Tag: Blue
Fun & Functional Home Gym Makeover
March 23, 2021The way we live has changed in the last year and we are doing more at home than ever before. Instead of time spent at yoga studios and gyms, many are streaming workout classes online and rolling out their yoga mats on the living room floor. Not everyone has an extra room waiting to be transformed into a boutique fitness studio, but if you do have an unused guest room, why not convert it into a custom home gym? That’s what we decided to do with this unused bedroom, and the results are stunning. The secret to our success was our quick and easy wall transformation — executed with a layer of primer followed by a vibrant coat of paint in an energizing color. It’s yet another example of how primer and interior paint can make a big impact and transform just about any space.
Here’s a look at exactly how we revamped this dull-looking bedroom into a sparkling home gym, using only primer, a coat of paint, a fun square of carpet and a few essential pieces of equipment. First, we tackled the walls, starting off with a coat of KILZ 2® All-Purpose Primer, which was especially ideal for our project because it created a perfect base layer to ensure the new topcoat color would be vibrant and vivid. This all-purpose primer is known for its durability, so you can trust that your paint job will last longer.
Next came the fun part — choosing a color. We opted for something invigorating, encouraging you to go for that extra 20 minutes on the bike or treadmill. A bold and bright aqua, KILZ® Tribute® Paint in Tropical Escape (TB-56) is so vivid, it almost has a neon vibe. It was the perfect shade to wake up our gym space. As we layered it over our KILZ® Primer, we noticed immediately that the color seemed to pop from the walls, giving an amazing vibe of energy and vitality.
With a color like this, we knew that the flooring had to be something special. This bold geometric pattern caught our eye, and best of all, the colors matched our beautiful paint to perfection, proving that no matter how exotic your paint choices, there’s always going to be a bit of gorgeous flooring out there to match. We think that the combination of patterns and colors really adds a lot of character to the room — something you don’t always think of when creating a gym, but why not make your exercise space as attractive and appealing as the rest of your home? (Hint: The nicer it is, the more time you’ll want to spend there, which might even mean that you’ll exercise more). Another advantage to this carpet is its durability. For a home gym — or any type of space that gets a lot of physical impacts or foot traffic — it’s best to choose a durable, short-pile carpet that’s specially treated to resist stains, odors and moisture.
When renovating a room, you’ll want to first look for its advantages and figure out how to make the most of them. We recognized immediately that this room’s biggest assets were its two rectangular windows, so we made them into focal points by refreshing them with a coat of durable primer, followed by a coat of white paint. A good primer will give you that extra added adhesion you need for superior coverage when you’re painting — always a plus when you’re working with light colors because superior coverage will prevent the old colors from seeping through.
Nothing opens up a narrow space better than a full-length mirror (always a great accessory for any home gym), and we found one that added the perfect amount of depth to the room.
As for equipment, we kept it simple with just an exercise bike, along with a balance trainer ball and a few hand weights. The beauty of a bedroom-sized gym is there’s enough space for several pieces of equipment, so you’ll have enough space to add more items later on. We streamlined things even more by adding space-saving floor and wall racks (for equipment, helmets, and shoes) and a versatile gym bench for extra seating as well as storage.
Once we were finished, we decided hands-down that the paint color made all the difference and was the real winner here, proving once again a layer of primer and coat of paint can transform a room from a dull dud into a sizzling firecracker.
Always remember to refer to our website kilz.com or product back labels for additional information on which primer is right for your project and detailed instructions on how to apply our products.
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Creative Ways to Carve Out Functional Spaces
March 23, 2021The home office is becoming as standard as the laundry room. With more people working from home than ever before, often alongside children who are distance learning, people have been forced to get creative with their living/working/study spaces. Rather than trading in your dining table for a desk, try one of these ideas that empower multifunctional spaces and add some design flair to your home at the same time.
Here’s how you can fit everything in your life comfortably into your home.
Carving Out Office Nooks
The “corner office” has taken on new meaning. If you feel like your office is quite literally crammed into the first corner made available in your home, it’s time to take a look around and see if you can give yourself an upgrade.
