Paint Walls Like a Pro: DIY Help

It seems that as soon as the air begins to cool around here, I get a FEVAH. The good kind! A surge of energetic passion to tackle projects around the house…including painting the interiors. Believe it or not, I have been painting walls and cabinets in recent months (at our son’s condo!). While I haven’t had high energy (we all know painting can be a workout) and could only work a couple hours at a time, the desire led to FINISHED WORK. I will keep reminding you of this ’til the cows come home: we can do hard things IN SMALL BURSTS. We can! Please do PIN this post Paint Walls Like a Pro: DIY Help in order to help folks who may be first-timers at the whole DIY thing.

Benjamin Moore Platinum Gray paint on walls of modern farmhouse living room with tufted leather Chesterfield sofa. #benjaminmoore #platinumgray #paintcolor #graywalls #modernfarmhouse #livingroom #hellolovelystudio.
Learn Tips to Paint Walls Like a Pro: DIY Help in case you’re in the mood to paint (paint color on walls: BENJAMIN MOORE Stonington Gray).

I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.

Paint Walls Like a Pro: DIY Help

Raise your paintbrush if you are the DIY type who climbs the ladder and rolls on paint yourself! 🙂 While I may not be the most skilled interior painter around, I do enjoy the meditative and embodied aspects to it. It gets me out of my head and more heartful. My muscles are engaged in a most productive workout while I may also savor the satisfaction of transforming a space with a little time and money.

Paint Walls Like a Pro: DIY Help on Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #diy #painting #howtopaintwalls
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As a serial mover, my husband and I tackled our fair share of home improvement projects, and since I truly can hardly be trusted with power tools, painting frequently is within my domain. Dozens of homes for us over the years added up to hundreds of walls to paint…so, yep this fairy has some experience.

Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray paint color on wall in stairway of modern farmhouse. #benjaminmoore #stoningtongray #paintcolor #graypaintcolor
See this 1875 historic farmhouse with modern farmhouse interiors RIGHT HERE.

Pro or DIY?

We also hire professionals from time to time, and there are many occasions where it is wise to leave the job to them.

benjamin moore stonington gray
BENJAMIN MOORE Stonington Gray HC-170.

One of the 3,000 frustrating things about our current fixer upper when we bought it? The whole home came freshly painted one color…and it was all WRONG. (Unless you love an “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” margarine shade!) The saving grace? It would have been much more work to cover a darker color.

Belgian style modern farmhouse living room by Hello Lovely Studio
Paint Walls  Like a Pro: DIY Help in case you’re ready to paint (paint color on walls: BENJAMIN MOORE White).

Easiest way to see if a color is right? Order samples to be delivered to your door with Samplize (a peel and stick sheet of “paint” to stick on your wall and easily move around to other walls!).

Modern concrete lamp.
The exact lamps we have on our sideboard from Belgium: FIND HERE.
Rowley Linen Upholstery Sofa
Our sofa is a Belgian linen straight arm style from RH similar to THIS ONE.
Midcentury style leather and aluminum egg chair.
In case you need an egg chair in your life…FIND HERE (we have the desk chair version of this from RH)

Helpful Painting Tips

How about you? Do you enjoy doing the work of painting yourself or do you think it’s for the birds?

Knotty alder rustic wood door to serene white bathroom. Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #frenchcountry #bathroom
Paint Walls  Like a Pro: DIY Help. Paint color on walls: BENJAMIN MOORE White. See more of our home RIGHT HERE. Find a Turkish bath towel RIGHT HERE.

The white we used for all of our interiors: BENJAMIN MOORE White.

Paint Color Throughout Our Home

Yep. The color is White, and don’t let anyone at the paint counter try to talk you out of this plain Jane name. It is the base white that other colors are mixed with so it is a pure, very light and bright white.

My favorite white paint colors (whites and greys). Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #bestwhitepaint #whitepaintcolors #interiorpainting #benjaminmoorewhite
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Benjamin Moore Platinum Gray paint on walls in modern farmhouse bedroom. #hellolovelystudio #bedroom #benjaminmoore #platinumgray #greywalls #modernfarmhouse #greyandblack
Paint Walls Like a Pro: DIY Help in case you’re ready to paint.

