Tag: Inspiration

MINI RENI – A TIMELESS RENOVATION
August 21, 2023Welcome back to the KILZ® Perfect Finish blog. Today we are going to talk about Joanna Gaines’s first Mini Reni project, where she renovated a house without undergoing a major demo day. The home featured in this mini reni belongs to a couple who just welcomed a baby into their family and were looking to refresh their space under a budget. Watch as Joanna is able to transform this family’s living and dining room by using some primer, paint, and new décor.
With less than $5,000 to spend in the living room, Joanna chose to embrace the space and make it modern with some fresh paint and key design elements.
The home’s original living room had shiny wood paneled walls and a white tiled ceiling with wooden beams, which really dated the area. To update the room, the wall panels were sanded and primed using KILZ® Original Oil Primer, which covered up the knots in the wood grain, creating a flat surface that was ready for paint. Once the wood was prepped, the walls and ceiling were painted in one of Joanna’s favorite interior paint colors, Cottage Grove (in eggshell finish) from the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® Castle Collection.
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“A rich blend of navy and green, this color can take on either tone in different light, which makes it both dramatic and cozy all at once.” |
By bringing the paint up to the ceiling and decorating the living room with a large area rug, plants, and tonal furniture, Joanna was able to transform the entire space into an elevated yet cozy room ready for entertaining guests or fun family nights.
The home’s original dining room started out as a plain white box, which allowed for lots of opportunity, but with a small budget in place, Joanna had to get creative. By bringing in fresh colors and textures, she was able to completely update the room.
To create some visual interest, crown molding and wood panels were installed on the ceiling and painted in the interior paint color Drawing Room, a soft gray from the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® Castle Collection. The plain wood door also was renovated, turning it into one of the focal points of the room, by adding some trim and painting it in the same Drawing Room color.
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A soft French gray. |
The walls were painted with a coat of One Horn White, making the room feel fresh and new again. In order to create contrast with the soft paint colors, the lighting was updated from an old fan to a new modern light fixture with black accents. Final decorative touches included dark dining table and chairs, along with long velvet curtains and an ivory rug to ground the area.
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One Horn White is a warm white with a light beige tint. |
This home was brought back to life and elevated by a few simple changes, adding KILZ® Primer, Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® Paint, and new decor. You don’t always need a large renovation to make your home look and feel new!
Encouraged to tackle a project using one of the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® paint colors? Check out the link below to explore more.
Complementary Palette
Castle Cream
Plaster
Estate
Step Stool Green
Vintage Crown
“Where can I buy Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Paint?”
These paint colors are now available at Ace Hardware, Lowe’s, and Magnolia.com/shop.
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. Check out our Coverage Calculator to understand your estimated paint needs for your upcoming project.

THE CASTLE COLLECTION: HALL BATH
August 3, 2023Welcome back to another color and room feature from The Castle Collection from Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines®!
This time we will be talking about the hall bath. Even though sometimes overlooked, it serves not only as a functional space for guests and family members, but also as an opportunity to make a statement with design. This hall bath reflects both elegance and style while inviting a sense of serenity and relaxation.
The Magnolia Home Castle Collection interior paint color, Step Stool Green, is a lively, deep olive that makes this bathroom stand out and invite you in. Using the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines interior paint on the board and batten, paired with white tiles, makes this room modern – yet full of the Castle’s original charm.
“Olive green, a bold and rich natural color, brings a comforting, earthy richness to any space.” – Joanna Gaines
By selecting brass fixtures for the faucets, mirror, and lighting, and adding in some final decorative touches, the bathroom becomes one of the most transformative rooms in the castle. Paired with plants, antique décor and large windows for natural lighting, the Step Stool Green interior paint color from the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Castle Collection was able to highlight the bathroom’s beauty while still maintaining its rich history.
With colors from the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Castle Collection palette and the right materials, you too can transform a plain hall bath into a stylish oasis.
Check back here at the Perfect Finish to learn more about the rooms in the castle, and their specific colors and descriptions.
Read about the Drawing Room here.
Want to start a project using one of the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines paint colors? The palette below complements Step Stool Green and highlights its rich earthy tones.
Shiplap
Renewed
Landscape
Conservatory
Clean Lines
“Where can I buy Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Paint?”
These paint colors are now available at Ace Hardware, Lowe’s, and Magnolia.com/shop.
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. Check out our Coverage Calculator to understand your estimated paint needs for your upcoming project.

