We all get excited about personalizing our homes, and one of the first things many new homeowners tackle is painting. But take it from me: rushing through this process can lead to some big, and potentially expensive, regrets.

The Mistake I Made (Twice!)

When I bought my home in Old Town, I decided to have it professionally painted before moving in. I was so eager to get it done that I put zero thought into the color. I’ll admit it—I chose that outdated Band-Aid brown that was popular in the 90s, simply because that’s what I had growing up. I didn’t stop to consider how it would look in my new space.

Once the painters finished, I was excited to see the results, but when I walked in, I was horrified. The color was awful. Not only did the brown feel dated, but my home—an interior townhouse with very little natural light—ended up feeling like a dark, gloomy cave.

The Second Mistake: Acting Too Fast

Determined to fix the problem, I immediately called the painters to redo the job. But, once again, I didn’t really think through my color choice. I picked a lighter shade on a whim, and the result? My home went from gloomy to sterile. It looked like a hospital! At this point, I had spent more time and money than I care to admit, and it still wasn’t right.

The Right Way: Take Your Time

Finally, on my third attempt, I learned my lesson. I took my time. I picked several sample colors and painted swatches on different walls. This let me see how each color looked at different times of the day and in different lighting conditions. I’m happy to say that after much trial and error, I found a color I loved—and 10 years later, I’m still happy with it.

Tips to Avoid My Mistake:

1. Test Samples in Your Home: Don’t just pick a color from a paint swatch at the store. Grab a few samples, paint small sections of your walls, and see how the color looks in your space at various times of day.
2. Consider Lighting: Natural and artificial light can drastically change how a color appears. What looks great in a well-lit store might feel completely different in your home.
3. Take Your Time: There’s no rush! It’s better to wait a little longer and choose the right color than to repaint several times like I did.

Your Home Is an Investment

Painting is an easy way to transform your space, but it’s also an investment. Take the time to do it right, and you’ll save yourself from unnecessary frustration and added costs.

What’s the dumbest thing you’ve ever done on a home improvement project? Let me know in the comments!

And if you’re thinking about buying or selling in Virginia, give me a call! If you’re outside of Virginia, I’d love to connect you with someone in my network who can help you avoid mistakes like mine.