--- title: "Garman Painting Custom Decorating — Woodworkers & Carpenters | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/woodworkers-and-carpenters/garman-painting-custom-decorating-pfvwus-pf~815062135 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~815062135.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Garman Painting Custom Decorating" category: ["Woodworkers & Carpenters"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/7823fdce04fc848f_2936-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Forest Park, Illinois 60130, United States" latitude: 41.8744 longitude: -87.8106 phone: "(708) 218-6009" website: http://www.Garmanpainting.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 26 best_of_houzz_awards: 6 followers: 32 last_updated: 2026-09-12 --- # Garman Painting Custom Decorating Original Houzz profile: [Garman Painting Custom Decorating](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/woodworkers-and-carpenters/garman-painting-custom-decorating-pfvwus-pf~815062135) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Woodworkers & Carpenters - **Location:** Forest Park, IL - **Serves:** Chicago, Naperville, Evanston, Schaumburg, Palatine, Des Plaines, Oak Lawn, Berwyn, Oak Park, Glenview, Elmhurst, Park Ridge, Addison, Northbrook, Elk Grove Village, Niles, Westmont, Villa Park, Darien, Brookfield, Bensenville, Bellwood, Franklin Park, Hinsdale, Westchester, La Grange, Norridge, Forest Park, Wood Dale, Western Springs, La Grange Park, Lincolnwood, Northlake, River Forest, Schiller Park, Lyons, River Grove, Riverside, Oak Brook, North Riverside, Countryside, West Loop - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (26 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2016–2021), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Free estimate - 26 years in business "Mike with Garman Painting Custom Decorating is one of the BEST cabinet refinishers I've ever had the pleasure of working with through Angie's List, Houzz ...or anyone! Mike was so friendly, fair, detail oriented and reasonable given the nature and quality of the work. Truly a gem! " - Karen H. Skokie, Illinois Award winning GARMAN PAINTING offers an array of services to meet all your residential painting, woodworking and custom refinishing needs. Large jobs or small, we'll always have you covered Craftsmanship. Since 1997 • Visa - Mastercard - Apple Pay - GPay - American - Express - Discover • Call Today for Your Estimate (708) 218 6009 Best of Houzz 2021 ### Services Provided - Carpentry - Custom Built-ins - Finish Carpentry - Interior Door Installation - Custom Cabinets - Cabinet Installation - Custom Furniture - Baseboard Installation - Crown Molding Installation - Custom Bookcases - Custom Entertainment Centers - Custom Fireplace Mantels - Custom Kitchen Cabinets - Custom Shelving - Trim Work - Cabinet Refacing - Custom Molding - Wainscoting - Custom Storage - Custom Cabinet Doors - Custom Millwork - Cabinet Painting - Cabinet Refinishing - Custom Framing - Wood Finishing - Color Consulting - Exterior Painting - Faux Painting - House painting - Interior Painting - Kitchen cabinet painting - Kitchen cabinet refinishing - Wallpaper Installation - Wood refinishing - Wood staining ### Areas Served - Chicago - Naperville - Evanston - Schaumburg - Palatine - Des Plaines - Oak Lawn - Berwyn - Oak Park - Glenview - Elmhurst - Park Ridge - Addison - Northbrook - Elk Grove Village - Niles - Westmont - Villa Park - Darien - Brookfield - Bensenville - Bellwood - Franklin Park - Hinsdale - Westchester - La Grange - Norridge - Forest Park - Wood Dale - Western Springs - La Grange Park - Lincolnwood - Northlake - River Forest - Schiller Park - Lyons - River Grove - Riverside - Oak Brook - North Riverside - Countryside - West Loop ### Typical Job Cost $500 - 18,500 Since 1997 Garman Painting Custom Decorating has combined the industry's best paints with a passion for detail From Oak Park to Elmhurst and from River Forest to Evanston, we assure the highest quality residential Painting & Woodworking service around Call today for your estimate 708-218-6009 • Visa - Mastercard - Apple Pay - GPay - American - Express - Discover • ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Garman Painting Custom Decorating | | Address | Forest Park, Illinois 60130, United States | | Phone | (708) 218-6009 | | Website | http://www.Garmanpainting.com | | License Number | ILLINOIS 20100700 | | Followers on Houzz | 32 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/garmanpainting/ - X (Twitter) — https://www.instagram.com/garmanpainting/ - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-garman-6856389/ - Blog — https://garmanpainting.com ## Offers Free Estimates for the Holidays!!! _Contact Us Today!