Do You Have Time to Paint?

Time is Money. Will you have enough time to do it yourself? Hiring a professional may save you time, labor, and headache.

Beautiful grey walls (Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray) in an industrial farmhouse mudroom with industrial sprayer at stainless sink. #hellolovelystudio #modernfarmhouse #mudroom #benjaminmoore #stoningtongray #greypaint

Let’s Avoid the ER…yes? Painting walls is a physical endeavor…do you have physical limitations, vertigo, shaky hands, or issues impacting your safety and health? Allowing someone else to climb the ladder is money well spent, and your joints will thank you.

Inspirational quote for personal growth and self kindness - Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #inspirational #courage #strength #selfcare #kindness
Ballerina etching and rustic shelves in dining room with white oak floor. Hello Lovely Studio.
Clipped corners wood stool.
Clipped Corners Stool: FIND HERE.

When You Have High Ceilings

Scaffolding Woes. If you have high ceilings or a whole house of rooms which require paint, it’s likely a job to leave to a team of professionals with the proper equipment and expertise. When we built our prior French Country home, we left all of the interior painting to a team of professionals who used high tech sprayers and knocked out the job in no time.

Benjamin Moore Platinum Gray paint on walls in a modern farmhouse bedroom with leather Chesterfield sofa and red brick fireplace. #hellolovelystudio #bedroom #modernfarmhouse #benjaminmoore #platinumgray #greywalls
Uplifting and inspirational quote by Lord Byron - If joy you win, you must share it - Hello Lovely Studio. #lordbyron #inspirationalquotes #joyquotes #christmasquotes

Money Talks. Have a budget to pay for the the work to be done by professionals? Lucky you! Go pro, mama.

French Country romantic dining room by Hello Lovely Studio

More White Paint Ideas

My go to whites: In our prior home, we had most of our walls painted Benjamin Moore White Sand, and here at the fixer upper, the bright white that worked best was Benjamin Moore White.

Marble topped bathroom vanity. Hello Lovely Studio.
Paint Walls Like a Pro: DIY Help in case you’re ready to paint (color on our bathroom walls: BENJAMIN MOORE White). See more of our home RIGHT HERE.
Kindness inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio: kindness does wonderful things to a face. #inspirationalquotes #quotes #kindnessquote #kindness
Painter's drop cloth.
Drop Cloth: FIND HERE
PURDY CORPORATION 14C811000 Premium Painting Kit, 6 Piece
Painting Kit: FIND HERE.

6 Painting Tips for DIYers

If painting an interior is a new adventure for you, I hope these 6 TIPS TO HELP will keep the stress level low and WOW factor high.

  1. Remove furniture, lamps, and objects from the room or move them away from walls. Remove outlet and light switch plates to save time and effort taping off those areas.
  2. Cover the floor with a dropcloth.
  3. Prep work is important when you want to execute it like the pros. Repair any wall damage, cracks, and holes with joint compound or spackle. Allow to dry completely, then sand and smooth. Remove any dust by wiping down and vacuuming wall surfaces.
  4. You will most likely need to mask off with painter’s tape those areas you don’t want painted (trim, light fixtures, etc).
  5. To cut in, use an angled 2 1/2″ or 3″ quality paintbrush, using light pressure and smooth strokes. Move around the room, along the edges, as fast as you feel comfortable, keeping a wet edge. First cut out the wall – ceiling, then corners, then around outlets, then windows, then vents, and then the wall – floor. When the room is cut in entirely, you’re ready to roll.
  6. For rolling, start at the top of the wall and work your way down. Load your roller with paint and roll it on the wall in a W pattern. Then, fill in the W area with paint. Work quickly and keep a wet edge moving along the wall. If you notice you missed a spot, let it dry, keep moving, and go back later for touch-ups.
White kitchen with marble subway tile and window seat. Hello Lovely Studio.

I love learning smart new tips, so if you have any…lay ’em on me!

