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Do these long dreary winter months have you longing for sunnier days? We’ve had a very wet fall and winter here in Texas, and most of us are ready to have some fun in the sun. Those first blooms popping up on our redbud trees and azalea bushes let us know that spring and summer are right around the corner. So it’s time to start thinking of sprucing up our outside living spaces.

The extra rain we’ve had has left many things looking extra dingy this year. Once the pollen has left its yellow haze, it’s time to powerwash. Taking the mildew and mold off of driveways and patios gives everything a crisp clean look. This might be just what you need to get your imagination on other outside projects to get you in the spring mode.

Now is the time to start shopping for new patio furniture. Or, if you are just needing to change out the color scheme on your furniture, go grab those cushions now before all your favorites are gone! Also, it is a good time to check all your outdoor lighting and repair or replace, to get your yard and patios ready for those late night parties and cookouts.

It might also be time to repaint the exterior of your home. Most experts say that you’ll need to repaint every 5 to 10 years, depending on several different factors such as where you live, climate and weather. Remember, every surface is different too. For example, here is Texas a lot of our homes are stucco, which experts say you should paint every 5-6 years. Now is also the time to put a new coat of stain or protectant on your wood pergolas and decks.

At Spear Paint, we specialize in the repainting of fine homes and estates. We can help you turn your drab and dull home to the home with the best curb appeal in your neighborhood, just in time for spring.

Call us today, to get an estimate on your project, we would love to help you!

Standing in front of the paint counter surrounded by every shade of the rainbow can be daunting. Even the names of the colors can be intimidating. “Death by Chocolate”…a deep shade of brown. “Come Sail Away” a light and tranquil blue. You might think you’re a fan of “Mustard” until you see a similar shade from a different brand…only this one’s called “Waving Wheat”. It all comes down to the mood you’re trying to set. 

Every year paint companies come out with the top trending colors for the year, and 2019 has some choices we think you might like. Here are just a few…

A new one from Benjamin Moore called “Metropolitan” has been popular amongst living room walls. It is considered a neutral with its gray, cool undertones. It could also add a sleek touch to your kitchen. 

One of Clark + Kensington’s top color’s for 2019 is “Stainless Steele”. It is described as a color that can brighten up any space. Best represented in the living room, bedroom, or as an accent wall. Oranges and charcoals compliment this color very well, as you can see in the photo below. 

“Night Watch” is PPG Diamond’s unique shade of green. This color has the power to bring nature indoors. It would be great in a dining area or as an accent wall. Bringing in wooden accessories is a great way to further that connection to the outdoors in your space. 

Looking for something bold? Valspar might have just the shade for you…it’s called “Orange Slice”. It is described as a zesty orange, and would be perfect in your home office. Grays, yellows, and greens are all suggested accent colors for this shade.

Behr has a color described as a soft navy, called “Blueprint”. Blue is a classically calming color, so it makes sense that people consistently gravitate towards it. Naturally, it fits well in a bedroom or bathroom. There are so many accent colors that go well with blue. A few favorite accent colors are shades of cream and white.

If you have plans to redecorate in 2019, these colors might give you the inspiration you needed to start planning. At Spear Paint we specialize in the repainting of fine homes/estates. Call us today at 713-664-5150 for an estimate on your next project. 

If you are looking to turn over a new leaf in 2019, you are not alone. Millions of people make resolutions year after year. Marketers know it, as they roll out their commercials and ads geared towards making change and starting new things. Facebook makes us a personalized and heartfelt video, reflecting on activity from the past year that makes us strangely emotional. Retailers begin bringing their exercise equipment to the front of the store before we’ve even had a chance to finish our Christmas tins full of goodies from the neighbors!

The popular song that many of us sing as the ball drops, “Auld Lang Syne”, means “Old Long Since”. In other words, out with the old and in with the new! A few popular resolutions we see each year are…

• Losing weight
• Save more
• Spend less
• Quit smoking
• More family time
• Get organized 

While all of these things seem great, the unfortunate reality is that not many people stick to these. Research shows that only 8% of people actually stick to their resolutions! Some habits are just hard to break. Some resolutions are unrealistic. How do we crack the code and make a change?

1. Setting more reasonable goals for ourselves might help us bring that percentage up by the end of 2019. Instead of saying, “ I am going to lose weight”, try making your goal measurable. “I’m going to lose 15 pounds.”
2. Give your goals a timeline. If you want to lose a certain amount of weight in 2019 as a whole, set up quarterly or even monthly numeric goals.
3. Establishing an accountability partner. It’s so comforting to know that someone else is experiencing the same difficulties and successes you are!
4. Don’t give up! Keep in mind when making and working at your resolutions, change takes time. When you do mess up, pick yourself back up and start again. Any progress is better than no progress.