_ (valid through Dec. 2017) ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Garman Painting Custom Decorating](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/woodworkers-and-carpenters/garman-painting-custom-decorating-pfvwus-pf~815062135) - **Website:** http://www.Garmanpainting.com - **Phone:** (708) 218-6009 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Best of Houzz: 'SERVICE' 2021, 2020, 2019,2018, 2017, 2016, Angie's List 'Super Service' Award Winner 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2016–2021), for Service. **Affiliations** - [Cabinet Makers Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/cabinet-makers-association-pfvwus-pf~126783572) - [AIA Chicago](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-chicago-pfvwus-pf~437317530) - [Painting & Decorating Contractors of America](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/painting-and-decorating-contractors-of-america-pfvwus-pf~346354213) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 26 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Margaret Zak, Oct. 2020** > It is with pleasure that I write a review of the work of Garman Painting Custom Decorating. Michael's meticulous attention to detail is notable in his painting as well as his prep work - taping areas, sanding, and using drop cloths. He inspects his work for possible touchups. Clean up is performed at the end of each day. I have engaged Garman Painting three times for exterior and interior work and would heartedly recommend him. **★★★★★ — nataliegwenzebrahen, Oct. 2020** > Mike is simply the best - does excellent prep work, paints well, efficient with his time, clean, keeps his word. **Comment from Garman Painting Custom Decorating:** > Thank you very much. I look forward to working with you again! **★★★★★ — Carl DeSanti, Oct. 2019** > Mike is a true artisan/craftsman. His work is impeccable. His attention to detail, cleanliness, care of my furnishings and household items I believe is unmatched. Mike’s work is flawless. I paid exactly what I expected to pay at the conclusion of the job, and the price was very fair. I will definitely have him back in the future. He is now my painter of choice. And in addition, he is a very nice guy and a true gentleman. Hire this man! You won’t be disappointed. **Comment from Garman Painting Custom Decorating:** > Thank you, Carl. It was my pleasure to have been able to work in your home. It's a lovely space. > Please call again! > Mike G. **★★★★★ — Tracey Schroeder, Aug. 2019** > We are extremely pleased with the exterior paint job that Mike did for us. He is the consummate professional. His bid turnaround was quick and thorough, and he reviewed it in detail with us to ensure our questions and concerns were addressed. Mike showed up every day promptly, kept a clean working environment, and put everything away at the end of the day. He did not damage a single plant nor spill a drop of paint. Amazing attention to detail! We live next to an art league, and several members commented on what an extraordinary job he did. We highly recommend Mike if you are considering an exterior or interior paint project. **Comment from Garman Painting Custom Decorating:** > Hi Tracey, > It was great pleasure to have been able to work on the exterior of your home. I appreciate your most kind sentiments, and hope to be able to work with you and Tom in the near future. Ps. Love the picture! > Kindest regards- > Mike Garman **★★★★★ — Jane Henke, April 2019** > We had Garman Painting prep and paint a sunroom and back hall stairway and could not be happier. From the time of the estimate and through the days of the project, Mike was thoroughly professional, courteous, informative, tidy and a genuinely nice person! We will definitely be hiring Mike and Garman Painting for our upcoming projects. It's so nice to know there is a reliable, friendly contractor out there who does quality work! Thank you, Mike! **Comment from Garman Painting Custom Decorating:** > Hi Jane, > Thank you for sharing your kind thoughts about my business. > It is greatly appreciated. > Please call again should you have any other decorating or woodworking needs. > Kind regards! > Mike Garman > garmanpainting.com **★★★★★ — Sangeetha Madhavan, Oct. 2018** > We hired Garmin Painting to paint our kitchen cabinets. And the result was wonderful. We are very happy with the finished job. Mike is a professional through and through. The job was completed in a timely manner. The quality of painting is excellent. **Comment from Garman Painting Custom Decorating:** > Thank you, Sangeetha; the pleasure was mine. Please call again. > Mike Garman **★★★★★ — Veronica Avalos, July 2018** > If your family is like my family, sometimes you put off a project because the scope seems daunting or you just don't know where to go with the work. Garman painting is the kind of service provider that has us looking for more projects now because we know we've got it covered by the best. Not only would we recommend Michael and Garman painting, we actually already have. For reference, our project was painting the entire first floor of our home (four large rooms, a large staircase and a half bath), including all trim, doors and 20' vaulted ceilings. > > Michael's attention to detail and commitment to quality are unsurpassed, though frankly, a quality end product is