With more people working from home than ever before, having a functional and stylish home office is essential. A well-designed workspace can boost productivity, reduce stress, and enhance your overall work-from-home experience. Here’s how remodeling and working with a contractor can help you create a home office that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
The first step in creating a home office is choosing the right location. If possible, select a quiet area with minimal distractions. Natural light is a bonus, as it can improve mood and productivity. If space is limited, consider working with a contractor to convert a spare bedroom, a corner of the living room, or even a closet into your office.
Comfortable and ergonomic furniture is crucial for a productive home office. Investing in a good-quality desk and chair that provide proper support and encourage good posture is a must. Consider custom-built desks and shelving units crafted by a contractor to perfectly fit your space and needs. Adjustable desks are also a great option as they allow you to alternate between sitting and standing.
An organized workspace can significantly enhance your efficiency. Utilize the expertise of a contractor to install built-in shelves, cabinets, and drawer organizers that keep your office supplies and documents neatly stored. Label everything to make it easy to find what you need. A clutter-free environment helps reduce stress and allows you to focus better.
Make your home office a space you enjoy spending time in by adding personal touches. Choose a color scheme that inspires you, and incorporate artwork, plants, and decorative items that reflect your style. Your contractor can help you select materials and finishes that align with your personal taste while ensuring a cohesive design.
Good lighting is essential in a home office. Aim for a combination of natural light, task lighting, and ambient lighting. Position your desk near a window to take advantage of natural light, and use a desk lamp for focused tasks. Your contractor can help you install custom lighting solutions that prevent harsh overhead lighting and reduce eye strain.
Ensure your home office is equipped with the necessary technology. High-speed internet, a reliable computer, and essential software are must-haves. Your contractor can assist in installing cable management solutions to keep cords and cables organized and out of sight, creating a clean and professional environment.
Creating a functional and stylish home office involves careful planning and attention to detail. By choosing the right location, investing in quality furniture and built-ins, and personalizing your space, you can create a workspace that enhances your productivity and well-being. Working with a contractor can help you achieve a seamless and professional renovation, ensuring your home office is both practical and inspiring.
Choosing the perfect color scheme for your home can be daunting, but it’s one of the most exciting parts of home decoration. The right colors can create harmony, evoke emotions, and transform your living space. Here are some expert tips to help you select the perfect color scheme for your home.
1. Understand Color Theory Start with the basics of color theory. The color wheel is a great tool to understand how colors relate to each other. Complementary colors (opposite each other on the wheel) create vibrant looks, while analogous colors (next to each other) offer a more harmonious feel.
2. Consider the Room’s Purpose Think about the room’s function. For instance, calming blues and greens are perfect for bedrooms, while lively yellows and oranges can energize kitchens and living rooms.
3. Take Inspiration from Existing Elements Look at the colors in your furniture, artwork, and other décor items. Use these as a starting point for your color scheme to ensure everything works together.
4. Test Paint Samples Before committing, test paint samples on your walls. Observe how the colors look in different lighting throughout the day. This helps avoid unpleasant surprises once the paint is up.
5. Create a Color Palette Choose a base color for the largest areas, such as walls and floors. Add complementary colors for smaller elements like trim and furniture. Use accents to introduce pops of color in accessories and décor.
6. Consider the Home’s Overall Flow Ensure the color scheme flows smoothly from room to room, especially in open-plan spaces. This creates a cohesive look throughout your home.
7. Pay Attention to Lighting Natural and artificial lighting can dramatically affect how colors appear. Warm lighting can make colors appear cozier, while cool lighting enhances freshness.
8. Think About Mood and Style Different colors evoke different moods. Warm colors like red and yellow are stimulating, while cool colors like blue and green are calming. Consider your desired ambiance for each room.
9. Use Neutrals Wisely Neutrals like white, gray, and beige are versatile and can balance bolder colors. They provide a clean backdrop and make rooms feel more spacious.
10. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment Lastly, don’t be afraid to take risks. Experiment with bold colors in small doses or mix patterns and textures to add depth and interest to your space.
Choosing the right color scheme can transform your home into a beautiful and inviting sanctuary. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a space that reflects your personality and style.
