The Quiet Joy of a Finished Room — And How to Get There

Written By Kathleen Vacho

There’s something special about walking into a freshly painted space.

Clean lines.
Smooth walls.
Trim that pops again.
Colors that have a positive effect on you.

It’s subtle — but powerful.

Suddenly the room feels lighter.
More welcoming.
More “done.”

That feeling is absolutely possible as a DIY project — if you have the time, patience, and the right preparation.

And sometimes?

It’s also exactly the moment when hiring a professional makes life easier.

Let’s talk about both.

If You Want to DIY: How to Get That “Finished” Look

A beautiful room isn’t about how fast you paint — it’s about how carefully you prepare.

Here are a few pro-approved tips you can absolutely use at home:

1. Don’t Skip the Prep

That day you save by skipping WILL come back to haunt you, and WILL become 2-3 days next time!

  • Fill nail holes and small cracks with spackle.

  • Sand lightly once dry.

  • Wash walls if they’re greasy or dusty.

  • Caulk gaps along trim for crisp edges.

Prep is what separates “freshly painted” from “flawless.”

2. Choose the Right Sheen

Sheen affects both look and durability:

  • Flat or matte → soft, hides imperfections

    • Solid go-to for most ceilings

    • Walls with old repairs you do not want to take the time or money to fix, but you want to hide them as much as possible

  • Eggshell or satin → great for living spaces

    • More durable and washable than flat or matte

    • Best choice for 75% of walls in residential homes

    • Great choice when children and/or pets are present

  • Semi-gloss → best for trim and doors

    • Allows the painted items to “pop”

    • Holds up better on areas that are used daily

    • Does NOT hide imperfections - in fact, it makes them stand out more!

Picking the right finish makes everything feel intentional. It can make the difference between loving, or hating, your new look!

3. Use Quality Tools

Good rollers, sharp brushes, and sturdy drop cloths make a noticeable difference. Cheap tools leave streaks, lint, and uneven edges.

  • Avoid big box store “quality” sets - these are cheap tools and will not give you the best finish.

  • Good brushes, the ones that hide brush strokes well, do NOT cost $5-$10…try more like $15-$20 on the cheap side!

  • Spending 5 minutes putting down sturdy, thick drop clothes, will save you 60 minutes of cleaning up paint the seeped through old sheets or dollar store drops.

  • Extendable paint poles allow you more control, which allows for more even coverage.

4. Give It Time

Two coats matter.

  • Read the can labels. Even ONE COAT coverage paints still suggest TWO coats!

  • First coat is for coverage. Second coat is for the finish look and sheen!

Dry time matters.

  • Yes, that 4-hour time can get pushed, but if you are unsure if it is ready for a second coat, it is best to stick with the instructions on the can for recoat. A wall isn’t dry only when it feels dry.

  • Rushing is the fastest way to lose that clean, finished look.

When It Might Be Time to Call a Pro

DIY painting is totally doable — but some projects quietly turn into weekend-eaters. How much does your time mean to you?

You may want to hire a professional if:

  • The room needs drywall repairs or heavy patching

    • Improper techniques, or sloppy repairs, can make a good paint job look horrible

  • Ceilings are involved (especially tall or vaulted)

    • Slips and falls from heights can be dangerous and costly

    • The proper ladders and/or scaffolding can be expensive to purchase, and rentals for these types of equipment charge by the day.

  • There’s lots of trim or built-ins

    • These require a lot more time for prep, or you risk getting paint on items that you may not be able to get it off of without causing damage

  • You’re short on time

  • You want guaranteed, long-lasting results

    • Product quality, types of paint, warranties, need for primer…and SO much more must all be considered.

  • You’d rather enjoy your weekend than spend it sanding 😌

    • Again…How much does your time mean to you?

That’s where experienced painters shine.

  • Most important to remember…

    • Just because someone says they are a professional does not mean they are!

    • Painting cabinets, trim, furniture, wood paneling, and more is NOT the same as painting drywall!

    • ASK QUESTIONS!

      • Have they done this before?

        • References?

      • Do they have a gallery of photos or other media that you can view of previous projects?

Why Homeowners Choose Barefoot Painter

At Barefoot Painter LLC, we help whether you’re tackling one room or the whole house.

We’re known for:

  • Thoughtful prep and cleanup.

  • Clean, crisp lines

  • Guaranteed results

  • Use of high-quality products backed by companies you trust

  • Warranties to protect you

  • Respect for your home

  • Clear communication

  • Spaces that feel good to live in

  • Contracts that detail all steps of the process so there are no questions left unanswered

Because sometimes the best part of a finished room… is knowing it was done right — without the stress, mess, or second-guessing.

Interior painting completed by Barefoot Painter LLC

Kathleen Vacho
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