by HJ HOLTZ | Mar 23, 2015 | Decorating Tips, Designer Projects
Scenic painting is a naturalist style of painting that includes detailed scenes of landscapes such as meadows, farmland, sunny skies and bodies of water. Usually, the painting will capture one particular scene and everything in it like an abandoned farmhouse or wildlife. Scenic paintings are not hard to find. People have hung pictures like these in their homes for decades, so you can find traditional ones from your parents’ or grandparents’ homes as well as new paintings that are sold online or in stores.
If you love the look of a high-quality painting, consider a wall mural rather than a separate picture hung on the wall. A wall mural makes a bold statement in the home and demands attention. Rather than being a small picture hung somewhere, the scene can transform an entire room.
H.J. Holtz and Son is experienced in all types of painting techniques, including scenic painting. Our painters utilize the highest quality paints, and they are happy to work from a vision you have or a photograph that is dear to your heart. Your home will surely be a work of art – and this will be one painting that no one can pick up at the store.
Here are some ideas for scenic painting to inspire your own creation.
Mother Nature
The Earth is a wonderful palette for painters. There are expansive oceans, towering forests and barren deserts. Though you live in Virginia, you may have a longing to live in the warm, sunny desert. A scenic painting of cactuses, palm trees and sandy desert land is a beautiful fit for desert casita decor, and it will make you feel right at home. Look for other parts of Mother Nature that you can use for inspiration: oceans, mountain ranges, lush rainforests and cloudy skies.
Country or Farmland
Perhaps the idea of living in a quiet country setting is what makes your heart happy. Scenic paintings of farmland or country life offer a peaceful feel that many people find familiar. Tall grasses, lush green hills, animals in the distance and abandoned farmhouses are all details that can be included in a farmland scenic painting.
Four Seasons
Here in Virginia, we do see the four seasons, though it never gets particularly cold or snowy as with other parts of the country. If you are a fan of the four seasons, why not use the changing weather patterns as an inspiration for a scenic painting? Imagine what your favorite setting would be like like covered in snow or adorned in trees with changing leaf colors. A dusting of snow or a field of fresh flowers gives the scene depth and an interesting backstory.
by HJ HOLTZ | Mar 9, 2015 | Decorating Tips
The temperatures are getting warmer, the sun is making more of an appearance and the thought of long days by the pool are becoming more of a reality. Spring is here, and most of us couldn’t be more excited. This time of the year is when people have an inner drive to clean out the home. Imagine all the things your home has collected over the past year: birthday and holiday presents, clutter from first days of school and dust and grime galore. Now is the time to get a hold on this mess so that you can start fresh.
If you’re not sure where to start, you’re not alone. Here are some cleaning and organizing tips from the pros!
Wash the Windows
Now that the weather is warming up, you should wash your windows. Pick a day that’s not too sunny, otherwise the solution will dry too quickly and leave streaks. You don’t need an expensive cleaner either. Try a window washing solution from Better Homes and Gardens that includes a ½ cup of sudsy ammonia, 1 pint of rubbing alcohol, 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and 1 gallon of water.
Clean Door Tracks
Your sliding glass doors accumulate a lot of dirt and debris over the winter, so give these a good cleaning. All you need is a vacuum and a wet paper towel or sponge to wipe up loose debris. For hard to reach areas, use a toothpick.
Baseboards and Door Frames
If you have kids or pets, they probably released a lot of energy indoors over the winter. Give your baseboards, door frames, walls and other overlooked areas a good cleaning. Use warm, soapy water for these areas; do be careful with painted walls and follow the paint manufacturer’s recommendations. If the walls are worn, consider having them repainted. H.J. Holtz and Son can take care of this project for you while you’re on spring vacation – no mess or headache for you!
Dust Light Fixtures
Use a microfiber or lint-free cloth to dust fixtures and bulbs that you can reach. If they are extra grimy, use a cloth with vinegar.
Deep Clean Carpets
Vacuuming is okay for surface cleaning, but you’ll need more than this to lift dirt and odors. Luckily, you can do this task on your own each spring by renting a deep cleaner or investing in a professional-style model for home use.
Clean Under Furniture and Appliances
You can probably imagine how much dust accumulates under these surfaces, and it will blow around your home once you open your windows and doors. Vacuum and dust under area rugs, couches, kitchen appliances and electronics.
Freshen Up Furniture
Restore old furniture with new upholstery or repaint furniture to give it an entirely new look or stain color. H.J. Holtz and Son can help with this project, too. We use high-quality paints and are experienced in a variety of painting techniques such as faux bois and distressed looks.
Get Organized
Pick one room at a time and eliminate clutter in each room. Bring a few containers with you so that you can easily put stuff to donate in one box, stuff to pack away in another, etc. Put things away in their “homes,” and use organizing systems or bins for random items.
by HJ HOLTZ | Feb 28, 2015 | Client Work, Decorating Tips, Designer Projects
Your garage is an extension of the home. It’s where you store old holiday decorations, memories of your high school years and baby clothes from your grown children. It’s where you park your cars to keep them safe from the cold and rain. It’s the only place where you may be able to house some sort of man cave or workshop.
