Pantone Color of the Year for 2024 Mostly a Miss
Experts weigh in on the awkward feeling surrounding 2024ās pickA tradition since it was first introduced in 1999, Pantoneās announcement of the Color of the Year usually evokes a sense of whimsy and excitement. From their wildly over-embroidered company language in their press materials, to the bold graphics the company [...]
Paint Is Elemental
Paint is elemental. It is, in essence, a creamy blend of many of the earthās elements: minerals, resins, oils, clays. Yes, paint can be and historically has been manufactured with heavy chemicals and toxic compounds, such as lead. But, fortunately, there is now paint on the market that is made [...]
After and During/Before: A Brown-Shingle Exterior in Piedmont
A repeat-client for Arana! This client purchased a new home in Piedmont and called us in to do some restoration and repair on the front door frame and period details on the wood balcony/decking. We applied a clear product to the shingles that both protects against moisture intrusion or damage, [...]
Perfect Powder Room and MORE: Designing for Small Spaces with Jaclyn Christensen
Followers of our Instagram or Facebook feeds may have noticed that occasionally we just canāt help but shout out powder room and water closet designs. There seems to be something about them that inspires bold choices and whimsy. A jewel-box quality. Is there a difference when designing for large or [...]
Architects and Designers: Who does what and how do they work together?
The field of home building and remodeling has a clear path from design to construction, then on to āthe finishes,ā and lastly, the furnishings. After the initial design plans are complete, architects can and often do play a role throughout the construction of the project. But, when do interior designers [...]
Arana’s Bay Area Home Services Buyer’s Guide 2023
Welcome to our list of trusted colleagues in the home services, contracting services, and building and remodeling industry! Our team has personally vetted these providers in our two decades of serving with or beside them for our shared clients. We hope that this guide is a resource for you, our [...]
Then and Now: Buestad Builds an Alameda Civic Gem
Based in Alameda, Buestad Construction has proudly contributed to the growth of local community resources for 75 years. This work included building a new Alameda Public Golf Clubhouse in 1958. In the striking facility, ānatural building materials were left exposedā which ānot only reduced construction costs but achieved an eye-pleasing [...]
Alameda Architectural Walking Tours: Wander, Learn, and Adore on Foot
You may be surprised to learn that there are no "Victorians" in Alameda. We are as guilty as anyone, talking about homes in our portfolio (in Alameda and other parts of the Bay Area) and using that term. According to historian Dennis Evanofsky, who regularly leads architectural walking tours in [...]
Color(s) of the Year 2023
What is the āColor of the Yearā and why is it relevant? Is there just one? Under the heading of nothing is as simple as it sounds, there are multiple answers to these questions. Color of the Year, as announced by the Pantone company annually in December, is a relatively [...]
Anatomy of a Victorian ā The Not So Secret Symbolism of Decoration
As painting contractors, we revere the inspiration of the architects responsible for the many historical and modern styles of housing in the Bay Area. In particular, we are awed by Victorian-era homes. While painting these beauties, we feel that we get to reopen the channel for whatever inspiration was brought [...]