Another lyric in Auld Lang Syne is “We’ll take a cup of kindness yet”, which refers to raising a glass with a good friend, toasting to the new year and saying farewell to the past year. Whether you make a resolution or not, 2019 is so close, and that’s something to celebrate. Happy New Year!

4 Christmas Decor Trends to Make Your Home Merry & Bright

The stores are filled with everything Christmas, which can put even the grumpiest Grinch into the holiday spirit. Whether you are changing things up this year or sticking with the traditional, here are some of the top trends for decorating your home this Christmas. 

#1- Tree Collar or Basket

Instead of the traditional tree skirt, try a tree collar or basket. They come in a variety of textures and materials, from woven baskets in all colors to galvanized collars. Both of these unique options add depth and character to your tree. You can find them in most stores, but if you’re the DIY type, then Pinterest gives some great ideas with step-by-step directions on how to make one perfect for your tree.

#2- Bring Nature Inside

Your tree is usually your most natural element and the focal point of all your decorations. There are many ways to enhance and compliment your tree throughout your home. Gathering pine cones and small branches to place throughout your core entertaining areas can make it feel like your entire home is decorated, even with just a few small pieces. Placing these natural elements on your accent tables and bookshelves gives your decor a more rustic and cozy look. Using brown and black wrapping paper on your gifts with twine, pine cones, and small pine branches, or even rosemary twigs, really helps tie this look all together.

#3- Non-Traditional Colors

Instead of the typical reds and greens, try non-traditional colors like blacks, pinks, and creams. These are all hot colors this year, so why not intertwine them into your Christmas decorations. You can find these colors in Christmas tree ornaments, accent rugs, and fuzzy throw blankets.

#4- Lights, Lights, and more Lights

Christmas lights are nothing new, but finding additional ways to light up spaces are in. Using battery operated lights to make a new centerpiece for your dining room table is the perfect way to add warmth and a twinkle to your decorations. Again, Pinterest is a great resource to find ideas on how to incorporate lights throughout your entire home to add even more magic to your holiday season.

The temperature is beginning to drop and pumpkins are starting to appear on porches, which gets us all thinking about cozy fall evenings. As we welcome cooler temperatures and colorful foliage, many homeowners might be tempted to pack up the outdoor furniture for the year. Not so fast! Extend the life of your porch or patio by transforming your favorite summer spot into a cozy retreat that’s perfect for enjoying autumn nights outdoors.

Keep It Cozy

To bring more warmth to the area once the sun sets, circle a few outdoor chairs around a fire-pit. To help welcome Fall and make things even cozier, layer on comfort with outdoor pillows. Swap out summer’s tropical hues for classic fall colors. Orange, wine and dark green instantly make the space feel autumn-ready. Make sure to complement the pillows with plenty of soft throw blankets. Chunky, knit options are ideal for snuggling up on the outdoor sofa on chilly nights.

Get Creative with Lighting

As the sun starts setting earlier and earlier, it’s important to have enough light on your porch for dark nights. A simple porch light does the trick, but creative lighting is a great way to add ambiance to your space. For instance, outdoor string lights bring an enchanting look to the porch or patio. For a soft glow around the perimeter of your yard, wrap a few long strings of white lights around the trees, shrubs or fence posts. Shorter ones are a gorgeous addition to the tabletop. Simply place them over your runner with an autumn leaf garland for ambient lighting during moonlit meals.

Indulge in Fall Flavors

To take the bite off of chilly fall breezes, warm up with hot drinks. Hot apple cider is a fall favorite. Make your own with fresh apples and simmer in a stock pot with sugar and spices. Serve in glass mugs, garnish with a cinnamon stick and add your choice of liquor if desired. If you’re short on time, simply keep bottles of hard cider and ice in a beverage tub, and provide pint glasses. For kid-friendly beverages on family night, serve hot chocolate in ceramic mugs by the firepit.

For dinner, make the most out of the grill before winter sets in. Tailgate with hot dogs and burgers for casual meals during football season. If you want a more formal dinner party, grill steak or salmon accompanied by hearty sides made with seasonal ingredients such as squash or sweet potatoes. Plate on leaf-decorated or autumn-toned dishes that coordinate with your outdoor decor.

With just a few changes to your porch or outdoor space, you can continue to entertain outdoors well into fall!