The previous color combination of interior painting at the International Studies Building (ISB) atrium, entryway, and main stairwell is either pink or mauve – a color combination popular in 1990, when ground was first broken there.

But now, after the F&S painters finished up, the space is a little more welcoming to Illinois specifically, with new orange and blue tactfully chosen to accent the space, including floors, a staircase, and walls. They used a lift and scaffolding to reach everywhere they needed, using 2024 winter break to accomplish much of the work.

More than many other projects, though, they needed time to get it done: the intricate spindle design required more attention to detail than many other campus stairs.

“The handrail and the stairs was difficult just because of how elaborate it is compared to a regular handrail. The spindle was on them, instead of just straight up and down, they have like hooks and loops and circles on all of them so they’ve got a little bit more than just ‘regular’ painting. It takes a little bit of extra time,” said Kevin Westray, painters foreperson.

The color combination would already be popular, but new Brand Standards have highlighted more attention to facilities regarding color.

“The blues we use a lot,” said Westray. “A lot of people want that as an accent wall.” He said orange is used more sparingly, but sometimes for a statement piece, like small Block I tables that can be found at Mumford Hall.

Painters

F&S painters provide full-service painting for interior/exterior walls, doors, and windows. Additional services include the application of stains/finishes for all casing and cabinetry work made by the mill workers, drywall repair in general-use areas, wallpapering, and graffiti removal. Painters also perform wall washing and the street marking of roads, crosswalks, and parking lots.

The Mill Shop contributed their expertise in a new welcoming desk in the space.