When my husband and I bought a spec home, he saw a bigger garage and more room to play…I saw a blank canvas. I immediately fell deeply in love with the wood work and details, but I knew in my decorating heart of hearts that this little room for my son really needed a something to take it to the next level. And that something, my friends, is the best secret (or not secret) in all interior design…Paint DIY! Can I just tell you…a fresh can of quality paint is under $30.00! That is sooooo affordable on any budget, including a tiny budget like mine. But here’s the thing about paint: it has a few tricks up its sleeve. Don’t think you can just throw it up on the wall and call it fabulous. No there are indeed some important tips and tricks you should know when attempting a full room facelift on a $30.00 budget!

How to Completely Makeover a Room with Paint for Only $30…

Tip 1: Pick a paint color that speaks to you

Your $30 paint may be the color that yells to you “come alive”…or it may tell you to relax and be calm…or it may even whisper sweet nothings to you…but whatever you paint color is saying, make sure it’s something you like. Now I have had a deep and unfailing relationship with burnt orange for some time. And I think it was about time that I act on that love and put it up on the wall.

Tip 2: Paint a swatch on the wall

You may be head-over-heels in love with your paint color in the can, but slow down a little; let’s take the paint on a date before we commit for the long haul. Paint a large “test swatch” on a main wall in your room, let it dry, and observe it in different lighting (you may want to paint a swatch on several walls to see how light plays on the color on different walls). Still dying to marry the color? Okay, you may move on to tip 3.

Tips 3 and 4: Tape it off and paint it twice

This tip is all about taking the time to do it right. I know you are super excited to get that paint up and see your room transform. I know you can’t wait to move the furniture in. And I totally believe you can have a professional-grade paint job without paying the big bucks. But you have to do the work right. So before you paint remember to tape off all edges of areas you don’t want to paint. This usually involves taping off the trim and woodwork. Second, paint at least two coats. After you finish the first coat, let it dry over night. Then add a second coat the next day. Paint commercials will tell you that their fabulous primer-paint combos only require one coat, but that is kinda sorta not really the truth. I always use a primer-paint combo and I always do the double coat. You’ll thank me ;)

Tip 5: Make sure your color brings out the best in your stuff

I ardently believe (thems powerful words folks) that the reason my room felt more alive after I covered its beige walls in burnt orange is because the orange brought out the best in my stuff. My white woodwork looked richer because of the orange. My teal dresser sung a brighter song next to the orange. The photos were more bold, the bed more cozy, and the teepee more inviting. You see, if you pick the right color, everything else looks better.

And the best part is…it only cost $30.00! How else have you used paint to brighten up a space?

Have you ever used paint to make a space new and fresh? If so, what kinds of tricks and tips did you learn?

Alix Adams is a glitter user and ice cream abuser. She blogs at A Ruffled Life when she’s not kissing her baby’s fat rolls or painting a wall.