Painting & Interior Design Tips

Interior Painting, New York City Apartments Dana Leavy-Detrick Interior Painting, New York City Apartments Dana Leavy-Detrick

Williamsburg Condo Goes From Builder White to Bold Accents

A newly built condo can offer clean lines, abundant light, and exceptional views - and yet still feel impersonal. For this Williamsburg waterfront residence, a dramatic paint palette transformed a standard white interior into a sleek apartment inspired by the sophistication of 1980s New York.

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Home Maintenance, Interior Painting Dana Leavy-Detrick Home Maintenance, Interior Painting Dana Leavy-Detrick

What is Skim Coating? A NYC Apartment Guide to Smooth Walls

Skim coating is a wall preparation technique used to create a smooth, consistent surface before painting. It’s especially common in New York City, where older homes often require more extensive preparation. Here’s what homeowners should know about skim coating, when it’s worth doing, and what it can add to the cost of an interior painting project.

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Interior Painting, New York City Apartments Dana Leavy-Detrick Interior Painting, New York City Apartments Dana Leavy-Detrick

Wallpaper, Paint & Skimcoating: What does it cost?

Wondering how much it costs to paint an apartment or install wallpaper in NYC? This guide breaks down average interior painting costs, wallpaper installation pricing, and skim coating expenses for older Brooklyn and Manhattan homes. Learn what factors affect pricing, when wall repairs are necessary, and what to expect before requesting a professional painting estimate.

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Before & After: Bold Color Livens a Mid-Century Apt

While the 700-square-foot unit offered excellent natural light and a desirable layout, it hadn't been updated in decades. Years of wear had left the walls covered in peeling paint, cracks, discoloration, water stains, and faded finishes from constant sun exposure.

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Interior Painting, New York City Apartments Dana Leavy-Detrick Interior Painting, New York City Apartments Dana Leavy-Detrick

What is Color Drenching (& How to Do it Right)

Color drenching can transform a small apartment by creating a more cohesive, refined, and visually expansive space. This design-forward painting technique uses one color across walls, ceilings, trim, and doors to soften harsh lines, enhance natural light, and create everything from airy brightness to rich, cozy atmosphere.

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Interior Painting Dana Leavy-Detrick Interior Painting Dana Leavy-Detrick

How Does Lighting Affect Paint Color?

Light has a direct and often dramatic impact on how paint reads once it’s on your walls. The same color can feel airy and refined in one room, and heavy or dull in another, simply based on lighting conditions. Especially if you’re painting in New York City, where layouts, window exposure, and lighting vary widely, it’s even more important to strike the right balance.

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Paint Colors, Interior Painting, Paint Products Dana Leavy-Detrick Paint Colors, Interior Painting, Paint Products Dana Leavy-Detrick

Where to Get Free (or Cheap) Wall Color Samples

If you’re trying to choose the perfect paint color, ordering interior paint samples online is one of the easiest ways to test colors before committing to a full paint job. Many major brands now offer free or low-cost paint samples delivered to your door, making it simple for homeowners to compare shades in their own lighting and space.

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Interior Painting, Home Maintenance Dana Leavy-Detrick Interior Painting, Home Maintenance Dana Leavy-Detrick

Takeaways From My Chat with Angi Co-Founder Angie Hicks

I had the opportunity to chat 1:1 with Angi’s List co-founder Angie Hicks, where we talked about women in the trades, industry trends, and what’s in store for the home services industry in the coming year! Also, who’s spending the most money on home upgrades right now, from emergency fixes to aesthetics.

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Top 10 Painting FAQs from NYC Home Owners

Painting your NYC home? Learn what every homeowner wants to know — from eco-friendly paints and fast turnarounds to managing co-op rules and lead-safe practices .

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