Painting can completely transform a room, adding a fresh new look and feel. However, achieving a flawless finish requires the expertise and precision that professional painters bring to the table. Here are the top 10 professional painting tips to use to ensure your project looks impeccable.
1. Detailed Surface Preparation Professionals understand that proper surface preparation is crucial. This includes thorough cleaning to remove any dirt or grease, filling in holes and cracks, and sanding the surface until it is perfectly smooth. This meticulous preparation creates a flawless foundation for painting.
2. Using Premium Quality Materials High-quality materials are essential for a superior finish. Professional painters invest in top-of-the-line paints, brushes, rollers, and painter’s tape. These tools not only provide better coverage but also result in a more durable and aesthetically pleasing finish.
3. Expert Priming Techniques Applying a primer is a standard practice for professionals. Primer ensures better paint adhesion, enhances color vibrancy, and increases the paint’s durability. This step is particularly important when painting over new drywall or dark colors.
4. Precision in Paint Selection Professionals carefully choose the right type of paint for each specific job. They opt for latex paints for walls and ceilings due to their quick drying time and easy clean-up, while oil-based paints are preferred for trim and doors because of their smooth finish and robustness.
5. Thorough Mixing for Consistency To avoid color inconsistency, professionals ensure that the paint is mixed thoroughly before application. This step is crucial for maintaining a uniform color and texture throughout the entire project.
6. Accurate Application of Painter’s Tape Professional painters use painter’s tape with precision to protect edges and create clean lines. They ensure the tape is applied firmly to prevent paint from seeping underneath, resulting in sharp and clean edges.
7. Advanced Roller Techniques Professional painters use specific roller techniques to achieve a smooth finish. They apply paint in a “W” pattern, which helps distribute the paint evenly and prevents roller marks. This technique ensures a uniform application.
8. Controlled Paint Loading To prevent drips and uneven coverage, professionals avoid overloading brushes and rollers with paint. They dip the tools lightly and remove excess paint before application, ensuring a smooth and even coat.
9. Segmental Approach to Large Areas When painting large surfaces, professionals work in small sections to maintain a wet edge. This approach helps in blending the paint seamlessly and avoids lap marks, ensuring a consistent finish across the entire surface.
10. Patience with Drying Times Allowing adequate drying time between coats is a critical step that professionals never rush. Proper drying prevents smudging and ensures each layer is perfectly set, contributing to a flawless final finish.
By following these professional painting tips, you can see why the expertise of a professional painter is invaluable for achieving a pristine paint job. From detailed preparation to precise application techniques, these practices ensure a high-quality, durable, and beautiful finish every time.
Breathe life into your home by embracing the trend of accent walls. Gone are the days of uniformity; now, homeowners are opting for a splash of personality through strategically placed bold colors or textured finishes.
The beauty of accent walls lies in their ability to define a space without overwhelming it. Whether you choose a vibrant hue or a subtle texture, an accent wall can instantly become the focal point of a room. Consider incorporating wallpaper, reclaimed wood, or even a contrasting paint color to achieve the desired effect.
Often, the wall behind the bed in a bedroom or the one facing the main seating area in the living room makes for an ideal accent wall. Experiment with geometric patterns, stripes, or even a mural to add an artistic touch to your interiors.
Remember, the key is balance. Don’t be afraid to play with color, but ensure it complements the overall palette of the room. If you’re hesitant about committing to a bold color, start small with a neutral palette and gradually introduce more vibrant tones.
Accent walls offer a canvas for self-expression in your home. They provide an opportunity to experiment with color and texture, injecting personality and flair into your living spaces. If you are ready to strategically incorporate accent walls into your home, work with an experienced interior design group that can help you elevate your home in a unique way. Contact us today to learn more.
Have you ever wondered why certain stores leave a lasting impression on you, while others just blend into the background? Believe it or not, the answer might lie in the psychology of color – a unique and often overlooked art. In this blog, we’ll explore how the colors used in retail environments can significantly impact consumer behavior, influencing everything from purchasing decisions to overall shopping experiences.
The color of a retail space can have a big impact on how customers feel and behave. Warm colors, like reds and oranges, can create a sense of urgency and make people more likely to make impulse purchases. Cool colors, like blues and greens, can promote a calm and relaxed atmosphere, encouraging shoppers to spend more time browsing.