expected, right? But beyond his obvious skill and dedication to his craft, it was personally just a pleasure to work with him. I work from my home, and I was able to continue working, uninterrupted even while Michael was here painting. He was extremely respectful of our time, our schedules, our home and our pets (I couldn't make this up, he helped rescue our curious beagle from our pool). Whenever there was a question of a little thing (like a cracked switch plate), or even a big thing (like a color change after a wall was already painted), Michael was more than accommodating and fair, demonstrating over and over the pride he has in his work and a desire to create relationships with his clients. > > We already plan to work with Michael again this fall on an additional phase of our home project. **Comment from Garman Painting Custom Decorating:** > Hi Veronica, > Thank you for sharing your experience with us. Please know, the pleasure was certainly mine. I'm very glad to hear that you and Steve like our craft. Thank you. > With regard to the rescuing of curious beagles, well... it's one of the things I do. : ) > I hope that you all enjoy your summer. > Mike Garman **★★★★★ — Judy Manning, May 2018** > Mike did a great job repairing and painting walls and ceilings in our home. He arrived on time, estimated how long the work would take accurately, and left everything neat and clean after each day's work. Would definitely call him for our next project. **Comment from Garman Painting Custom Decorating:** > Hi Judy, > I'm very glad that you are pleased with the work. We look forward to working with you once again. Please call anytime. > Best! > Mike G. > GPCD **★★★★ — katevincek, April 2018** > Painted a bedroom and bathroom. Impressed with communication, timeliness, neatness of work area at the end of each day - all very important. A pleasure to work with. **Comment from Garman Painting Custom Decorating:** > Thank you, Kate ! I'm glad that you and Al are enjoying the new colors all around. > Please call again. > Mike Garman > GPCD **★★★★★ — Karen Goldberg, Jan. 2018** > Mike is professional and a pleasure to work with from start to finish. He takes pride in his work and it shows. I will be using him again! **Comment from Garman Painting Custom Decorating:** > Thank you, Karen. I appreciate the great project. It was most enjoyable to work with you on it. I am glad that you are pleased with the finished results. > Kindly, > Mike G. > garmanpainting.com **★★★★★ — nlfishbit, Jan. 2018** > Mike did a wonderful job. He was on time, communicated clearly about timing of project, and kept the workplace clean after leaving. I highly recommend Garman painting and am looking to having Mike come back to do future projects. **Comment from Garman Painting Custom Decorating:** > Hi Christine, > Thank you for the most kind accolade. The pleasure was mine in being able to work with both you and Mark. A Happy New Year to you all. > Cheers, > Mike G. > > garmanpainting.com **★★★★★ — G D, June 2017** > We hired GPCD to complete several small projects this spring. He had him install wainscoting and crown molding in our powder room, retile our fireplace and install base trim in several rooms of the house. > GPCD completed the job in the projected amount of time which was about 7-10 days. He does quality work, cleans up completely at the end of each day and was agreeable to addressing/correcting any concerns we had. **Comment from Garman Painting Custom Decorating:** > Thank you, it was a great pleasure to be able to work with you and your family. > Please call again! > Kindly, > Mike G. > GPCD ## Selected projects - [Riverside Illinois- Built-in Fireplace Surround and Bookcases](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/riverside-illinois-built-in-fireplace-surround-and-bookcases-pj-vj~6866878) - Location: Riverside, IL - Photos: 1 - Description: Custom woodworking by Garmanpainting.com - [River Forest Kitchen Cabinetry refinishing](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/river-forest-kitchen-cabinetry-refinishing-pj-vj~2961909) - Location: River Forest, IL - Photos: 3 - Description: Kitchen Cabinet refinishing - [Westchester House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westchester-house-pj-vj~5969735) - Location: Westchester, Illinois - Photos: 4 - Description: The Westchester Illinois home was a mixture of new construction as well refinishing of existing trimwork in the house. - [Cabinet Refinishing project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cabinet-refinishing-project-pj-vj~6361407) - Location: Addison, IL - Photos: 5 - Description: cabinet refacing - [Poured Concrete Finish](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/poured-concrete-finish-pj-vj~6526290) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 2 - [William Morris wallcoverings](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/william-morris-wallcoverings-pj-vj~5945678) - Location: River Forest, IL - Photos: 2 - Description: River Forest, Illinois project - [Kitchen Banquet: