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Paint colours for home resale Paint colours for home resale
Paint colours for home resale ofpaint colours One of the most important rules of thumb when you're preparing your home for sale is to look at it from a buyer's point of view, not just from your own. Nowhere is that truer than in the wall colours you choose. You may love strong colours and have very stylish interior decor that goes with them, but colour can present several drawbacks when it comes to resale. As Toronto designer Shelley Kirsch points out, "Colour adds a lot of personality to an environment -- which is good and bad. If a buyer is very visual, they can see beyond a certain colour; but if they aren't, the colour can distract, making it hard for them to visualize themselves in the room."Of course, that needn't mean you should always paint all the rooms boring beige before you put a house on the market. In fact, that could conceivably have the opposite effect, making a house seem plain-Jane (especially if it's limited in architectural detail or is underfurnished). The ideal, in Kirsch's view, is to choose colours with just the right touch of life to them: neutral enough to present a blank canvas,but interesting enough to add some character. We asked her to give us some of her favourite all-round paint colours, both for resale and for very livable interiors in general.Quincy Tan HC-25, Benjamin Moore"I find this putty-grey-beigey-taupe to be a very neutral, non-competitive colour, but it also adds a certain depth and character that brings out the beauty of the home, rather than merely acting as a backdrop. Also, it allows you to use accents in stronger colours and still maintain a classic look." 40YY-51/084, ICI Paints. "Grey is very trendy right now, especially warm greys like this one. It's especially beautiful in townhouses, with architectural detail picked out in white trim, like cornice and crown mouldings, or marble. It's a very sophisticated colour, and classic settings like this seem to suit it better than modern or too-bright settings, which might make it look cold." Note: Swatch colour may appear different on some monitors. Main image courtesy of Pratt & Lambert. paint colours 2 Stone White 11, Farrow & Ball. "This has a vintage, mission feeling to it that I like. They call it a white, but it's really a chalky grey-green. It's beautiful with gumwood trim, wood floors, in fact any natural wood." Sesame, Sico Paints. "If you want the warmth of yellow but are unsure -- and I consider yellows to be the hardest colour in the palette to work with -- you might want to try going for an amber or cloudy yellow instead. This is a beautiful, soft greyed yellow that looks marvellous with Cloud White [Benjamin Moore OC-40] trim." Silver Blonde 2141, Pratt & Lambert. "A mushroomy tone like this one is very versatile. It looks equally lovely with red, or with cream upholstery. This is what you'd call the most ‘circular' of colours, in that it looks lovely with both light and dark woods and accents. It's a clean, modern, almost Scandinavian look." Note: Swatch colour may appear different on some monitors. Main image courtesy of Pratt & Lambert.- Credit
- Martha Uniacke Breen
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Colour blocking: A trend in painting Colour blocking: A trend in painting
Colour blocking: A trend in painting ofpage 1 Looking for a way to spruce up your walls? If wallpaper isn't your thing but you're dying for a splash of colour and pattern, then colour blocking may be just the technique you're looking for. A trend that has periodically to come back into fashion since the ‘70s, colour blocking is done by selecting zones on a wall or ceiling and painting them a different colour from the main wall colour. This technique is an easy way to highlight a feature or simply dress up an empty wall.Dominique Pepin from Sico Paints says that imagination is the only limit when it comes to colour blocking. "Shapes vary from stripes, rectangles, squares, circles or a mix of several," she says. "If you're using more than one tone, you can place shapes side by side or even have them overlapping." If you're not confident choosing colours or shapes that will work in your room, envisage what atmosphere you want your space to reflect. "Shapes and colours will influence the result," says Dominique. “With colour blocking, you can use it to create a sophisticated look or a fun look,” she says. “It's always a question of taste; what is beautiful to one person may not be appealing to another.” Using circles and curved lines tend to invoke a light and fun feeling, whereas rectangles and sharp edges can create a more serious space. When it comes to colour blocking, the possibilities are endless and you can find inspiration in almost anything you like. For example, a colour palette in a favourite piece of artwork could inspire you to use similar colour combinations on your walls. Images courtesy of Sico Paints. page 2 How to get the lookHere are a few ideas from Dominique for incorporating colour blocking into your home:• Inexpensively create the illusion of a headboard in your bedroom with creative painting techniques. You can use a solid tone on the wall behind your bed or be creative with shapes.