The colors you choose for your retail space contribute to your brand’s identity. Consistent use of specific colors builds brand recognition, making it easier for customers to remember and identify your store. Consider the iconic blue and yellow of a certain Swedish furniture giant – their colors are instantly associated with quality and affordability.
Subconsciously, color can be a powerful tool in influencing consumer behavior. For example, the color red is often associated with sales and discounts, creating a sense of urgency and encouraging impulse buys. On the other hand, neutral tones may convey a sense of luxury and sophistication, influencing customers to invest in higher-end products. Retail spaces can leverage the psychology of color strategically to influence consumers depending on their goals.
Beyond individual purchase decisions, the overall color scheme of a retail space contributes to the overall shopping experience. A well-thought-out color palette can enhance the customer journey, making the shopping environment more enjoyable and memorable. This positive experience can lead to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.
The psychology of color is a powerful tool in retail. By understanding how colors impact consumer behavior, retailers can use color psychology to create inviting spaces that attract customers and leave a lasting impression.
When it comes to home improvement, exterior paint is one aspect that’s often overlooked. But it’s not just about aesthetics — the right exterior paint can make a big difference in your home’s longevity and resilience against the elements. In this blog, we’ll explore the world of smart coatings, and how innovation is enhancing weather resistance and protecting your home in style.
Gone are the days when exterior paint simply provided a splash of color. Today, coatings are engineered to withstand the toughest weather conditions. From extreme heat to torrential rain, these high-tech formulations create a protective shield for your home. The magic lies in the incorporation of nanotechnology, which adds a microscopic layer of defense against UV rays, moisture, and temperature fluctuations.
Smart coatings not only protect your home from the outside but also contribute to energy efficiency. Some formulations come with reflective properties, bouncing off the sun’s rays and reducing heat absorption. This not only keeps your home cooler but can also lead to energy savings on cooling costs.
In addition to being weather-proof, these smart coatings come in a variety of colors. Whether you’re looking for a classic neutral tone or a bold statement color, you’re sure to find a hue that suits your style. Plus, the added benefit of UV resistance means that your chosen color will stay vibrant for longer, resisting frustrating things like fading and discoloration.
Exterior paint coatings are more than just about protection—they also make maintenance a breeze. Their dirt- and water-repellent properties resist stains, making cleaning a simple task. Say goodbye to scrubbing away at stubborn marks and hello to a home exterior that stays effortlessly beautiful.
Smart coatings for exterior painting enhance curb appeal and provide long-lasting protection against the elements – contact us to learn more about how they can benefit your home’s exterior.
It is said that first impressions are everything, and when it comes to your home, the exterior is the first thing that guests and passersby see. If your home’s exterior has seen better days, a fresh coat of exterior paint can do wonders in revitalizing its curb appeal. Below, we provide some professional home design tips on how to revamp and truly transform your home’s exterior with paint the transformative power of paint.
Revamping your home’s exterior with a fresh coat of paint is a transformative process that involves careful color selection, attention to detail, testing, proper surface preparation, and when needed, professional assistance. At ABlaze Design Group, we’re here to offer our professional guidance and exterior paint services to enhance the beauty and value of your home.
Staying on top of the latest trends is essential for homeowners and interior design professionals looking to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a space. Faux finishes have become a popular choice for adding depth, character, and personality to the spaces they inhabit. Decorative painting techniques can turn ordinary walls into eye-catching works of art. Below, we take a look at the faux finish paint trends that are popular amongst homeowners and interior designers alike.
Concrete finishes are becoming increasingly popular for their industrial, urban look and rugged sophistication. They are a fraction of the weight and cost of real concrete, making them a popular choice for both commercial and residential spaces.
Faux marble is a great way to get the look of real marble without the high price tag. It’s also easy to install and maintain, making it a popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and accent walls.
It is difficult to replicate the warmth and texture of natural wood, but faux wood finishes have come a long way. Faux woodgrain finishes are ideal for creating cozy, rustic, and environmentally friendly interiors. These finishes can imitate a variety of wood types, from oak to walnut, and are perfect for creating a comfortable, nature-inspired atmosphere.
