Home In Progress

This episode, we explore the concept of failure. So often we fear it and do everything to avoid it . . . but it's part of life! And it's part of every great endeavor. But, not every instance of failure or complication we encounter should be handled in exactly the same way....

SEGMENT 1: Backing out of Color Mistakes

When choosing colors, most of us put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into making the right choice! But even then . . . sometimes when we roll the new paint onto the walls, we wonder if we've made the right call! If you've ever been in that situation and have worried you made the wrong "color call" . . . here are a few considerations:

FIRST: Colors change as they dry down — sometimes dramatically - so give the paint time to dry before you react too quickly!

SECOND: Colors are affected by our surroundings! If the wall is a different color, and you view the new color framed with that older color, your impression of your new color may not be accurate at all. You may need to paint an entire section, covering up that old color entirely, before you're able to judge the color accurately.

THIRD: If you know you just picked the wrong color, here's what we can do in the paint store to help:

• Tinted paint CAN be changed, but only in limited degrees. However, if your color is close, but just leans "too gray" or "too green", "too yellow" or "too pink", then usually we can adjust it to an acceptable hue.
• We can also deepen the color to some extent, but the amount of change we can affect is limited by the base used for the original color and the colorant already present in the mix.
• Finally, lightening colors is very limited.

The best course of action is to reach out to any RepcoLite or Port City Paints and talk through the situation.

FOURTH: There’s nothing better than avoiding a problem in the first place

• Benjamin Moore Sample pints
• Paint it in your home
• View it in your lighting!
• Make sure you got it right
• RepcoLite's Color Consultants
• In-home visits for $50/hour
• Free in-store consultations

SEGMENTS 2 and 3: Tragedy, Failure, and the History of The Telegraph

With almost all invention, the road from concept to reality, is usually bumpy! The history of the invention of the telegraph is no different. But there are great lessons tucked inside the story!

SEGMENT 4: A New Take on Feature Walls

We can't focus on failures the whole episode! Now it's time to jump into a project that really caught our eye over the last couple weeks: feature walls done not with just paint or wallpaper . . . but with wood strips. It's a great project, a simple project, and can have a tremendous amount of impact in your space!

SEGMENT 1: Instagram Contest

SEGMENT 2: Supporting the Arts in Grand Rapids with Lions and Rabbits

SEGMENT 3: Drill Bits 101

SEGMENT 4: The History of Trim

SEGMENT 1: Escape Rooms

Out of the Box Games and Toys is a gem of West Michigan! They have an AMAZING selection of unique games and toys. The Zeeland location has something extra special we needed to experience for ourselves...an Escape Room! Learn about what an escape room entails and if we made it out in time!

• Out of the Box has 3 locations. Find them in Kentwood, Zeeland and Holland. 
• The Zeeland Location is the only store with Escape Rooms. These rooms can hold 6-12 people depending on which room you choose. They also vary in difficulty and are friendly for a variety of ages and skill levels. 
• Escape Rooms are designed around a theme and require you to work as a team to solve the puzzles and riddles in order to make it out.

SEGMENT 2: Unusual Trim Colors

Usually the first color that comes to mind when painting trim is "white" but we want to challenge that convention. Using a color other than white on trim can actually be the best of both worlds. We discuss when / where it makes sense.  

• Painting trim colors other than white started to gain popularity about 5 years ago. At the time it seemed ridiculous but it's proven to be a design choice that has a lot to offer.
• Using a color on trim can have a big design impact without overwhelming the space. This design is easiest to implement in rooms with defined starting and stopping points.
• If you love color but also want to maximize the light in your space using white on the walls and color on the trim could be the compromise you have been looking for. 

SEGMENT 3: Steam Cleaning

Hailey has a new steamer!... That may not sound terribly exciting but you would not believe all the things you can do with Dupray's Neat Steam Cleaner. Hailey gives a full review after putting it to the test.  

• Tested the steamer on a stove top to remove serious carbon build up, on wool upholstery to remove a black grease stain, carpet stains and more! Amazing results. 
• Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner is extremely simple to use, stores easily, reaches 50 psi, heats to 275 degrees, comes with 10 attachments and can produce continuous steam for 50 min. 
• Easily eliminates; dirt, grease, soap scum, stains, 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, bedbugs and mold. You can use it on; floors, furniture, toys, kitchen appliances, car interiors, grout and tiles, bathrooms and more. 

SEGMENT 4: Removing Wallpaper

Wallpaper gets a bad reputation because people believe that it is extremely difficult to remove. However, wallpaper can be easily removed if properly installed. It may be tempting but painting over wallpaper instead of stripping it can lead to problems. 

• Stripping wallpaper is another perfect use for the Dupray Neat Steamer we discussed in the previous segment! The large paddle attachment works great and has been well reviewed for this application. 
• If you decide to forgo the steamer here are some supplies you will need: DIF, Paper Tiger, Spray Bottle, Large Putty Knife, Hot water, Lots of towels.The most important thing is letting the DIF product and water do the work for you. Don't rush! 
• Water based paint CAN be used over wallpaper but does have the ability to cause paper to bubble. Oil based primer is better if you do decide to go down that road. Just remember paint will make the seams of wallpaper very obvious no matter what paint you use. Once the wallpaper is painted over it is much more difficult to remove.

Segments 1 & 2: Art Appreciation 101

ArtPrize is back for it’s 10th year! We discuss the process of viewing art and ways to create a better connection with what is in front of us. We encourage everyone to go out and enjoy the events and festivities. 

