Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

| By | | 468 Comments

How To Paint A Room

The office ceiling and walls are officially painted, which is good news because we’re at T-minus 48 hours until this baby’s scheduled delivery. Note: the trim is pure white in here (the same color as the desk in the middle of the room). No idea why it’s looking a little cream – maybe just the time of day/lighting?

Freshly Painted Home Office With Floating Desk

It’s still looking really stark in here (holy cow, who watched Game Of Thrones last night?), so we can’t wait to add:

  • a rug
  • window treatments
  • a fun pendant or two over the desk area
  • art
  • more storage along the left wall (and a craft table/photography zone)
  • an updated kid-desk area on the right
  • etc, etc, etc

But even though we’re only around 10% done, it has come a long way since its former days of blue-trim.

Before Photo Of Formal Living Room With Blue Trim Before Conversion To Home Office

And there’s nothing like some final-hour pre-baby hustling to get your blood pumping.

John Applying Paint to Ceiling With Roller On Extension Pole

In the past we shared this video where I demonstrated a few cutting in tips that work for me…

… and there were a bunch of requests on this post for video footage of John rolling a ceiling and a wall, so our office-painting update was the perfect opportunity to catch him in action. This is by no means the professional way to paint a room, it’s just what works for us. So without further ado – here’s how John rolls:

*We mentioned a few brands by name, but none of them were paid/perked, they’re just what we like (we curated color collections with Benjamin Moore in 2012 & 2013, but didn’t have time to do one this year – and never used them exclusively, were paid to mention them, or accepted free paint while we did). 

For those who can’t watch the video, here are a few highlights:

  • John likes to use a rod extender to take the strain off his back while painting ceilings
  • we don’t have textured ceilings so we use a roller that’s meant for “smooth surfaces” – usually by Purdy, Wooster, or Ben Moore (we’re not brand loyal, and usually just grab whatever’s on sale)
  • if this room were carpeted we definitely would have covered the floor, and if you have issues with splattering or just prefer to keep yours under wraps it never hurts to use drop cloths (pros would for sure)
  • watch the speed, amount of paint, and pressure you put on the roller – upping all of those things can be tempting to get things done faster, but keeping them all in check can contribute to more even coverage and fewer drips/splatters
  • higher quality paint is usually thicker, so it tends to drips less (we don’t use ceiling paint on ceilings, we just use good quality flat paint)
  • we skip the rod extender when rolling the walls, but otherwise it’s the same technique
  • our preferred order is for me to cut in so John can roll right behind me, then I’ll do my second round of cutting-in and John will once again follow right behind with the roller (that way the roller can get as close to the moldings and eliminate any brushstrokes that I might leave while cutting in)

We’ve shared a few time lapse room-painting videos in the past, so we thought those might be helpful to include here too. Here’s one of  us painting our old master bedroom in 2012. You’ll notice we used pretty much the same approach back then (I was less steady with cutting in along the ceiling, so sometimes we used tape up there).

And here’s another time lapse video of us priming the kitchen (along with the overhead beams) from 2011.

Now that we got the “how” out of the way – let’s switch gears to the “whys” of choosing our office wall color…

  • We wanted something light and refreshing (we’re both drawn to airy and bright offices)
  • The dining room on the other side of the foyer is going to be dark and moody, so we didn’t want another bold or dark room across from it
  • I was campaigning hard for a soft honeydew green, but John worried it could hinder the function of the room (we plan to photograph smaller projects in here on a craft table, and he thought too much green would reflect in our shots)
  • We had trouble agreeing on colors in here, so we grabbed four test pots (in Daiquiri Ice, Lime Froth, Palest Pistachio, and Tint of Mint)

Oh and one more tip is that when we applied those test paint pots (couldn’t get an accurate picture of them, but just picture four blobs on the wall in a few different places around the room) we painted them from top to bottom in alphabetical order, which helped us remember which swatch was which, so we didn’t mix them up. After a few days of debate we finally agreed on Palest Pistachio. It felt airy and light, wasn’t too green, and it didn’t hurt that it was named one of ten “Happiness Inducing Colors” by Remodelista. So here’s the room all done, in Palest Pistachio. It’s photographing a little bluer than it looks in real life – but it’s definitely a happy color that feels bright without being bold or neon.

Painted Office Wall Color Pale Pistachio With Framed Art And Colorful Magnet Boards

Don’t mind me, this is just my favorite picture ever.

