Though important and necessary, home maintenance priorities like gutter cleaning, HVAC servicing and deck repairs can take the wind out of any DIYer’s sail. But don’t worry, there are a ton of budget (and TIME) friendly projects that you can start planning now, while it’s still chilly outside, and be ready just in time for Spring.

Hands down, paint will give you the most bang for your buck towards any home refresh project! And I mean talk about options: color, finish, even textures abound!

Remember, painting is DIY basic. Incorporating a spring DIY paint project is super easy. If you’ve never challenged yourself to paint something, now’s your chance!

Check out our list of DIY Painting Must Haves here. Make sure you have the necessities: drop cloth, mask, a quality paint brush, and paint. Oh, and don’t paint in your good clothes. Even the most seasoned painter gets paint everywhere!

benjamin moore classic paint color fan deck.jpg

A Note On Paint Samples:

With any DIY paint project, buying paint samples can add up quickly (roughly $8 per pint)!

We’d suggest investing in your own paint deck fan, like this one from Benjamin Moore, to focus your search.

If you are starting a big project or work with clients on their projects, we recommend this paint deck set that includes a carrying case.

However, if you do not have a local Benjamin Moore distributor, you can start your search at a local home improvement store:

Lowe’s carries Sherwin Williams or Vaslpar products
Home Depot carries Behr products.

1. Accent Wall

Every room has a wall that is just dying to put on a show! A total diva wall. You can go big and bold behind a bed or think small and transform a bathroom with a pop of color. If you need inspiration, check out Benjamin Moore’s 2019 color trends with their moody and sophisticated palette suggestions.

Try to think outside of the box with your accent walls, too. Hallways and staircases make the perfect statement wall. Check out this bold, grey staircase by The McQuades showcased on Design*Sponge.

2. Paint a Thrift Store Find

In my personal opinion, there is nothing more satisfying than getting something for super cheap and making it look like a million bucks. I love sourcing inexpensive accessories such as planters, knicknacks, (even books) at our local thrift store and giving them a minor face-lift. And by face-lift I mean, hitting them with black or white spray paint.

I found a vintage AV cart a couple years back, and gave it new life with a fresh coat of Rust-Oleum Universal spray paint. Be sure to get the 2-in-1, paint and primer for better coverage.

I also LOVE what Sara of Sincerely, Sara D. did with her thrift store ceramics. I mean, think about it. How many $.25 dishes or bowls have you past by at a garage sale and thought, “Ewh, who would buy that?” - You!

3. Paint A Door

Think about all the doors in your home… Any one of them could be the new star of your home show. Painting your front door is an easy way to add curb appeal and chances are its been painted before, so the prep work will be minimal.

BHG.com has some great advise on choosing a great front door color. Start off by determining the impact you’d like to achieve and what colors you are naturally drawn to. Maybe you’re looking to add a pop of color with a bold green or blue or refine your entry way with a stately black door.

Check out our DIY: Front Door Painting Tricks before you get started.

But, don’t stop at the front door. Interior doors such as pantry and bathroom hold a world of possibilities as well. Check out this amazing inspiration photographer by Ungano + Agriodimas. Its the perfect way to use the 2019 Pantone Color of the Year “Living Coral”.