• Highlight wall decor. You can use colour blocking as a backdrop to frame decorative elements like wall mirrors or artwork.• Block off an area in an open space. You can create defined living spaces by using colour blocking to separate a dining area from a living area.• Update furniture. Who says colour blocking needs to be reserved for walls? You can take an old armoire and spruce it up by painting the sides a different shade than the front.Colour block your wallsDomique offers up six handy tips to colour block your own walls:1 Plan the shape on the wall according to the size of the space. Be sure to take into consideration the placement of furniture in the room when designing your colour block.2 Choose your paint colours and finish, being as creative as you wish!3 Measure your shape or pattern on the wall, drawing very lightly with a pencil4 Apply painter's tape to the lines if they're straight. If using curved lines, it's best to use a stencil.5 Paint within the lines of your shape, being careful not to use too much paint; you don't want it to seep outside the lines.6 Carefully remove the painter's tape or stencil immediately after painting. Images courtesy of Sico Paints.- Credit
- Lauren McPhillips
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All about painting All about painting
All about painting oflinks Designer faves: GreenThese paint picks from some of Canada's best designers will have you turning green with envy.Designer faves: YellowSome of Canada's best designers pick their favourite hues from among spring's signature paint colour: yellow.Designer faves: Blue Canada's top designers share their fave blue paint picks.How to: Throw a painting party Your guide to throwing a painting party that gets the job done!Paint colours designers loveDesigners dish on their favourite shades of paint.Painting tips: Paint with easePainting any part of your home can be a daunting task. But these painting tips will have you painting like a pro. Before starting your next painting job, follow our painting tips. New trends in paint New technology and innovation make painting super-simple for the DIYer.Buying guide: Paint The home improvement market offers lots of choice. Find out what your options are and which supplier is best for you. 10 steps to perfect wallsEnsure professional results when you tackle your next home painting project.- Credit
- styleathome.com
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10 steps to perfect walls 10 steps to perfect walls
10 steps to perfect walls of10 steps to perfect walls A fresh coat of paint is a fast and easy way to inject new life into your home. Todd Greenwood of Greenwood Painting in Mississauga, ON offers the following tips to ensure professional results: 1 Remove furnishings or push to centre of room; cover with drop cloths. 2 Place drop cloths on floor; if plastic, tape down. 3 Turn off electricity. Remove switch plates, outlet covers, chandelier ceiling plates and drapery hardware. 4 Wash walls with detergent or TSP if dirty; let dry. 5 Fill holes or cracks with Spackle; let dry and sand. 6 Lightly sand walls; thoroughly sand trim and semigloss surfaces. Wipe with damp lint-free cloth. 7 Paint ceiling. Tape off joint between ceiling and crown moulding or wall, if desired. Using 2½-inch angled brush, cut-in two- to three-inch-wide band along ceiling edges. Using roller, apply paint in overlapping W's, blending with cut-in areas. Apply two coats; let dry between coats. 8 Paint crown moulding with a two- to three-inch angled brush. 9 Paint one wall at a time. Tape off ceiling and trim; cut-in where wall meets crown moulding or ceiling, windows, doors, baseboards and corners. Apply two coats of paint, or one coat of primer and one or two coats of paint. 10 Paint doors, windowsills and trim from top down, using two- to three-inch angled brush. Use one-inch sash brush for window muntins.Tip: Always remove masking tape while paint is still damp to avoid peeling off any paint.- Credit
- Martha Uniacke Breen
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New trends in paint New trends in paint