For some households, having a workspace in the main living area isn’t a big deal — especially if you have a laptop that you can easily fold away to make room for other things when work is over. However, if you need more room to spread, out or you just work better at an actual desk, there are creative ways to fit it in and make it look great. Take this small-space office nook for example – with KILZ 2® All-Purpose Primer, a fresh coat of paint and built-in shelves, we converted a neglected nook into a pretty WFH space. See the full transformation here.
Building in Organization
Building organization into your house is essential for reducing all clutter that inevitably comes with spending more time at home. When things have a place at the end of each day, they’ll be out of your way. You might decide to relocate things around the house as you find new storage spaces, whether it’s under-the-bed, behind the couch, on top of the kitchen cabinets, or in the hall closet. The key to avoiding the look and feel of clutter is to have some rhyme and reason behind what you put where.
Adding some storage to your entryway or mudroom is a practical (and pretty!) way to keep the mess at bay. For this entryway storage center, KILZ Primer was the essential first step in transforming a boring wood bench into a statement piece. After priming the bare wood with KILZ 2® All-Purpose Primer, a fresh coat of pretty gray-green paint (KILZ Tribute® in Typewriter TB-70), completed the look.
Pretty baskets and bins, like the boxes in our entryway project, keep things aesthetically pleasing. Consider going the extra mile with labels to help everything find its way back to its rightful place.
Visually Divide Multipurpose Spaces
If you’ve found yourself using words like “multifunctional” more than you ever thought you would, you’re not alone. Putting up walls and partitions may be infeasible and is less than preferable. So, when it comes to squeezing more living (and working) out of the living space you already have, there’s a trick: divide them visually instead of physically.
One of the best tricks to keep things pleasing to the eye and mentally in their place is to visually divide your spaces with the use of intentionally placed paint colors. These can be in the form of a full accent wall or a smaller arch or geometric design. The visual definition from a pop of color helps you define a space a within a space.
We’ve partnered with a few design savvy influencers in recent months who used primer and a coat of paint used to define their workspaces, and they are sure to inspire. Kathryn, from the blog Up to Date Interiors, used KILZ 2® All-Purpose Primer and KILZ Complete Coat® Paint to create a soothing blue arch behind her desk. Another fun and functional workspace came from Lindsey at Repurpose and UpCycle. Her ombre accent wall/desk combo came to life with the help of KILZ 3® Premium Primer and KILZ Complete Coat Paint.
These visual dividers are pleasing to the eye and can even make your home feel larger when done right. Plus, it’s something you can do yourself. With primer and a coat of paint, KILZ can help you get more out of your home and make use of the space you already have.
Always remember to refer to our website kilz.com or product back labels for additional information on which primer is right for your project and detailed instructions on how to apply our products.
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WFH Spaces that Inspire Great Work
February 12, 2021In the last year our homes have become more multi-functional than ever, becoming the spaces many people work and even go to school. Creating a space that can serve as an office or study area can be a challenge – especially if you don’t have an extra room just sitting empty and waiting for a makeover. But with a little creativity and the power of primer, you can create a gorgeous WFH (or study at home) area in just about any size space. Read on to see how we took two drab, uninspiring spaces and transformed them into attractive, design-forward offices and study areas that would motivate anyone to do their best work.
The key to our success? A layer of KILZ® Primer and a coat of fresh paint — once again proving that hard-working primer and quality paint are cost-effective tools in any type of interior makeover. Along the way, we added on-trend and functional furniture and a few eye-catching accessories. Here’s exactly what we did, and how we achieved these much-needed transformations.
From a Neglected Nook to a Happy Home Office
For our first transformation, a peaceful office was converted from an unused corner in a larger room. Given the limited dimensions, the space called for colors that would visually enlarge the area. Our first job was to open it up so you could feel like you’re working in a pleasant room, not a closet. Toward that end, we opted for light, airy shades that would add a subtle touch of color, while opening up the room to make it feel less confining. We also resorted to a tried-and-true designer’s trick—installing wall-to-wall shelving to create a space-saving recessed work area.
