The Character of Spaces
A home’s surfaces give personality to the spaces we inhabit. Christian Martin, of CJ Painting, offers a full range of painting services and prides himself most on crafting unique solutions to aesthetic visions that many deem impossible. As both a fabricator and installer, Nelson Tile and Stone maintains deep expertise and knowledge of all of their materials and offers fine-tuned, expedient solutions to each of their clients. Revient Reclaimed Wood serves up one-of-a-kind reclaimed wood, rich in history and beauty, and offers each of their clients the unique expressions they seek in their homes. Western Home Journal introduces three surface professionals whose expertise help bring character to your space.
CJ Painting
Creativity & Integrity
Christian Martin, founder of CJ Painting, lives and breathes honesty and accountability. CJ Painting is a family-run business, built from the ground up, and everything Martin does—from the people he hires, to the jobs he works on—stems from the strong sense of integrity he lives by. Having always gravitated to the creative side of painting, Martin applies this in his work by frequently bringing to life creative finishes that many deem impossible.
Martin shares the origin story of CJ Painting in the late 1990s. “After a year of working for another painting company, I wanted to see what I could do on my own. I’ve always loved pottery and painting, and I loved working on cars with my dad when I was young, which I continue to do with him and now with my son as well. Things like custom glazing are my forte, but I pride myself on being able to do it all, especially for bigger projects,” notes Martin. Building his business from scratch, Martin founded CJ Painting on hard work and drive. “I didn’t have a lot of capital. I did it backwards compared to most people; I worked small jobs and made the money, then bought my van, then hired my team,” he continues.
From the baseline of hard work and honesty, everything else follows. “I’m an old-school country boy. I believe in working hard, being good to others, and things will come around. Those are the guys I like to hire, too,” shares Martin. Martin reckons that having CJ Painting on your job site is like quality-control insurance. “We’re all knowledgeable in construction. We won’t just paint over an issue when we see it. We’re kind of like having quality insurance in that way. We often catch other stuff going on in the building process and fix it,” he continues. No matter the size of the project, it receives the same level of care. “We treat every home like our own,” notes Martin.
“I’m an old-school country boy. I believe in working hard, being good to others.”
–Christian Martin, Founder, CJ Painting
The custom projects are exactly what Martin loves most. “I call our team ‘solution men;’ we come up with the solutions that other guys can’t. Clients often giggle when they give an exceptionally challenging idea to me; they know it keeps me going. I love that. I love getting through those kinds of things. If I wasn’t passionate about the hard things, I would have surely quit a long time ago,” shares Martin. Working with both the clients and their interior designers, Martin talks about how the designer often will come up with an idea and then it’s his job to make it happen. “A lot of other painting companies don’t do that, because it takes too long. I love that stuff,” he continues.
Many of the finishes CJ Painting accomplishes can take days to produce. For this reason, he starts the design process early, including offering many samples, and beginning before construction even starts. “When I meet with clients, we talk about what they want. I need to be able to see and feel their vision, so I can go out and make it; I only start working on it once we have that same vision. Being able to take something from a picture and turn it into the vision they’re looking for, I love that about this job,” he shares.
Martin shares the challenges and excitement of things like making a painted surface look like wood, or finishing wood so that it looks like it’s never been finished. “I trained with old-school guys. Using the techniques I learned from them—latex colorings and glazing—I’m able to make painted surfaces look like they are actual wood grain. They call me ‘the stain Jedi!’” he shares excitedly.
“We’re all knowledgeable in construction. We won’t just paint over an issue when we see it. We’re kind of like having quality insurance in that way. We often catch other stuff going on in the building process and fix it.”
–Christian Martin, Founder, CJ Painting
In the case of finishing the wood to make it look unfinished, Martin shares the complexity of this process wherein the end result is a simple look. “A client of ours has some custom woodwork, rustic white oak, that they want to look like it has never been finished. They want it to look dry and old, but you need a clear coat for protection and longevity, and any time you put a clear coat on wood, that gives it the wet look. So, I figured it out. I took the wood, cranked up my music, took all the stains and things I’ve used over the years, and at the end of the day, after applying six or seven stages, I was able to keep the color the same, and clear coat and have it look like dry and natural wood!” he explains.