New trends in paint ofPaint: The next generation Women are DIYing it in overwhelming numbers, and the home improvement industry knows it. Many of the hardware and big-box stores are gearing their advertising toward women, and the manly image of a power-tool-wielding macho man has become, quite properly, the stuff of late-night comedy.Not every handywoman is equally comfortable hanging drywall or brandishing a Sawzall, but there's one area of home improvement where we have seen and conquered, and that's painting. According to a recent survey by the editors of the hardware trade journal Hardlines, after gardening, painting is the number-one home improvement project performed by women, with up to 54 per cent of female respondents having engaged in at least one interior painting project in the last 12 months. The result has been a radical change in the painting industry at every level, from the independent paint store, to the big box, to paint manufacture and product design. And this is where things have started getting really interesting. The range of progress, from new technology to gadgets that'll make painting easier for the layperson, is especially fascinating. Latex paint has advanced by leaps and bounds in the last 20 years, largely driven by consumer demand for a product that's easy to use and clean, durable and low-odour. (Latex has come so far that in exterior applications at least, many painters no longer use oil paint – for any purpose – anymore.) Para has just introduced a new eggshell latex that answers one of the last of the complaints against latex – that it doesn't stand up to repeated scrubbing as well as alkyd. Called Elite, the new paint contains “ceramic microspheres” that protect the finish and colour from stains, scuffs and Junior's crayon marks. According to Para, even deep colours – which traditionally are most vulnerable to lifting caused by scrubbing – will remain true over time. Here's another idea that any home painter can relate to. Most people paint their ceilings white – which sometimes leads to a problem when you repaint. How do you tell which parts you've painted and which you've missed? CIL's Magic Paint, part of a new line that also contains special additives that beef up its scrub-resistance, actually goes on pink. The tint allows you to apply a perfectly even coat, and then have fun watching it dry – whereupon the pink, which is actually a special disappearing dye, fades to a brilliant, fresh white. But one of the most obvious improvements in the world of consumer paint – obvious in the “why didn't anyone think of it before?” sense – is Dutch Boy's new one-litre and 3.7 litre plastic containers, which feature twist-off lids, side handles, and easy-pour spouts. Because the cans are plastic, they won't rust or dent and are lightweight. The square shape also beats the heck out of traditional round gallon cans when it comes to storing quantities of half-used leftovers in the basement.More and more consumers – especially women – have come to view repainting a room as less a form of home improvement than a quick and easy way to redecorate, especially when everyone from Debbie Travis to the owner of the local paint store is singing the praises (and the ease) of DIY. And with improvements that make the process simpler – and that make the job look better and last longer once you're finished – it's one job that just about anyone can tackle.- Credit
- Martha Uniacke Breen
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How to: Throw a painting party How to: Throw a painting party
How to: Throw a painting party ofPlanning the event While you may have been able to get past the overwhelming bad taste long enough to see the potential in your new house, now that you've moved in and are calling it home, the appalling wall colours have got to go. Why not invite your pals over for a painting party to help turn your new home into the haven you've always dreamed of?Design guru and paint pro Debbie Travis shares some of her expert advice and wisdom for throwing a successful painting party.GETTING READYDon't leave the boring prep work for the day of your party.Your friends are there to help you paint; they aren't there to help you take all your pictures off the wall, to fill and sand holes or to cover your furniture. Debbie says all of these jobs should be done before your guests arrive. She does, however, recommend leaving taping until you're ready to paint so that it doesn't unstick before the party.If necessary, prime the walls prior to your party dateAccording to Debbie, you only need to prime if:a) you're covering plaster (you may not even need to do the whole wall, just places where there were hooks and holes filled)b) you're painting a lighter colour over a darker