When buying paint, be aware that the color on the sample will be darker when you paint a whole wall with it, so Hiller suggests going one shade lighter. Fox and Hiller also use sample boards—pieces of cardboard they’ve painted to see how it will look on a larger scale. Hiller says many companies sell sample sizes of paint for this.

What is the current style when it comes to paint colors for a home?
“Red is one, from tomato red to burgundy. If people are willing to try a bold color, a lot of them will paint that in a dining room or kitchen with light cabinets,” Hiller says. She suggests trying a bold paint color in an entry way or room you don’t spend a lot of time in to see if you like it.

Fox and Hiller say the idea that certain colors will affect your mood is almost a myth. While it’s a good idea to paint a kid’s bedroom a calming color, the general rule is to go with whatever colors you like.

How can I make sure my painting project goes smoothly? Last time I ended up with paint all over my baseboards (and my hair)!
Fox says the prep work you do before picking up a brush is key for a professional-looking paint job. Painting tip: Use tape so the paint doesn’t smudge onto the ceiling or baseboards and fill in holes with spackle.

After you’ve taped, use a 1-inch brush for “cutting in,” which means painting around the edges of a wall so you don’t have to roll all the way to the tape (that would also put a mark on the adjacent wall or ceiling). Do this one wall at a time, or start with the ceiling if you’re painting it.

After cutting in, start from the top with your roller and work down. Don’t put too much paint on the roller—that’s the biggest mistake people make. Fox suggests doing two coats, especially for darker colors.