Are you considering a home remodel in Des Moines? One of the most transformative and cost-effective ways to refresh your space is by giving it a fresh coat of paint. With a little research and preparation, you can tackle the job yourself and save some money on labor costs.
However, decision-making becomes overwhelming when considering the countless paint types, colors, and finishes available. The seemingly endless array of options leaves many clients unsure where to even begin.
Learning some painting basics and breaking down the decision-making process makes the endeavor much more manageable. Reese Builders is here to provide the information you need to confidently paint your dream home into existence. Let’s get started!
What kind of paint should I use inside my home?
There are many factors to consider when choosing the correct paint type for your Des Moines home remodeling project. Choosing the right type helps ensure beautiful and long-lasting results. Here’s a quick breakdown on interior paints:
Latex Paint: Also known as acrylic paint, latex paint is water-based and dries quickly. It’s ideal for interior walls and ceilings due to its durability, easy cleanup, and low odor. Latex paint comes in various finishes, including flat, eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss.
Oil-Based Paint: Oil-based paints are durable and provide a smooth finish. They’re ideal for painting high-traffic areas, like kitchens and bathrooms. They have a longer drying time than latex paint and require mineral spirits for cleanup. While less common than latex paint, oil-based options are still available for specific applications.
Primer Paint: Primer is a preparatory coating applied before painting to ensure better adhesion, durability, and coverage of the topcoat. It helps smooth out imperfections, seals porous surfaces, and improves paint adhesion, making it an essential step in many painting projects.
Ceiling Paint: Ceiling paint is specifically formulated for overhead applications, offering excellent coverage and minimal splatter. It typically has a flat finish to minimize glare and hide imperfections, enhancing the appearance of your ceilings.
Trim Paint: Trim paint is designed for painting moldings, baseboards, and other trim elements. It’s often available in semi-gloss or gloss finishes to provide a durable and washable surface that complements the main wall color.
Low-VOC Paint: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that can emit harmful gasses into the air. Low-VOC or zero-VOC paints contain minimal or no VOCs, making them safer for indoor air quality and the environment. Look for paints labeled as eco-friendly or low-VOC for a more sustainable painting option.
Understanding paint types and their correct applications will help you make the right choice for your remodeling project. After that, it’s time for the fun part: picking your colors.
How do I choose paint colors for my home?
Many people find that choosing paint colors is an exciting part of their home remodeling project. However, the endless variety of color choices can make the decision feel impossible. If you’re struggling to make a decision, take some time to understand your space.
Understanding your space involves more than taking a quick glance around the room—engage with your space and identify its unique characteristics, strengths, and potential challenges. Consider these factors:
Natural light: Determine how much natural light enters each room. Lighting often affects how colors appear.
Room size: Dark colors can make a small room feel cozy, while lighter colors can make a room appear larger.
Existing elements: Consider existing furniture, flooring, and fixtures that will influence your color choices.
Room mood: Think about the mood or ambiance you want to create in each room. Different colors evoke different emotions:
- Neutral tones like beige, gray, or taupe create a calming and timeless atmosphere
- Warm colors like reds, oranges, and yellows add energy and warmth to a space
- Cool tones like blues, greens, and purples promote relaxation and tranquility
Room functionality: Use the purpose of each room to help guide your color choices. Consider the color guide above while making these decisions. Here’s some ideas to get you started:
- Bedrooms: Soft, relaxing colors may promote restful sleep
- Kitchen: Choose bright and inviting colors to stimulate appetite and creativity
- Home office: Select soothing colors that enhance focus and productivity
Bonus tips:
Invest in test samples: Never underestimate the power of paint samples. Colors won’t always appear the way you expect them to. Purchase small samples of your top color choices and swatch them on each wall. Observe how the colors look in various lighting conditions throughout the day before making a final decision.
Don’t overthink it: At the end of the day, simply liking a color is reason enough to use it. Don’t succumb to decision fatigue; just get painting. If you end up hating it, guess what? You can always paint over it!
We take great pride in helping homeowners with their remodeling and renovation decisions. Since 2005, our team has provided the Des Moines metro with helpful guidance and personable services. Our experienced team is always eager to help. Feel free to contact us or check out our blog for more helpful home tips.
