Modern Makeover: Transforming My 1986 Home 🏡
Living in a 1986-built home with salmon-colored interior walls for many years, I often dreamed of giving the space a fresh, modern look. Finally, I decided to take the plunge and DIY spray paint all the rooms in my house. It was our first time using a spray gun, but with careful planning and the right tools, the outcome exceeded our expectations (to our surprise!)
Here’s how my husband and I managed to tackle this transformation, one room at a time, and the benefits we’ve enjoyed since.
Why We Chose to Repaint
The decision to repaint was inspired by multiple factors:
- A Modern Aesthetic:
- Salmon walls, though charming in the 80’s, didn’t align with the sleek, contemporary vibe we envisioned.
- White, often associated with simplicity and elegance, serves as a versatile backdrop for any decor.
- Psychology of Color:
- Research shows lighter hues like white make spaces feel larger, brighter, and more open.
- White reflects natural light, enhancing the ambiance of rooms with limited sunlight.
- Resale Value:
- Neutral color palettes are timeless and attract potential buyers, making homes stand out in competitive markets.
Planning: The Foundation of Success
Before picking up a spray gun, we carefully mapped out the project:
- Choosing the Perfect Shade:
- We selected a soft white that complemented our furniture and decor while creating a cohesive, modern look.
- Picking the Right Paint Type:
- High-quality, spray-gun-compatible paint ensured a smooth application and durable finish. For windows, bathroom walls, doors and trims we’d suggest a gloss finish vs water based paint which provides a nice contrast.
- Considering Furniture & Style:
- Each room was planned to ensure the new color harmonized with the existing pieces and overall aesthetic.
Our DIY Spray Painting Experience
Armed with a Wagner Spray Gun and determination, we approached the project systematically:
- Preparation:
- Cleared each room of furniture and covered remaining items with ➡️ drop cloths.
- Used ➡️ painter’s tape for clean lines and patched any imperfections on the walls. Tip – ensure the walls are clean of dust and grime before commencing the paint job for a smooth professional finish.
- Spray Painting:
- The ➡️ spray gun allowed for even coverage and eliminated the streaks often left by brushes or rollers.
- ➡️ Adjustable nozzles made it easy to tackle corners and intricate details. To reach higher areas and for convenience we purchased a ➡️ Wagner spray extension attachment which enabled us to easily paint the alcove above the staircase.
- Teamwork:
- By splitting tasks, my husband and I were able to complete one room per day efficiently. We’d suggest setting aside 2 whole days to prep the room, paint and to furnish the room the following day.
Why the Wagner Spray Gun Was a Game-Changer
In the past, we tackled room painting the old-fashioned way—with a trusty roller in hand. But after binge-watching countless YouTube videos that promised quick, effortless, and pro-level results, we decided to dive headfirst into the world of spray painting. Spoiler alert: it was absolutely worth it!
Over the course of our DIY adventure, we managed to spray paint 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and the kitchen living areas. No regrets here. The spray gun turned out to be a game-changer, allowing us to breeze through large surfaces in no time. Sure, room prep ate up most of our time (masking tape and drop sheets became our best friends), but the payoff was a smooth, professional finish that rollers just can’t compete with.
If you’re on the fence about using a spray gun—take it from us—it’s faster, easier, and oh-so-satisfying! We have since moved on to upcycling furniture and have become DIY enthusiasts! Pros we found using a spray gun:
- Efficiency:
- Spray painting drastically reduced the time spent compared to traditional methods.
- Flawless Finish:
- The even dispersion of paint ensured a streak-free and polished result.
- Flexibility:
- The adjustable spray patterns made it easy to adapt to different surfaces and designs.
The Final Transformation
The results of our DIY journey have been transformative and the key benefits my husband and I have agreed on are:
- Increased Property Value:
- The neutral color palette enhances market appeal and modernizes the home’s look.
- A Fresh, Modern Atmosphere:
- The white walls create a clean, inviting, and cohesive aesthetic.
- Enhanced Mood:
- The brighter, more open environment has positively impacted our daily lives. This has actually been a game changer, just waking up to a brighter airier room makes a big difference to ones mood!
Tips for Success
If you’re considering a DIY spray painting project, here are some lessons we learned:
- Prepare Thoroughly:
- Don’t skip steps like patching walls, taping edges, and covering floors to ensure a professional finish. We spent some extra time scraping paint off the window ledge because of poor prep so take the time to mask up areas so it’s paint free!
- Choose the Right Tools:
- A quality spray gun, such as the Wagner Flexio 590, can save time and deliver exceptional results.
- Take It Room by Room:
- Pace yourself to avoid burnout and achieve consistent quality.
Transforming our home with a fresh coat of paint has been a rewarding experience. With the right planning, tools, and teamwork, you can achieve a similar transformation and fall in love with your space all over again! New paint in the house is like a refreshing holiday for your space and can make one feel like they are living in a new home! Happy painting – we’d love to hear your thoughts so feel free to drop any questions or comments below – happy painting!
I have that same extension piece and it makes the out look of reach places easy to get to.