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Painting all of the interior (and meet the painter Carlos!)

PAINT

I was planning to make this entire week a whole week about my BFF Carlos.  There he is….

But on Saturday I came down with food poisoning and it’s kicking the crap out of me.  literally.  and figuratively.  sorry mom.  I am so drained and my brain has just completely stopped working.  I told Jeremy that you are supposed to learn something new every day…..what I learned is that I would never last on Naked and Afraid.  Goodbye dream.

Ever have food poisoning last six days?  I haven’t.  until now.  It’s a comforting thought….indoor plumbing.  and granny panties.  and heated/air conditioned blankets.  I need one of those if you have one.  A blanket that can both cool and warm.  Shark Tank get on that.

So anyhooo….I had great dreams….Martin Luther King Jr. sized dreams about this post.  It was gonna be epic.  The one that took us four years to finally do.  The step that we have been DYING to tackle in this house.  But alas….now I just want a normal UNINTERRUPTED (if you know what I mean and I think you do) conversation with a few photos.  I can share more later but for now….send a little prayer up about my guts and let’s talk about how my BFF Carlos transformed our foyer, stairway, hall and living room.

Here are the befores…

Obviously this is after we cleared the furniture out.  Now you can better see the toothpaste colored walls and the tan trim…

Upstairs the ceiling connects to the living room ceiling.  The foyer ceiling (pictured off to the left in the picture below) was a tray and it was minty/tan/minty/tan/tan.  yikes.

All of that got moved out and now it is all painted.  We hired Carlos (my mom’s painter who has proven to her to be an honorable worker and trustworthy person) to do the work.  We paid him a flat amount of $2500 to do all this (ceilings, trim, walls, and finish our deck) and we were responsible for buying all the supplies.   In the end we spent about $700 in paint, stain, paper, tape and caulk.

TOTALLY WORTH IT.  Every single penny.

The paint color is Benjamin Moore Stingray and we had it color matched to Sherwin Williams paint in eggshell.  The trim is just the brightest white that Sherwin Williams carried.

We aren’t fully moved back in yet but already it has changed my life.  I just want to finish these rooms now.  I can’t wait to get stuff on the walls and things back in order.

Also…this coffee table….great for kids, but the color in here seems to clash now…

I hate to paint it so I think I might just have to build something new that is all dark brown.

These windows make my day now.  I feel happy looking out there and seeing the light pour in.  It’s amazing what an effect color has on our moods.

Overall….piece of cake.  Totally happy.  And I so appreciate Carlos and his wife (his wife accompanies him to all his jobs and it’s adorable) and all they did.  If you are in Georgia and want his number, here you go…..

678.334.4322

Tell him that Katie Bower referred you and told you that he does free quotes.  He thought it was hilarious that I asked to take his photo and post it to a website.  I explained that is what I do…talk about painting and my kids and things….and he told me that I had a good job.  Yes.  Yes I do Carlos.  The best job in the world.

 

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  1. Those high ceilings and trim are no joke. We recently repainted all of our open areas and really struggled with the multi-story parts. Carlos did an excellent job! I hope he gets a ton of referral business from this post! And I hope you feel better soon!

  2. Oh my goodness, Katie! It looks absolutely amazing! I love how bright your house looks now- gorgeous! We hired painters to do our whole house about 18 months ago and going from dark tan (not our choice) to pale grey was the best thing for our little house- totally opened up the space! Enjoy your freshly painted walls and feel better soon- I can’t imagine food poisoning and 4 kids- eek!

  5. while colors are never true in photos, it does not look like your coffee table actually clashes. Sub out the navy pillows for ones with that color in them, add a couple accessoires in that color on the walls or shelves and I think it will be fine. Unless you don’t like the coffee table any more, of course.

  6. You are right. Carlos is a rockstar! What a challenge to do all of that square footage. But he did an awesome job, and what a difference! Yes, a new coffee table would be the icing on the cake. It will be fun for you to change things for fall and Christmas. I know you have an endless supply of goodies to decorate with.. I pray you are feeling better. I know you hadn’t posted on IG lately. What did you eat to make you so sick? Get well soon!!

  8. Katie, that looks amazing!! The difference in the white trim alone, but then to take away the toothpaste it’s completely transformed. Also, 2.5K is a steal for that much labor.

    On your current state of throne sitting: you might want to see a doctor to rule out something of a “bug” (parasite) nature. I’ve never heard of food poisoning lasting that long. Also, you can call your local health department to see if something is affecting a lot of people in the area (either produce or a restaurant). I’ll pray you get well soon. Being sick plus being a mom to small kids is an awful combo…no rest.

