Painting any type of home - including a mobile home - can seem like a daunting task, but it can actually be fun and not too difficult if you know how to do it right! Painting your home can increase its value and improve its curb appeal while also preserving the exterior of it, meaning there are plenty of good reasons to complete the job. 
 
If you’re looking to paint a mobile home like a pro, here are some things you should know. 
 
First, you should always clean your mobile home before painting it, as you want to get rid of any existing dirt and debris instead of painting over it because this could cause bumps, slight but noticeable discolorations, and paint chipping. While many choose to have their mobile homes power washed or professionally cleaned, this can get expensive. If you’re looking to preserve those funds, even just a rinse with soap and water can do the trick to prepare your home to be painted. Of course, you should also inspect your mobile home for rust or any other wear and tear that needs to be fixed first. 
 
Now for the fun part: You’ll need to pick the right paint color. Seeing as you literally have to look at your home every day, it is important to choose a color you enjoy that will fit your mobile home perfectly. Local home improvement stores typically have trained experts who can help you choose the best paint for your home and the materials it is built with. And of course you'll be sure to get enough paint to finish the job. Paint experts at the store will help you to determine how much paint you'll need to paint your mobile home.
 
Regardless what painting method you choose (more on that later), if you’re a newbie to home painting, you may wish to tape off doors and windows with masking tape. A paint job can require more touch than it initially looks like, so protecting your doors and windows from any splashes or drips of paint can save you from having a mess in the future. 
 
In general, there are three painting options to choose from when painting your mobile home like an expert. These include using a paintbrush/roller, an aerosol can, and an electric sprayer. 
 
Painting your mobile home with a paintbrush and rollers can be cost effective and should take a week or less, especially if you have other people helping you. Mobile homes normally require around five gallons of paint, and even though using this method takes longer, you can be sure your paint layers are even and uniform. Of course, rollers will be faster but brushes are best for fine details and any missed spots or touch-ups. 
 
Aerosol cans are another decent way to paint your mobile home, especially if your mobile home features metal siding. Rust-Oleum Enamel Spray is an extremely popular choice for this, but regardless what brand you use, you’ll likely need up to 40 cans of it to cover your whole house. Be sure to ask your local hardware store if they have what you need in stock beforehand; if not, they can order it for you. Using aerosol cans can be less accurate than painting with a brush or roller, but it saves a lot of time and can be completed in a few days. 
 
A third option painting pros would recommend is renting or buying an electric sprayer. This can exponentially cut down on the time it takes to paint your mobile home and, in many cases, can be done in just one day. As long as you have properly prepped the rest of the mobile home (e.g., taped off doors and windows), evenly applied sprays along the siding can have your home looking great. (Pro tip: Make sure you do this on a day with little to no wind!)
 
Overall, painting your mobile home doesn’t have to be another miserable house chore. With the right tools and plans, you can get your home looking great and beautiful again in a matter of days or less. 

While the visual appeal inside your home is critical seeing as you spend a lot of time there, the color of the outside of your house is also one of the most important decisions you'll make as a homeowner. You want your house to stick out because it looks stunning, and that means you likely want to pair it with the surrounding foliage. Let’s take a look at some exterior house colors to match your landscaping. 
 
Neutrals
 
Most neutral-colored homes look great with the surrounding landscaping because they aren’t super flashy and look attractive regardless what types of trees, bushes, and flowers homeowners plant. Subtle beiges, browns, or greens are usually not a bad idea and they won’t make your house as bright as some other colors. 
 
Neutral tones may work best for medium-hued landscaping. Evergreen shrubs and plants with a slight hint of yellow also typically work well. A great way to increase your home’s curb appeal if you paint your home a neutral color is to strategically place medium- to bright-colored flowers under the windows. 
 
If you want to get a bit more adventurous with a neutral color, you may want to see how painting the shutters a darker color that makes them stand out in a good way. Some people find black works well for this, but others may go with more of a dark brown or grayish tone. 
 
Pastels
 
Pastel paints may also be the best option for your house, and which color you choose will likely depend on the tone of your landscaping. 
 
