A fresh coat of paint can completely shift the feeling of a home. It can brighten a room, highlight architectural details or simply make a familiar space feel new again. At Chileen Painting, however, transforming an interior is about more than choosing a color; it begins with careful preparation and craftsmanship designed to last.
Painting has been part of the Chileen family for generations. Greg Chileen founded the current company in the 1990s, but its roots in the painting trade stretch back decades. Today, the family-owned and operated business serves Twin Cities homeowners with painting, restoration, carpentry, wood finishing, patching and other services. Greg personally oversees projects, continuing the hands-on approach that has helped shape the company.
For Greg’s son, Hunter Chileen, that history continues to influence how the team approaches interiors.
“Chileen Painting started from a passion from my grandfather and his brothers,” Hunter says, adding that the process has evolved beyond simply applying a new color. Today, the team takes a more consultative approach that considers durability, quality and the long-term results of a project.
Greg says maintaining the family’s standards for workmanship has remained important as the company has expanded its restoration and carpentry capabilities.
That attention to detail starts before a paint can is opened. Homeowners can prepare by removing small items and fragile décor, but Hunter recommends leaving wall hangers in place if artwork or décor will return to the same spot. Otherwise, painters may assume those holes should be patched.
Color decisions deserve extra time, too. Greg recommends having a general color scheme in mind before work begins or considering a color consultant for guidance. Homeowners may also want to use the planning period to declutter and organize their spaces.
Both Greg and Hunter recommend allowing more time than homeowners might initially expect. Hunter suggests beginning the process at least three to four weeks in advance, particularly to allow time for scheduling, color selection and sampling. The painting itself may take one to two weeks, depending on the size and complexity of the project.
“Communication is really the most important factor to consider,” Greg says. “We strive to make this our number one goal.”
Choosing the right finish is another important part of creating an interior that holds up to everyday life. Flat or matte finishes can work well on ceilings and in lower-traffic spaces, while eggshell and satin provide greater cleanability for busy living areas. Higher-gloss finishes are often suited to kitchens, bathrooms, doors and trim, where durability matters.
When it comes to color, Hunter is seeing homeowners embrace warm, nature-inspired shades, including sage green and soft terracotta. For something more enduring, creamy whites remain a versatile choice that can transition easily as furnishings and décor change.
Minnesota winters are a great time to get interior projects done. Lower winter humidity can help paint dry more quickly, Hunter explains, although maintaining a consistent indoor temperature is important for proper curing. Greg notes that humidity and insulation can affect drying times, with fans and heaters sometimes used as needed.
Ultimately, the finished look depends heavily on what happens beneath the paint. Greg emphasizes priming bare wood, plaster and sheetrock and investing time in quality patchwork or skim coating. Multiple coats may also be necessary, particularly when changing colors.
For Chileen Painting, a successful interior project isn’t simply about how a room looks when the work is finished. It is about creating a polished, durable foundation homeowners can enjoy for years – and carrying a family tradition of craftsmanship into the next generation.
612-850-0325 | chileen.com