Serving the Twin Cities, MN and surrounding area!!

Savage DIY Mom
Wooden Accent Walls, Hand Painted
Savage DIY Mom
Wooden Accent Walls, Hand Painted

    Tips & Tricks

    Sharing the most popular paint colors, my favorite way to sample paint in your home, and how I'd like you to prep your home prior to my arrival to complete your project! 


     As you know, I love painting with Behr Ultra paint from Home Depot. Why? Because it has great coverage, has an amazing pour spout right on the can, and is less expensive than it's competitors, yet still giving you amazing quality! 


    Did you know Home Depot will color match paint from other stores? YES! So if you see a color from another brand, don't worry! Behr will color match it!


    HUGE NEWS!!!! 

    I am now able to offer 20% off to my clients when they purchase their paint at Home Depot! How amazing is that?!!?!?  Please Note: It is only valid on paint and primer in GALLON size and larger.

    (Instructions HERE on how to get 20% off!!)


    Here is a list of my customers' favorite and most popular paint colors! 

    Popular Paint Colors

    Gray: 

    Repose Gray by Sherwin Williams

    Downtown Gray by Behr

    Greige by Behr

    Crushed Ice by Behr

    Gray Owl by Behr

    Agreeable Gray by Sherwin Williams

    Grey Mist by Behr

    Light French Gray by Sherwin Williams

    Imperial Gray by Behr

    Mindful Gray by Sherwin Williams

    Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore

    Chelsea Gray by Sherwin Williams

    Peppery by Behr

    Jogging Path by Sherwin Williams

    Smokey Trout by Behr


    Cream/Beige:

    Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore

    Accessible Beige by Sherwin Williams

    Moderate White by Sherwin Williams


    White:

    Pure White by Sherwin Williams

    Alabaster by Sherwin Williams

    Snowbound by Sherwin Williams

    Oyster White by Sherwin Williams


    Blue:

    Naval by Sherwin Williams

    Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore

    Adirondack Blue by Behr


    Black:

    Nightfall by Benjamin Moore

    Caviar by Sherwin Williams

    Tricorn Black by Sherwin Williams


    Green:

    Evergreen Fog by Sherwin Williams

    Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams (blue/green)

    Basil by Sherwin Williams

    Rosemary by Sherwin Williams

    Dried Thyme by Sherwin Williams


    Pink:

    Dressy Rose by Sherwin Williams

    Paint Color Sample Pack

      

    Picking out paint can be overwhelming at times!! With that being said, I decided to create a simple, concise, sample pack filled with only the most popular paint colors out there. You won’t have 50 different shades of grey (unless you’re into that kind of thing) to choose from, making the process a whole lot less stressful! Instead, you’ll have only the most popular shades that have been truly loved colors by others!
     

    I ask that you purchase the paint so that you get the correct sheen (shine) and color that you want… I just advise on my favorite brand to work with! Remember, Home Depot will color match other brands' paint colors!


    Interior Wall Painting:

    I use Behr Ultra paint for interior wall painting. I get amazing coverage and durability that lasts. I recommend an Eggshell or Satin sheen versus a Flat/Matte finish because these are a lot more wipe-able for when they get dirty. I suggest a Satin finish in a bathroom or other higher moisture room. See more about this amazing paint on their website HERE.


    Wooden Accent Walls: 

    I use Behr Ultra paint for wooden accent walls. The sheen I recommend will depend on the accent wall style, and where the wall is located within your home. 


    Paint Color Sample Pack:

    To use these large paint samples in your home, simply grab the provided “painters tape” included in your Sample Pack, and tape it to your wall! Be sure to position it in multiple areas throughout your room, next to window trim, doorways, etc. so that you can get a feel for what the paint will look like next to your existing room features. (For visual see photo below!)


    Be sure to check back and view the paint samples at different times of the day with different lighting for the best representation of what these colors would look like in your home. 


    I also include a Fan Deck in each Paint Sample Pack. Filled with Behr's paint samples. 


    Please let me know if you have any questions for your big or small home renovation project! I’m here to help! 

    Sampling Other Paint Colors

    I love Pinterest as a tool for getting inspiration. If you're curious about how a paint color looks in different lighting, I always recommend looking on Pinterest for that paint color in other people's homes. 


    Let's say you found "Vine Leaf" by Behr and are interested in that color. Search: "Vine Leaf Behr Paint" on Pinterest. You'll find that color in other people's homes and it will give you a better idea on whether or not you'll like it in your home. 


    However, I strongly suggest getting a small $6 sample container from Home Depot and testing it out in your space. You'll want to see how it looks next to YOUR trim, with YOUR lighting, and decor.


    Should I paint the sample paint directly onto my wall? 

    ONLY IF YOU DO IT CORRECTLY!  (See photo below!!) I've had to sand down multiple paint swatches where clients have painted on the wall and didn't fan out the paint. It leaves a ridge (higher layer of paint) that is then very noticeable even when painted over. See reference photo below for the CORRECT way to fan out the edges of the wall sample if you choose to paint a swatch on the wall! You want to get a clear representation of the new paint color and not have any of the original color showing through, so make sure you get enough paint on the wall too.



    Savage, MN and surround areas... eager to help with your next home update!

    Stain Color Sample Pack

    Just like my "Paint Color Sample Pack", I also offer a "Stain Color Sample Pack" to clients! 


    You will have NINE amazing stain color options as well as stain color combos to choose from! Now, having the option to do a stained piece in your home has never been easier! 


    If you love the look, I can add an accent wall with a stained divider piece like the photos shown below and have the Board and Batten on the bottom and the Herringbone on top! 


    Also the very popular "Picture Ledge Shelf" as shown below in the second photo is an amazing addition for over a bed, couch, or other area in your home where you'd like a special space to add art, family photos or other décor items. No stressing over shopping for the perfect size and color that will work with your space! Give me the dimensions and your preferred stain color  and I'll create your own custom piece!

    Photo Gallery

    DIY'er at Heart?

    Hey, I get it! I started out DIY'ing and I LOVE the satisfaction of doing my own projects as well. So that's why I created this little section of my website dedicated to YOU. The DIY'er. 


    Here you'll find tips, tricks, and tools that I use when I'm out and about at my client's homes.   


    Stay Tuned!! More to come!

    How-To: Digital Angle Finder to the perfect miter saw cut

    How to use an angle finder

     A digital angle finder is basically a fancy little gadget that measures angles with more accuracy than your eyeballs (and without the “hold it up and guess” method). Here’s how to use one step-by-step:

    1. Turn it on and zero it out

    •  Close the tool so both rulers are perfectly lined up with each other. .
    • Press the “Zero” or “Calibrate” button so it reads 0.0°.
    • This ensures your measurements are relative to that surface.

    2. Position it on your workpiece

    •  Set one side of the angle finder against the surface and let the arm swing until it makes contact with the other side. 

    3. Read the digital display

    •  The screen will show the exact angle (often to a tenth of a degree).
    • Some have a “Hold” button so you can twist to freeze the reading before moving it.

    4. Use the Miter Saw Setting Chart

    • Your miter saw has measurements up to 45 degrees, so you'll need to convert your digital display setting to a new setting for your miter saw.
    • Find your measured angle in the left column.
    • Set your miter saw to the matching setting in the right column.

    Don't have a digital angle finder and want one? I have THIS ONE.


    Want a more budget friendly option?

    THIS ONE has great reviews. 

    Download PDF

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