If your landscaping features more “cool” colors, then a pastel paint with subtle tones of blue or purple might be the best option. Choosing a white paint that has cooler undertones is oftentimes the best option next to lighter landscaping. 
 
On the other hand, darker and “warmer” landscaping may pair the best with a subtle yellow or pink paint job. 
 
Brights
 
Depending on your neighborhood and your personality, you may want your house to really stick out. Great “bright” colors include yellow and blue, and they will work the best if paired with lighter green trees and shrubs as well as very bright, “popping” flowers. Matching pinks and blues, or yellows with red, can really help your home shine behind sprawling landscaping. 
 
Muted Colors
 
Paints that have more of a muted undertone are easier to play with when it comes with the landscaping, as they are better at acting as a backdrop instead of something that stands out. However, if you’re looking to make your landscaping really “pop,” you can paint some parts of the house (e.g., pillars and/or the front door) a brighter color such as white or a cool pastel. This will allow your home to mix with whatever you choose for your landscaping - whether that’s lighter or darker foliage. 
 
Monochromatic Theme
 
We’ve touched a bit on mixing and matching, but purposefully going for a monochromatic theme may work best for your house and your landscaping. By using a monochromatic color theme,  your exterior paint will feature multiple hues of the same color. This means, in a sense, that you can have different colors without them looking too different and really having them stick out. 
 
Gray is a great color for a monochromatic theme, as it is subtle yet you can make the differences noticeable. For example, many people choose to paint the majority of the house a lighter gray and make the trim a darker gray, or vice versa. Shades of blue can also be played around with, or if you are the more daring, bold type, red hues may be right for you. 
 
Conclusion 
 
Your landscaping is a significant percentage of the value of your home. Do not ignore the cost of your landscaping, or the style, when choosing a new paint color for your house. Any of these paint color schemes may work for your home depending on what type of landscaping you have and how much you want your home to stick out among it. It is always a great idea to get at least one color palette from your local paint shop to help you determine which one is right for your property. 

Does the sight of your rundown storage shed make you cringe every time you walk past it? Have you been thinking of sprucing it up and giving it some life with some colorful paint?
If you’ve been holding yourself back from renovating your storage shed because you don’t quite know where to start, we’re here to help you out.
Read on for a straightforward guide on how to paint your storage shed like a pro. With these five simple steps, you can make your humble garden shed summer-ready in no time!
Things You’ll Need

• Brushes
• Rollers
• Masking tape
• Sandpaper and sanding block
• Primer
• Wood filler
• Exterior wood preserver
• Exterior paint

 
How to Paint Your Storage Shed
Step 1: Cleaning and Preparation
Cleaning and prep work is the crucial first step of any painting project, and they will determine how well your final project turns out.
Grab a hard-wire brush and use a diluted general-purpose cleaner to give your shed a good scrubbing. Clear it of all debris, whether it’s cobwebs settled in the corners, mud lodged by the door, or algae patches outside.
Before you paint the shed, make sure that the wood is completely dry. Online calculators help you to decide how much paint to buy.

Step 2: Protect Your Surroundings
If your shed is standing on paving stones, cover the ground with an old sheet or flattened cardboard boxes.
Remove all electric appliances and remove all old hardware like abandoned screws and nails on the shed walls. Tape off parts of the structure that you don’t wish to paint, such as windows, locks, door handles, hinges, and light fixtures.
Before you begin painting, clear out the entire shed—take out everything you’ve been storing there, such as outdoor furniture and your best BBQ.

Step 3: Make It Watertight
Next, make the shed waterproof by covering all the gaps, cracks, and holes using caulk where necessary so no rain or snow can enter. If the caulk you use is silicon-based, you must wait for a day for the sealant to dry.

Step 4: Sand the Shed
Use a sanding block and sandpaper to sand down your shed. Remove any old or loose flaky paint from previous paint jobs. You can skip this step if the shed you're working on is brand new.

Step 5: Apply Wood Primer
Applying a layer of oil-based primer will make it easier to spread the paint evenly. It also keeps the wood healthy, makes the structure last longer, and provides an extra layer of protection against the elements.