John and Daughter Working At Side By Side Desks In Home Office

We have big plans to make a larger bulletin board above this kid-desk area, most likely from window to window, so that should be fun (the screens are open so the windows look crazy here – just pretend you don’t notice).

Daughter Coloring At Small Art Desk In Home Office

Feels good to have one more to-do list item checked off. You know, until a newborn comes along and the whole house goes to heck again…

Our Favorite Paint Colors

If you’re having trouble picking the right color to paint your room, check out these detailed deep-dive posts about our favorite paints: 

Psst- Wanna know where we got something in our house? Just click on this button: 

Click Here To Shop Our House Banner

Comments

  1. Victoria says

    I hadn’t realised you were booked in for Wednesday and since I’m in the UK and never remember what time it is with you, I’ve spent all day checking your site for a post in case there was Barnacle news. I assume you don’t have reporters camped outside but otherwise you’re basically the new Royal Baby Watch for me! Best of luck.

    And fantastic work on painting so close to due date. Good work.

    Reply

  2. Alison says

    It looks great, and wow you guys have a lot of energy! In all of your free time, check out the selective color layer in PS (the icon looks like 4 triangles coming together)… it would be a really quick way to take the yellow out of the white (which is what’s making your trim look too cream), and to fiddle around with the wall color (you could adjust blue to be slightly more green)… super great PS tool to experiment with when specific colors seem off.

    Reply

  3. Erin B says

    Your office is looking great, I can’t wait to see what you guys do next with it, because the office in your show house was my favorite room. Best of luck in the next few days!!

    Reply

  4. Steph Reiner says

    Ok that picture of John and Clara… totally made my heart burst and it’s not even my own husband and daughter.

    Also, how did I miss that Octopus print on the wall??? I love that you guys had a print done of Clara’s life goals!!! I’ll have to go back in the posts to see where it’s from… (Right, I’m not imagining that she really said this?)

    And lastly, you guys are my painting hero. After doing one room, I’m all painted out and we still have the rest of the house to go!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Thanks Steph! That quote was actually from a girl on TV that cracked John and I up a few years ago (it was before Clara was so hilariously chatty, but totally sounds like something she would say).

      xo
      s

    • Steph Reiner says

      Okay maybe I’m confusing it with wanting to be a jellyfish for Halloween… Or blame the preggo brain. But her Clara quotes are just so hilarious I thought for sure it was something she said!

      Praying for you guys this Wednesday!

  5. Sayward says

    Hey guys, I just wanted to throw some extra encouragement your way, especially in light of some of the criticisms I read in the comments this morning. Your grace and patience with people are amazing qualities that you are going to pass onto your sweet kids. I always admire the fact that you have a kind word for everyone, even those who make rude demands or criticisms, or whose harsh statements come from a frustrating failure to read the post. I look forward to your updates every day, regardless of how small. Real life isn’t a never ending parade of show stopping “afters” and I love that you guys continue to write in a way that’s true to yourselves.

    The amount of work you’ve accomplished recently is STAGGERING, and I hope you enjoy every moment of rest you can before (and after) the new baby arrives. I’m sure you have mixed emotions about the surgery so I’m praying for you! Finally, on top of a show house, working on your own home, the Target line, the book, growing a human, etc., you’ve managed to keep not one but TWO fiddle leaf figs alive, which is basically a super power. You guys are the best!!! *virtual chest bumps for days*

    Reply

  6. melinda says

    I like it all. The website update, the pic of John & Clara, the office in progress, the painting info. Thanks to you guys I’m trying the Natura low VOC right now in the MB and it’s awesome. Great coverage, no odors, very little splatter! You guys rock. Best wishes on the arrival of the little guy – who I’ve secretly named Barney (from Barnacle, of course! ;-) )
    xxxooo

    Reply

  7. Steph Nelson says

    I’ve noticed the ads disappearing and it made me go hmmmm. Isn’t that how you make money blogging? Regardless, the update looks nice, love the header up top.

    The office looks great and the pic of John and Clara is a framer!

    Reply

  8. Melissa says

    The office looks amazing. Now will y’all please rest! We will all be here anxiously awaiting the first photo of Baby Barnacle. Get some rest! Hugs!