Martin finds today’s popular trends—mixing rustic and barn wood styles with clean and contemporary looks—another fun challenge. “Where people want barn wood adjacent to flat surfaces, the rough surfaces need to stay rough and treated, but next to it clean and modern and light. Figuring out how to make those go together is really fun,” he notes.
Another recent project elucidates the artistic nature Martin brings to his work. These creative elements are where he thrives and where the home achieves its own one-of-a-kind flair. “For a mantle I worked on recently, I came up with some really cool glazing work. When completed, they asked me to sign the bottom of it. That’s the kind of artistic touch I go for. Utilitarian painting becomes a work of art,” he continues.
Honest, hard work is the foundation of Martin’s expansive creativity. He compounds that with a humble gratitude for the work he enjoys and the people he gets to work with. “I love coming up with creative solutions for people. They give me an idea, which most of the time is impossible, and I figure out a way to do it,” he notes.
“I trained with old-school guys. Using the techniques I learned from them—latex colorings and glazing—I’m able to make painted surfaces look like they are actual wood grain. They call me ‘the stain Jedi!’”
–Christian Martin, Founder, CJ Painting
Martin doesn’t take anything lightly, and he is especially aware of the responsibility and possibility in being part of the team on someone’s dream home. “For 90% of people, they’ve been planning this home for a long time in their lives. It is an honor to get to be part of this process with them,” he shares of what inspires him in his work. With this humble gratitude for the work they do, Martin and CJ Painting bring an upstanding work ethic and exceptional creativity to each of their projects, regularly turning the impossible into reality for their clients.
Nelson Tile and Stone
Full-Service Surfaces
Nelson Tile and Stone brings care and expertise to every stage of countertop and surfacing projects. Jennifer Boles, Director of Sales at Nelson Tile and Stone, shares how their approach as both fabricators and installers provides ultimate quality. “Because we’re also a fabricator, and not just selling the material, we have an intimate knowledge of what we’re working with. We know that your countertop isn’t complete until everything related to it is complete. We pride ourselves in doing a complete job in a timely manner,” shares Boles. Nelson Tile and Stone minimizes life interruption and offers knowledgeable service as well as the latest innovations on the market.
Whereas kitchen projects are typically known for their lingering loose ends, Nelson Tile and Stone takes pride in frequently offering job completion in a single day. “We often tell our clients, ‘We’ll demo your job in the morning, install the counter, put the plumbing back in the afternoon, and you’ll be back cooking for dinner,’” notes Boles.
Nelson Tile and Stone operates expediently through remote preparation of the materials. “In the preparation phase, we use a laser to get exact measurements in the kitchen, and then use that for precise fabrication in our shop. You don’t even need to have your counter cleared off for us to take measurements! You can have your kitchen running until the day the new one is ready for installation,” explains Boles.
“Because we’re also a fabricator, and not just selling the material, we have an intimate knowledge of what we’re working with.”
–Jennifer Boles, Director of Sales, Nelson Tile and Stone
While speed and convenience are implicit in working with Nelson Tile and Stone, their range of expertise offers the key to unlocking the right fit—functionally, financially, and aesthetically. The myriad of options for countertops, from composites to traditional natural materials, can be overwhelming; Nelson Tile and Stone’s knowledgeable staff give their clients the information that they need to make the right selection for their home based on the strengths and weaknesses of different materials.
Boles shares some of the characteristics of the materials that are currently popular. She finds porcelain especially prominent, noting that the high number of manufacturers offering it is an indicator of its rise on the market. “What’s different about porcelain, as opposed to a typical countertop material, is that through the screen-printing process, you can impose the look of anything—wood, concrete, or marble—on the tile slab,” shares Boles. Being much lighter than alternative materials, porcelain is becoming popular for many commercial and residential applications. “We had one client who shared a photo of a huge hanging stone on the wall that he liked and wanted to copy it. After determining that stone like that would be structurally impossible to do, we realized he was actually looking at porcelain that someone had made to look like stone. As a porcelain piece, this was super easy, and totally ‘real’ looking. We’re seeing that a lot—people wanting the natural stone look in places that would be hard with heavier materials, and we’re able to achieve that with porcelain,” continues Boles.
