House Painting Project in Oakland, CA, Grand View.
Rebuilt from the ashes of the Oakland fire in 1991, this grand home with a grand view (on Grand View!) was ready for a kitchen refresh. Arana painted all of the cabinetry, taking it from a dated and yellowy stained wood to this bright and light, more modern design.
About Arana Craftsman Painters
Arana Craftsman Painters is a premier, family-owned residential painting company based in the San Francisco Bay Area. They specialize in both interior and exterior painting, bringing the beauty of homes to life with their expert craftsmanship.
Their services extend beyond painting to include plaster and drywall repair, wallpaper removal, wood restoration, waterproofing, caulking, and sealing. Clients have praised their superior workmanship and reasonable project timelines, noting that their homes look as if they were new after Arana’s work.
Arana Craftsman Painters serves the Bay Area, including cities like Oakland and Berkeley, offering professional painting services for both residential and commercial projects. Their experienced team brings years of expertise to each project, ensuring high-quality results that enhance the beauty and value of homes and businesses.
Beautiful home in Alameda we had the pleasure of working on.
We love houses that have lots of decorative details!
These homeowners chose a palette that not only reflects their love of U.C. Berkeley, but also highlights the craftsmanship on the vintage early 1900s woodwork. Choosing a darker gray for below the molding is another creative choice that adds to the curb appeal. And the fact that the houses on either side are gray on the one, and blue on the other, speaks to how choosing a palette can be a decision that plays well with others, and contributes to the beauty of the whole neighborhood.
A little bit about Alameda.
Alameda is a city located in Alameda County, California, situated in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. The city occupies an informal archipelago, including Alameda Island and Bay Farm Island, providing a unique geographic setting. With a population of around 77,600 people, Alameda boasts a diverse community, where 24.6% of residents were born outside the United States. Alameda is characterized by its suburban feel, offering a blend of big-city amenities and small-town charm. The city takes pride in its sense of community and local initiatives, such as the “Love Our Island” campaign, which fosters civic pride and engagement
It is EASY being green… It’s just not easy CHOOSING green
We think this palette is divine!!!👏 Great work on the part of the Designer, Leela Willow. The color on the garage door is just a pleasure for the eyes!
PROJECT DETAILS: Spray application done by our Craftsman Painter Julio Cadenas on this gorgeous custom garage door. Part of a ground-up addition to a rustic former hunting lodge in the Piedmont Hills.
GARAGE DOOR COLOR: Rainy Afternoon 1575, Benjamin Moore in Satin finish
NOTE: While we love Satin for the way that it can render any minor variations in the underlying surface less visible, as well as for its muted sheen, we generally recommend Semi Gloss — which is a bit shinier, yes, but also more durable — for any exterior wood surfaces.
A question we often get asked is: “Do you do color brush outs?”
YES. We do!
What is a Brush Out?
A brush out is when your painter takes samples of the colors you are considering and paints them directly on the surface for you so you can see how they will interact with that surface, and how light affects the color throughout the day. Even light bouncing off the floor affects how a color reads.
We find that sometimes our clients need almost-life-sized samples to get a sense of what the final result is going to look like. This is one way we can help people choose!
How big is a brush out sample?
Often we go with a 2ft x 2ft square.
In the images on this post, as you can see, the colors the client is deciding between are not that far apart from each other in terms of tone. This type of choice can be particularly challenging.
The brush-out helps them compare and contrast, and make a better choice!
And yes, we will prime right over those samples before painting the room, so that the final result is clean and even.
Option B is to do brush outs on a card, which doesn’t give the same surface-interaction, but is close enough, and bonus, you can move it around the room to see the light in different areas.
However (are you still with us? This is pretty nerd-level detail…) we prefer painting directly on the wall, especially in older homes where walls often have a texture to them which causes the color to read a little differently.
How can we help you have the best experience with hiring a painting contractor for your home’s interiors and exteriors? Contact us to learn more about our full-service offerings.
With this recent exterior paint job, performed by Arana Craftsman Painters, this lovely Oakland home went from white-and-brown to shades of blue with hints of green, and gray trim. The color palette was selected by our dear colleague (whose services are included in our whole-house-exterior-paint contracts) Cass Morris.
Cass took in homeowners Kelly and Nat’s lovingly-tended gardens and the neutral tones of existing hardscaping and outdoor kitchen, as well as the palettes of neighboring homes, plus the couple’s general appreciation of blue, to devise this bright, lively, and harmonious exterior paint scheme.
Nat admits that they were initially skeptical. “We didn’t think we’d love having our entire house this color, but we do!”
At Arana, we love when bold risks, guided by experts in the world of color and design, yield such gorgeous results.