We started with KILZ 2® All-Purpose Primer, which covered up the unsightly scuffs left behind from the old bookshelf and offered added adhesion to ensure the new coat of paint would roll on evenly and easily. For our paint color choices, we opted for a fresh, contemporary office look—casual, light and attractive, with pastel shades that are easy on the eyes. For the back accent wall, we chose Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® paint, in Sir Drake, a gentle gray balanced with aqua blue hues. We decided on a more intriguing and deeper shade (rather than a classic sky blue) because it made the wall pop with color, while still generating a calm, soothing vibe. Following a slightly coastal theme, for the sidewalls and bottom accent wall we chose Shiplap – a rich, creamy weathered white also from the Magnolia Home paint line.
The mix of blue and white, combined with the natural wood shelving, achieved a slightly Scandinavian ambiance that felt just right. We accented the office nook with furnishings and accessories with a minimalistic, Danish-modern feel – a comfortable contemporary office chair in cream, a table in light varnished wood, nature studies in pale wooden frames, and accessories in wood, ceramic and brass, with touches of grey and blue throughout.
From Boring Back Room to A+ Study Area
The next transformation took a neglected room off a main living space and turned it into an appealing study space for two older kids. The heavy wood desk wasn’t making the grade and the clutter in the corner had to go. We decided to bring the room back to life with a bit of color to stimulate energy, imagination and creativity.
We started our project in a big way, by installing vertical shiplap boards over the back accent wall for instant visual appeal. A timeless and textural addition to any space, shiplap walls give you a designer look while being surprisingly easy and affordable to install – even if you’re a newbie DIYer.
Next, we covered our new shiplap wall with a coat of KILZ 2® All-Purpose Primer — a crucial first step when working with uncoated wallboards, because this multi-surface primer provides excellent adhesion and ensures the new paint glides on effortlessly.
Once the primer dried, it was time to choose the color. We opted for a warm, inviting green – KILZ® Tribute® Paint in American Pine (TB-69). This rich, eye-catching hunter green was perfect for the look we were going for, a modern take on the comfy/cozy traditional farmhouse style.
We added a convenient floating shelf for accessories; and, since space wasn’t a huge issue here, we were able to fit in a fantastic double desk, consisting of a simple deep-drawer base topped with pale wood to match the shelving. For added comfort, we replaced the dated desk chair with fully upholstered chairs in neutral shades to tone in with the rest of the room. To go with the woodsy green theme, we added accessories in wicker, nature-themed photos with pine frames and other knick-knacks in sage and blue tints—a bowl here, a vase there—to complete the look.
Always remember to refer to our website kilz.com or product back labels for additional information on which primer is right for your project and detailed instructions on how to apply our products.
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Magnolia Home: Cozy Green Library
February 12, 2021If you’re looking for color inspiration for a reading room or home office, this library is proof that a deep, rich color can set the scene. While it might seem like a bold choice to cover all four walls, the right shade can add a sense of comfort and refinement to your space. This paint color, 1905 Green from Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines®, is a forest green hue that brings this library to life.
“I love the way this moody, dark green comes to life on the walls – balancing depth and sophistication with familiarity and comfort.”
– Joanna Gaines
Introduced last year to the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® paint palette, 1905 Green was originally created for Magnolia Press Coffee Co. in Waco, Texas, covering both its interior and exterior. The mix of deep blue and jewel-tone green nicely complements warm accents and rich textures, like the bronze-framed artwork and cozy velvet reading chair featured in this sophisticated and inviting library.
Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines paint is available at select Ace Hardware store locations, and online at AceHardware.com and Magnolia.com.
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5 Things Primer Does for Your Paint Job
January 19, 2021Primer and paint belong together. A match made in design-heaven, primer helps paint to be the best it can be and is key to getting professional quality results. Read on below to learn five things primer does for your paint job and get inspiration for your next painting project.
Primer Makes Your Paint Job Durable
Over time, fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels can make paint peel. For spaces where this is normal like kitchens, using KILZ 3® Premium Primer (known for its exceptional adhesion and durability) before you paint can help ensure your paint job lasts longer. See the full kitchen transformation with step-by-step instructions here.