“LVT, (luxury vinyl tile) has limestone in it and is super strong and scratch-resistant while looking stunning.”
–Jennifer Boles, Director of Sales, Nelson Tile and Stone
LVT (luxury vinyl tile) flooring has also become increasingly popular. “Where historically we’ve had wood, and then laminate, this material, LVT, has limestone in it and is super strong and scratch-resistant while looking stunning. We’re seeing people, even in high-budget homes, selecting LVT over wood because of these characteristics,” notes Boles.
Boles explains some of the toss-ups when considering a “real” material or one that imitates it. “Marble is a very soft stone and even lemon and wine can etch it, so that’s where porcelain can be a good alternative for a countertop. On the other hand, people have been convinced to steer away from natural stone because it needs the maintenance of sealing. This is a myth. Many stone cleaning agents actually include a sealant, so for counters that you’re cleaning often, they can naturally stay sealed over time. LVT is great at imitating wood, with a stronger performance, but it doesn’t do well in place of tile; when you’re looking for that grout look, classic tile is the best,” explains Boles.
When selecting for external spaces, material understanding is especially crucial. “Quartz’s composition includes a lot of glue and resin. These are affected by UV light, yellowing with exposure. Similarly, granite, while beautiful, inherently can have small fissures in it, so when exposed to water and freeze thaw cycles, it is not particularly reliable,” explains Boles. She sees porcelain as a great solution in exterior applications where water, hot and cold temperatures, and sun exposure are more common. “Because of its high heat tolerance, porcelain is an awesome option when designing spaces adjacent to an outdoor barbecue,” she continues.
“In the preparation phase, we use a laser to get exact measurements in the kitchen, and then use that for precise fabrication in our shop.”
–Jennifer Boles, Director of Sales, Nelson Tile and Stone
Whether designing your dream patio or renovating your kitchen, Nelson Tile and Stone brings their expertise and expedient follow-through to every step of the process. As one of few companies to actually make countertops as well as install them, Nelson Tile and Stone’s depth of knowledge offers exceptional design solutions and service.
Revient Reclaimed Wood
Multidimensional Beauty
Reclaimed wood offers a wonderful avenue to elevate the architectural surfaces in a project from ordinary to remarkable. In French, “revenir,” the infinitive of “revient,” means “to come back, to return.” True to its namesake, Revient Reclaimed Wood returns American-sourced, repurposed wood to commercial and residential projects. As a boutique firm with a national scope, Revient has flexibility in the materials they source and the products they offer. By sourcing antique wood, Revient plays an essential role in preserving this beautiful natural resource and through their supply chain, they create jobs and economic opportunity in economically deprived areas.
“Ever since our first purchase of 124 semi-truck loads of antique wood, every day has been an exciting adventure. We developed our company from the basis of that large inventory, and have continued to grow from there.”
–Allison Hall, Co-Founder, Revient Reclaimed Wood
Revient’s origin story is as rich as the products they sell. Allison Hall, co-founder of Revient Reclaimed Wood, shares the fortuitous events that created the expansive business that exists today. “I met Jim Shepherd many years ago at a solar conference and we were both interested in starting a new sustainable business. There was an instant synergy between Jim’s 50+ years of experience and my drive towards entrepreneurship. This synergy has been a basis for our steady growth and propelled us into wonderful business-to-business relationships across the country,” shares Hall. “Ever since our first purchase of 124 semi-truck loads of antique wood, every day has been an exciting adventure. We developed our company from the basis of that large inventory, and have continued to grow from there,” Hall continues.