Body color (stucco): Benjamin Moore Del Mar Blue #704
“A muted blue-green” that can “quietly anchor” a palette, according to the company’s website
Doors, plus thin rails on front fence: Benjamin Moore Vermont Slate #1673
“Both traditional and modern,” a “cool blue” with “a touch of green”
Porch steps, walkway, plus thick rails on front fence: Duxbury Gray #HC 163
“A unique medium gray with a trace of green”
Door frames, window frames, stair railings: Benjamin Moore Quiet Moments #1563
“A gentle mix of blue, green, and gray… that exudes tranquility and inspires quiet meditation”
We take it as a compliment that so many interesting and accomplished folks in the Bay Area choose us to help them beautify and steward their homes. Nat and their partner Kelly brought us in recently to paint the exterior of their Oakland stucco home. At the time, Nat mentioned to us that they were working on a book — and now it is available for pre-order.
In Spirits Distilled: A Guide to the Ingredients Behind a Better Bottle, author/journalist, San Francisco World Spirits competition Judge, award-winning farm-to-table mixologist, and spirits buyer for high end Bay Area liquor purveyors, Nat Harry (re)introduces readers to the fruits, plants, and processes that form the backbone of the world’s most popular and in some cases underappreciated spirits. Their approachable and encyclopedic accounting invites readers to thoughtfully regard everything that goes into a spirit, what makes good, good; including the skilled hands that turn those ingredients into art.
About the timeline for publication, Nat reports, “The hard-copy will be coming out in August. We don’t have anything lined up yet, but I am looking forward to doing a bunch of local events — we will have a book launch party at one of the Future Bars Group locations.”
Future Bars owns 10 bars in the Bay Area and two shops including Cask on College, where Nat once curated the spirits selection. “I also plan to do talks at distilleries, producers, and distributors,” they add. To stay up to date on book-related appearances and mixology class offerings, subscribe to Nat’s newsletter at their website: www.natharry.com.
In their 20+ years in the industry, Nat Harry has traveled the world to hand-pick their recommendations for the world’s most unique and exquisite craft spirits. In Spirits Distilled, they share their knowledge, providing an informative guidebook as beautifully-crafted visually as it is detailed and informative. Pre-orders come with a complimentary (virtual) mixology class with the author: www.westwoodpress.com/our-books/p/spirits-distilled
Beautiful Home in Berkeley, CA on Lincoln Street. We had the pleasure of painting this historical beauty.
The perfect finish is only achieved through perfect preparation. We lovingly restored this stately 1893 Berkeley Victorian, down to every last decorative detail.
A little bit about the beautiful town of Berkeley.
Berkeley, California, is a vibrant city located on the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay in northern Alameda County. Named after the 18th-century philosopher George Berkeley, it is renowned for its dynamic blend of history, culture, and progressive thought. Established in 1868, the city is perhaps best known as the home of the University of California, Berkeley, a premier public research university that has significantly influenced the intellectual and cultural fabric of the region.
Berkeley’s landscape is characterized by its picturesque setting between the Pacific foothills and the San Francisco Bay, offering residents and visitors alike stunning natural beauty and a variety of outdoor activities. The city has a rich history of countercultural movements, particularly during the 1960s, when it became a hub for free speech and anti-war protests. This legacy of activism continues to shape its progressive policies and community initiatives today.
The city’s eclectic atmosphere is reflected in its diverse neighborhoods, each offering unique attractions and experiences. From the bustling Downtown area with its array of shops, restaurants, and theaters, to the tranquil residential streets of the Berkeley Hills, there is something for everyone. Cultural landmarks such as the Berkeley Repertory Theatre and the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive further enrich the city’s cultural landscape.
Berkeley is also known for its commitment to sustainability and environmentalism. The city has implemented various green initiatives, including extensive recycling programs and the promotion of renewable energy sources. This dedication to sustainability is mirrored in the lifestyle of its residents, many of whom embrace eco-friendly practices.
In summary, Berkeley, California, is a city that seamlessly blends academic excellence, cultural diversity, historical significance, and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. Its unique character and enduring spirit make it a notable and influential part of the San Francisco Bay Area.
“When the sun is out and the pool is warm,” by Sheldon Greenberg. 48 x 40 in. Oil on canvas. At SLATE contemporary gallery.
SLATE contemporary is an art consultancy firm providing a personalized art collecting service, helping homeowners and businesses select the exact right art for their spaces.
During this process, we get to know you and the architecture of your home, and determine a selection of pieces that will suit your desired feeling, tone, your personal taste, the available light, the present or future interior design, your personal taste, and how you and your family and friends will enjoy the space. Below is a description of the process as it typically unfolds. Of course, options and adaptations are offered to suit each client’s individual circumstances.
These are the steps to the process of choosing art with a consultant: 1) Virtual gallery walk-through: Potential clients are invited first to look through SLATE’s website and let us know what they like, what they definitely don’t like, and what they are ambivalent towards. We are not limited to what’s on the site when we help clients collect, but we like to use our website as a diagnostic tool. This helps us get a sense of our client’s taste and style.