Belgian style and European country charm in a living room with Belgian linen chaise and Belgian antique sideboard. Hello Lovely Studio. #benjaminmoorewhite #hellolovelystudio #livingroom #belgianstyle

Bonus Painting Tips

Feeling extra geeky and game for a few BONUS painting hacks? Check out these brilliant ones…

Inspirational quote for personal growth and self kindness - Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #inspirational #courage #strength #selfcare #kindness

This is Tres Tray Smart. (See what I did there?) Line your paint tray with a disposable insert, aluminum foil, or a plastic bag for easier clean-up and less paint down the sink drain.

Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray in a luxurious bathroom with glass tile and black vanity. #hellolovelystudio #bathroomdesign #benjaminmoore #stoningtongray #greywalls #luxurybathroom

Glove Love. Consider wearing disposable gloves to avoid messy hands and to store paint brushes that you don’t want to dry out.  And don’t forget a mask…your lungs will thank you.

Benjamin Moore White paint in bedroom with shabby chic decor. Design and photo, Hello Lovely Studio. #hellolovelystudio #bedroom #alderdoor #shabbychic #frenchcountry #whitedecor #benjaminmoorewhite
See more of our home RIGHT HERE.

Not Just for Laundry. For easier paint brush cleanup, add fabric softener to the water in which you soak brushes to prevent dryness and hardening of the bristles.

Inspirational quote for personal growth and self kindness - Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #inspirational #courage #strength #selfcare #kindness
Modern farmhouse interior with white oak wood floor by Hello Lovely Studio

Find farmhouse lantern pendant light options HERE.

Knotty alder rustic front door - Hello Lovely Studio
Teak farmhouse stool.
Teak farmhouse stool: FIND HERE.

House Tour

Let’s tour Hilary Duff’s home! And wait til you see the bold tiles in her kitchen!

Diptyque candle on rustic wood stool in white bathroom - Hello Lovely Studio

I once knocked over a gallon of paint and have never been soooooo glad that my drop cloth was one of those high quality more expensive ones! Not a drip of paint bled through to the creamy porcelain tile floor!

Inspirational quote for personal growth and self kindness - Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #inspirational #courage #strength #selfcare #kindness

Any painting horror stories to share?

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

Shop for items you already intended to buy on Amazon RIGHT HERE (not just items in posts), and also find home decor here to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!

Hello Lovely is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing
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10 Comments

  1. Christie
    August 21, 2018 / 9:20 am

    Hello, I love your white leather( I believe) chair in your living room. Can you tell me where you got it or where I can get one like it. Thank you.

    • michele
      Author
      August 21, 2018 / 10:44 am

      We don’t have a leather chair in there – they are all Belgian linen pieces from RH, and the egg chair one is their Copenhagen chair. There is a leather version here: https://amzn.to/2ByvV6Q, and we actually have a desk egg chair version that looks just like this with the hammered aluminum back in my husband’s study. I added the leather version to the post too and hope this helps. 🙂

  2. Deb Wostmann
    August 21, 2018 / 9:41 am

    Great tips. I paint often these work every time.

    • michele
      Author
      August 21, 2018 / 10:34 am

      Thanks for reading! 🙂

  3. Terry
    August 21, 2018 / 9:58 am

    I love how you share so many products with us! I tried a candle that I love but have misplaced how to reorder. It is in a lidded mercury glass container and the scent is Capri blue. It is wonderful & I would appreciate any help you can give!

    • michele
      Author
      August 21, 2018 / 10:34 am

      I’m so glad! Here is the link for that candle which I learned about from my friend who lives in the modern farmhouse also featured in this post: https://amzn.to/2OXA71R Hope this helps – I have also added the product to the post in case you need to reference it. Thanks so much. 🙂

  4. August 21, 2018 / 11:24 am

    AWESOME tips and inspiration Michele! Perfect timing with my current kitchen refresh project!