• How Long Do People Really Spend Looking at Art in Museums
• Artprize
• The Sword in the Sphinx

Segment 3: Dealing with Grubs

Innocent looking problems in the yard can turn out to be a whole lot of yuck. Are those brown patches of grass pointing to a bigger problem? Find out what to look for and how to fix it. 

• How to Choose and When to Apply Grub Control Products to Your Yard
• How Late Can I Put Down Grub Control
• Is It Too Late to Treat for White Grubs

Segment 4: Fall Painting Do's and Don'ts

Cooler weather heading into fall is a great time to finish last minute paint jobs. HOWEVER, there are still some factors to be aware of. Find out what the cooler temps mean for painting.

Due to a bit of a crazy week, we ended up handpicking some of our favorite segments from the past!

SEGMENTS 1 and 2: Composting 101

Fall is on the way and it's the perfect time to start composting! If you've never tried your hand at this, check out these segments. We've got all the info you need to jump in with confidence!

SEGMENT 3: The Fireplace Paint Job

The fireplace in my home is composed of 80's brick. You know the look. It's dark, it's overpowering . . . it's dated. Well, we painted it and the results are amazing. It's a project EVERYONE can tackle . . . but there are a few things you'll want to know. We cover all of that!

SEGMENT 4: Refrigerator Makeover

This is an unusual one, but every now and then, someone asks! The question? Can I paint my refrigerator? Of course! We'll tell you how....

Segments 1 and 2: The Arctic Tern Project

We speak with James Van't Slot about a major DIY project he undertook a number of years back: building a sailboat! Click here if you'd like to check out the images James captured during every step of the project!

Segment 3: Renovation Loans with Stockton Mortgage

Amanda Lehman from Stockton Mortgage gets us all up to speed on a loan that could help you snag your dream home!

Segment 4: Solo Stove and RepcoLite's September Contest

We're heading into fall and that means campfires! If you've never heard of a Solo Stove Fire Pit before, we highlight the main reasons you'll want on. Number one on the list? It's smokeless! On top of that, we talk about a new contest that will run in all of our stores this September, giving you a chance to win one!

SEGMENT 1: Safety First

Dan rips his pants...and to put it all behind him we recount a few stories that might help you slow down. We are all guilty of rushing and not taking proper safety precautions...but is it worth it?

SEGMENT 2: Dealing with Paint Shortages

Product shortages are the never ending story right now in almost every industry. We are joined by Kevin Herman; Benjamin Moore Territory Rep to get the scoop on what we are experiencing in the paint industry. We will leave you with a few things to keep in mind during your next visit.

SEGMENT 3: Home Buying Hope

Hailey got a house! It’s been months of searching but it’s finally happened. We go through her house buying journey and what she learned along the way. If you are looking or thinking about looking for a house these tips might help.

SEGMENT 4: The Order of Decorating

Whether you are decorating an entire house or just a room, the task can be daunting. The trick that can help you is; working “in order”. Many of us paint first but there are some problems that can create...

CLICK HERE FOR THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES

SEGMENT 1: Unfinished Business

We have made some promises over the year and we haven’t forgotten! Learn weather that raving review of EGO Lawn Equipment has stood the test time. Plus an extra tip that we forgot to include in the camera as a tool segment.

SEGMENT 2: Painting Vinyl Floors

I've seen more and more pictures on instagram and pinterest showing painted vinyl and linoleum floors in kitchens and bathrooms. It’s a simple project with a huge impact especially if you have a limited budget. However, it’s not a perfect solution, tune in to learn what they don't show on instagram. 

SEGMENT 3: Touch-up Paint

Recently we had a listener reach out about touching up paint in her living room. She used the same color and finish but the touch up paint did not blend in and she was back at square one. Learn what you can do now that will save you from the same fate. 

SEGMENT 4: Stud Finders (and more)

You won’t want to miss this confession...as we revisit the topic of drywall anchors, Dan hears his favorite words. Plus we review the easiest and most accurate stud finder we have ever used!

CLICK HERE FOR THIS EPISODE'S SHOW NOTES

SEGMENT 1: Rotting Lunchbox Story

I am sure now is the time we are going through school supplies, backpacks and lunch boxes to sort the chaos that came home the last day of school.  Some of us may be discovering there was a lunch box with a truly disgusting surprise. If you find yourself in that situation...there are some tools that might save the day.

SEGMENTS 2 and 3: Fireplace Makeover

Painting a brick fireplace is a big commitment but it also makes a giant impact on a space. We have talked about projects like this in the past so we decided to tackle it ourselves and LOVE the results. Tune in to hear about what we learned after we started painting and what tools you need to avoid our mistakes.

SEGMENT 4: Window Treatment Bloopers

Judy Cisler from Gotcha Covered custom window treatments joins us in the studio to discuss some famous mistakes people have made when buying window coverings. They are fun to hear about but not so fun to experience. Learn what not to do next time you shop.

SEGMENT 1: Why are Barns Red?

The red barn is an icon of rural America. But why red? We've got the answers...

SEGMENT 2: Cramped Bathroom Makeover

Interior designer Lauren Figueroa talks about how she took a dated, cramped bathroom and made it feel large and spacious without changing the square footage!

• Check out Lauren's work here!

SEGMENT 3: Drywall Anchors

Sure, when hanging objects on our walls, it's best to anchor them into studs. But, that's not always possible. In those situations, you may need to use a drywall anchor. However . . . there are a wide variety of them and some far outperform others. We've got the scoop!

• Here's the video we referenced

SEGMENT 4: Furniture Shopping 101

Furniture is a major purchase and it's important to get it right. Today on the show, we discuss a number of things to consider before you hand over the money for that new couch!