good option in primary bedrooms, studies, and formal sitting areas.

The perfect accent wall for your space

Different accent walls can fit different spaces, different styles, and different homes. Depending on the look you are going for, one style accent wall will probably be a better fit than another style. Some accent walls can be traditional, bold, modern, and even rustic. Which style of accent wall would best fit your space?

A bold accent wall may not be everyone’s style but utilizing this style of accent wall can really bring the right space to life. Utilizing a bright colored or patterned wallpaper is one way to create a bold accent wall in your space. A bold pattern can be used in a small portion of a space and still bring lots of dimension to your room. Bold accent walls can complement a room and create a bright and fun space. 

If you are interested in creating an accent wall that adds dimension to the space while keeping it traditional you may want to add beadboard paneling or box molding. Beadboard paneling can add depth to your walls without even changing the color of your room. The paneling can be painted the same color as your other walls to add a subtle accent to one of the walls or be painted a contrasting color to add a prominent accent to your space. 

Box molding is another way to add texture to your space without having to add more color. Adding trim in the shape of boxes to your walls can create a traditional look to your space while adding dimension to your walls. This design for an accent wall is great for dining rooms, living rooms and primary bedrooms. 

Traditional may not be your style but rustic might be the right fit. If you want to add a rustic or even industrial style to your space, adding an exposed brick accent wall might be the perfect addition to your room. A brick accent wall is able to change the look of your home and add interest to your space. Brick may not be the exact look you are going for but shiplap can also add to the rustic or farmhouse feel of a home and is another option for an accent wall.

Accent walls can enhance a space of any kind. Whether it is in the living room off of your farmhouse kitchen or the wall behind the bed in your primary bedroom, accent walls can bring a once dull room together as the perfect space to spend your day. You spend a lot of time at home, you want to make sure you love looking at the home you live in.

Have you ever heard of contrast trim?

You may want to change the look of your home but not paint the walls. Contrast trim is a great way to change the look of a room in a unique way. Contrast trim is taking a different color to the trim around the room and even the door to create a different look in your space. Common colors for contrast trim are cream, gray, black, or a pop of color like blue or green. 

Using cream or ivory paint for your trim against white walls can keep your home bright and neutral but add more character to the space. It can be hard to commit to a bright color but adding variation in the trim with cream paint can make a space feel more fun without adding any dark or bright shades to the walls. 

There are many looks that can be created by using contrast trim but another color that adds dimension is gray. Light gray or greige paints can be used for contrast trim depending on the look you are going for. Choosing a color between a true gray or a greige may depend on the rest of the design and colors in your home. If you have a cooler toned home, a true gray may be the better choice for your space while a warm toned space would be better with the greige contrast trim option.

If you are looking for a strong contrast in your trim, black is a great color to choose for contrast trim. Black paint can have a similar effect of staying neutral with the color you choose like cream or ivory trim but provides a more eye-catching contrast against your walls. 
Pops of color in trim is also a unique way to add color to your space. Having blue or green trim and doors in a room can add color in a minimal way to bring brightness to the space without being overwhelmed with color.

Spring is Always a Great Time For Exterior Painting

Spring is the perfect time to tackle home improvements, particularly when it comes to your exterior painting. If your home needs refreshing or you would like to transform its look, schedule your painting contractor for a spring slot now. The following list highlights the advantages of a spring appointment.

What Are the Benefits of Spring Exterior Painting?

1. Ideal Temperatures

Temperatures between 50- and 60-degrees are ideal to complete your exterior painting. This is because they allow your paint to dry at the right speed. The paint won’t dry too rapidly in the heat or sit wet for days in cooler temperatures. It will bond properly to your siding and form well for a seamless finish.

2. Beat the Rush

Most homeowners wait until late spring or summer to schedule their residential painting. This is because they want to take advantage of the warmer temperatures and the longer days. Some may even begin to notice winter damage on their home siding.

Contractors’ schedules begin to fill up, and they may charge more for their work as they are in demand. By scheduling an appointment at the beginning of spring, you can beat the rush to get the right contractor at an affordable price.

3. Prepare to Sell

If you have been thinking about selling your home, spring is an ideal time to place it on the market. Your landscaping will look its best in warmer weather and ensure instant curb appeal. A fresh coat of paint inside and out makes your residence look newer for a perfect first impression and a higher perceived value.

What to do to Prep Your Exterior Before You Paint

Your exterior painting projects require just as much planning as interior ones. There are certain preparations that make the process of painting your house smoother for your painting contractor. Perform the following tasks to achieve the best results.

What Should You Do Before an Outdoor Painting Project?

1. Make Repairs

If your house needs repairs, get them done ahead of time. This will ensure that the paint goes on more easily, as it is tough to apply to rough or rotting materials. Getting the repairs done now will ensure that you don’t have to repaint areas later once the problems are finally fixed.

2. Trim Trees & Shrubbery 

Do you have a big tree in your yard with branches that hang over your house? Trimming any trees that could potentially be blocking areas of the house will make the painting process much easier. Even big bushes may get in the way of painters.

3. Remove or Cover Patio Furniture

A piece of outdoor furniture could not only get in the way of the painters, but it could also be at risk of getting a new paint job by accident. Move any outdoor furniture to your garage, basement, or attic for the duration of the painting project. If the furniture is too heavy to move, cover it with a tarp to protect it. You can tie the tarp down with rope, so it doesn't blow away in the wind.