Step 6: Paint Your Shed
Once the primer is dry, paint your shed from top to bottom using a paint roller for large areas and a small brush for the tiny nooks and crannies. It’s best to begin with the trim before painting the walls for a smoother process.
Distribute the paint evenly and move around the shed bit by bit until every corner is covered with your color of choice.
Wait for the first coat to dry completely, then you can apply one or two more layers as you wish.
 
Conclusion
These six simple steps are all you need to paint your storage shed like a pro. Easy, isn’t it?
Painting can be meditative, so don’t rush the process. Begin your project early in the morning. Avoid afternoons as the heat can be detrimental to your comfort while painting.
Whether you choose a vibrant color to make your shed a feature point in your garden or opt for a subtle hue, painting your shed is a fantastic way to add some personality to your garden. Besides aesthetics, the fresh coat of paint will also protect your shed from harsh weather.

Happy painting!

Everyone around the world was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, whether that was through homelessness, sickness, unemployment, or general malaise about the state of the world.
 
However, some people were able to use the sudden amount of free time they’d gained to make productive life changes, such as beginning a weight loss journey, picking up DIY projects, and cleaning up their houses.
 
These actions, which might have been put off for years, suddenly had the space to be completed now that people didn’t have to deal with daily commutes and the like.
 
(This is, of course, a positive spin on what was a generally nightmare-inducing situation for billions of people. This article is not trying to make light of that.)
 
One such home renovation project that people suddenly had time to do was getting rid of the junk that had been cluttering up their attics for ages.
 
And, with that new space, people were able to try and come up with new and fun ways to use it.
 
If this is you, and if you’ve done the cleaning part but not the space decorating part, have you considered . . . turning your attic into a bedroom?
 
Check Its Structure

Before getting too far into this plan, the very first thing you need to do is make sure that your attic is suitable for sustained use and weight.
 
Although you may have just taken a bunch of stuff out of the room, the relics and old clothes you used to store up there will typically weigh less than the furnishings for an entire room.
 
Whether checking the stability of the attic requires you to hire an inspector or otherwise, make sure you verify that the attic won’t collapse into the rest of your house as soon as you get a bed up there.
 
Only once you are sure that the attic space will not collapse and take the rest of your house with it, should you continue with your attic remodeling plans.
 
In summary, make sure that your attic meets all local building codes and standards before you move in.
 
Finish the Attic

You may be able to skip this step if your attic is already finished. However, very few attics will be finished, so make sure you plan this time into your project and your budget.
 
When someone mentions “finishing” an attic, this typically means that you make the area into a suitable living space.
 
Elements you might be required to add are included, but not limited to:

• Installing Ducts and Vents
• New HVAC System
• Building a Dormer
• Adding Stairs
• Electrical Wiring

 
After you’ve done the aforementioned things, it’s time to move on to the next steps.
 
Check That the Attic Is Insulated and Drywalled

As part of making sure that your attic is an actual living space, you should plan to add in insulation and double-check that there is drywall on the walls and ceilings.
 
Making sure that the attic has temperature management (insulation) and structure (drywall) will go a long way towards making sure that your new room feels like a room and not some creepy copy-paste from a horror movie.
 
Paint!

When people imagine making a whole new room, one of the first things that comes to mind is what color they want to paint it.
 
This is one of the most fun aspects of turning your attic into a bedroom. It’s of the ways that you can show off your personality and interests.
 
Make sure you take the time to look through many different paint options, so you end up with exactly what you want. And consider including an accent wall for even more interest in your new space.
 
Also, don’t feel limited to only a single color. Mix and match it, use patterns and asymmetric designs, and let yourself have fun! Make sure that, when it comes to the actual painting, you tape off and cover anything in the room that shouldn’t get paint on it.
 
After that, put on some old and comfortable clothes that you don’t mind ruining, and get to work!
 
Flooring

After you’ve painted the walls and ceiling, the last part of the attic that needs attention is the flooring.
 
Unless you want the attic to have the basic wood flooring you’ve put in so as not to fall into the rest of the house, you should look into carpeting or hardwood flooring.
 
This allows the room to feel cozy and homey, rather than drafty and cold. Although you don’t have to, it’s typically best to choose some flooring that will compliment your painted walls, but again, this room is yours.
 
Do whatever you want that will make you happy for a long time!
 