2) Home (or site) visit: We work with clients to identify potential locations for art, we measure the walls, and take photos. During this visit we look at images of artworks together. Sometimes, through this process, we are helping clients to identify or articulate their taste for the first time. Occasionally, when working with a couple, they each have different tastes and that can be very challenging. Sometimes we can find art that has elements that they will both like, sometimes we agree to let each one of them choose one piece, or each choose art for a different room. Sometimes, if those solutions don’t work, the truth is, we can’t help them. Also, for every project, every location, we are making a judgement call. Sometimes it’s a more personal decision, based on how the collector connects emotionally to the artwork. Sometimes it’s more of a design decision. For example, a room that is very neutral in overall tone might be desperate for color. Or if you have a very vibrant, visually-busy space, then the art might need to be quiet to create breathing room. All that said, it can also be nice to throw in a surprise, or chose a piece that creates visual tension, so the design doesn’t feel too predictable. In all of these ways, we are responding to what the space, and the client, needs.
3) Virtual art placement: At this point, we have developed a list of suggested artworks for specific locations, which we share digitally. We may make digital mockups showing artwork in situ, using the photos we took during the home (or site) visit.
4) Feedback: The client indicates their favorite selections.
5) Private viewing: We invite the client to the gallery for a private viewing, to see the potential selections in person. For this appointment, we may be retrieving pieces from our storage, or from the artists themselves. (NOTE: Anyone is welcome to visit SLATE gallery to see the works currently on display. However if there is a specific piece from the website you want to view, in order for us to have it ready for you, you may need to make an appointment.)
6) Short-list selections: We work with the client to further narrow down the list of pieces they want to view in their home.
7) “A man and a van:” We deliver the art to the client’s location — to meet with the client and the pieces in situ, for final decision-making and purchase. (There is a small fee for delivery, which, if the client makes a minimum purchase of $5000, the service fee is waived.) Some clients choose to skip steps 5 and 6, instead having many or all artworks under consideration brought to their home, in one, or repeat visits. We are happy to do this, however additional delivery fees apply.
Bonus tip: Whether to choose art at the start of a design/remodel project or the end Art is often chosen at the end of an interior design project or remodel, once the design and furniture is all in. The advantage of this approach is that we can use art to balance or fine-tune the design.
However, at that point, clients are usually in a hurry to see their project completed, and ideally, building an art collection is not done in a rush. Also, it may be too late, at that point in the process, to adjust window treatments, lighting, or wall color, all of which will have an impact on how the art reads. If you select the art first, you can create an environment for it during your renovation that makes it really sing.
Click this link to read more about Danielle Fox and SLATE on our blog. Learn more about SLATE contemporary at www.slateart.net
Danielle Fox of SLATE contemporary. Photo credit: Lauren Edith
Painting is as much about the process a painter uses as the painter themselves! At Arana Craftsman Painters, we leave little to chance because we follow a tried-and-true set of steps. These crucial steps are our “secret sauce” so to speak and it has allowed us to consistently build a reputation of reliability, exceptional quality and professionalism over the last 20 years.
These are our “4P’s” of a successful project and the key to why people love working with Arana Craftsman Painters!
The steps to exceptional interior and exterior house painting include:
Planning
Pre-Job Walkthrough: Our Production Manager and Estimator will meet with you prior to the scheduled project start date to confirm the start date, scope, sequencing, and colors. Essentially, all expectations are reconfirmed to assure a smooth handoff between our Estimator and our Production Department. Proper communication is the key to exceptional quality and to you having a great painting experience. At this point, when we arrive at your project, our Crew Leader and Crew have a solid plan as to what processes will take place first, and in what areas.
Color Consultation: Arana Craftsman Painters works with top San Francisco Bay Area Color Consultants and on projects needing a consultation, the Consultation is included in our bid. Having colors chosen ahead of time will make your life so much easier. We’ll even put up swatches so you can see the colors in real life and make a final decision.
Staging: We set up a neat and organized area for our equipment, tools, and products, a home base, where we can safely and efficiently manage your project. yelp nextdoor houzz logo group PNG Staffing: In addition to a dedicated Production Manager, every project has a dedicated Crew Leader who works closely with you, our Production Manager, and our office, to assure timely resolution to any challenges that arise, as well as quality control, and sequencing, assuring you have an amazing painting experience!
Protection
Pond Isle Before and During HDR-162530-1 Arana invests heavily in all the correct tools and materials and use quality plastic, drop cloths, paper, and tape to protect the surfaces of your home and environment that are not scheduled to be painted.
Preparation
Paint will not adhere properly without expert preparation of surfaces. Proper preparation is the cornerstone of exceptional quality.