onec) you're painting over alkyd paint or don't know what base the original paint is. "If you've got alkyd paint on there, you must prime with a special primer that will put latex over the top. If you don't, your paint will scrape off," she says.Travis tip: When painting your walls a dark colour, tint your primer with it -- you'll need fewer coats of paint.Make sure you have plenty of tools and brushes for everyoneYour guests are there to help paint, not to stand around, so make sure you have enough equipment for everyone to keep busy. Travis tip: "Remember when you start to make sure your rollers are a bit moist with water. Otherwise, you'll get fluff all over the walls."Be prepared to fuel your helpersMake sure you have enough beverages and snacks on hand to quench your guests' thirst and beat the munchies. It's also nice to offer your guests at least one meal for their trouble, whether it's breakfast when they arrive, lunch as a midday break or dinner to celebrate a job well done.Think carefully about your guest listDebbie recommends having four people max painting a room. She also says it's wise to choose guests who like each other and can get along. Painting ability and reliability are also considerations. Ready to roll! ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, PAINT! Get an early start"People have got a lot more energy in the morning," says Debbie. "Get people round for breakfast, and then get them working. Then wrap up before lunch because if not, people tend to run out of steam."Tape off your trim and any remaining fixturesOnce the taping is done, Debbie advises starting painting by doing what she calls "cutting in," which means you paint around the baseboards, edges, trim and ceiling -- basically anywhere that is not easy to reach with a roller.Paint in teams to cover more groundYou should have four people painting a room. "Have two of you working on one wall and two on another, so that when you move on to the other walls the first two are drying," Debbie says. Make the party funKeep guests entertained as they work by playing energetic music or making a friendly competition out of the work. Debbie suggests offering up a prize to the person who paints the neatest or has the best attitude.If you're serving alcohol do it once the painting is completedDebbie says this is her number one rule for a successful painting party. "You can say that the first beer will be served when the first coat is on, while we wait for that (to dry). And that's one beer." Any more than that, she says, and you may not get any painting done at all.Now that you have all the expert advice you need, all that's left to do is get the word out that you need a painting squad. But party hosts beware: once you throw a painting party, your friends will catch on fast and soon you'll be getting calls to return the favour!- Credit
- Sarah Rogers
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Painting tips: Paint with ease Painting tips: Paint with ease
Painting tips: Paint with ease ofPreparations With some brushstrokes of paint here and some rolling there, you finish your room's first coat of paint. As you reach for that well-deserved beverage, you notice paint splotches on the ceiling, roller lapmarks on the walls and primer peaking through. You could use some painting tips. "The majority of people go into painting thinking there's nothing to it," says Jerry Aleksic, owner of Artistic Design Decorators, a Toronto-based painting and wallpapering specialist for over 55 years. "Then they're in the midst of doing it [painting] and they notice something is wrong." Not anymore -- we have expert painting tips for you.Selecting a colourPaint may be the cheapest way to refresh a room but it certainly isn't the easiest thing to decide on. First, look at paint chips in artificial and natural light. Then, buy a quart of good quality paint. Jerry says cheap paint spatters and will take more coats to cover. Test the chosen colour on a few three-by-three foot areas in the room. When the paint is dry, look at it in the morning, afternoon and evening to determine whether the colour works for you. PreparingStrip the room, and cover any remaining furniture and the floor with dropcloths. For the best paint adhesion, wash walls, doors and trim with a light detergent solution, rinse well with a damp cloth and let dry thoroughly. Sand any glossy finishes, such as doors, window sashes and trim, and remove dust with a tack cloth. "Sixty per cent of the work is proper preparation," says Jerry. "Sanding and plastering are just as important as painting." Spread compound over any bubbles or scaling paint, and smooth with a putty knife until flush with the surface. For gaps and cracks in