After you’ve settled the stability, made it livable, painted the walls, and put in floors, the final step is to furnish the room!
 
Furnishing

This, like the painting and the flooring, can take whatever form you’d like it to.
 
If you want to add a bunk bed and two dressers so that two people can live in the room, that’s an option. If you want to cover the walls top to bottom with art, don’t let anything stop you.
 
At the end of the day, although it used to be an attic, this room is now the culmination of a vision--your vision.
 
Once you’ve completed this last part, take a moment to recognize what you’ve done, and then relax and enjoy your new space.

Of course, the first thing anyone notices when driving by your house is your exterior paint color. A house with eccentric exterior paint sticks out quite prominently in a neighborhood, so homeowners normally take a lot of time deciding on what color to paint their homes. Over the past few decades, many people opted for a natural yet lighter white color, but preferences have evolved a bit recently. Let’s take a look at the seven most popular exterior home paint colors. 
 
White
 
Starting with the most obvious color, a basic white exterior is a perfect go-to for many homeowners. These are good if you are not looking for some sort of cream color, as they just look like your typical white exterior. Some of these come with hints of yellow to brighten them more, whereas others might have tints of lighter blues. If you think your house would look best without any form of subdued coloring, look into simple white paint. 
 
Warmer Whites
 
While your typical, brighter white is still definitely in-style, warmer whites have started to become a much more popular option. Where these normally differ from your typical white paint is normally what the white paint is mixed in with. If you’re looking for a warmer white color, white paints that have hints of gray in them are one of the best choices but some also have more of a green tint to them. Cream color is also a great off-white option if you’re looking to stay neutral but not too plain. 
 
Green
 
Speaking of green, green has also become a more popular exterior home paint color throughout the past few years. While people may initially be repulsed at the idea, green is actually a great option due to the variety of options and how well it blends with the rest of a homeowner’s yard, lawn, and decor. You may think of a green house as eccentric and bright, but it may actually be the opposite. While brighter green paints usually have touches of yellow, darker greens like olive are more subtle and stick out less. Green exterior paint pairs well in areas with a lot of nature and is typically best for laid back homes like small bungalows. If you don’t want your entire exterior to be green, you may want to consider just painting your shutters and/or your trim green. 
 
Blue
 
While blues were previously thought to be a more “historic” option, they are now back in style and are becoming an increasingly popular choice. Blues range from extremely light to very dark, so you have plenty of options to choose from if you’re wanting a blue. One of the more popular blues at this time is a navy blue, which typically is a mix of blue and gray undertones. Unless you want pure navy, dark blue paint mixed with some gray lightens the paint a bit so it isn’t completely dark. The gray can also give it sort of a “shine,” which looks beautiful on a house. 
 
Lighter blues are a good option for homeowners who don’t want something extremely bold but are also tired of their plan, old white paint. Light blues add a touch of color without being over-the-top and flashy. 
 
An important thing to keep in mind when looking for a blue paint is that darker blues may look darker on a swatch than they do on a house. This is partially because the blues will seem lighter and make more of a statement on a house in the natural sunlight. Also, both dark and light blues are fun to mix and match with other colors on the exterior of your house, such as the door, steps and railings. An increasingly popular combination today is blue exterior paint with a red door and other red accessories. 
 
Yellow
 
Many homeowners will balk at the idea of a yellow house, but it doesn’t mean the yellow has to be vibrant and stand out. Similar to other colors, yellow paint comes in countless shades. While bright, loud yellow exterior home paint does exist, more and more people are choosing a more subtle, soft yellow for their homes. Light yellow is another color that matches well with surrounding foliage and looks great with decor such as white, wooden patio furniture. Of course, yellow brick homes are also a great option if it would “fit” in your neighborhood. 
 
Charcoal
 
Most people think of charcoal as being very dark and close to a black color, but several paint manufacturers have more neutral charcoal colors to choose from when painting the outside of your house. These are more neutral but definitely have a darker tone, so if you’re wanting something warmer, charcoal paint is a solid choice. These range from a lighter gray charcoal to a very dark color, so make sure to get a wide variety of swatches if you are looking for a charcoal paint. 
 