    Reply

  9. Sarah says

    John and Sherry!
    I stumbled across your blog about a year ago and have been hooked ever since! I have absolutely loved following you through all your DIY adventures and you have inspired me to take on several DIY projects in my own home. Just wanted to say a quick good luck to you three (well four including Burger!)this week as you prepare for the arrival of your newest family member!

    Reply

  11. Melissa says

    Love the site redesign, that top add is so distracting though and takes away from the Young House Love banner, which is super cute! I would rather have the side ads personally.

    Your banner should be the first thing people see, not an ad!

    Reply

  13. Caroline@CreatePretty says

    Thanks for sharing this! I’ve done a good deal of painting but I liked the tip to not put alot of paint on the roller, and then to get it all on the wall in big strokes and then spread it. Makes perfect sense.

    I’m so jealous that John can reach all the way to the top of the wall. My hubby doesn’t like painting (which works in my favorite because he lets me choose the colors) but it means hauling a ladder around even to roll. Also we have 9ft ceilings, and I feel like the ladder really slows me down! But I don’t have as much control with the extender rod. #1stworldprobs

    Looking good! Can’t wait for your sweet baby boy! Enjoy these precious days with Clara! I cried when I tucked my son in to bed before my planned c-section just knowing that life was about to change. But it’s changed for so much good!!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw thanks Caroline! I’m jealous of your nine foot ceilings so we’re even. And what does it mean if your comment about crying made me tear up? I’m so sentimental right now. Haha!

      xo
      s

  14. Carrie says

    I’d love to see how you clean your paint brushes and other paint supplies. My brushes are always left with some dried paint on the bristles. Can never get the darn things fully cleaned! And then if you’re going to be painting over an extended period of time, do you always clean your brushes and risk them being still damp when you start the next day? Or can you not rinse them, but wrap them in plastic wrap? I’ve tried both, and think there has got to be a trick I’m missing.

    I’d paint more if I didn’t have to deal with clean up! Would love your tips!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      If we are reusing them we do the ziplock thing but usually try to bust things out pretty fast and then just rinse, rinse, rinse (with water) and lay them flat to dry on a paper towel on the counter (they’re usually dry in a few hours if we squeeze them out before laying them flat).

      xo
      s

  16. susan says

    I like the new blog header, but I’m really looking forward to your updated family picture in the sidebar with your son!

    The office looks great, so fresh and bright. Love the picture of Clara and John ‘working’ together, okay, chewing pencils together.

    Best of luck Wednesday, so happy for your whole family!

    Reply

  17. ;anessa R says

    I just wanted to quickly let you guys know that I didn’t even notice the ad banner at the top of the page! I must have trained my eyes to avoid anything at the top of the screen lol!

    Reply

  18. Megan says

    WOW – office is so bright & I can already see a million creative ideas coming to life in there! Early congrats on Baby Barnacle! I bet Miss Clara cannot wait! I could cry just thinking about it…prayers and blessings for the whole family!

    Reply

  19. Lee says

    I have never commented before and I love your blog. But I don’t like the banner ad at the top. Too distracting. The sidebar ads never bothered me at all! Hope things go well on Wednesday…can’t wait to see the new arrival!

    Reply

  20. Amanda says

    I don’t usually read comments but my sick baby is demanding to be held during his nap, and I just have to say, who knew such simple (and lovely) layout changes could produce so much controversy! I didn’t even notice the new ad at the top and the fact that you guys have cut down so drastically on your ads is a very selfless thing (I almost just typed thang?) to do for such ornry readers! Thanks for being so patient and thick-skinned with all of the unnecessary rudeness coming your way about it. The blog looks great! I’m glad you’re able to be supported partially by ad revenue, I love your blog and I’ll sift through however many ads I need to if it means you guys can keep doing what you’re doing!

    So excited to meet the newest addition to the YHL family here soon! Best wishes for a healthy delivery for mom and baby!

    Reply

  21. Lindsay says

    Your posts always leave me inspired to go DO> we are still renters (and will be for as long as we live the military life) but I’ve been trying to do some little fix-its in the apartment. This post left me ready to GO make a few special spaces. I also adore the pencil-eating picture. And holy cow, I hadn’t been here in awhile and had no idea you are now at TARGET?! That is so awesome! I hope it comes to Hawaii soon;)

    Reply

  24. Karin Bunton says

    You could not tell that this was the same room with the before and after! Thank you for the cutting video. I am the one who repainted our whole interior after my husband had to rewire this house. UGH! SOO much painting! I still have touch ups that I just can’t get right due to previous owner caulking of crown moulding. I will try your advice of just touching the moulding and try to make it all look straight! :D Thanks!