  10. I don’t normally comment but just had to send my condolences for the Food Poisoning. It is the worst, I hope you feel better really soon. When I was 14 I got food poisoning from Ham, I was sick for a month and lost 15kg, considering I was only 60kg to start with it was not good. The worst part of it is that I now suffer from a pork intolerance so I have to limit my bacon intake to 1 serve a month unless I want to be covered in hives. As a bacon lover I’m sure you understand how tragic that is 🙂

  11. Katie, food poisoning is terrible. My husband got a very bad case of food poisoning during our honeymoon. He was sick for 4 days and it was absolutely horrible. I hope you get better soon!

    Also, the paint looks epic! What a beautiful fresh canvas you have to work with.

  12. Looks great! What a big difference and overall transformation. I hope you feel better. The virus hasn’t affected your sense of humor and that’s great. You always make me laugh!

  13. The walls look great!!!! I think the green and tan must have been popular a few years ago. There are some houses in my neighborhood with that color scheme on the exterior. Not my jam, but if it someone else’s they should go for it.

    I also hope that you feel better soon!!!!

  14. The paint looks amazing!

    I hope you feel better soon and are staying hydrated. So terrible to have food poisoning and also be nursing.

  15. Feel better Katie! On the plus side, the house looks amazing!! Did Carlos also paint your exterior, or was that someone else? We’re in Marietta, and desperately need some exterior anddddddd interior work done!

  16. WOW, the difference is amazing! I feel you on the natural light–that is a game changer for how a house feels. I am a little confused about the paint colors…what does it mean for Paint X to be color-matched to Paint Y? Is the difference the paint finish, or the actual color?

  17. Looks wonderful!
    I think you got a great deal!!! Carlos needs to UP his prices in the future!!!
    Sit back and enjoy…get well.
    B.

  19. It’s looks terrific and I can’t believe ONE guy did all that! Amazing…. Hope you’re feeling better!

  22. The paint looks great! And, I actually think the coffee table looks fine. It’s sort of nice to have a little splash of unexpected color.

  23. My goodness!!!! That made a FREAKING HUGE difference! Before it was a very nice, delightfully styled house, but now it’s, like, grandiose. Like, decor-magazine nice.

    I hope you feel better soon! Stomach troubles are the worst.

  24. Katie, I want your house! Now! Consider this an ambush…… please hand it over right now! Can we swap, please? Your home looks absolutely stunning! It was pretty before but now it is a paradise! What an amazing transformation! You have one gem of a painter there…. Can I fly him in (to NY)? Adding the flight tickets (for him and his wife) to the cost should still make any paint job of that size a steal for our area. #jealous

    Feel better soon. Sounds like you are really really sick right now. That must be horrible with little kids and all the things that are going on for you. And still thinking about your readers. That is true devotion. And selflessness….. On the plus side: you may get in shape fast….. and no workout needed. I know nothing to laugh about. Best wishes.

  25. Sorry you had the cha-chas (as we call it) 😮

    WOW!! What a diff the paint color makes. I actually like the color of the coffee table as is, if the navy pillows were changed out. 🙂

    Way to go Carlos!!!

  27. It looks amazing! I would love to paint all our trim and doors white someday (we still have the builder’s beige) . It makes such a difference.

    I’m so sorry you are feeling crappy! We recently came back from a vacation in Mexico and several in our family got horrible diarrhea and stomach cramps that lasted 7 days. It.was.awful. I also thought it was probably food poisoning but the doctor said food poisoning usually only lasts 24 hours. Since it had lasted this long it was likely bacterial, and he prescribed antibiotics. Just thought I’d let you know in case it doesn’t start to get better soon!

  28. I have serious trim envy….your woodwork is gorgeous. The house looks amazing!

    I think you should keep the blue coffee table, and work some additional pops of turquoise in around the room in your pillows and artwork. The table looks great and adds a nice element of the unexpected, in my amateur opinion!

    Hope you feel better soon!

  29. That looks awesome! I love all of the woodwork in your house!! I also noticed how all of your bookcases are perfectly styled! I am sure you have a post somewhere about them, and I could use a lesson or two! The rooms look great! What a difference!

  30. I love it! And as a mom to three boys who has no coffee table currently, I highly recommend painting the one you have some yummy color that will be fun for the room. Unless that’s not what you want to do, then build away! (I can’t build things. Truly terrible at it.)

  31. The color is amazing (just up my alley, my house is all grey and white)! Also, the price you got is AMAZING! Maybe it’s the going rate in Georgia, but my lowest quote for half (or less) of what you got done was $3000(highest was $8000), so instead I’ve just been ever so SLOWLY getting it done myself. Thanks for sharing and hope you feel better really really soon!

