Transform Your Home with Paint: Tips, Tricks, and Top Picks

Painting your home inside and out is one of the most transformative yet cost-effective ways to refresh your space. Whether you’re aiming for a complete makeover or a subtle touch-up, selecting the right paint and colors can make all the difference. Here’s your guide to tackling your painting project like a pro.

1. The Right Paint for the Right Area

Choosing the correct type of paint is as important as selecting the perfect color. Here’s a breakdown:

Interior Paint:
- Finish: Use matte or eggshell finishes for walls to hide imperfections, and satin or semi-gloss for trim and doors for easy cleaning.
- Formula: Low-VOC or zero-VOC paints are ideal for indoor air quality.
- Popular Choices:
  - Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint: Available at Sherwin-Williams stores and online at Sherwin-Williams.com.
  - Benjamin Moore Regal Select: Found at Benjamin Moore retailers and BenjaminMoore.com.
  - Behr Premium Plus: Sold exclusively at The Home Depot and HomeDepot.com.
Exterior Paint:
- Durability: Look for paints with weather-resistant formulas to protect against UV rays, rain, and temperature changes.
- Finish: Satin or semi-gloss finishes stand up to the elements while enhancing curb appeal.
- Popular Choices:
  - Behr Marquee Exterior: Exclusive to The Home Depot.
  - Valspar Duramax: Found at Lowe’s and Lowes.com.
  - Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior: Available at Sherwin-Williams locations and online.

2. Tips for Selecting Colors

Interior:
- Living Areas: Neutral tones like greige, beige, or soft white create a warm, inviting space. Try:
  - Benjamin Moore’s Edgecomb Gray: Available at Benjamin Moore stores and online.
  - Sherwin-Williams’ Alabaster: Found at Sherwin-Williams outlets.
- Bedrooms: Soft blues and greens promote relaxation. Consider:
  - Behr’s Soft Mint: Exclusively at The Home Depot.
- Kitchens: Whites and yellows brighten the space and enhance appetite. Options include:
  - Valspar’s Sunshine: Available at Lowe’s.
- Bathrooms: Cool tones like light gray or seafoam green for a spa-like retreat:
  - Farrow & Ball’s Pavilion Blue: Found at Farrow & Ball retailers and Farrow-Ball.com.
Exterior:
- Consider the architecture of your home and its surroundings.
- Popular combinations include:
  - Gray with white trim:
    - Sherwin-Williams’ Repose Gray: Sherwin-Williams stores.
    - Sherwin-Williams’ Extra White: Same source.
  - Classic white with black accents:
    - Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace: Benjamin Moore outlets.
    - Benjamin Moore’s Black Beauty: Same source.
  - Earthy tones:
    - Farrow & Ball’s Brinjal: Farrow & Ball retailers.

3. Tricks for a Flawless Finish

Preparation Is Key:
- Wash and sand surfaces before painting.
- Use painter’s tape for clean lines and protect floors and furniture with drop cloths.
Invest in Quality Tools:
- High-quality brushes and rollers ensure even coverage.
- A paint sprayer is an excellent investment for larger areas.
Test Colors First:
- Purchase sample jars or peel-and-stick swatches from retailers like Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, or Clare Paint to test colors at home.

4. Trending Color Palettes for Inspiration

Neutral Elegance:
- Walls: Sherwin-Williams’ Agreeable Gray: Sherwin-Williams stores.
- Accents: Benjamin Moore’s Simply White: Benjamin Moore retailers.
- Trim: Behr’s Ultra Pure White: The Home Depot.
Cozy Earth Tones:
- Walls: Valspar’s Desert Carnation: Lowe’s.
- Accents: Farrow & Ball’s Brinjal: Farrow & Ball retailers.
- Trim: Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy: Benjamin Moore retailers.
Modern Minimalist:
- Walls: Sherwin-Williams’ Pure White: Sherwin-Williams stores.
- Accents: Benjamin Moore’s Onyx: Benjamin Moore retailers.
- Trim: Valspar’s Oyster Shell: Lowe’s.
Bold and Beautiful:
- Walls: Behr’s Dark Cobalt Blue: The Home Depot.
- Accents: Sherwin-Williams’ Goldenrod: Sherwin-Williams stores.
- Trim: Benjamin Moore’s Dove White: Benjamin Moore retailers.

5. Eco-Friendly Paint Options

For those looking to reduce environmental impact:

Benjamin Moore Aura: Available at Benjamin Moore outlets and online.
Farrow & Ball Modern Emulsion: Found at Farrow & Ball retailers.
Clare Paint: Order online at Clare.com.

Painting your home is a rewarding project that can breathe new life into your space. By choosing high-quality paints, the right colors, and preparing thoroughly, you’ll create a space you’ll love for years to come. Ready to pick up a brush? Let the transformation begin!