Black 
 
That’s right - last, but not least, pure black exterior paint is slowly starting to come into style. A complete 180 degrees from your traditional white exterior, black exterior adds a bolder and more dramatic feel to one’s home. Homes with black exterior paint are especially beautiful in areas with a lot of trees and plants, as the colors of the surrounding nature “pop” more than they do with a lighter exterior. Unfortunately for homeowners, black paint tends to fade and can also increase the temperature within the home. However, if you’re looking to make a statement and be part of a new trend, black exterior paint might be for you. 
 
Ultimately, the exterior paint color you choose for your house is totally up to you. All the way from bright, vibrant colors to pure black, there are options for you. The appearance of your house is extremely important for your own satisfaction as well as the curb appeal of your home, so take your time picking the color that is best for you. 

​Whether you’re relocating for a job or just wanting to move across town, when you’re ready to sell your house, you want it to look great so potential buyers will be likely to inquire for more information. Curb appeal is basically what it sounds like - the appeal of your house from the outside. You want this to be excellent if you are looking to sell because your goal is to draw in buyers who will pay top price for your home. Keep reading for 7 curb appeal tips that can come in handy when you’re selling your home. 
 
Tend to the Yard
 
One of the first things prospective buyers will notice when they come to your house is the yard. Regardless how great the interior of your home is, if the exterior isn’t up to par, buyers won’t be impressed. If you don’t want to hire a professional landscaper to clean up the yard before prospective buyers come to tour the home, simply mowing, trimming, and edging the yard can make it look much more enticing. 
 
Add a Pop of Color to the Exterior
 
While maintaining the lawn and hedges is critical to your home’s curb appeal, you may also want to add a pop of color with flowers or plants. While you don’t need a full garden of any sort, just having some flowers on the stairs or deck can increase attention to your home. Most flowers are very affordable - just make sure you get “Full Sun” ones if your plants will be exposed to the sun all day. 
 
Paint the House
 
Many home sellers are hesitant to paint their houses because it can get really pricey; however, buyers are much less inclined to purchase a house with deteriorated paint. If you don’t want to paint the entire house, you may want to at least paint the trim to make it look neater and newer. If you plan on using a contractor to paint your house, he or she can probably guide you in choosing the right color that will give your home the best curb appeal. 
 
Clean Your Roof and Your Gutters
 
Most people who own homes - and many who don’t - know what a hassle it is to maintain and replace a roof. Therefore, you want to make sure your roof is in good condition and appears sturdy. Leaves and other debris should all be removed from the roof and gutters, and you’ll want to make sure the gutters are all neatly attached where they are supposed to be. If you need to replace the roof, you might be reimbursed through a higher selling price. Alternatively, if the roof needs a lot of work, offer prices may come in much lower. 
 
Think About the Front Door
 
While the front door is only a small portion of a house, it is also one of the most important ones that potential buyers will notice. Buyers immediately get a bad “vibe” if they walk into front doors with dated, cracked paint, so it is crucial to make sure yours is inviting and updated. You do not need to buy an entire new door, but you may want to touch up the paint on yours if it needs work. 
 
Pay Attention to the Windows
 
Similar to the front door, while windows normally don’t make up too much of a home’s exterior, they can highly impact a home’s curb appeal. Making sure the shape and color scheme for your windows matches as well as the type of shades (or blinds) you have is crucial, as any differences may not be noticeable from within but can definitely appear unattractive from afar. If your windows are older and not in great shape, you may also want to treat them before buyers come by. 
 
Clean the Walkways and Driveways 
 
First impressions truly do matter to home buyers, so you will always want to ensure your walkways and driveways are pristine. Buyers don’t want to walk on a filthy ground to get to the house, and having clean walkways and driveways gives the impression that the inside is pristine, too. You can pressure wash these areas to make them shine, or at least run a hose over them to get off dirt and other substances on the surface. If your driveway is black top, you can also add a layer of sealant to make it look even better. 

 If you are looking for a great painting contractor, you might not know where to start. There are likely a lot of them in your area, and choosing one can be overwhelming. All of us want the interior and exterior of our properties to look great, but we need to ensure the contractor we choose is reputable, will do the job properly, and is not going to rip us off. Luckily, there are steps you can take to make sure you pick the best one who is going to complete the job right and have your place looking great. Below are six ways to find a great painting contractor.  
 
