Magic colors?

Question

I'm doing my first investment rehab (I've worked on a couple houses while I've lived in them before, but nothing this extensive all at once).  Just closed yesterday.  This is a lower middle class but mostly tidy neighborhood, late 80's construction.

I'm aiming for modern but inexpensive finishings as we are on a fairly tight budget (most of it is going to AC/roof etc).  What wall/trim paints, door hardware, fixtures, colors, etc would best fit that description?

Is there a Home Depot "white" that every one uses on trim?  I'm thinking Defiant Satin Nickel doorknobs.  Any other advice?

Jeremy VanBussum · Answer

If you want to save a ton of money on doorknobs, fixtures and other hardware, stay as far away from HD and Lowes as you can and shop on eBay.  You would be surprised how much money you can save on anything if you shop on eBay and Craigslist first.  The trick is to plan and buy something now when you need it a week from now.

Bill Briscoe · Answer

I tried to use the basic $50 Wagner sprayer on a pantry but it jammed every 5 seconds - had to take it apart, wash, then start again.  I didn't get 10 sq ft painted before I gave up.  Total garbage.

My wife went back with a brush and it took her a day and a half - shelves are the devil to paint without a good sprayer.

I'm looking at buying a $370 Graco X7 from HD.  It "should" handle the inside and exterior of my project quite well.

Joe Kato · Answer

Anyone use a Wagner spray gun for painting?  I just loaded up on oops paint and rollers for next tenant refresh, but saw the electric painters may be quicker.  Any experience?

Bill Briscoe · Answer

Could you post some pictures of what you are talking about ?

Bill Briscoe · Answer

I've looked there and I've only found unmatched sets of Sladge/Quikset or single pieces or glass/decorative doorknobs from the 19th century for "bargain antique" prices.  No big lots of surplus brushed nickel.  The Definance brand however, seems to be a pretty good deal - about $10-11 per knob set and $30 for a 4 piece/2 door entry/deadbolt combo.

But if you have any online links to what I'm looking for, please post away.

Anson Young · Answer

Ah, gotcha!!  I was thinking like those tin ceiling tiles, or worse those 'pressboard/foam' drop basement ceilings.  All I could think was 'his state must be so different... lol'.

Brandon Krieg · Answer

Anson Young  Oh no, you don't actually drop the ceiling.  I agree that lower head room is no good.

It's a painted look.  You essentially add trim 6 or so inches lower on the wall, and then paint up to that point.  If you keep the ceiling white and have a wall color, it makes the wall look a bit wider and the room feel a little more 'airy.'  Hopefully that makes sense... I don't want to imply you should be adding drop ceilings all over the place.

Anson Young · Answer

Brandon Krieg - faux drop ceiling?  Do you attach it straight to the ceiling?  Or do you actually drop it?  Must be regional, if you take away headroom in CO, you will get murdered.  Maybe not, but its not a wise decision here.

Brandon Krieg · Answer

I agree with Anson Young.  Try using a couple of different shades of neutral colors, as you don't want the whole house to be 'navajo white.'  However, navajo white is a great choice for some areas!

Also, see what you can do with small things like updating handles, switching out ceiling fans, etc.  You can get very good deals on these, and vastly improve the look of your place.

Depending on budget, I might also recommend a nice window trim and a faux drop ceiling to boot.  We've gotten good responses from these very easy fixes.

Also, make sure your front door and entryway are nice.  These are big keys, and the first 5 seconds in a house are very important to their opinion.

Kristi L. · Answer

It depends on the quality of paint. I would contact your local paint retail store. They will know and can head you in the right direction.

Magic colors?

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