THE CASTLE COLLECTION: DRAWING ROOM
June 1, 2023Today, we are back highlighting another Castle Collection color from the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® paint line!
In this edition, we will be talking about the Drawing Room. The beauty of this room is its ability to create a balance between aesthetic appeal without losing comfort, it invites you to step into a world of modern times while preserving its charm.
The Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Castle Collection paint color, Drawing Room, by Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines was inspired by the room’s elegance and timeless style. The color is a soft French gray, that refreshes and uplifts this room while keeping the sophistication from the Castle’s original era.
“Named after one of my favorite rooms in the castle, I love the subtle character and charm this gray shade brings to a space.” – Joanna Gaines
Using the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines interior paint to highlight certain features of the room like the window trim and wall molding gives the room contrast against its white walls. It makes the fireplace (one of the seven in the castle) a focal point, serving as a timeless centerpiece and adding to the calm and cozy feeling of this area.
This drawing room has embraced a modern design while preserving its traditional charm. Contemporary furniture like the coffee table and the green velvet couch coexists with antique pieces like leather chairs and some of the décor creating the perfect blend between old and new. With big windows brightening this space, the color Drawing Room brings character, charm, and coziness to this space.
In case you missed it, the full Castle Collection color palette was created by Joanna Gaines for the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines paint line. Made of ten new colors, from moody accents and warm neutrals, this palette was inspired by the historic castle restoration project in Waco, Texas and it is featured in the Fixer Upper: The Castle season.
Check back here at the Perfect Finish to learn more about the rooms in the castle and their specific colors and descriptions. Read about the Butler’s Pantry here.
Encouraged to tackle a project using one of the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines paint colors? Check out the palette below that complements the Drawing Room and coordinates with its soft gray color.
Pond Stone
Bright Days
True White
Locally Sown
Dutch Tulip
“Where can I buy Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Paint?”
These paint colors are now available at Ace Hardware, Lowe’s, and Magnolia.com/shop.
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. Check out our Coverage Calculator to understand your estimated paint needs for your upcoming project.

THE CASTLE COLLECTION: BUTLER’S PANTRY
April 26, 2023We’re back with more on the Castle Collection from Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines®!
Today we are showcasing the Butler’s Pantry, one of the most beautifully designed pantries you will ever see. With floor to ceiling cabinets painted in another Castle Collection color, Cottage Grove, the Butler’s Pantry offers a warm and inviting setting to prepare a meal or bake something delicious. The right Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines interior paint color can transform your space into a place you never want to leave.
Cottage Grove is a moody navy infused with a deep green hue that elevates the space and provides a fresh look while complementing the historical splendor of the Castle property. With natural light illuminating the space, Cottage Grove is sure to make a statement.
“A rich blend of navy and green, this color can take on either tone in different light, which makes it both dramatic and cozy all at once.” –Joanna Gaines
Using Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines cabinet paint to bring color to the cabinets brings modern drama to this room. Without traditional white or wood-colored cabinets, this room demonstrates how you can get creative with color, using it to add personality.
You’ll notice that the wall color provides a crisp contrast to the moody navy. Painted in another Castle Collection color, Castle Cream, soft white with a timeless essence adds sophistication and charm to this space.
Brass accents and vintage décor complement the color beautifully, with dark wood floors and window trim that are reminiscent of the era when the castle was built. Adding to the color contrast, the white marble kitchen counter and backsplash brightens this room. Glass containers and plants add to the vintage aesthetic bringing this space elegance and refinement.
And in case you haven’t seen the full collection yet, The Castle Collection is a color palette specially designed and curated by Joanna Gaines for the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines paint line. Comprised of ten new colors, ranging from warm neutrals to moody accents, inspired by the historic castle restoration project located in Waco, Texas, and featured in a season of Fixer Upper: The Castle.
Don’t forget to check back here at the Perfect Finish to read more about specific rooms and paint colors featured in the Castle project. Read about the Girls’ & Boys’ bedroom here!
Encouraged to tackle a project using one of the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines paint colors? Check out the palette below that complements Cottage Grove and Castle Cream and coordinates with their rich, warm tones.
Castle Cream
Gatherings
Panna Cotta
Homebody
Boutique Gray
“Where can I buy Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines Paint?”
These paint colors are now available at Ace Hardware, Lowe’s and Magnolia.com/shop.