Revient found their calling among the growing movement towards sustainable building practices and American-made products with a connection to the land. Offering milled solid wood flooring, engineered wood flooring, ceiling and wall cladding, exterior siding packages, timber packages, and more is the basis of Revient’s business today. They pride themselves on being a ‘one-stop-shop’ where almost every surface in a home can be procured. “Architects, contractors, and homeowners want interesting, different, and unique options for the finishes in their projects. At Revient, we can supply all of those options when it comes to wood,” notes Hall. After a few years, Revient expanded the company with Allison’s move to Bend, bringing these stunning products to a broader range of clients across the nation.
Revient’s national presence maximizes their access to historical wood, allowing them to be responsive to many design possibilities. “The East is where the diverse, old-growth hardwood forests are, where the oldest barns are, and where the industrial boom was. We have a deep inventory of old-growth heart pine, a wide variety of oaks and other hardwoods including maple, beech, birch, walnut, and cherry, and some species that are now extinct, like American wormy chestnut. This diversity of our species sets us apart,” notes Hall. “Because of our diverse species, deep resupply channels, and our ability to custom-mill, we are responsive to the architects’ specifications,” continues Hall. Revient offers an in-depth sampling process for each project. They strive to find the perfect solution to what is feasible for each client’s budget, functional needs, and design aesthetics. “Our ultimate goal is that everyone we work with ends up with something unique; the rich story is a bonus,” shares Hall.
Much of Revient’s inventory is sourced from historically significant buildings. “We procure material from whiskey distilleries, tobacco warehouses, cotton mills, and other Industrial Age factories that are no longer in service and cannot be repurposed. We also source wood from barns scattered throughout the country, and often work with the Mennonite and Amish networks in the Ohio River valley. We get calls every day from folks hoping to see the legacy of their family barn salvaged since their land is no longer a working farm,” notes Hall. Beyond antique wood, Revient is also a supplier of sustainably sourced new wood products such as prefinished engineered wide-plank white oak flooring and Douglas Fir timbers.
“Antique wood is truly unique compared to its new growth alter-natives because of its favorable and natural growing conditions…”
–Allison Hall, Co-Founder, Revient Reclaimed Wood
Reclaiming wood preserves this beautiful resource and keeps great material in circulation. Every timber sold saves a tree from being cut. Hall goes on to explain the innate strengths of historic wood: “Antique wood is truly unique compared to its new growth alternatives because of its favorable and natural growing conditions. Better structural integrity, durability, old-growth grain patterns and unmatched patina are all characteristics nearly impossible to replicate.”
This manner of recycling is a pledge to the environment and also a boon to the economy due to the care that reharvesting entails. “The act of reclaiming wood is tedious because it is labor-intensive and requires great attention to detail. It begins with the deconstruction crews carefully dismantling the building board by board, and painstakingly removing all metal hardware. Our facility takes multiple steps to get the material prepared for reuse. This includes treating it for insects, defecting out undesirable portions, and milling profiles in the material to meet modern installation standards. It’s a win-win. The wood gets reused, kept out of landfill, the buyer gets a truly unique architectural surface, and the process creates hands-on jobs,” continues Hall.
Revient is currently working on a project to move a historic cabin across the country to be a core element of a new estate. “This old cabin had to get taken down because they were widening the highway. Revient purchased it for its beautiful and original hand-hewn, dovetailed logs and the architect on this estate incorporated the structure into a new project on the bank of Lake Coeur D’Alene. Our crew numbered the logs before they were dismantled so the cabin could be re-erected. The home is rooted in history and character while having the comfort of a modern estate,” explains Hall.
“Another fun project was reclaiming wood from one of Thomas Edison’s warehouses and re-milling the flooring for a big commercial project. Now, anyone who shops in that store is walking on the same floors that Thomas Edison walked on!” notes Hall.
Whatever the driving purpose for using reclaimed wood, Revient offers an incredibly diverse inventory with rich history in every piece to serve the custom needs of any scope. From coast to coast, Revient Reclaimed Wood delivers the beautiful, sustainable, and unique possibilities in flooring, interior and exterior siding, and timber that only reclaimed wood can offer.
“Better structural integrity, durability, old-growth grain patterns & unmatched patina are all characteristics nearly impossible to replicate.”
–Allison Hall, Co-Founder, Revient Reclaimed Wood