Unfortunately, garages rarely get the same attention as the other areas in your home. It’s understandable; a garage is a garage. You can have unfinished walls and floors and still have it look good, but you can’t do this in the kitchen or bathroom. Yet over time, things like parking the car in the garage and exposure to fluctuating temperatures wreak havoc on your garage floors. The floors can become cracked, pitted or stained.
One of the best solutions for giving your garage floors new life is applying an epoxy coating. Not only does epoxy provide the flooring with a protective cover, but also it transforms a boring, dull concrete floor into something magnificent. This is great news if you’ve been forced to relocate your man cave or hobby to the garage! And don’t worry – you can still park your vehicles there.
Benefits of Epoxy Coating
Here are some of the reasons why homeowners opt for an epoxy coating in their garages.
- It’s the hardest and thickest application you can get.
- It’s durable and resilient to chipping, chemicals, stains and surface abrasions, all common problems in residential garages.
- It covers minor imperfections and flaws that already exist in the concrete.
- It looks nice.
- It is anti-dusting, meaning that it doesn’t kick up dust like cement does.
- It’s moisture resistant. Any ice or road salts that collect during the winter can be cleaned with soap and water.
- It can be made to be slip-resistant by adding acrylic flakes.
Made a Decision? Here’s What to do Next.
Once you decide to have your garage floors epoxied, what’s your next step? Give H.J. Holtz and Son a call!
We apply epoxy coating on garage floors and use the highest quality latex acrylic paints. We have a number of colors to choose from and can add colored acrylic flakes or slip-resistant aggregate to help you achieve a safe, non-slippery floor with extra traction.
Not only do we transform the look and function of garage floors, but also we can help you create your vision. Some customers come to us knowing they want to improve the look of their floors but aren’t sure where to start. We’ll walk you through the various steps of epoxy coating, point out the benefits and assist you in choosing the best colors for the application. This ensures you get the end result you’re looking for, even if you’re not sure where to begin.
by HJ HOLTZ | Feb 21, 2015 | Client Work, Decorating Tips, Designer Projects
At H.J. Holtz and Son, we take painting seriously. We wouldn’t offer high-quality painting services without utilizing premium materials. When you combine our experience and expertise along with superior painting products and modern techniques, you get the standard of painting excellence that we expect to deliver for every project.
H.J. Holtz and Son is a certified painter of Fine Paints of Europe, a provider of the finest paints that are only sold by reputable, independently owned paint retailers. Our local independent dealer is Palette Paint. What makes these coatings different from others is that they are formulated from the finest ingredients and follow the highest standards that were established in the Netherlands, the world leader of coatings. The paints are imported from Holland and offer luxurious, long-lasting color.
Certified Painting Contractors
So what does it mean to be a certified painter of Fine Paints of Europe? Clients often ask the company for their recommendations on contractors who work with their paint products and specialize in their application. While some people may think that all it takes to paint a wall is a can of paint and a paintbrush, true painters know that there is much skill and technique involved. Fine Paints of Europe recognizes contractors who have a vision of excellence, appreciate durability and beauty and are experienced with their coatings.
That’s why the company launched its Certified Painting Contractor Program that provides clients with a source of carefully trained contractors who are familiar with Fine Paints of Europe. Contractors on this list are those that have experience using the coatings and meet the following standards:
- Was nominated by a local Fine Paints retailer and confirmed to be a professional of good character.
- Has worked with Fine Paints of Europe for at least 5 years.
- Attended a weekend training session in Woodstock, Vermont where they were formally introduced to the paint families of Fine Paints of Europe and the best application techniques.
- Provides clients with Fine Paints of Europe coatings at a fair price.
If you are considering having your home painted and are looking for a trusted, reliable contractor, why not put your trust in someone who is certified by the prestigious Fine Paints of Europe? Not only do you entrust your home and its end result to an experienced contractor, but also you receive access to premium paints and coatings. Your home will be bursting with color and personality, and the final result will be a long-lasting masterpiece that you can take pride in.
For more information about Fine Paints of Europe and its high standards for certified painters, visit FinePaintsofEurope.com or PalettePaint.com.
by HJ HOLTZ | Feb 16, 2015 | Decorating Tips
Every kitchen can benefit from an update from time to time, so many homeowners must face the decision of buying a new set of cabinets or working with what they already have. As long as the cabinets are in fair condition, refinishing them is a smart alternative to purchasing new ones. Since you don’t need to have the cabinets broken down, removed and reinstalled, you can save a lot of time, money and labor.
If you’re interested in remodeling your kitchen, we recommend looking at the benefits of refinishing or painting your cabinets first.
