Hi, I’m Russel Pierce. A Stroke of Color is my story of growth and creativity. For years, I ran a painting company that served homes and businesses in my local community. I loved the work. I had an eye for choosing colors—especially unexpected ones—that could totally transform a space. But over time, working with so many contractors, I realized my interests extended far beyond paint.
I noticed that so many other factors played into creating a great space. The lighting, the layout, the efficiency of the systems behind the walls—it all mattered. I began asking questions, learning from other tradespeople, and learning as much as I could about home improvement. That curiosity eventually led me to create this blog.
Where It All Began
When I first launched A Stroke of Color, it was all about paint. I took pride in making homes and offices look fresh. But as I worked on more projects, I realized I was drawn to the bigger picture.
I found myself chatting with electricians about the perfect placement for lighting, brainstorming with homeowners about smart home upgrades, and recommending ways they could make their spaces more energy-efficient. I realized I didn’t just want to paint walls. I wanted to help people create spaces that they loved to be in. Spaces that were beautiful, functional, and safe.
I still remember one of the jobs that planted the seed for me. It was a big project—painting the interior of a family’s home during a major renovation. The homeowner Lisa was excited about picking bold colors for the walls. But halfway through the job, she pulled me aside with a worried look on her face.
“We’re thinking about adding recessed lighting in the living room,” she said, “but the electrician says we need to upgrade the panel. Does that sound right to you?”
I really didn’t have a clue back then. But I wanted to help, so I started researching and asking questions. By the end of that job, I’d learned about the connection between lighting, wiring, and power capacity, and it fascinated me. I started paying more attention to those technical details on every job after that.
That project stuck with me because it was the moment I realized I wanted to know more than just how to make walls look great. I wanted to understand everything that makes a space “work.”
The New Vision
So A Stroke of Color evolved into what it is today: a resource for homeowners and businesses who want to transform their spaces. While I’ve traded in my paintbrush for a laptop, my passion for quality and creativity hasn’t changed.
This site is where I share what I’ve learned over the years. I share tips and advice on topics like painting, interior design, lighting, remodeling, and even energy efficiency. A lot of people think you need to get a degree or pay thousands for an interior designer to put together a space they love. But that’s not the case! My goal is to make home improvement approachable and to help you create a home you truly love.
Why “A Stroke of Color” Still Fits
The name may come from my painting days, but it still reflects what this site is all about: adding that finishing touch that makes a space feel complete.
Join the Journey
Hopefully after spending some time here, you’ll feel ready to confidently take on projects. Or at the very least, you’ll get some good ideas as a starting point.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you find the inspiration you need to turn your home into something extraordinary!
—Russel Pierce