Home Office Ideas and Inspiration

Last Updated: August 10, 2020

Whiteboard with production schedule and mind map for a music video. Notes include names, dates, and tasks.

We are happy to announce that Benjamin Moore now has a presence on the Outer Banks. Kellogg Building Materials is now a distributor of the full line of Benjamin Moore products. People from the Northeast are probably familiar with their paint quality and we are now able to offer their premium products along with Sherwin Williams and PPG.

While perusing the Benjamin Moore website, I found an article that may be of interest to people who have found themselves working from a home office since the COVID-19 outbreak. Finding focus in your home office is critical, especially if the kids are at home with remote or virtual learning. Non-distracting light neutrals, blues, and greens are a good start. There is even some research that suggests green is an effective wall color to increase concentration.

Light colors have a calming effect, but they also help in creating a good background that draws attention to pin boards, shelving, and furniture. It is also is recommended to use a matte sheen to reduce the amount of glare from office lighting.

Notable® Dry Erase Paint by Benjamin Moore (shown in the photo above) allows any painted surface to become a dry erase board. It comes in a clear finish that can be applied over any wall color and it is also available in a classic "whiteboard" white. The product can be applied over drywall, wood, glass, metal or laminate surfaces.

Please be aware that in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, we have instituted new protocols for interior projects, especially in cases where the homeowner is present. In addition to limiting the size of our crews (to make social distancing easier) and wearing face masks on interior projects, our crews clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at the end of each shift. All crews also keep hand sanitizer in their vehicles.

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Person looking up, reaching towards a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds, framed by a white wall.

Color Trends 2026

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Each year, most paint manufacturers release a “Color of the Year” along with a palette of complementary shades. Pantone — the global authority on color — is best known for the Pantone Matching System (PMS), which provides a standardized language for identifying, matching, and communicating color across design, fashion, printing, and manufacturing. Their annual selection is often a strong predictor of broader color trends and frequently aligns with the palettes chosen by major paint manufacturers.
Workers in lift painting the exterior of a white house with a blue sky background.

Winter Maintenance

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Overhead view of a hurricane swirling over a deep blue ocean, white clouds form a spiral.

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Light green three-story house with white trim, balconies, and turret under a blue sky.

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By beachpainting • July 9, 2025
When it comes to home improvement, few things make an instant visual impact like a fresh coat of paint. Whether it's reviving weather-worn siding or refreshing an outdated interior, painting can breathe new life into your space. But as you start collecting quotes, you may wonder: why does a good painting contractor cost more than others?
Gray house with white trim, red door, and a circular driveway.

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Two-story house with weathered blue shingles, several windows. Ladder leans against the side.

Why Waiting Will Cost You More $$$

By beachpainting • June 10, 2025
If you’ve been putting off painting your house, you’re not alone—but it may cost you more than you think. Summer is the best time of year to paint your Outer Banks home. If you've noticed signs of paint failure (e.g. fading, peeling, blistering, chalking), give us a call today.
Hand with dusty fingers next to light-colored, horizontal wall siding.

How to Fix Paint Chalking

By beachpainting • May 27, 2025
If you've noticed a fine, powdery residue on your painted walls or outdoor surfaces, you may be dealing with chalking paint. This is a fairly common issue that occurs when paint breaks down over time due to weather exposure, UV rays, or low-quality paint ingredients. It’s especially prevalent on exterior surfaces (especially fiber cement siding). What Causes Chalking? Chalking happens when the paint binder deteriorates, allowing pigment particles to loosen and form a chalky dust. While it’s a natural part of aging for some paints, excessive chalking can affect appearance, stain surrounding surfaces, and prevent new paint from adhering properly. How to Fix Chalking Paint Test for Chalking: Rub your hand or a dark cloth over the surface. If it comes away dusty, you have chalking. Clean the Surface: Use a stiff brush or pressure washer to remove as much chalk as possible. Follow up with a mild detergent and rinse thoroughly. Let It Dry: Ensure the surface is completely dry before proceeding. Prime If Necessary: For areas with stubborn residue or if you're repainting, apply a high-quality, binding primer suited for chalky surfaces. Repaint: Choose a premium, weather-resistant paint and apply as recommended. Preventing Future Chalking Invest in high-quality paint with strong UV resistance and proper binders. Regular maintenance, such as gentle washing and inspections, also helps keep surfaces looking fresh. By addressing chalking early and using the right materials, you can extend the life and look of your paint job for years to come!
Person on a ladder painting a house's exterior siding near an oval vent.

Picking the Right Color

By beachpainting • May 8, 2025
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