8 Tips for Painting Your Home’s Interior

Painting your home’s interior isn’t as simple as hitting up the local hardware store and grabbing a few cans of your favorite hue.

The truth is painting is much more nuanced than that. It impacts your home’s overall aesthetic and look, and there are dozens of factors that should influence what paint you choose, how you apply it, and who does the application.

Are you considering painting the inside of your home in the near future? Here are 8 things you’ll want to think about before dipping in.

1. Staying power.

Choosing a trendy new paint color might give your home that magazine-ready look now, but what about five years down the line? When picking a paint color, it’s important to think beyond the here and now, and consider staying power. How long will the color be “in”? Will it continue to go with available furniture, decor, and, most importantly, your personal aesthetic a few years in the future?

You should also think about marketability. If there’s even a slight chance you might list your home in the next five to 10 years, take that into account when choosing your hue. How will the color photograph? What impression will it leave on buyers? Will it increase my home’s value or hurt it?

2. Protection.

Once you know what rooms you’re painting, sit down and think about how you’ll protect the existing elements in that space. If you’re painting your kitchen, what’s your plan for covering up your counters, cabinets, and tile flooring? If you’re in the living room, where will you move your furniture to get them out of the way? Make sure you have a plan to protect your valuables while your painting is in progress.

3. Space.

You should also consider how big the space you’ll be painting is. Darker colors tend to make a room feel smaller and more closed in, so they’re not a good choice for tight or windowless areas. Lighter colors (particularly white) are good at making spaces look bigger, so if you’re looking to paint one of those more compact spots in your home, consider airy colors like white, light yellow or light blue.

4. Use.

How will the space you’re painting be used? How often will it be used and by whom? If you’re painting a playroom for your toddler, a stark, clean white might not be your best bet. But a fun light green or pink? That could offer a pop of color (and hold up to crayon and other messes, too). The same goes for the kitchen. Will there be lots of splashing and food being strewn about? White might require some serious upkeep. Let a room’s usage guide you toward appropriate paint colors.

5. Scope.

How big is the painting project? Will you need the ceiling painted or some high-up nook or cranny? Are there hard-to-cover-up existing colors or wallpaper that will need to be removed first? Consider the full scope of the project and determine if it’s a DIY job or one you’ll need to farm out. If you’ll need to hire a pro, make sure to get multiple quotes first to ensure you get the best deal.

6. Wall condition.

Take a hard look at the walls you’ll be painting. Are they textured? If so, it may require some extra effort (and an extra coat) to get full coverage. If there are existing colors on the wall, you might also need to pay for additional coats or carefully consider the type and color of paint you’ll use. Priming may also be necessary over existing paint and can add to your total project costs and time.

7. Ventilation.

Are there windows in the space you’ll be painting? Is it near a door that opens to the outside? Is there a ceiling fan installed? You’ll want to keep the room well-ventilated, both for your safety and so the paint can properly and quickly dry. If the area isn’t well-ventilated, you might want to invest in a few box fans before beginning your project.

8. Decor and aesthetic.

Finally, think about your home’s overall aesthetic. The paint color you choose will, of course, impact the room you’re painting, but it will also play a role in the overall look of your household — especially if you have an open floor plan. Make sure the paint will flow well with other nearby rooms your guests might go through, and take stock of your existing decor and furnishings, too. If a paint color will require replacing all your existing hardware, wall art, and furniture, you might want to consider a different tone (or brace for some serious costs).

We Can Help

Do you need help covering the costs of your painting projects? A cash-out refinance may be your answer. Contact Embrace Home Loans to learn more about your financial options today. We’re here to help.