Painting is the most straightforward way to dramatically transform a room at a cost-effective price. Although a painting project can seem like a daunting prospect, with the right planning and execution, it doesn’t have to be. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind when planning your next painting endeavor.

Know What You Want

Choosing the colors you want in a room and the way you’re going to apply them shouldn’t be done on a whim. We recommend that you view color swatches in the room to determine your favorite colors, then paint large swatches directly on the walls so you can watch the color throughout the day. You’ll observe white walls go through changes as the natural light moves through the day.

Consider the mood you want to generate in this space. If it’s intended as a place of relaxation such a library or entertainment room, bright or saturated colors might not be the best of choices. According to Pospisil Painting, you also shouldn’t be afraid to change your mind later in the process if it makes sense. Remember that you are going to be living with the results for a long time.

Create a Budget

Paint alone doesn’t cost too much, but when mistakes and accidents happen, it can begin to burn a hole through your wallet. It’s very important to construct a budget prior to investing any money into supplies. According to FreshBooks, some of the more obvious things to take into consideration include the amount of paint needed for the surface area and the necessary supplies such as tarps, tape, rollers and brushes. If you do decide to hire professionals, the cost for the labor should be discussed with the contractor.

Do It Yourself

You can sometimes save money by doing some of the prep work, like filling holes and sanding down rough spots, yourself. If you’re going that route, one of the first things you must do before applying any paint is to clean and prep your walls. Although it might not be obvious, walls gather a lot of dust over time. Simply gather a few moist and dry towels and begin wiping off all those dusty and greasy spots on the surfaces. Sanding may also be in order. Proper preparation will allow your new paint to adhere better.

A fresh paint job is one of the best things you can do for your home. The right color scheme can really bring new life to the premises. However, before you proceed, put some thought into the tips we’ve mentioned here.

For more home decorating tips, check out our Perspective blog!