  33. My first thought on seeing the ‘befores’….OMG…that is UGLY! Why would anyone pick that color for the trim? It looks great now. I own a small salon (750 sq ft.) and we recently had our place painted. We had beige and tan ‘faux’ finishing left over from the 90’s. We went with a greige (Foggy Mirror at Lowe’s) color and white trim and it looks so fresh and clean. We paid about $1500 for the labor and $500 in supplies.

  38. Katie, the house looks so great! I need Carlos in my world! I have tall ceilings and walls like you. I tried painting myself, but it was an utter fail!
    …time to update the house tour photos! Looking good!

  40. OH my gosh it’s stunning. It doesn’t even look like the same room! LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!! And I second Valerie J. I would see if you ended up with a nasty parasite or salmonella or something.

  41. Your house is gorgeous! I love your big windows and fantastic trim work. The new color definitely brightens up the place. I can see why you LOVE it! I wouldn’t want to leave the house! Enjoy Katie! and I hope your stomach feels better soon.

  43. Katie, I have been a follower since Will was a newborn, and I have to admit ever since you bought this house I too have been waiting to see this get painted. It’s like a whole new house! The old color combination was super distracting. I am so excited for you! Buying a house of this size (with so. many. projects!), and then the Monroe project, downstairs “roommate family” and all the adorable Bower kiddos….you have had your hands full and have been so patient!!! It’s so great to see this big project realized. A fresh slate. I love it and love you and your family. Hope you feel better soon, can’t wait to see the way this paint will inspire your projects to follow.
    Ps. You have the best job ever. I know that I can speak for others too when I say I have enjoyed reading for many years.

  45. Some people don’t know that food poisoning can be bacterial (though a lot is viral), and sometimes you can get antibiotics. My dad found this out after suffering for 6 days.

    Also, this post just shows that paint is hands down the best bang-for-your-buck home improvement. And, sometimes writing a check is just as gratifying as doing it yourself.

  46. Looks amazing! And I had food poisoning for 7 days from a Red Robin a few years ago. I threw up so violently for days that I burst a lot of blood vessels in my eyes. IT WAS TERRIBLE. I feel. ya.

  47. It looks fantastic Katie! I may have to give Carlos a call soon!

    Hope you’re feeling better soon.

  50. Flippin’ gorgeous! It’s the perfect neutral! I’m always in awe of people with a bunch of Littles who choose an Eggshell finish. My boys are SO HARD on our Eggshell paint! Maybe it’s just that our paint is cheap stuff? It was a foreclosure and the bank painted it, so it’s entirely possible! aaaaaaanywho. Love, love, love your paint! Carlos is a miracle worker! 🙂

  51. I am in love with how it turned out! It’s amazing how much it brightened the space, and how much larger it looks! It’s like the walls are now a backdrop to the space instead of trying to be a tooth-pastey statement all its own. I know I was amazed when we painted the tall rooms in our house and how different the whole space felt. So glad y’all got this done finally! I know you’ve got to be so relieved and excited.

  52. I’ve been waiting for this post since you first mentioned. Looks great! I agree with Ellie above. . . from these pictures the coffee table doesn’t really clash. It just doesn’t match the rest of the decor. But with a few pops of this color, it will brighten up the place and give it a sense of fun!

  53. First, feel better fast! Don’t know how you are managing with 4 littles!! Second, not only does that paint/trim look fabulous, but that price is a STEAL! I’m ready to call Carlos (and his wife) and pay for them to fly to New England so they can paint my house. It would still be less expensive than the going rate here!!

  54. It looks beautiful!! I love the windows in your living room….gorgeous!
    Praying you get well soon! Food poisoning is the worst! 🙁

  55. I love the new paint color! We are building right now and chose Sherwin Williams – Agreeable Gray for the walls. I love the look of a crisp, light gray!

  56. I am so in love with the paint color now!!! It looks just beautiful 🙂 I’ll bet it feels like a breath of fresh air. Hope you feel better soon, and if you don’t, a trip to the MD is in order. I’ve had food poisoning before, and it didn’t last that long. It could be a parasite from something you ate or drank, and you can get dehydrated super easy. Said a prayer for you kiddo 🙂

  57. Way to go Carlos and Bowers, looks great! I have an amazing blanket from Homegoods I got about 5 years ago that I sleep with. I named him Carlos, for the pure enjoyment of hearing the kids say things like “my mom loves sleeping with Carlos” and “daddy gets jealous of Carlos.” You should she the preschool teachers faces.

  58. Yes! I love the teal! You just need a few teal accessories or a piece of art with teal in it to tie the room together. Like the rug in The Big Lebowski.

  59. Holy smokes, it looks amazeballs!! SUCH a huge improvement!! And totally worth the $$ for those high ceilings. Love it

  61. WOW! What a difference a color can make! I can’t wait to see what you have in store for your gorgeous new walls now!

    And I agree with other posters – get thee to a doctor pronto. My BIL had what he thought was food poisoning and it turns out he had some sort of parasite that required several different antibiotics to help him recover (likely from bad chicken). No bueno. Go. Go now! And feel better soon, ya hear?

  62. Oh, Katie! I had food poisoning when my daughter was 3 months old, and it was the most horrible thing. I was in bed for five days, and thought I might die. When I finally made it to the doctor on day 5 (because I couldn’t be away from a bathroom for more than 15 minutes and the doctor was 25 minutes away – rural life!), the on-call doc did blood cultures and all. My regular doc called me the next day when she saw the results, and I didn’t answer my phone… so she called my husband and said, “You need to get her to the hospital!” Apparently, I had something real bad, and should’ve been hospitalized from the beginning. I was feeling better by the time she called, though. Took me two weeks to feel normal again. So, yeah, it stinks big time (literally and figuratively) for the whole family. My heart goes out to you.

    P.S. – The paint job is amazeballs.

  64. Katie. So sorry to hear you have been so sick. I will keep you in my prayers. It must have been so difficult taking care of your littles. Btw love the new paint, It really brightens up that stunning house of yours. Carlos is adorable. Feel better everyday, and hope to see a new week of posts! God Bless, Jennie

  65. Katie – we are so happy for you paint wise and so sorry that you are sick. Your coffee table would actually be great if it just headed off towards blue green from the teal .. but I know you will pick a color that fits your whole vibe .. .what about bm carriage red? Get well soon sweetie, but don’t drag around trying to take care of everyone – call in a mother / grandmother or mil to do the things that are keeping you from resting long enough to get well.

  70. One is the color and the other paint is the brand used. So each brand has their own colors….but can be color-matched to a different brand’s colors. It’s sometimes done for cheaper prices but in this case it was done because Sherwin Williams is known for their high quality paint (and because there are no Benjamin Moore dealers around me!)
    xo – kb

  74. Food poisoning is the worse…I’m so sorry! But the color change is FABULOUS. I can’t believe you lived with the toothpaste green for so long. Carlos was worth every penny! Great job!

  78. This is what your walls and trim are singing…”Give it to me I’m worth it, baby I’m worth it, uh huh I’m worth it”

  79. Looks great! I can’t wait to do the same thing at our house. We have an Augustine though.

    Let me know if you want my husband to help you pick out something great to replace the brass chandelier in the living room. He is awesome with lighting design and works at large lighting show room in high point NC.

  81. Great colors and painters craftsmanship! Im sure you noticed when you were editing this pics that the round coffee table is aligned with the french doors however, the rug and white couch are not. Do those sort of things irk you or are you past those nusances after 4 kiddos?

  83. So sweet that you shared his info, but you might want to code out his phone number (i.e., spell out one or two of the digits) so the internet ‘bots don’t pick it up and spam call him for eternity.

  86. Hi Katie! Thank you for this post! Also for all the info about Chattanooga. We took it 3 boys there this weekend and they had such a great time. They loved the Carousel and my husband loved Champy’s. Quick question…did Carlos do any sheet rock repair for you? Or has he done any for your Mom? I need some walls skimmed. Thank you!

  87. Not really. He did hole repair (like filling holes from nails) but I wouldn’t say he is the best drywall finisher. He is a great painter but yeah…I would hire that out separately. The only person we ever hired to do this for us was Wayne – his number is 678-794-8451
    xo – kb

  88. One of your readers just sent me this post in response to my post asking for lighting help in our living room, which is laid out EXACTLY like yours! I am SO glad she sent me your way — so much to catch up on tonight after I put the kids to bed!

    Quick question — did you install recessed lighting in this room? We are trying to add more lighting to our family room!

    Also, in case you want to see another version of your living room (ha!): http://www.northcarolinacharm.com/2017/06/family-room-lighting-dilemma-help.html

  89. Welcome! So glad to hear from new friends. And we did not install the recessed lighting in here…it was here when we moved in (near the nooks on one end) and on the super high ceiling flanking the fireplace. This is seriously the hardest room for me because I desperately want a couch in front of the tv (like yours) but it never seems to work. And we have doors that I hate blocking but I’d rather have more spots to sit if that makes sense.
    xo – kb

  90. Thank you for sharing Carlos’ number!!!! I’m in Loganville, moving to Dacula, and looking for a reputable painter/handyman to help get both houses up to snuff.

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