    • michele
      Author
      August 21, 2018 / 12:33 pm

      Yay! Just read your post this morning on my phone and will comment shortly. You have broken down the organization tasks beautifully so that I feel like I could do the same – and there is just nothing a room “makeunder” where it isn’t about demo and buying new, but beginning right where you are with what you have…and then subtracting! I love what you’re doing, and I can totally see your vision with using that space in your kitchen for photography! 🙂

  5. sharon
    August 21, 2018 / 3:28 pm

    OMGosh…..I have painted many of our “flips” over the years to save $……and had many mishaps including burning my skin with turpentine (when I was in the habit of using oil paint for trim) and spilling an entire gallon of paint on hardwood floors in the foyer (too impatient to put the drop cloth down!). When I tried to clean it up I slipped and fell in it not once but twice….😂
    One home was built in 1910 and had exterior wood siding that I decided to burn all of the paint off in order to start fresh….I would do it at night when the kids were in bed and a neighbor finally came over and begged me to stop b/c he was afraid I would set the old wood siding on fire with the heat gun! I managed to do the entire rear of the home before I gave up.

    • michele
      Author
      August 21, 2018 / 4:44 pm

      OMG – you are a real life renovator and warrior for sure and have the scars to prove it! I am so glad you have survived these adventures…I’d love to see the before and afters! 🙂

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Let’s SHOP!

White Slipcovered Sofa
SHOP MY HOME!
29″ Whitewashed Table Lamp Set of 2
White Matelasse Quilt on MY BED
SHOP MY BATH!
Trees White Wallpaper Mural
Round Farmhouse Table
Myla Slipcover Sofa
Deconstructed Wingback Bed
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Milagro Heart
Slipcovered Dining Chair
Rustic Farmhouse Stool
Edgecombe End Table
Parisian Style Iron Table Lamp  33.5″
Black or Bronze Accent Table
French Stripe Basket Set
White Cotton Crochet Bed Skirt
French Country Rattan Basket Set
Marble Subway Mosaic Tile
Rattan Basket With Lid
White Ruffle Bedding
Seagrass Basket Set
Schumacher Wild Things Wallpaper
Slipcovered Sofa
Upholstered Dining Arm Chair
Shop My Breakfast Nook
White Matelasse Quilt
Tree Mural Wallpaper
Faux Potted French Lavender
Shaw Daybed
Distressed White French Country Chandelier
French Country Headboard
Oval Back Counter Stool, Set of 2
Antique Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp
Round French Tufted Ottoman
Kinston Wood Bench
Italian Candelabra Chandelier
Slipcovered Linen Chair
Warner Upholstered Bench
Rustic Country French Dresser
Laurel Wreath Mirror
Round Farmhouse Dining Table
Reclaimed Wood Dresser
Louis Upholstered Bench
Pardon My French Doormat
Stripe Turkish Towel Throw
Pamela Arm Chair
Sweater Weave Basket
French Carved Wood Chandelier
Terracotta Pots & Basket
French Country Wood Chandelier
French Linen Dining Chair
Gustavian Cabinet
French Farmhouse Dining Table
Bar Stool
Beachy White Slipcovered Sofa
Rattan Armchair
Diptyque Oyedo Candle
Cross Back Dining Chair
French Country Candle Holder
French Industrial Metal Chairs (4)
Designer Favorite Wall Mirror
Holborn Lantern Pendant
French Country 6-Light Chandelier
Tray Side Table
French Country Upholstered Arm Chair
Wicker Trunk Set
French Ticking Stripe Pillow
Jute Area Rug
Mohair Throw
Rustic Industrial Farmhouse Shelves
Belgian Linen Sofa
White Duvet & Bedding
Rustic Wood Candlestick Set
French Market Basket
Linen Modern Wing Chair
French Country Farmhouse Baskets
Concrete Pillar Table Lamp
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Style Lamp
Kendall Skirted Dining Chair
White Charleston Sofa
Scrubbed Wood 5-Light Chandelier
Arched Champagne Wall Mirror
Moravian Star 1-Light Pendant
Highback Armchair
Mini Pendant Light
White Vase Set
Round Woven Placemat Set
Cashmere Throw With Fringe
Wreath Doormat
Fireclay Farm Sink (Reinhard, 30″)
White Waffle Coverlet
Light Grey Vienna Quilt
Boheme Madera Bench
Belgian Linen Duvet Set
Round Marble Side Table
Rustic Pedestal Farm Table
Rattan Hanging Chair Swing