    Reply

  25. Bruna says

    I hope you have a perfect delivery and everything goes super well, Sherry! Give the Barnacle a big kiss when he comes!

    (P.S.: The office and blog look nice too)

    Reply

  26. Steph says

    Thank you so much for the video! I have been reluctant to use a roller when painting (I never seem to get even/nice results) so I have been using a paint brush…on really long walls! I’ll be painting my book nook this week so I will have another go at rolling, fingers crossed it looks as good as yours!
    Good luck with everything tomorrow :)

    Reply

  27. Penny says

    Clara’s a leftie! Yay — good for her! (I am, too.) This is good, timely information because i’m painting my living room, hallway, stairwell and kitchen/sunroom and will be painting my dining room once I strip the wallpaper. I need to find your tutorials on how you did your wallpaper removal soon.

    Reply

  28. Valerie says

    My first born, a baby boy was born on April 16 – he will be 16 this year(his “golden” birthday). Wishing you all the best!

    Reply

  29. Jackie says

    In the May issue of Martha Stewart Living there is an office article and they use cut to fit magnetic wallpaper from groovymagnets.com. I can definitely see you integrating this into your space!

    Reply

  30. Tina says

    Hi,
    Since you had some “complaint” posts earlier, i felt the need to comment, so here goes …
    The site rocks, no matter what your ad placement, your content is always awesome and honest, your blog is about your life and well sometimes life is painting yet another room( I like every single paint post btw)
    ..I love that you guys don’t accept sponsored posts , so for those that want you to compare yourselves to other sites, compare that!! I have yet to find one other blog that doesn’t accept some form of kickbacks from companies and if they don’t have many it’s just because they haven’t been offered. To me, that sets you apart from every other blog that I personally read.

    ..since you don’t accept those sponsored posts Etc, …i trust your opinion and recomandations for products and services more that any other site I go to. It is so annoying when a blogger sings the praises of a product, then at the end of the post I see they received that they received the oroduct for free, I meant what’s not to like they got it for free! Lol

    ..I love that you guys seem to live what you preach, I love when a blogger says they are on a tight budget, but the redid the entire kitchen for 12 cents. Of course we pay for the redo by having to read the 500 sponsored posts they write for all the free stuff they used in the room.. I would much rather see an ad .

    Lastly, oh how I love to enter giveaways on your site…just click and you are entered. You don’t have to visit 15 other sites and like them all on Facebook just to enter a giveaway for a notepad! Lol

    Ok so I am not a blogger (yet) but if I was, you guys would be the type of bloggers I would aspire to be( not sure if I could turn down all those goodies my self,so I am truly not hating on other blogs, just saying you are right its not fair or helpful to compare:)

    Good luck on the new Barnacle, we are all praying for healthy mom and baby, easy delivery and your fast return with lots of pictures!!

    Reply

    • Jillian L says

      Ditto on all of this! I love that the giveaways don’t require anything else and that there are no sponsored posts. And most of all, I love your honest way of writing & living. We respect you guys so much!

  31. Kristen says

    Have you guys considered taking a photography class? I’ve noticed a lot of you saying that the pictures aren’t showing accurate colors. It might be helpful :)

    Reply

  32. Kelly says

    I can’t believe it’s under 48 hours to baby time! I’m excited and nervous for you guys. I hope it goes smoothly. Can’t wait to see/hear about the little guy, but please take some time for yourselves.

    And yeah, that picture of John and Clara at their desks is probably one of the best pictures of all time. So adorable.

    BABY!!!

    Reply

  34. Jillian L says

    Love the new blog layout and header!! Very fresh, clean, and more modern than “mod” if you know what I mean (the old interlocking hearts design always felt kind of mod to me). And I don’t mind the top banner ad at all. Everything looks less cluttered. Great job! Wishing you a wonderful birth this week!

    Reply

  36. Julie says

    That photo of John and Clara at their desks is too cute!

    Also I keep wanting to yell out “It’s almost Barnacle time!”, but nobody at the Starbucks I’m sitting in will know what I mean so I just keep yelling it in my head. haha

    Reply

  37. Tracey says

    You are too kind to those who are so opinionated. I love that this is YOUR blog and you get to decide how you want it. I read it for the content and pretty much ignore all the rest. Continue to be true to yourselves.

