Painting for Life Changes

There are so many reasons to paint your home, ranging from wanting to sell it to simply needing to repaint because it has been many years since the last paint job. Surprisingly often, painting has to do with life changes.

The new nursery you're painting to welcome a new baby. The new, grownup bedroom for the newly grownup son or daughter. The home office that marks an exciting new chapter in your work life. The new color to make a positive statement about a divorce.

There's nothing wrong with recognising life's milestones with a new coat of paint -- indeed, it's one of the nicest ways to do it, and an economical way, too. The benefits outlast the most slap-up party you could ever have, and you'll enjoy them every day.

But let us share some tips for this kind of painting:

• Think twice before doing something very different from what you usually choose. Something completely different can be a wonderful thing, but do you want to be stuck with a colour you chose just because it was your ex's least favourite colour? If turning 50 makes you want to paint your bedroom black -- or bright pink -- might that not be a temporary feeling? Let your paint choice be the second or third thought, not the first emotional reaction.
• Consider all aspects of the job. Painting the nursery is a wonderful celebration of the new family member who's on the way, but make sure you go with no-VOC paints. Repainting the outside of your new home is a great way to make it yours, so be sure you've seen that new home in different seasons and different lighting to be sure you know exactly how you want it to look.
• Enjoy it! Sure, you might find that the brilliant lemon-yellow you choose for Gran's room when she moves in with you actually gets on her nerves, but paint isn't permanent. You can change your mind. Don't be too cautious to get some pleasure from making that change.