1. Ask Around and Get Several Quotes 
Of course, you may start out your search for a great painting contractor by asking friends and family members for suggestions. We trust our friends and family, so we are likely to at least interview the individuals that are recommended to us. However, it is always a smart idea to get multiple quotes - at least three or four - and meet different professionals, as all jobs differ and a professional’s team or prices may have changed since your friends or family members used him or her. Newer crew members may have less experience or the price list may have been altered. If you were not referred by someone else, ask the contractors for reference lists. If they are well-respected, they should not hesitate to provide you with some. 
 
2. Search Engines 
Perhaps the simplest way to find a painting contractor in your area is to use a search engine such as Google to look for one. Type in keywords such as “painting contractor”  with your zip code and you’ll get an idea of who might be the best contractor for your paint job and how many options you have. Google does a pretty good job of listing high quality painters highly up in their search results, so chances are you can trust the first companies you see listed. 
 
3. Ask Your Local Paint Shops 
One of the most overlooked and unthought of ways to find a painting contractor is simply to ask your local paint shops. Many contractors prefer to do business with local shops instead of bigger chain stores, so they should certainly have some suggestions you may want to look into. Ask which contractors buy the highest quality paint, are reliable with payments, and have great reputations in the community. 

4. Pay Attention to Ads 
While advertising in newspapers isn’t the most lucrative way to find business (seeing as many people no longer subscribe to them) placing advertisements in/on newspapers, local magazines, television, radio, and the Internet is a good idea for contractors to get their names out to the public. Pay attention to these and if you’re interested, give them a call.
 
General Tips for Hiring a Painting Contractor
 
There are some steps you should take when choosing to go with a contractor after you find one. First, simply pay attention when one comes to check out your property. You should definitely be present at the property in need of a paint job when the contractors come to check out your place and assess what procedures they may need to carry out to complete the job. You will obviously need to get an idea of the contractors’ work ethic and personalities, but also be sure to note how much time they spend during their assessment. While experts in other industries are expected to work quickly and immediately know what needs to be done, professional painters usually need more time to analyze the structure and determine which type of paint, primer, and so on they will need to use. 
 
Along the same lines, ask for an honest breakdown of expected material, time, and labor costs. Certain factors can greatly change the price of your paint job, including the brand of paint, how many coats will be applied, and any other processes that the contractor plans to carry out. If you are diligent about who you choose and how you find them, your paint job is guaranteed to turn out great. 

If you’re choosing colors for your kitchen, it might be hard to determine what palette is right for you. These days, kitchens are more than an area for cooking and utility. They’re communal spaces.
 
Many homeowners choose white or neutral colors to keep a kitchen balanced. But, you don’t need an eye for design or an understanding of color theory to select the right colors for your kitchen.
 
All you need is a sense of some basic things, such as use and location. Then start factoring in your kitchen’s other aspects, like lighting, cabinets, and other accessories.
 
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s an easy-to-use kitchen painting breakdown:
 
Purpose in Color

The kitchen can be the most important part of your house. After all, it’s the hub for your everyday activities.
 
Through homecooked meals and time spent together, some believe that the kitchen is the most important room for your family. Live alone? Same thing. Your kitchen still receives a high amount of traffic through solo daily activity.
 
When considering colors for this space, think about its purpose. Also, consider the duality of your kitchen. Regardless of where you live, this area could double as an entertainment space or gathering area.
 
Warm colors

Specific colors can set the proper tone for use. HGTV weighed different tones against the colors that inspire actions. “Warmer colors such as red are believed to stimulate the appetite and are an excellent option for kitchens. Red is incredibly versatile and there are multiple shades that would really pop in a kitchen, either on the cabinets or the walls.”
 
Yellow hues are a good option if you want to open up a room and inspire hunger in your guests or family members. Yellow can lift the energy of your kitchen with it’s bright, sunny effect. HGTV adds that it also pairs well with white and gray accents.
 