molding, apply compound but use your finger to smooth, as you won't be able to sand in this area. Don't forget to remove doorknobs, coverplates and ceiling-light rings for a clean paint job. Painting and cleaning up Priming and paintingFor best results, always begin with a primer. Jerry recommends tinting this undercoat to the colour of your paint so that you can see what the colour is going to look like. "If you don't like it you can change it with your finish coats," he says.With your windows open and a fan on, saturate a trim brush and "cut" a three-inch border on the ceiling along one wall. Fill in the ceiling near the border with a saturated roller, moving it in a "W" formation.If you have a partner helping, one of you should cut, while the other rolls to maintain a wet edge for blending. Complete the entire ceiling before taking a break.When the ceiling is dry (allow 24 hours) mask its edges with painter's tape. Cut into the wall with your brush and roll to fill in. Always start rolling in the middle of the wall, not the top or the bottom, says Jerry. This way, any excess paint can be rolled out.Next come the windows. Tape the edges and use a sash brush with a small amount of paint. Complete the room by painting the doors with a three-inch brush, and the trim and baseboards with a two-inch trim brush. Apply at least two coats of finish to all surfaces.Cleaning upIf you used an oil-based paint, first rinse brushes with solvent, then in soapy water until the water runs clear. (Do this outside with a hose, to avoid pouring solvent down the drain.) Latex paints don't need solvent. When dry, wrap brushes in heavy paper.For rollers, remove the covers and submerge in solvent. When they are clean, rinse them in detergent until water runs clear. Don't forget to wash the frame.Now you're done - and not a bubble or drip in sight.- Credit
- Heather Camlot
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How to: Choose colour for your home How to: Choose colour for your home
How to: Choose colour for your home ofMeet the pros Haven’t we all agonized over how to choose colour, especially when it comes to our homes? Choosing apple red nail polish is one thing, but when it comes to our homes, we often second-guess our every step. Should we go for greens everywhere? Incorporate our favourite aqua blue? Or shun punchy colours for tried-and-true neutrals? We asked these Canadian designers for their top tips and opinions on how to choose colour.What’s your favourite inspirational book on colour?“Nature, fashion and travel books.” –Bruce Wilkin, interior designer and principal of Bruce Wilkin Design, based in Victoria“Designers Guild Colour book is the best.” –Debbie Travis, Montreal-based designer and TV host“Anything by Trisha Guild or Farrow & Ball.”–Kate Thornley-Hall, Toronto-based interior designer and the founder of Source UK“At Home with White: I’m very into white right now – a little bit English, a little bit Swedish and very serene. Mark Hampton on Decorating: He was such a brilliant man. I love this read. It includes several chapters devoted to individual colours and their suggested uses – and his famous watercolour illustrations. The House in Good Taste by Elsie DeWolfe: Reading this tome, first penned in 1919, it’s surprising how little has changed when it comes to decorating with colour.”–Margot Austin, Style at Home’s Senior Design EditorWhat’s the new neutral?“Benjamin Moore November Rain OC-50 and Wickham Gray HC-171; Farrow & Ball Skimming Stone 241; ICI White Wing 50GY 83/010”-Margot Austin“Grey.”-Debbie Travis“Black, white and grey.”-Bruce Wilkin“Greys (especially warm greys) feel more new than browns and camels.”-Virginia Johnson“I have an allergy to the idea of neutrals. White is my favourite non-colour, I suppose. I just decorated a London flat with completely white walls in every room. The flat is full of light and huge windows and the white is perfect. I didn’t choose white because it is a "neutral" or because of any design rule. I just like it and I design spaces the way I like them to look.”–Kate Thornley-Hall All about colour What’s your advice for the colour shy?“All white - the absence of colour – is as effective as the presence of colour.”– Bruce Wilkin“Take a chance.”-Kate Thornley-Hall“White walls are never a mistake, and you can start with colour and pattern in the fabrics. Make a little collection of fabric swatches in something that is harmonious and cover one chair and a couple of pillows. Get some colourful lamps and hang some paintings or photographs up on the wall. You can start slowly.”- Virginia Johnson“It’s only paint.”– Debbie Travis“Shift into neutral. After all, neutrals are still colours. But be sure to vary the shades you use and have fun mixing several textures in your rooms to keep things interesting.”