THE CASTLE COLLECTION: THE BEDROOMS
February 22, 2023In case you missed it, Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® has released ten brand new colors, The Castle Collection, specially designed for Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Castle renovation in Waco,Texas. Featuring a beautiful range of warm neutrals to moody accents, these deep and rich colors will turn any space into a timeless classic.
This year on The Perfect Finish, we will be highlighting specific rooms to showcase the Castle Collection in detail. And be sure to check out the newest season of the Gaines’ hit TV show Fixer Upper: The Castle to catch these colors in action.
Today, we are highlighting two of the featured rooms inside the Castle project: the Girls’ Room and the Boys’ Room, each painted in one of the Castle Collection Colors.
THE GIRLS’ ROOM
This bedroom is painted Rosy Pink, a dusty, subtle pink with a nostalgic tone, which was specifically created with this room in mind. Paired with clean white trim and white light fixtures, this room becomes a soothing and inviting space.
With natural light streaming into this room from the large windows, Rosy Pink gives the space a warm glow. Named after Joanna Gaines’s grandmother, this paint color is bound to make any child (and adult) excited to call this room their own.
“This color is inspired by my grandmother, Agnes Rose. It’s a subtle pink with a vintage style.” – Joanna Gaines
Metal accents and vintage style décor add to this nostalgic vibe and make the timeless tone of the color really stand out.
This bedroom also features a fireplace, just one of seven throughout the Castle project. Coated in Rosy Pink with a moody mauve tile surround, this becomes a centerpiece of the space.
THE BOYS’ ROOM
The Boys’ Room features Castle Collection color, Estate, a deep sage with a soft gray undertone. With Estate cascading up onto the ceiling and trim, over the fireplace, and onto the doors, there is a grandeur and sophistication that envelopes this room.
This color was specially curated and designed for this room in the Castle, like many of the colors in the Castle Collection. With Estate covering every crevasse in this space, it’s easy to see the depth of this regal color.
Complemented by a black leather chair, brass bedframe, an antique desk, and décor accents with a classic style, this room’s design will make anybody swoon.
A special edition of Fixer Upper: The Castle is available on the Gaines’ Magnolia Network, Discovery+ and HBOMax. The season follows Chip and Joanna through six episodes of the renovation journey, including the development of The Castle Collection color palette.
Don’t forget to check back here at the Perfect Finish to read more about specific rooms and paint colors featured in the Castle project.
Inspired by these bedrooms and looking for complementary colors for your own space? The curated palette below offers shades that complement and coordinate with Estate and Rosy Pink from Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines.
ROSY PINK COMPLEMENTARY PALETTE
Moody Fig (From the Castle Collection)
Garden Party
Rocking House
Solid Wood
Silos White
ESTATE COMPLEMENTARY PALETTE
Vintage Crown (From the Castle Collection)
Renewed
Coffee Nook
One Horn White
Vintage Weathervane
These paint colors are available at Ace Hardware, Lowe’s and Magnolia.com/shop.

