Paint companies have already started announcing 2020 colors of the year, and they're a nice way to explore a fresh new seasonal change, said Michael McManus of McManus Fine Home Painting. They can be very different. For instance, this dark, rich blue, called “Naval”, is Sherman Williams’ 2020 Color Of The Year.
On the light and airy side of the color spectrum, Benjamin Moore named this ultra-light, light pink, called “First Light” as its 2020 Color Of The Year.
Start small and just do it, said Michael McManus, founder of McManus Fine Home Painting in Beverly. His philosophy on home projects is to start small, like this bathroom paint project that included freshening up the color on the tub’s exterior.
They say that winter in New England is “that limbo between Thanksgiving and Easter.” It’s time to keep warm, maybe catch up on some reading. But we all know it’s also about making a move indoors and that means an opportunity to work on the house.
The truth is, most people are too busy to keep up with their household chores, according to Michael McManus, founder of Beverly, Massachusetts-based McManus Fine Home Painting. Home projects are usually tackled because of a small emergency - the water heater flooding the basement and that broken light by the front door.
Painting may be the last thing on people’s mind. That’s a mistake, says McManus. Interior painting is one of the easiest ways to make a fresh, dramatic change for the new season. Exterior jobs stop by November, because of the cold. But fall and winter can the optimal time for interior painting. It’s easier to achieve the right balance between hot and cold temperatures that allow paint to dry and bond properly.
“In my experience, people put their best feet forward when they put their house on the market. After having the decorators in to stage the house and the painters in to touch up the blighted areas they wonder, ‘Why didn’t we do this while we were living here?’,” he said. “My suggestion is don’t wait till you sell your house. Do it now!”
On average interior paint jobs are good for ten years before the paint loses its luster and gains a lived-in look: high traffic walls show signs of wear and woodwork is chipped by the kids or the vacuum cleaner. Interior painting is done to preserve beauty and create an inviting living space. Suddenly, things feel fresh and clean and you’ll enjoy your house a whole lot more.
But for those more adventurous types who want to go beyond touch ups, a change in color may just change the mood changer. The 2020 color trends for interiors are in, and they can be useful and a fun way to explore different styles and get you out of your interior color rut. Benjamin Moore’s 2020 Color of the Year is a soft pink called “First Light” while Sherman William’s “Naval” favorite color for next year is a dark, rich blue.
Color is a big step, said McManus, so take these colors “of the year” declarations as what they are: nice suggestions. Treat paint like any other home project and start small. Pick one project at a time. Move ahead. Think of the rooms in your house, maybe your favorite room or maybe that office space or a bathroom that you had always wanted to get to, or your home’s entryway. Then, go with some options and test them with a swatch before making the big leap. If you need it, don’t be afraid to ask for a consultation from a designer or a paint professional.
Once you’ve tackled paint, study the room and see what else might give it a refresh. Are you happy with the furniture? Are the lampshades tired? How could you imagine making that room better? Make a list. When you accomplish one task the sense of accomplishment can inspire you to move onto another.