 
Cool Colors

Want a more relaxed atmosphere? Blues and greens can bring a calm, earthy feeling to your kitchen. Blue hues give it a crisp feel. Just be sure to balance the blue with white or neutral accents to avoid weighing down the space.
 
Like blue, green provides comfort. Green also pairs well with white and natural accents. If you opt for a butcher block countertop or island, the combination with green walls can give your kitchen an earthy atmosphere.

Neutral colors

Neutrals and white are among the most popular colors when it comes to kitchens. These palettes can give your kitchen a refreshing feel in the morning with its clean look. It’s also easier to match with your countertops, cabinets, and appliances. Gray is also a good choice here, but as HGTV said, “It often gets categorized as being too cold . . .”
 
Location

The location of your kitchen establishes the purpose and overall atmosphere. By “location,” we’re talking about connection. Is the kitchen a separate room, or is it part of an open floor plan connected to a living or dining room?
 
If your kitchen is open and connected with another considerable area of your home, you’ll want to think about flow. Color can help by establishing kitchen borders. This is why many homeowners often choose neutrals for their kitchen. Most want to avoid strong colors clashing with their living or dining area.
 
HomeTips recommends a simple remedy to an open floor plan: “Pull rooms together with a thread of color, and try not to match the shades between your living space and your kitchen perfectly.” 
 
 
Lighting

The amount of light in your kitchen is a significant factor when choosing colors.
 
Windows impact the amount of natural or artificial light in the space. Better Homes & Gardens recommends taking into account the different shades of your favorite color in the sun and shade. “Northern light is cool, for instance, and it's often best to counter it with a warm color. But as the sun moves or drifts behind clouds, colors shift and change.”
 
BHG touches on how the lights in your kitchen can impact its color. “Artificial lighting changes colors, too. That's why it's so important to apply samples where the colors will be used and in context with other colors and materials -- which also affect perception.”
 
But don’t stress over the light in your kitchen. Read on to see how you can accurately test colors in different lighting conditions.
 
Fixtures, Cabinets, & Accessories

Aside from light, elements already found in your kitchen like fixtures, cabinets, and accessories can guide the color selection process. Martha Stewart’s website advises homeowners use these “color cues.”
 
Countertops provide a great jumping-off point for color. Common countertop materials, such as wood, marble, granite, and quartzite, give a natural balance for a color to work around.
 
Likewise, using neutral tones on kitchen walls can open up the potential for a pop of color on your cabinets. Accentuate those neutrals with warm or cool accents. Just make sure to use a good finish on your cabinets to ensure you get the color effect you’re aiming for.
 
Light fixtures are another way to bring in character for neutrals, whites, grays, or even dark colors. Most light fixtures come with a brushed gold, bronze, nickel, or chrome finish. Brushed gold against a white background gives your kitchen a beautiful accent without going overboard.
 
Aside from fixtures, look to your kitchen accessories—for instance: your refrigerator, stove/oven range, sink, even your coffee maker. Chrome, a popular finish for most accessories, works well with cooler hues. Bronze or brushed gold is more flexible. It can warm up a space painted in darker colors, or it can add to the effect of warmer tones such as red, yellow, and burgundy.
 
 
Test Your Colors

Once you find a selection of colors--test them! Don’t fall into the one-and-done trap only to discover that you don’t like the color after you’ve finished painting.
 
Most paint stores offer paint samples that come in small canisters. Get samples of the colors your like and paint swatches on the wall of your kitchen.
 
Are you’re existing walls painted in another color? Grab a white foam-core board and paint your swatches on there. This method is a bit more effective because you can move the board around to different spots in your kitchen, gauging both natural and artificial light.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing colors for your kitchen, don’t sweat the small stuff--be inspired by it. Think about the feeling you want your kitchen to inspire; it’s purpose in your everyday life. That way, you can create a space that adds to the comfort of your home.

Painting your kitchen cabinets is a great way to make a big impact without breaking the bank. It can also be a little intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be! Whether you’re a DIY pro or a DIY novice, we’ve got some tips and tricks to guide you through the process and tackle the job with confidence.
 