Our Favorite Projects of 2022
November 17, 2022The end of the year is right around the corner, which means it’s time to look back on some of our biggest accomplishments of 2022. What better way to recap the last 12 months than to revisit some of your favorite projects? From kitchens to bathrooms to living spaces, 2022 did not disappoint. When it came to updating, revamping, and overhauling, the year was full of inspiring home makeovers, so let’s recap some of our biggest standouts, and get excited to tackle another year of home improvement.
1. How to Prime Kitchen Cabinets for Color That Pops
You may remember this gorgeous kitchen update from earlier in the year. This project featured three different kitchen inspirations, all using KILZ 3®PREMIUM Interior and Exterior Primer, which came to life thanks to varied design concepts and paint combos that gave the original space some much needed personality. Two toned kitchen cabinets were a theme for this project, and using subtle, yet distinct colors that played off one another, we achieved a polished effect that would make any pro proud. See the full project.
2. Pro Spotlight: Angela Cacace Creates a Spacious and Fresh Feeling Bathroom
This outdated bathroom was in desperate need of a makeover, and pro designer and contractor, Angela Cacace, took everything from budget to aesthetic to difficulty into consideration. She used KILZ® Mold and Mildew Resistant Primer to start, and then finished the room using light and airy paint selections from the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® collection to make the bathroom feel fresh, bright, and spacious. Achieving the creamy and neutral result was no small feat considering the hot pink “before” color of the walls and the heavy black cabinets. Primer was an absolute must for this project, and the true star of the show. See the full project.
3. Restoration vs. Original – What’s the Difference?
For this article, we talked to John Golamco, Project Manager and Primer Category lead with the KILZ® brand. His 25 years of experience gave him critical insight into this category. He explained the fundamental differences between the primers and compared them in more detail. According to John, KILZ® Original is an oil-based primer that works great for blocking severe stains and odors. It also has a more pungent solvent odor and requires mineral spirits or paint thinner to clean up. KILZ Restoration® on the other hand is a water-based primer that also blocks severe stains and odors but has lower VOCs and meets all national regulations. It’s a low-odor primer and can be cleaned up easily using soap and water. See the full article.
4. PRO SPOTLIGHT: Make A Front Door Pop with Jared Foster
We know a thing or two about details, which is exactly what we wanted to highlight with this front door refresh. Carpenter, Jared Foster, sought to complement the already calm vibe of his front porch with an equally relaxed color scheme, and he walked us through his process in bringing it to life. “Once I laid on the primer and allowed it to dry, I was able to spray the door and trim using BEHR® paint, remove all the paper and tape and enjoy the new look. All and all, this project was completed in 48 hours. Having used KILZ 3® PREMIUM Interior and Exterior Primer,I knew this door color would pop,” said Jared. See the full project.
5. Creating a Family Room that Brings People Together
This chic, yet cozy family room makeover was all about encouraging togetherness. Using a modern farmhouse look as inspiration, we crafted a similar feel with soft white paint, dark accents, and intentional décor. Taking the room from light to dark meant priming the walls for the best possible paint application, so we used KILZ 2® All-Purpose Primer, which made the job a breeze thanks to its great adhesion and fast-drying formula. The finished room breathed new life into a familiar space and created a relaxed, yet sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for spending time with loved ones. See the full project.
This was a great year for DIY home makeovers, and even though the year is ending, we’re not slowing down. Whether you’re taking a little break or busy planning next year’s projects, we hope this inspirational list gives you the motivation you need to make your vision come to life. Thanks for spending the year with us. We can’t wait to see what new ideas you’ll bring to life in 2023.
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. Check out our Coverage Calculator to understand your estimated paint needs for your upcoming project.

THE CASTLE COLLECTION: TEN NEW COLORS FROM MAGNOLIA HOME BY JOANNA GAINES®
October 14, 2022The Castle Collection has been released by Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines®, a paint palette of ten brand new colors inspired by Magnolia’s Castle renovation, a historic landmark in Waco, Texas. The Castle Collection is comprised of ten rich and timeless paint colors that honor the Castle’s history, each specially designed and curated by Joanna Gaines.
“I wanted to honor the history of the castle with rich, unique colors that would complement its grand and traditional aesthetic, while still creating a timeless palette for any style of home.” – Joanna Gaines
The Castle restoration is the centerpiece of the Gaines’s newest season of their hit TV show. A special edition of their series Fixer Upper: The Castle premiered on the Gaines’ Magnolia Network, Discovery+ and HBO Max on October 14th, 2022. The season follows Chip and Joanna through six episodes of the restoration journey, including the development of The Castle Collection color palette.
Different personal connections or Castle inspirations helped Joanna to name each of the ten unique colors from the Castle collection palette. They are used through the completed castle, and will be featured on Fixer Upper: The Castle.
Rosy Pink: A dusty subtle pink with a nostalgic tone
Castle Cream: A creamy, soft white with a timeless essence
Step Stool Green: A lively, deep olive
Cottage Grove: A moody navy infused with a deep green hue
Drawing Room: A soft French Gray
Estate: A deep sage, with a soft gray undertone
Conservatory: A rich and warm dark charcoal gray
Plaster: A light beige with a warm soothing tone
Moody Fig: A beautifully saturated burgundy
Vintage Crown: an elegant, muted gold
These paint colors are now available at Ace Hardware, Lowe’s and Magnolia.com/shop.

