Happy Spring from ABD!

The spring issue of ABD's newsletter is focusing on painting and color changes, and ultimately (eve though people may not realize it) color changes reflect our mental as well as physical environment.

It seems so appropriate to discuss this topic because of what we are seeing happening around us. The greatest Painter of all, God, is changing the painted picture around us with red & pink tulips, yellow daffodils, blue & purple hyacinths, white & pink on blooming trees, and green grass & leaves on the trees! Isn't this colorful change refreshing!

ABD would be honored to be of service to you in creating a refreshing change in your life through color. As professional Designers what we seek most is and emotional response to color. Often we find reasons for the trends we see, and then there is just that gut feeling. In the end it is finding balance between the brain and heart - helping select the right colors just for you!

Please contact our Interior Designers to help you select paint colors for the interior or exterior face lift of your home or office; and if you are not aware, our own professional staff of painters will apply those colors to your world.

Did you know?
Color in the Home and Workplace

Did you know that the color trends are actually determined by "committee"? The Color Marketing Group, an international assembly of design and color professionals, and The Color Association U.S.'s perspective on fashion and color trends contribute and influence what colors we will be seeing, wearing, even driving.

The wave of change is evident when we look back over the last several decades. The earth tones and flower-power of the 70's, the glitz and glamour of the 80's, the techno-hip and celebrity cult in the 90's. Most color forecasters agree that the media, celebrities, world events, art, and even technology influence the colors we see in fashion and interiors.

Think color choices. As designers we think seriously about colors with durable appeal to create an interior and/or exterior aesthetics that will remain attractive and timeless. There are four general categories:

Light Infused Neutrals - think of camel's hair, sandstone, golden wheat, parchment, and ivory. These warm, natural tones allow us to blend, pull light into the space, and add volume.

Colorful Colors - we are seeing more interest in primary colors, particularly reds. Clean, clear blues remind us of the serenity of water. While pure yellow can be difficult to use, golden yellows and paler yellows influence and compliment. And yet we still need the secondary colors of delicious oranges, vivid greens, and androgynous purples.

Sophisticated Darks - black tie, dress blues, chocolate truffles. Who can resist the allure of these sophisticated dark colors? They can be formal and serious without being stuffy or too somber. These colors you can trust to withstand the passage of time. Some may be a bit weathered like charcoal gray or patina metals. We need their stability and time-tested strength.

Colored Neutrals - Is that an oxymoron? Not really. Muted olives, terra cotta pottery, tree bark, river rock. These are the colors that remind us most of our humanity because of nature.

Think of the same names we've just used to describe a color - did you visualize the color through names? We are seeing color names such as Nemo - that would be orange. Parakeet - that would be a soft blue. Titanium - that is a mid tone gray.

Creating the right color for your home is essential. Surrounding you with what feels good to you is critical to your well being. Commercial interiors - offices, schools, hospitals, hotels, and public space have longer life cycles and durability to consider, not to mention the physical and mental impact of employees, customers, and the life safety of the public.

What may be fun for us Designers and Painters may be a challenge for you. Please allow us to help you with your color needs. Let us make life easier on you by assisting in selecting and applying paint colors - doing the work for you!

You've read our previous newsletter articles about CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist) which Bob & Rita Peterson have been educated, tested, and are Specialists. We are hopeful that you understand that even though this particular training is named 'Aging', it is not a generational design. Our expertise can be geared to designing a home for a handicap child, or what if your teenager breaks his/her leg and is disabled for while? It is 'universal'. You probably would not even notice a home that is designed to meet the needs of some level of disability. Our design is discreet, strategically placed, and the design is adaptable when and if you may need to convert your home to ADA (American Disability Act) standards.

There are interior finishes we can help you consider such as flooring - a non slip tile or low-pile, low-maintenance carpet. If you lean towards green design, there's a cork flooring that is naturally cushioned and is consistent making it easy to stand on, and safe for a walker or wheelchair passage. A universally designed bath shower accommodates a bench on which to sit, or large enough for a wheelchair. Windows are crank operated and door handles and faucets have lever handles which are much easier to grip.

Visually paint colors are critical to the aging eye as well as to a visually handicap child or adult. Proper lighting remains important for all ages.

from Bob's Desk

Spring is finally here! Hurray! This time of year is normally when we all think about fixing and cleaning things around our homes and offices. Most people know ABD as a company that does remodel and renovation work. That is correct, however, I'd like to introduce you to all of the other great services we have to offer.

You already know we can take your remodel project from start to finish including needed architectural drawings, but did you know we can do the following?

• Architectural Design
• Interior Design, including space planning, interior selections, furniture, finishes, and even through and including window coverings and accessories
• Custom Homes or Light Commercial buildings from start to finish. Painting - Interior and exterior
• Small Handyman Projects - you know those things that never seem to get done and crossed off the list.

Please call us for any of the above. Our professional, experienced staff in whichever category will be responsive and caring in completing your needs.

Finally, I'd like to take this opportunity to personally thank all of those clients who support ABD. Without our clients, we are just another company struggling to stay afloat. Thanks! Also, a thanks to all the professional craftsmen, who work with us as team members at ABD to make sure our clientele is treated with top service, exceptional quality and the best value we can give.

Sincerely, Bob Peterson

Having Joined ABD team recently

Tina Gentili, Production Coordinator

Tina received her Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design with a minor in Construction Management from Colorado State University. She has worked in the Design /Build Industry for most of her life.

Wendy Jones, Accountant

Wendy has 14 years experience in the ac counting field working for the construction industry and attended Arizona State University

Jan Hamsher,
Receptionist/Admin. Assistant

Jan has lived in Colorado since 1980. Jan brings 30 years of reception and customer service experience to ABD.

Robert Keane, Sales

A recent transplant from Northern California, Robert brings over 25 years of design and construction experience to ABD.

Gary Kinney, Lead Carpenter

Gary moved to Ft. Collins in the late 70's and worked in the Red Feather Lakes area as a carpenter building custom homes for Fox Acres Country Club. He has over 25 years experience in the construction field and has owned his own business.

Ron Richardson, Lead Carpenter

Ron moved to Colorado in 1971, completed his carpenter's apprenticeship and received his Journeyman's card in 1975. Ron has 34 years of experience in the construction industry.