PC Gives – Giving Hope and Smiles

As a local small business, we love supporting other local small businesses. Especially when they are focused on helping out in our community. Philly Current (a fabulous magazine about all things Philadelphia) is currently running a wonderful campaign called “PC Gives.” Your donations will go directly to CHOP to help the many children battling cancer this holiday season. And because the team at Philly Current is just that cool, they’re offering up some great prize opportunities in exchange for your donation. The contest ends on Thursday, December 18th, so click on the link now and bring a smile and some hope to a local child this holiday season.

 

 

 

Preparing Your House For Winter

While leaf peeping, Octoberfest and trick-or-treating may be on your fall to do list, there’s another important “to do” that you won’t want to overlook. Preparing your house for winter should be a part of your annual maintenance and can really help you avoid more costly repairs later. Inspecting the exterior of your home early in the season ensures time to handle any issues that you may find well before winter sets in. A few areas to pay close attention to include your: roof, chimney, gutters and downspouts. Download our Winter Preparation Checklist for more details on how to “winterize” your home.

 

 

 

Decorating for the Seasons

Decorating for the seasons is a great way to brighten your home and to get in the holiday spirit.
I came into work this morning and discovered this little guy on my desk. Of course, my first thought was to give him a face.

 

 
Fall is such a beautiful time of year, especially on the East Coast, so why not take your cue from Mother Nature and bring the splendor of the changing seasons into your home.  A few quick and inexpensive updates can have a big impact. Some suggestions include adding a fall wreath to your front entrance, changing out the decorations on your mantle (flowers, candles, mini pumpkins, etc.) or picking up a new runner for your dining room table.

 

 

When In Doubt, Ask A Pro Or Stick With Neutrals

Would you love to update the colors in your home, but are afraid to choose new ones on your own? If so, you’re in good company. Numerous studies have shown that one of the top reasons homeowners do not repaint the interior of their homes is out of fear of choosing the “wrong” color.
When in doubt, the best course of action is to consult with an expert. Candice Olson of HGTV has established herself as a leading interior designer and is known for her impeccable taste. Here are her favorite interior paint colors. We too have a great deal of experience with color consulting and have created our own palette of top interior paint colors. When in doubt, go with a neutral, or give us a call for help in choosing a bold color with confidence.

 

 

We’re All About Color

If you haven’t caught on yet, we LOVE color and we’re all about color! And when it comes to your home, changing your paint colors is the quickest way to set a new tone or create a new mood. If you’re thinking about updating an interior room or maybe changing the color of your front door, here are the fall color trends as well as a sneak peek at what you can expect in the spring.

 

 

A Trip To Falling Waters

Our “farewell to summer” vacation a few weeks ago included a trip to Falling Waters, PA in Western Pennsylvania. While it is a bit off the beaten path (nestled in the mountains about 90 minutes from Pittsburgh), it was well worth the drive. Arguably one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most famous projects, the one hour tour gives you an insight into his thought process in designing and constructing the home down to the very last detail.
Photographs are not permitted within the residence itself, but the technology used (and well ahead of it’s time) allowed for an open floor plan and a minimum number of interior walls. In fitting with his style, the materials and colors used also reflect the surroundings and engage the senses with stunning views and the quiet whir of the waterfall underfoot.
Because our family business revolves around painting, I couldn’t help but spend a few minutes in the small museum on site. The colors Wright selected for both the interior and exterior of the home were considered very carefully and compliment the setting perfectly. They also happen to coincide nicely with the 2014 Fall Color Trends, as we too begin to turn our focus away from technology and back to nature. Be sure to check back next week for the full 2014 Fall Color Report.
 
 

 

 

Sign Painting in Philadelphia & The Main Line

While we are best known for our craftsmanship when it comes to painting the interior and exteriors of homes, there isn’t anything we’ve come across yet in 39 years of business that we couldn’t paint (our most unique project was a totem pole). At John Neill Painting & Decorating, we also do sign painting in Philadelphia and the Main Line as well as the surrounding area. Also, if your sign needs restoration, we can take care of that too!
One of our more recent requests was to paint signs for several local developments. This type of work falls into our restoration category, and our craftsman love the opportunity to utilize their skills to bring beautiful, but weathered signs back to life. If you have something out of the ordinary that needs painting, we’re ready and waiting.


 

 

Creating an Optimal Workspace – Part III

Part III – Bring in Some Green
Last but not least, be sure to include a plant or two in your office scheme. Adding plants to your office space can actually help boost productivity. Areca palms remove CO2 and provide fresh air while plants like lemon balm can actually elevate your mood. Whatever you decide to include in your final office layout, be sure to make it personal. Only you know what you need to work best, and a few minor changes to your space could make a world of difference.

 

 

Creating an optimal Workspace – Part II

Part II – Choosing Wall Colors for Your Office with Care
Another crucial decision that’s linked to the light in your workspace is color. Choosing wall colors for your office is a decision you shouldn’t take lightly. If you’re lucky enough to have a wall full of windows and great  light throughout the day, feel free to choose a deeper color for your office walls. If, however the natural light that makes it into your office leaves it feeling like dusk all day long, choose a light color to help boost the energy in your space. With gray becoming the “new beige”, there are a wide variety of neutral shades to choose from that will set an airy backdrop in any room, but especially one with less natural light.

 

 

Creating an Optimal Workspace – Part I

We focus much of our attention on updating your home, but many of us actually spend the majority of the daylight hours in an office. Whether you’re in a high rise in the heart of the city or in a home office with a view, there are a few key things to consider in creating an optimal workspace.
Part I – Let There Be Light
Lighting is at the top of the list for creating a space that is truly conducive to productivity. Natural light is always the best option, but if you have to rely on artificial lighting as your primary source of light, try to stay away from fluorescent lighting if possible. The new LED lighting mimics natural light much more successfully, and is much more energy efficient as well. If the lighting in your office is completely out of your control, try bringing in a floor lamp that shines up and boost the light in your space. The 4 pm slump is much easier to avoid if you have good light throughout the course of the day.
 
 
Creating An Optimal Workspace Part II
Creating An Optimal Workspace Part III

 

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