Primer Seals and Blocks Stains
If you have a wall with unpleasant stains, for example smoke stains from a previous homeowner in a bedroom, KILZ® Original Primer with its powerful stain blocking formula is the one for the job. See how we freshened up a mid-century modern bedroom with primer here.
Versatile Multi-Surface Sealer
When you want to paint a porous surface like brick, you want a primer that seals the surface. KILZ 2® All-Purpose Primer is a versatile multi-surface sealer perfect for the task. See how a freshly primed and painted fireplace pops against on-trend navy walls in this post.
Primer Hides Dark Colors
When you’re applying a new paint color, the last thing you need is your old color seeping through. That’s why KILZ 3® Premium Primer is a great primer choice when going from a darker color to a lighter color. It hides dark colors and creates the perfect base for your new topcoat paint. See how KILZ primer turned a dark spare room into a sunny and sweet nursery here.
Primer Has a Mildew Resistant Primer Finish
In high humidity areas, like bathrooms, KILZ® Kitchen & Bath Primer is up to the task. It dries with a mildew resistant primer finish that helps protect and support paint. See the full bathroom transformation here.
Always remember to refer to our website kilz.com or product back labels for additional information on which primer is right for your project and detailed instructions on how to apply our products.
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Modern White & Blue Bathroom Makeover
January 19, 2021A bathroom suspended in time is brought to the present with primer and paint freshening up a floating vanity and turning the boring beige space into a light and airy retreat. For this bathroom transformation, KILZ® Kitchen & Bath primer is used prior to painting – easily covering dark beige walls to ensure the new white paint will shine in its purest form and properly preparing the wood vanity for a fresh coat of soothing blue paint.
A water-based primer-sealer-stainblocker specially designed for residential surfaces in high humidity, moisture and temperature environments, KILZ® Kitchen & Bath ensures a mildew resistant primer coat, essential for almost any bathroom renovation. It also offers excellent adhesion to most interior surfaces and provides a sound anchor for paints.
Once the primer is properly applied to the walls and vanity and allowed to dry, the bathroom is ready for paint! KILZ Complete Coat® in White RJ110 brightens up the walls, while the same paint in Soothing Ocean RD160-01 adds an airiness to the substantially sized vanity. KILZ Complete Coat provides a durable, highly scrubbable finish that resists staining, fading and peeling, ideal for DIY painting in bathrooms and beyond!
The light and bright bathroom makeover brings in a touch of contemporary flair with new brushed gold hardware and sleek circular mirrors topped with gold, globe-shaped light fixtures. And for the finishing touch, black and white tile flooring perfectly complements the new color scheme without competing – letting the beautiful blue vanity shine as the room’s focal point.
If you’re interested to create a calming and contemporary bathroom of your own, read on below for step-by-step instructions to prime and paint walls and cabinets.
WALLS
Step 1:
Wipe down walls with a damp cloth to ensure they are clean and free of dust. Allow to dry.
Step 2:
Tape around the vanity frame and countertop edges with painter’s tape to ensure you don’t get primer or paint where you don’t want it!
Step 3:
To ensure a mildew resistant primer coat, apply 1 coat of KILZ® Kitchen & Bath (stirring thoroughly before and occasionally during use) to the walls and allow to dry. Apply primer using a brush first to “cut in” around the edges, then use a roller to fill in.
Step 4:
Once primer is dry, apply KILZ Complete Coat® in White using the same application method as the primer (using a brush first to cut in around the edges 4 to 6 feet at a time, then use a roller to fill in those sections before moving along).
Step 5:
Remove the tape before the paint is fully dry.
VANITY
Step 1:
Remove vanity drawers and hardware, putting each screw back into its hardware and sealing them together with painter’s tape. You’ll want to label each set to ensure you can put each screw back exactly where it came from, ensuring the least amount of stress on the wood.
Step 2:
Sand the surface of the vanity body and all drawers, doing a first pass with 100-150 grit sandpaper then finish with a second pass of 180-220 grit sandpaper.
