Disguising Air Returns With Paint! + A Giveaway!

This post is sponsored by FilterEasy, an unforgettable air filters service we've used for the past year that’s smart and simple. We're giving away free filters to 150 readers + a chance to win a Target gift card at the end of the post.

We've had the downstairs painted for a couple months, but I haven't talked about the paint colors we used down there yet. We really wanted the room to feel light and bright, so 3 out of the 4 walls were painted Simple White by Benjamin Moore color matched to Valspar Reserve paint. However, one wall in particular had a few issues that painting white could have the opposite effect.

That wall was farthest from the only window down here. It also had a dropped ceiling that was filled with duct work and our two air returns for our home. It already felt dark, adding recessed lights to the dropped ceiling like we did in the rest of the space wasn't possible, and I really just wanted those air returns to disappear! I asked on Instagram, only in jest, if we really needed those air returns. But of course we do! Not only do we need them, but we needed easy access to them (ie. blocking them is not an option) since we change our filters every 3 months. We came up with the solution to paint that wall (that extends into the hallway) and the vents a really dark warm black with green undertones; Vintage Frame by Valspar for Ace in a matte finish.

We actually painted it before the carpet went in, but we never had time to do touch ups after we sprayed the built-ins white (there was some overspray), so I snapped a few pictures of painting in action this past weekend.

This is a paint color that I really want to try in a place that gets lots of natural light because it's so beautiful with lots of depth and warmth. As usual, Chris rolled and I touched up above the baseboards and the vents. When I initially painted the vent covers, I took them completely off (they easily unlatch) and rested them on a couple of paint cans so they could dry without becoming stuck to anything. I used my same old brush I always do and it took about 3 thin coats for them to be evenly covered.

The vents were the number 1 reason we decided to go dark on this wall. While looking at them pre-painting, I realized the dark slats are never going to be light. So, the only way to camouflage them would be to make everything dark.

(Mouse over photo for sources)

It worked! Obviously the room isn't complete, and we'd still like to hang Chris's guitars on that wall to the right of the piano, which I think will only disguise them more. It's always amazing how paint can transform a room.

Like I said earlier, we change our filters every 3 months like clockwork thanks to an air filter subscription service we signed up for over a year ago called FilterEasy. Before signing up, we would be lucky if we remembered to change our filters twice a year (which is the national average) but now our filters come right to our door and I can change them myself in less than 2 minutes.

After a large renovation project like this one we're wrapping up, our old filter (on the right) is always especially bad. Bleh! FilterEasy stores our home's filter size in their system so I never have to remember what size we need, but it seems like the service itself keeps getting better, too! For instance, since we've signed up, their prices have actually gone down due to growth. Love that!

One more before and progress shot:

Today, FilterEasy is giving away free air filters to the first 150 CLJ readers!

To enter, click here and enter your email address. Choose which filter size* your home needs. The promo code will automatically be applied to the first 150 readers. Sign up for the service and get your first shipment completely FREE! From our own experience, FilterEasy is extremely hassle free. You can modify or cancel anytime, no problem.

*FilterEasy offers just about any and every size filter, but if you're having trouble finding your size, simply email [email protected] with the size you need, mention Chris Loves Julia and you can still get your first order FREE!

Entering your email will not only get you free filters (plus free shipping!), but we're also giving away a $250 Target gift card to one lucky reader! Go, go, go! Giveaway ends 4/16/16. Take luck!