A DIY Bathroom You Can’t Wait to Show Off
August 31, 2022While your bathroom isn’t exactly a gathering place like most of the other rooms in your house, it’s one of the most visited. If that’s not reason enough to make it as comfortable and pleasant as possible, our bathroom inspiration makeover will give you just the push you need to elevate yours with style and functionality in mind.
If you’ve ever visited a bathroom outside your home and been impressed by its aesthetic, you know this is a room with great potential to shine. And while our bathroom renovation is modest and family friendly, it has its own unique flair as well. Our simple, yet chic, farmhouse-inspired look is basic enough to work inside any home, but with a few thoughtful details, it’s also distinguished and refined.
After the initial labor—removing the drywall, fixtures, bathtub, etc.—we were able to prime the old, brown walls before applying a fresh coat of paint. Because of the moisture-prone nature of a bathroom, the ideal choice for this job was KILZ® Mold and Mildew Primer. This water-based primer-sealer-stain blocker is specially designed for residential surfaces in high humidity, moisture, and temperature environments.
Taking our bathroom walls from dark to light, was a breeze thanks to our primer’s ability to hide the previous color. It offers excellent adhesion and provides a solid anchor for paints. The EPA-registered active ingredient in this primer creates a mold and mildew-resistant film, specially formulated to protect the primed surfaces from these issues so you can paint with confidence.
Once dry, painting the walls with a bright, yet neutral white, could not have been simpler. The paint went on smooth and blemish-free, and thanks to our primer, no traces of the previous, dull, brown paint could poke through. Natural light from the window made it easy to build upon the brightness in this space with finishing touches from the fixtures, tile, lighting, and décor. Lastly, the sliding glass shower door creates clean lines, beautiful transparency, and an overall modern feel.
To update an older bathroom, you’ll want to first consider the scope of the project. For example, our renovation included a newly-tiled shower, brand new flooring, updated lighting and fixtures, and a modern vanity. We chose to accentuate brightness by adding decorative accents to complement the color palette, however, you may choose a look that’s vibrant and colorful or something more bold and dramatic. Working out the details is where you get to put on your designer hat and let your creativity shine.
At the end of the day, the perfect primer is essential to achieving a beautiful result, which is why we can’t recommend KILZ products enough for jobs like these. We hope this bathroom makeover inspires you to assemble your group, or embark solo, and create something special in one the most-visited areas of your home.
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. Check out our Coverage Calculator to understand your estimated paint needs for your upcoming project.

MAGNOLIA HOME: TURN YOUR BEDROOM INTO A SERENE ESCAPE
August 1, 2022Our bedrooms should reflect our own personal style. Choices in accents and décor, bedding, or furniture can immediately change the feel of the space you lay your head. Bedrooms serve as the place we escape to relax and rejuvenate after a long day, so making your bedroom a haven for yourself is important. Color can play a big part of the overall vibe of your bedroom and choosing a serene color that will complement your personal style will help you feel at home.
“When you can ground a room in an understated neutral, it allows you to get creative and personalize the space with furniture, textiles, and accents that stand out.” – Joanna Gaines
This bedroom extenuates a sophisticated style, while bringing in natural materials to soften the modern décor. The walls and ceilings are bathed in a featured color from the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® paint line, Blanched, a warm beige destined to bring serenity to any space. The neutral color allows for the stained accent wall to be the wow factor.
Adding in other materials is a great way to add depth and texture. The wooden accent wall is colored in Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines’s Interior Wood Stain in an earthy yet warm tone, Woodsy Escape. The interior stain is available in twelve curated colors to enhance the natural beauty of your interior wood surfaces.
Complementing the space with gold accents, like those on the sconces and nightstand hardware, clean bedding, and textured nightstands, bring modern and natural elements together seamlessly, evoking a relaxing and serene bedroom for you to unwind and rejuvenate.
Inspired by this serene bedroom and looking for complementary colors for your own space? The curated palette below offers shades that complement and coordinate with Blanched.
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