Step 3:
After sanding, wipe down the surfaces with a damp cloth to remove any dust or residue and allow to dry. Tape around the vanity body where the wood meets the walls and countertop to protect those areas.
Step 4:
Apply KILZ® Kitchen & Bath (stirring thoroughly before and occasionally during use) to the vanity body and drawers, moving in the same direction as the wood grain for best results. Allow primer to dry for 1 hour.
Step 5:
Once the primer is dry, apply KILZ Complete Coat® in Soothing Ocean. Remove the painter’s tape before the paint is fully dry.
Step 6:
Once everything is dry, reattached your hardware and put the drawers back into place.
Always remember to refer to our website kilz.com or product back labels for additional information on which primer is right for your project and detailed instructions on how to apply our products.
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Mid-Century Modern Living Room Makeover
January 19, 2021A lackluster living room is warmed up with new modern design elements, including a spark of mid-century style and a freshly primed and painted fireplace that pops against on-trend navy walls. For this painting project that includes sealing porous brick and covering an old wall color, KILZ 2® All-Purpose primer is perfect for the job as it’s formulated for a variety of surface types.
Brick is a naturally porous surface and will typically soak up a lot of paint if not properly sealed with the right primer, making proper prep essential when painting a fireplace. KILZ 2 All-Purpose is the right choice for the job, as the versatile multi-surface sealer is able to work overtime and coat both the fireplace and walls. Even when painting a darker color over a light color, it is essential to prime first to ensure that the new dark shade appears as the exact color you’re expecting.
Once the fireplace and walls are properly primed and allowed to dry, it’s time for paint! KILZ Complete Coat® in Swiss Coffee LJ240A transforms the fireplace into a creamy white focal point for the large living room, highlighted by walls painted in a stylish navy shade – Prussian Blue RD100-02.
Primer and paint make a huge impact in this living room makeover and create the perfect setting for contemporary furniture and décor. A warm leather couch and two snowy-white armchairs flanking the freshly painted fireplace evoke a mid-century feel, while pops of navy in pillows and artwork are the perfect companion for the new navy walls.
Read on below for step-by-step instructions to prime and paint living room walls and a brick fireplace.
WALLS
Step 1:
Wipe down walls with a damp cloth to ensure they are clean and free of dust. Allow to dry.
Step 2:
Tape around the fireplace, baseboards and moldings with painter’s tape to ensure you don’t get primer or paint where you don’t want it!
Step 3:
Next, apply 1 coat of KILZ 2® All-Purpose (stirring thoroughly before and occasionally during use) to the walls and allow to dry. Apply primer using a brush first to “cut in” around the edges, then use a roller to fill in.
Step 4:
Once primer is dry, apply KILZ Complete Coat® in Prussian Blue using the same application method as the primer (using a brush first to cut in around the edges 4 to 6 feet at a time, then use a roller to fill in those sections before moving along).
Step 5:
Remove the tape before the paint is fully dry.
FIREPLACE
Step 1:
First, you’ll want to clean the old brick fireplace. If it’s extra dirty, start with a vacuum and use the crevice tool attachment to clean between the bricks. Next, wipe down the fireplace with a damp cloth to ensure all surfaces are clean and free of any lingering dust. Allow to dry.
Step 2:
Tape around the fireplace to protect the walls and floor. Also tape around the mantel and where the brick meets the firebox (the inside where the wood goes!) to keep that area protected from paint and primer.
Step 3:
Now it’s time to prime! Using KILZ 2® All-Purpose primer, start with an angled brush to cut in around the mantle.
Step 4:
Next, use a roller to cover the brick faces with primer. If needed, go back with a small angled brush to fill in any remaining grout areas. Allow to dry.
Step 5:
Once your primer is dry, apply KILZ Complete Coat® in Swiss Coffee using the same application method as the primer (use a brush first to cut in and then use a roller).
Step 6:
Remove the painter’s tape before your paint is fully dry.
Always remember to refer to our website kilz.com or product back labels for additional information on which primer is right for your project and detailed instructions on how to apply our products.
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