- Margot AustinWhat’s a common colour mistake?“Going halfway and using colour in a muted way.”-Kate Thornley-Hall“Listening to your friends opinions rather than trusting your own eye. Choosing neutrals with the wrong undertones. Choosing a bright white when an off-white would be better (almost always). Choosing a bold wall colour but neglecting to tie it into the whole room scheme.”– Margot AustinA palette should have no more than four main colours in a room – yes or no?“It depends on the look. A more calming space would require very harmonious soft colours. If you want something bolder, lots of colours can work together.”– Virginia Johnson“Break the rules.”– Debbie Travis“Like the saying ‘before you leave, look in the mirror and take one thing off,” same for paint colours - start with a handful of chips for consideration and then pare your choices down until the palette feels comfortable.”–Bruce Wilkin“Rules – I hate rules and can't abide by them.”-Kate Thornley-Hall“No, because I hate pronouncements like this. They make people so afraid they might get it wrong that they don’t do anything at all.”–Margot Austin“Three or five odd numbers work better, although it is not the colours you use but how you balance them.”-Scott Yetman Myths and mistakes A feature wall in a bold colour or print – overdone or keep it coming?“Keep it coming.”–Debbie Travis“Big mistake”-Bruce Wilkin“On the verge of being overdone but I do love it, especially when its a wild exciting colour and to use it all over would make you crazy.”-Kate Thornley-Hall“I rarely do feature walls with changing a colour or print. I prefer the architectural detailing to prevail, so I say overdone.”-Scott Yetman“Keep it coming, but change it up. The excitement of a statement like this is in the element of surprise – and the whole point of doing only one wall is that it’s easy to change – so change it.”- Margot AustinBright kitchen cabinetry – a mistake or worth the risk?“If you love the colour go for it. You could love it for 20 years.”-Virginia Johnson“Cabinets are expensive and you will have them for a long time - make sure you can live with a bold colour for a long time. Put the colour in the splash tile or maybe on the island cabinetry.”- Bruce Wilkin“A big mistake – too dominant, especially in open-concept spaces. Also, it could negatively affect resale value – that could cost you thousands!”– Margot Austin“Could be great [but] it’s a call to be made in situ.”–Scott Yetman What are some of the most common colour myths? “That you need colour to create a warm home. Even though I love colour, because I work with it every day I get overwhelmed by it and need white. My walls are white and this allows me to have lots of colourful paintings and objects and lamps and books without it looking too cluttered.”-Virginia JohnsonMyth: Dark colours and patterns should not be used in small rooms.Myth: Dark colours are over powering. This is why I designed a paint palette of 400 colours divided into four moods – Cheerful, dramatic, calm and nostalgic. First choose a mood, and then choose a colour.”-Debbie Travis“That colour has gender”-Bruce Wilkin“Blue is for boys, pink is for girls.Red and pink clash.Blue and green should never be seen.White is easy.ORWhite is a cop out.ORWhite is boring.” -Margot Austin- Credit
- Helen Racanelli
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Paint colours designers love Paint colours designers love
Paint colours designers love ofNo-fail paint colours Do fail-safe paint colours really exist? Depending on a home's style and decor scheme, most design experts find they can rely on one or two colours for brilliant results. We've unlocked a few of these sacred colours from five design professionals -- read on to discover their tried-and-true favourite paints. "Benjamin Moore's Willow (CC-542) is my favourite brown. It pairs perfectly with classic neutrals and even trendy accent colours like pink and aqua. I've used it to paint wooden handrails inside the house and out, and it also made a stunning appearance on all four walls in a small powder room. For the less daring, it makes a fabulous accent wall." -- Sharon Grech, colour and design manager for Central Canada, Benjamin Moore. "A colour that never disappoints me is Slipper Satin (2004) from Farrow & Ball. Just like the name says, the colour closely resembles an antique satin slipper. It's the perfect off-white choice for built-in cabinetry." -- Lisa Worth, interior designer, The Drapery Room, Aurora, Ont. "My favourite accent colour is Benjamin Moore's Abyss (2128-20). I've used this rich grey-black with a blue undertone on fireplace