    I am so excited for you. My only child, a boy named Dalton, just turned 15 last week. Believe me, times flies by in a flash. Wishing you a safe delivery, speedy recovery and many blessing for you and your family.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Thanks so much Tracey! I can’t believe how fast time flies. It feels like I was just holding Clara in the hospital and that was almost four years ago!

      xo
      s

  39. Rosie S says

    Good luck for the rest of the week, you have lots of people wishing you nothing but the best!!!! And for the record, I didn’t even notice the ad on top….I zoom down to read too quickly, I guess! :)

    Reply

  40. Gina says

    Hey Petersiks! I’m sorry, I really do have to agree with the posters who say the top ad banner is distracting. It sort of takes away from the ‘homey’ feel of the blog. I always feel like I am visiting your home when I come here and now it just feels weird. Just my 2 cents. No offense.

    On another note! This is your last Monday as a family of 3 (4?) you must be crazy excited! Love and well wishes for the most perfect of experiences! Bring on the Barnacle!

    xo,
    Gina

    Reply

  41. Meredith Jones says

    Office is lookin good guys! I can’t wait until the news of a little babe comes up on the site! I was due tomorrow 4/15, but he made his appearance one week early! I’m hoping you all gets lots of relaxation and rest after the little man comes! :)

    Reply

  43. Deb says

    So many complaints about the ad at the top of the page!!
    I had to scroll to the top to see what everyone was objecting to. I didn’t even notice it when I hit the page. It’s not that horrible people!! And, their blog, their decision.

    Reply

  44. Marissa says

    You guys rock! I love, love, love your blog! I have been following it since 2008 and you guys are like a ray of sunshine in my day! :) So thank you!!! I too am pregnant with my first (a girl) and have been so inspired by the two nurseries you’ve designed! I wish you guys the best with the birth of your baby boy!!

    Reply

  45. Tirsa says

    I’m really enjoying the process in your office -can’t wait to see how it ends up. So far it feels crisp and clean. Love that.

    The advertising bar doesn’t bother me. I do miss your old YHL header though. The new one feels a little empty.

    I hope you relax and enjoy tomorrow. Please take a few days off after the baby is born. We will definitely understand and will be here when you come back. Will be praying for a safe and uneventful delivery.

    Reply

  46. Beth says

    That would be my favorite picture ever, too.

    Best wishes on a speedy, healthy, easy delivery this time! I have two boys — they are THE BEST!

    Reply

  47. Travelstovegas says

    I’ve been reading your blog for years and just have to add my best wishes for your family on Wednesday! I’ve got a 2.5 year old daughter and 4 month old son, and I had to have c-sections with both of them. So I thought I’d just offer you some advice based on my own experience – 1. Try not to let the pain meds wear off, especially in the first few days. Listen to your body and try to take them on a consistant schedule so you aren’t feeling terrible and waiting in pain until they kick back in. I let myself get distracted by visitors and neglected my med schedule and definitely regretted it. It’s major surgery and it hurts afterwards – no need to suffer through it. 2. Get up & get moving as soon as you can. 3. If you keep your new little guy in the room with you, take along a small nightlight or even a battery powered candle. We put this near the baby bed and it made for easy middle-of-the-night diaper changes without having to turn on the harsh hospital lights, and I could carry our little nightlight to the bathroom if I needed it so bright lights didn’t wake me up more. 4. And lastly, the sight of your first child holding your second child will be one of the best moments of your life. Make sure you get photos and/or video of that, and keep the tissues handy for the happy tears! Good luck, and get some rest!

    Reply

  48. Jen says

    I painted my bathroom BM Simply White and parts of it definitely look cream depending on the light. It sort of drives me nuts, acctually. Next time I do white walls i’ll go with a different white. Sending you good thoughts for your upcoming delivery! I hope everything goes smooth as silk :)

    Reply

  49. Irfan says

    When I saw “How We Roll” and the first picture I was totally expecting a giant desk on wheels. Now I’m thinking of putting my desk on wheels just because. Not that I gave anywhere to go with it.

    You guys are champs. We’re 2 weeks from baby 1 and scrambling to finish the dusty parts of a full house update. Started painting today. No more drywall dust for our little one. Keep it up and good luck!

    Reply

Stuff We Love

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *