Choosing the Right Paint Finish

Have you ever found yourself at the store, ready to buy paint for your interior, and struggle because you have no idea what all the finishes mean and where they are supposed to be used? Here is our quick and easy reference for you so that you can make the best decisions for your walls, doors, windows and more!

The four finishes that we recommend are listed below. Sherwin Williams has wonderful paints with lots of colors and options to choose from. You can check out their website for more information on their selections - http://www.sherwin-williams.com.

Flat/Matte
This finish is great for areas in your home like the hallway or the powder room. It will hold up to the occasional cleaning and has a durable flat, matte finish.

Satin/Eg-shel
Typically, this paint finish is best for windows, doors, trim or ceilings. It can be used as wall paint as well and has a smooth, velvety look to it with just a bit more gloss. It is a great finish to choose for kid's room walls, kitchens, baths and any room that would have a decent amount of traffic because it will hold up to cleaning and lightly scrubbing.

Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss paint is most often used on doors, trim, and cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms. It is easily cleaned and lays down a nice, subtle shine, without being too shiny. Take care with pre-paint preparation work, as poorly prepared surfaces can be a bit distracting when highlighted by a semi-gloss surface.

Gloss/High Gloss
High gloss paints have an almost reflective quality, as their shiny finish mimics the look of enamel or plastic. Though not widely used in home interiors, it is becoming more popular for a dramatic look on cabinets, trim, and furniture in very formal and very contemporary settings. This finish will magnify any surface imperfections, so careful preparation and sanding is essential before painting with high gloss paints.

6 Ways To "Redecorate" Without Spending A Fortune

We know that decorating - and redecorating - can get expensive. Here are a few things that you can do to change up a room - without spending a fortune.

1. Paint the walls! A new color can change everything. We recommend Sherwin Williams colors.

2. Hang new curtains - or try a different window covering.

3. Try framing and hanging unique greeting cards or things you have cut out of magazines. Put a simple matte behind it and you have got yourself some original art!

4. In your bathroom - try changing your mirror. Frame a simple mirror and hang it.

5. In the living room - get new decorative pillows for the couch and chairs or even try some new lamps (or shades if you have a great base).

6. Borrow from other rooms in your home. Try bringing in accessories from other rooms and grouping like items or collections together. This can be very powerful!

You Could Win!

Today we are launching our first ever Facebook promotion and we are all very excited about it! It is so simple to enter and the prize is something we are sure you are going to love!

All you have to do to be entered to WIN is become a fan of Agricola Redesign on Facebook - facebook.com/agricolaredesign - by October 20th!


The Prize: On October 22nd, we will randomly select one Agricola Redesign fan to receive a gift certificate worth the number of fans we have, to be used on our Holiday Decorating Services! For each fan we have, $1 will be added to the gift card. If we have 500 fans by October 20th, the winner will receive $500 towards our Holiday Decorating Services. If we have 1000 fans by October 20th, someone will win $1000 towards our Holiday Decorating Services!

The more fans we have, the better the prize is!

Upcoming Holiday Events at Agricola Redesign

It's that time of year when things start to get very busy. You're helping the kids with their homework and running them from one practice to another. You're trying to get the yard cleaned up and plant your perennials. You haven't decided on what the kids are going to be for Halloween, but you know you better soon! And then - all of a sudden, you look around, and it is Thanksgiving - and then, Christmas - and then, New Years! Wow - time is moving fast!

We know that this can be a hectic and stressful time for you and so we want to help. The first thing we can offer is our wonderful Holiday Decorating Services. If you need some help pulling everything out, getting it organized, setting it up and making it look gorgeous - you need to call us. No matter how big the job is, we can come in and spend an hour or so - or a few days. Your home is where the "holidays" are at and we can help you make them the most beautiful holiday's you've ever had.


After all the decorating, why not relax and enjoy the holidays with a little time out with your girlfriends! Below, we have listed our Girl's Night Out Classes that are running now through the end of the year. Bring one friend, or more than one - either way is fine. Call us for more information and to reserve your spot.

CHRISTMAS DECORATING CLASS: WHITE PLATE SPECIAL
Date: Tuesday, October 5th - 7:00 p.m.
Description: Get ready for a fun and informative evening with our design team to learn easy ways to decorate your dining table for the upcoming fall and holidays; starting just with a white plate! Call 513.771.3927 for details.


CHRISTMAS DECORATING CLASS: HOLIDAY DECORATING
Date: Tuesday, November 9th - 7:00 p.m.
Description: Nothing says "holidays" better than a well-decorated home.Twinkling lights, centerpieces, mantles & wreaths lay the stage for a joyous holiday season. Learn how to add drama to your home with festive holiday decorating tips. Plus! You will also be part of a hands on holiday decorating project. Call 513.771.3927 for details.


CHRISTMAS DECORATING CLASS: HOLIDAY DECORATING
Date: Saturday, November 13th - 1:00 p.m.
Description: Nothing says "holidays" better than a well-decorated home.Twinkling lights, centerpieces, mantles & wreaths lay the stage for a joyous holiday season. Learn how to add drama to your home with festive holiday decorating tips. Plus! You will also be part of a hands on holiday decorating project. Call 513.771.3927 for details.


CHRISTMAS DECORATING CLASS: CREATING A HOSTESS GIFT
Date: Tuesday, December 7th - 7:00 p.m.
Description: Ever attended an amazing party? Usually behind every great party is a party host/hostess who could use a little something for their hard efforts. These gifts can fit anyone's budget and make any party host/hostess happy. This class will focus on creating unique hostess gifts and each of our guests will create a hostess gift they will take with them. Call 513.771.3927 for details.

Don't forget that you can always call and plan your own Girl's Night Out! Get a group together and have a great time with us! For more information, call Ramona at 513.771.3927.

What is IRIS?

Agricola Redesign is proudly affiliated with the Interior Redesign Industry Specialists. The organization, formed in 1999, sets the industry standards with regard to certification training. IRIS trained members are expertly equipped to utilize their wide range of skills, design talent and professional training to provide the highest level of interior redesign, staging and decorating services for residential and commercial clients.


As the oldest non-profit and volunteer-run redesign, staging and decorating organization in the nation, IRIS continues to be a significant force in these industries.

Having a certification in the art of redesign and home staging sets you apart from others, offering a professional distinction and credibility. When redesigners hold certification from both IRIS and the Agricola Redesign Training Specialists (ARTS), it shows their clients that their company is professional and credible, that continued education and is important to your business, that you give back to the industry by being involved and that you have received a top quality background in design.

IRIS is the only organization in the design field using a standardized manual containing comprehensive training that thoroughly prepares an entrepreneur for the industry. As a certified instructor for IRIS, Diane Agricola and the ARTS program will be able to provide every student with the highest quality training possible to confidently work in the redesign industry.

To learn more about interior redesign, color, decorating and how you may become certified through IRIS and ARTS, please email Diane Agricola.