Venetian plaster is a classic faux finish technique that is making a comeback. It is versatile and can be customized to match any decor. It has a smooth and glossy texture that adds a touch of Old World charm to modern interiors.
Textured faux finishes are a popular choice for wall coverings because they add dimension and personality to any room. They can be used to create focal points or add a unique touch to walls, and they can also hide imperfections in the wall surface.
Just like choosing the perfect accessory for an outfit, choosing the right paint finish is crucial in creating a visually appealing interior. It is not just the paint color you pick, but also the type of paint finish you choose, that heavily influences the ambiance and style of a room. High gloss interior paint is a total game-changer. It’s versatile, stylish, and practical, making it the perfect choice for any room in your home. In this blog, we’re going to take a look at the versatile world of this unique paint finish and three impactful ways you can use it to transform your space.
High gloss paint is a durable, luxurious, and versatile paint that creates a stunning and unique look for your home. It can be used to create statement walls, highlight architectural features, create a monochromatic look, add a pop of color, create a sleek and modern look, or add a touch of luxury. At Ablaze Design Group, we’ll work with you to create a stunning and long-lasting result. Contact us today for a consultation.
When it comes to home renovations and revitalizations, most options that can truly make a difference are pretty expensive. But, a fresh coat of paint is not only cost-effective, it can work truly transform your home. Paint has the power to give your home’s appearance a new look but also to enhance ambiance and even impact your mood! Paint is made of various chemicals, some of which are not particularly eco-friendly, and some that can even impact your health. For this reason, it is important to consider opting for low VOC paints which are both eco-friendly and safer for your health.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that easily evaporate into the air. They are found in many products, including interior paints. When VOCs are released into the air, they can contribute to indoor air pollution. This can have negative health effects, such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea. VOCs can also harm the environment. Low-VOC paints contain fewer VOCs than traditional paints. This makes them a healthier and more environmentally friendly choice for your home.
The Ablaze Design Group revamped our kitchen and did an amazing job. It is now, finally, our dream kitchen. They took time and care with every step of the process. There were no gaps in days – they came everyday until the job was done. We couldn’t be happier with the outcome or the people who work at ABL!
I love working with Ablaze Design Group! They are very responsive and they are very friendly. I have worked with contractor that was very arrogant, but ABL was very down to earth and was eager to help me get my work done. And I worked with Dina, she very helpful. I am very happy working with ABL.
As a design professional, I know that I can always count on The Ablaze Design Group to provide exceptional customer service, and the highest level quality of work. I give them my highest professional recommendation.
Outstanding work once again. We are in the process of a lot of painting and ABL could not be more helpful and very competitive with their prices. The workers are great, talented and friendly. We have used ABL for 10+ years and no complaints.
Looking for a professional painter look no further. Howard and his team of Jose, Juan and David repainted our kitchen to perfection. From start to finish no issues. Set up – painting and clean up was perfect. Have future projects that we will reach out to ABL for assistance.
The Ablaze Design Group fixed the walls and ceiling in my bedroom, put on new baseboard, painted everything, installed a ceiling fan, fixed the walls in the stairwell and painted it and the hall ceiling. The work was great, the price was fair, they were courteous, accommodating, and they didn’t leave a mess. We are very pleased.
Howard and his team are the best! We needed to update our entry area and dining room, and convert an old iron staircase railing into a modern wooden one. The whole team was easy to work with, started and finished exactly when they said they would, and the result is just beautiful. We are completely satisfied and will hire them again. Many thanks!
From the first visit by the owner through insurance quotes and design iterations to the many phases of our fully gutted kitchen rehab, the experience could not have been better. We love LOVE our new kitchen. The memory of the experience with ABL is a very good one. WOW
Any questions or suggestions?
Write us a message and we will contact you!
259 Waukegan Ave
Highwood IL 60040
Office Hours:
Mon- Friday: 8am - 5pm
Store Hours:
Mon - Wed: 10am - 5pm
Thursday: 10am - 7pm
Friday: 10am - 5pm
Saturday: 11am- 4pm
info@ablazedesigngroup.com
(847) 579-1600