walls for high contrast and a snap of unexpected colour. It looks great on interior doors against white trim. I've also rejuvenated an old mirror frame and a piece of wood furniture with it too!" -- Lara Neal, Lara Neal Design, Toronto. More designer shades "Benjamin Moore's Classic Gray (OC-23) is a great neutral that works in both traditional and contemporary interiors, and is especially great for open concept spaces since these are usually large areas that require a big paint commitment. It's also a warm neutral that's a perfect backdrop for colourful artwork and allows you to complement it with feature walls." -- Steve Suraci, Icarus Designs, Toronto. "I use Benjamin Moore's Balboa Mist (OC-27) a lot, because it fits so many different interiors. It can have an old-world plaster backdrop or fit quite nicely into a contemporary setting. I love the way the lighting throughout the day works with this colour – something that's always an important consideration when choosing paint." -- Halina Catherine, Halina Catherine Design, Toronto. "Ralph Lauren Paint's Kitchen Cupboard (SS14) is such a refreshing grey. With its subtle blue undertones, it's gentle and cool and a key ingredient for a calm kitchen." -- Samantha Pynn, Design Editor, STYLE AT HOME.• Benjamin Moore: 800-361-5898 for retailers; benjaminmoore.ca.• Farrow & Ball: 877-363-1040 or farrow-ball.com for retailers and to order.• Ralph Lauren Paint: 888-475-7674 rlhome.polo.com.- Credit
- Brett Walther
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Buying guide: Paint Buying guide: Paint
Buying guide: Paint ofBenjamin Moore, Devine Color, Farrow & Ball There's a paint for every painter. Whether you value colour range, ease of application or designer credibility, you're sure to find your ideal match here. Beauti-ToneWell priced and carried nationally at Home Hardware, Beauti-Tone has a great website that covers project ideas, tips and trends. Web site: beauti-tone.caBehrWidely available through Home Depot, Behr is one of the best of the mid-priced brands. Features like large-size paint chips and in-store colour-matching computers make it popular among home painters.Web site: behr.comBenjamin MooreA favourite brand with designers as well as consumers, both of whom like the paint line's vast range of colours, it offers excellent coverage and wear. Widely available.Web site: benjaminmoore.caCIL PaintsOne of the best-kept industry secrets, CIL is an excellent mid- to premium-priced paint with a beautiful colour palette. Its parent company, ICI, makes several fine house brands, such as Color Your World.Web site: cilpaint.comDevine ColorBoutique line Devine Color is the brainchild of Oregon artist Gretchen Schauffler. Sample cards feature real paint smears from the 115-shade palette. Sample pouches (about $5 each), which cover roughly four square feet, let you test the shades.Web site: devinecolor.comFarrow & BallOne of the last traditional-style British paint manufacturers, Farrow & Ball boasts a small palette of can't-miss colours, many of them historically accurate and bearing quirky names like Pointing, String and Mouse's Back. Sample pots (about $8 each), which cover roughly 10 square feet, let you test colours.Web site: farrow-ball.comChat with other readers about decorating and design in our forums.Page 1 of 2 General pain, Sico, Ralph Lauren General PaintAll-Canadian General Paint was one of the first to design software that lets you scan a room photo and preview it in a paint shade. General's Z-Coat is one of the most environmentally friendly latex paints on the market.Web site: generalpaint.comMartha Stewart Everyday ColorsYou can't beat Martha's taste, and the paint chips show potential colour combos, making it easy to capture the decor guru's knack for coordination. Midpriced and widely available.Available at: canadiantire.caPara PaintsAnother venerable Canadian company, Para is known for such innovations as durable and scrubbable Elite eggshells and flats, and their Group of Seven line, which incorporates colours inspired by the canvases of Canada's legendary art movement.Web site: para.comRalph Lauren PaintRalph Lauren Paint has the same designer cachet as Martha Stewart Everyday Colors and is similar in quality. Along with the basic finishes, there are textured paint treatments such as Suede and River Rock, which require specialized application methods.Web site:rlhome.polo.comSicoOne of the oldest Canadian companies, Sico is known for its super-washable flat paint, Cashmere, and for accuracy in nailing reds, often a difficult pigment for many companies to formulate. Web site: sico.caPage 2 of 2- Credit
- Martha Uniacke Breen
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