Economical
On average, new cabinets cost $5,000 to $8,000, and the demolition can take 3-6 weeks. Cabinet refinishing, on the other hand, costs about half of what you’ll spend on a complete reinstall.
It’s likely that your cabinets are in good condition, but the doors may need an improvement. Therefore, ripping out perfectly good cabinets to reinstall new ones is unnecessary. Plus, when you remove cabinets, you must pay the added costs to have new countertops installed and possibly a plumber to install a new sink. The only time a complete reinstall of new cabinets is needed is if the cabinets are in poor condition (cracked, warped) or if you’re redesigning the layout of the kitchen.
Faster Completion
If you don’t like to wait for a new project to be completed (who does?!), then you’ll appreciate that the cabinet refinishing process is usually pretty smooth. Unlike putting your entire kitchen through a major renovation, refinishing can take as little as 2-3 days if you have the right team working on the job. This timeline works out great for people who are short on time or want their kitchen refinished before family comes to town.
Environmentally Friendly
More families are looking to lower their carbon footprints, and one of the easiest ways to do this is with the three Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle. If you’re not changing the layout of your kitchen and your cabinets are in decent condition, you’ll only being contributing to the accumulation of hazardous waste if you throw your cabinets and counters away. Think about how much trash (and trees!) you can save just by being smart about using what’s already there.
Options Galore
Perhaps the greatest benefit to refinishing your kitchen cabinets is the number of options available. Many cabinet manufacturers these days have limited options, unless you want to pay the expensive cost of having your cabinets custom made. Refinishing actually opens up more options without you having to open up your pocketbook. You can have the cabinets stained darker or lighter or have them painted an entirely new color.
Other options to consider include changing the grain pattern, adding new trimming, doors and hardware and incorporating glass doors to showcase fine dishes and collectibles. Most companies that offer refinishing services can also order extra doors, drawers and boxes if any of yours are damaged. H.J. Holtz works with partner companies that can replace doors and reconfigure existing cabinets.
If you’re considering refinishing your kitchen cabinets, call H.J. Holtz and Son. You’ll be amazed at the possibilities for transforming your kitchen on a budget. Maybe this year you can renovate your kitchen and take that long-awaited vacation!
by HJ HOLTZ | Feb 16, 2015 | Decorating Tips, Designer Projects
Wallpaper is SO not the 70s anymore! Today’s wallpaper selections are clean, simple and modest. Wallpaper can be a great alternative to traditional paint, especially if you’re looking for a unique design.
If you’re not entirely sure about wallpaper, consider that it can be used in conjunction with paint. See, you can have the best of both worlds! For instance, some wallpapers can be painted so that you’re able to add texture while incorporating your favorite paint color. Or, you can choose to paint a room a lovely hue while using wallpaper as a border.
Let’s take a look at why you may want to consider wallpaper for your home makeover this coming year. Wallpaper is a top choice for decorators and homeowners, and once you read why, you’ll have to agree!
Supreme Durability
If you have kids or pets in the home, you know that keeping your walls untouched and pristine is nearly impossible. Paint can be finicky, as you may have already experienced. Some brands/types are better at handling wipe-downs, but some will leave behind a mark where the paint was rubbed. Also, any type of chip, scrape or hit will need to be repaired and repainted.
Wallpaper is a durable choice for families and busy households, particularly vinyl wallpaper and coated wallpaper. There are also many patterns that are forgivable and hide marks well. But, not all wallpapers are more durable than paint, so it’s important to weigh your options. For instance, some wallpapers are made from thin papers and are on the delicate side, while others like those made from grass cloths are not wipeable.
Longer Lifespan
Another important aspect to consider is how long your investment will last. If you’re going to put time and money into your home, you want it to bring long-term value – and peace of mind. Painting can benefit from a refresh every few years, but wallpaper lasts 10-15 years. Today’s selections are well-made and won’t fade or crack, so you can enjoy a brilliant wall for years to come. Although wallpaper tends to cost more up front, you get more life out of the purchase compared to paint.
Design Possibilities
You probably have no idea as to the many options for wallpaper that are available to you. Wallpaper comes in endless colors, styles, designs and textures, so you can achieve any look you want. It can be used on one wall (with the rest of the walls painted) or you can select two different types of wallpaper for one room. Wallpaper borders can be placed on the bottom, top or middle of a room, or strips of wallpaper can be added vertically for a nautical-type look.
But wallpaper gets even cooler than that. Wallpaper can be scented, glow-in-the-dark or magnetic. It can feature a chalkboard surface that can be written on with chalk, or a whiteboard finish that works well with dry erase markers – perfect for playrooms and classrooms. Some wallpaper styles feature a metallic finish, others a corkboard finish that can be used as a bulletin board. The possibilities are truly endless.
As you can see, wallpaper is a strong contender to put on your walls. It’s durable, long-lasting, beautiful and unique. No wonder why it’s hot for 2015!