EPA Lead-Safe Firm We sand, scrape, and prime as appropriate to ensure proper adhesion. We contain particulate and dust exposure per Environmental Protection Agency safety standards and Arana Craftsman Painters is an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Contractor. For the safety of everyone involved, painting contractors MUST be EPA Lead-Safe Certified!
After primer is applied, we patch, caulk and fill for aesthetic and in some cases sealing purposes or to prevent water incursion.
Painting!
Five Year Warranty After protecting your home and environment (family, pets, surrounding surfaces, furnishings, valuables, all areas not scheduled for paint); scraping and sanding to remove old layers of paint to help ensure the integrity of your new paint at a standard that meets our 5 Year Warranty; thorough cleaning of the surfaces scheduled for work to remove any contaminants; priming, caulking, and patching; then, we paint!
This article is Part 1 of our 3-Part series on hiring a painting contractor, highlighting what makes Arana stand out among our competitors.
It is because of this detailed and thorough standard of care that Arana continues to be an award-winning top choice of discerning homeowners, interior designers, and general contractors. Contact us to learn more about our process and have an estimator visit your home!
Have a Painting Project You’d Like Us to Look at for You — or Questions!?
A Holiday Gift Guide There is something about a book; a real book that you hold in your hands: the texture of the edges of the pages, the way the words and the spaces between the words comprise a visual pattern as well as communicating ideas. And when included, the beautiful images. Books intended to be appreciated for their beauty, often featuring travel, fashion, art, food…
And then there is the art of displaying books. Interior designers know this intimately. Rare is the room that does not host a stack of books, or a single book, possibly propped up against a sturdy object. Whether on a coffee table or a sofa table, or in a bookcase, or on a shelf, or tucked next to ceramic flour and sugar jars on the kitchen counter, the presence of beautiful books feeds the eyes, heart, and mind. We love to see them, pick them up and hold them, page through them, settle into a cozy chair and escape into them for a while.
So, with the holidays coming, we thought we would ask some of our favorite interior designer colleagues for their current favorite “coffee table” books, that they or you might enjoy actually reading in cozy nooks — and create a gift guide for you, dear readers, this holiday season. In the process, we also collected from them their favorite independent sources for this type of book. Plus, for this article, we are including a few images from their portfolios of beautiful spaces that are the perfect setups for settling in and enjoying books.
Book nook designed by LMB Interiors; built by McCutcheon Construction; painted by Arana
Laura Martin Bovard (lmbinteriors.com):
Sumo unedited “For coffee table books, I adore shopping at Sue Fisher King. I’m not sure if she carries it, but I’m loving SUMO, by Annie Liebovitz.”
Recently released in an XXL edition, SUMO draws on 40 years of the photographer’s work, including photojournalism for Rolling Stone magazine in the 1970s and her trademark, simultaneously quirky and moving conceptual portraits of celebrities for Vanity Fair and Vogue.
Sue Fisher King: 3067 Sacramento St. San Francisco
French-inspired window-seat area in Atherton primary suite, designed by Robineve & Co. Interiors.
Katie Cole (robineveinteriors.com):
“Assouline is my go-to for coffee table books. Each one is special, particularly the oversized editions like this one about Coco Chanel, Chanel: The Impossible Collection, which we’re ordering for a client right now.”
Each book in Assouline’s “The Impossible Collection” series is hand-bound, hand-printed on art-quality paper, and comes in a linen clamshell presentation case. Chanel: The Impossible Collection, by Alexander Fury.
Shop online at: assouline.com
Cozy fireplace for reading beside; living room designed by Laura Eichel
Laura Eichel (lauraeichel.com):
“One of my favorite coffee table books is Ken Fulk’s The Movie in My Mind — available directly from the publisher, Assouline (assouline.com). Ken Fulk is a well-known interior designer based in San Francisco who creates incredible interiors for homes and hotels. He is notorious for his wit, effortless style, and sense of fun, and he brings this energy to every project. This book is a testament to his exquisite taste and prolific creativity.” Eichel’s favorite local spots for in-person browsing: The Gardener and Builders Booksource, both on 4th Street.
The Gardener: 1836 Fourth St, Berkeley
Builders Booksource: 1817 Fourth St, Berkeley
A perfect reading corner for cuddling up with a book; design by Mead Quin
Mead Quin (meadquin.com):
“World’s Finest Homes (from Beta-Plus Publishing) is a beautiful book full of architecture and interior design from all around the world. Each project, elegant, subtle, and inspiring, comes with a brief description and introduction to the responsible firm. The book itself is rather large, making it a fantastic addition to a large coffee table.”
For in-person book perusal and acquisition, Quin recommends: William Stout Architectural Books in Jackson Square, located at 804 Montgomery Street, San Francisco.
Featured image at top, photo credit: Laura Martin Bovard. Pictured: selection of books on shelf at Sue Fisher King