LaGrange, Illinois](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-banquet-lagrange-illinois-pj-vj~5867182) - Location: La Grange, IL - Photos: 1 - Description: A custom built-in kitchen banquet with drawers. - [Oak Park Cabinet refinishing](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oak-park-cabinet-refinishing-pj-vj~2365572) - Location: Oak Park, IL - Photos: 3 - [Hinsdale Dining Room Woodworking](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hinsdale-dining-room-woodworking-pj-vj~2710208) - Location: Hinsdale, IL - Photos: 2 - [Decking](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/decking-pj-vj~5027322) - Location: River Forest, IL - Photos: 2 - [Oak Park finishes](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oak-park-finishes-pj-vj~970541) - Location: Oak Park, IL - Photos: 8 - [West Loop Subway Tile](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-loop-subway-tile-pj-vj~2027938) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 3 - [1917 Craftsman Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1917-craftsman-bungalow-pj-vj~2676228) - Location: Des Plaines, IL - Photos: 1 - [Exteriors](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/exteriors-pj-vj~1648397) - Location: Oak Park, IL - Photos: 5 - [Entryway Door](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/entryway-door-pj-vj~1374454) - Location: Elmhurst, IL - Photos: 3 - [Bathroom Subway Tile and Mosaic floor Install](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bathroom-subway-tile-and-mosaic-floor-install-pj-vj~1622900) - Location: Elmhurst, IL - Photos: 1 - [Vintage Red Oak Crown Molding](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vintage-red-oak-crown-molding-pj-vj~5855883) - Location: Oak Park, Illinois - Photos: 1 - Description: We were very glad to be able to accommodate our clients need to have vintage red oak crown molding installed throughout their second floor, stairwell and office. Reduce • Reuse • Recycle... Check. . \#garmanpainting - [The Emerson: Oak Park](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-emerson-oak-park-pj-vj~4597412) - Location: Oak Park, IL - Photos: 1 - [Wall Art](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wall-art-pj-vj~1278469) - Location: Naperville, IL - Photos: 1 - [Elmhurst Wallpapering](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elmhurst-wallpapering-pj-vj~6040939) - Location: Elmhurst, IL - Photos: 2 [See all 26 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/woodworkers-and-carpenters/garman-painting-custom-decorating-pfvwus-pf~815062135) ## Ideabooks - [Trimworks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46840989/list/trimworks) — 11 ideas - [Garden ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/49091975/list/garden-ideas) — 10 ideas - [kitchens...](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46708113/list/kitchens) — 13 ideas - [mikegarman's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46252883/list/mikegarman-s-ideas) — 1 idea [See all 4 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/mikegarman) ## Community Q&A **Q: What is the color used to paint this door?** *(in Photo Questions)* Thank you for helping me...this color has been elusive! A: Greetings, a Benjamin Moore purple. We tweek'd it a touch at the BM store; but all in, its a purple from their site. Good luck! **Q: Wall colors?** *(in Photo Questions)* What are the two wall colors? A: Blue 2066-10, Oxford Gold 315 garmanpainting.com **Q: I love the patterned tile insert. Who makes it, how can I get it?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thank you. That was an enjoyable bathroom remodel. The insert itself was chosen from the selection at the "Tile Shop." Mike garmanpainting.com **Q: Need help updating exterior** *(in Design Dilemma)* Need help updating exterior. What color should we do the new siding and trim and shutters? Do not want to paint the brick! Thanks!! A: Hi Mike from Garman Painting here, I think that some warmer creams and muted earth tone yellows could appear sharp if you are considering changing out the siding as well. You could also use some warmer browns for your shutters/trim as well. Here's a link for some siding color options/ideas: Siding colors Good Luck, Mike G. garmanpainting.com **Q: I need a new paint color** *(in Design Dilemma)* my counter tops are black granite, my back splash is black, white, grays, my window treatment is light gray and my cabinets are looking too orange with the golden paint color. thats currently here. I considered painting the walls one of the gray shades from the back splash. will it be too much gray? kitchen is all stainless steel and the adjoining dining room is wine colored walls that are staying. help! A: Hi, Mike from Garman Painting here. I'm a great fan of the bluish greys for counter tops and tiling like yours. A lighter blue can bring out the warmth of the cabinets and the tiling the same. Here is a link you might like: Blues Good Luck! Mike G. garmanpainting.com --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-12.*