Step 1: Choosing the paint
 
Oil-based or Water-based?
Once you decide what color you want to use, you need to decide on the right kind of paint. You can use either water-based or oil-based paint on your cabinets. Oil-based paints are generally considered more durable, have a smoother finish and require less coats. However, they have a strong smell, higher VOCs, and can yellow over time. Oil-based paints are also more difficult to clean up mistakes.
 
Water-based, or latex, paints have become more popular and offer a wide variety of options. Water based paints improving all the time and are more resistant to cracking and chipping than ever before. They do not yellow over time, dry quickly, can be cleaned up with soap and water, and are better for the environment.
 
But if you’re still unsure what type of paint to use on your kitchen cabinets, consider the look you are hoping to achieve. If you’re going for a more modern, sleek finish, oil-based paint will give you good results (though the sheen can dull over time). If you are looking for something more matte and rustic, use a latex paint.
 
Step 2: Prep for Painting
 
Empty cabinets and tape
Before you begin, you need to empty cabinets and drawers. Apply painters’ tape where cabinet frames meet walls, counters, and floors.
 
Remove doors and hardware
Remove all the cabinet doors and drawers. (If you are super careful, you might be able to paint the drawers without pulling them out, but it will be easier if you do.) Remove any hardware. Don’t forget to label and bag everything before you place them in a storage shed or unit so you remember how to reassemble when you’re done.
 
Wash cabinet surfaces
Thoroughly wash all surfaces with a good degreasing cleanser like TSP. Removing as much oil and grease as possible will help the paint stick to the surface of the cabinets.  
 
Strip and Sand
The purpose of sanding your cabinets is to simply scuff them up just enough to get rid of any gloss and create a surface for the new paint to stick to. You don’t have to spend a ton of time on this step. A 120-150 grip sandpaper will work. If you prefer, you can use a liquid de-glosser.
 
After sanding, be sure to clean up any debris with a vacuum or tack cloth. Paint will reveal every bump and crack, including tiny dust particles.
 
Prime
Like sanding, priming does not need to be perfect. You just need a thin coat on most of the surface area. Be careful not to let the primer to pool in corners.   
 
 
Helpful hints on Sanding and Priming
If your cabinets are currently painted, you may be tempted to simply paint over them. But you do need to prep the surface. If they were painted with an oil-based paint, you must sand and prime the cabinets if you plan to cover them with a latex paint. If they were painted with a latex paint, you should still at least sand before painting.
 
If you’re painting over cabinets with a heavy wood grain and are looking for a smooth finish, you can fill in holes in the grain with a light spackle. Then sand and prime.  
 
Some new latex paints -- like chalk paint and milk paint -- can be used without sanding and priming. These may sound like great options if you’re short on time, but they will also require multiple coats of paint. (And the subsequent waiting for each coat of paints to dry between coats.)
 
If you are unsure what kind of paint is on your cabinets or what material they are made of, paint a small section of the cabinet and let it dry. If you can scratch or chip the paint off with your fingernail or sandpaper, you’ll definitely need to sand and prime.
 
Step 3: Paint
Start with frames and use the appropriate size brush for each section. (Small details, small brush. Large surface, large brush.) Choose high quality brushes with ultrasoft bristles. Not only will these give you the most professional look, they’ll also retain their softness better when properly cleaned so you can use them again and again.
 
After you finish the frames, move to doors and drawers. Paint the backs first, let them dry, then paint the fronts. Be sure to allow enough time for the paint to dry between coats and sections.
 
Finishing with a paint roller can be helpful if you are trying to avoid evidence of any brush strokes.
 
Using a paint sprayer may save some time and definitely eliminates brush strokes, but you’ll need to mask off all surrounding surfaces and have a place where you can spray the doors and drawers. You’ll also need to properly clean the spray bottle when you’re done. This method can give you the most professional look but it’s also the method that requires the most skill.
 
Step 4: Reassemble
Add hardware
If you are using the same hardware, be sure to wash and polish before attaching them to your freshly painted doors and drawers.
 
Reattach Doors and Drawers
Because you labeled all the doors and hardware, reassembling your kitchen should be quick and easy.
 
Step 5: Enjoy!
Your newly painted cabinets will definitely give your kitchen a whole new look and feel. You’ll have the professional-looking, upgraded kitchen of your dreams, without having spent tons of time and money!