Interior painting can be one of the easiest and most impactful ways to refresh your home. Whether you want to give your living room a new vibe or brighten up your kitchen, a fresh coat of paint can transform any space. However, it's not just about picking a color; choosing the right paint, finish, and applying it correctly are key to achieving long-lasting, beautiful results.

Many homeowners face challenges when planning an interior painting project. From selecting the right shades to deciding whether to hire a professional or attempt a DIY approach, the decisions can quickly become overwhelming. What’s more, poor preparation or using the wrong products can lead to disappointing results, wasting both time and money.

Want to make your home feel brand new? Keep reading to learn how interior painting can breathe new life into your space, and how Billy.com can connect you with the right experts to get the job done.

What is Interior Painting?

Interior painting involves applying paint or coatings to the walls, ceilings, and other surfaces inside your home. It enhances the appearance of your space, making it more visually appealing and inviting. With the right choice of colors and finishes, interior painting can completely transform the ambiance of any room.

In addition to aesthetics, interior painting helps protect your walls and surfaces from wear and tear. It creates a barrier against dirt, moisture, and even minor scratches. This protective layer is essential in high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways, where surfaces endure more abuse.

82% of consumers, with Gen Z comprising 75% of this group, prioritize eco-friendly brands, driving demand for low-VOC and zero-VOC paints that reduce harmful emissions and improve indoor air quality. This is an important consideration when selecting the right type of paint, as these environmentally friendly options not only keep your home safer but also contribute to healthier living conditions.

Preparing Your Home for Interior Painting

Preparing your home for interior painting is an essential step in ensuring a smooth, efficient, and successful painting project. Taking the right steps before the painters arrive can make a big difference in the final results.

Clear the Space

Start by moving furniture out of the way or covering large pieces with plastic sheeting to prevent any paint splashes. Remove pictures, mirrors, and other wall decor. This will give the painters enough space to work, and your items will stay protected.

Protect the Floors and Other Surfaces

Cover the floors with drop cloths or plastic sheeting, especially if you have carpets or hardwood. Tape off areas like baseboards, doorframes, and windows. This will help avoid unwanted paint stains on surfaces that won’t be painted.

Prepare the Walls

Before painting, it’s important to clean the walls to remove any dust, grease, or grime. Wipe down the surfaces, especially in areas like the kitchen or bathroom. Repair any holes or cracks with spackle, and sand the walls to make them smooth. Clean walls ensure the paint will adhere properly.

Ensure Access and Safety

Make sure the painters have easy access to the areas they need to work on. Remove pets from the space, and ensure the area is well-ventilated. If you're working with oil-based paints, this step becomes even more important for safety.

By preparing your home properly, you’ll ensure that the painting process goes smoothly and the final results look as professional as possible.

Choosing the Right Paint for Interior Walls

Choosing the right paint for your interior walls is crucial for creating the desired ambiance in your home. It affects both the appearance and durability of your walls. Below are essential tips for choosing the best paint for your space:

1. Consider the Room’s Function

The purpose of the room should guide your paint choice. For example:

• Living Rooms and Bedrooms: Opt for warm or neutral tones to create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
• Kitchens and Bathrooms: Choose durable, moisture-resistant paints like semi-gloss or satin finishes that are easier to clean.
• High-Traffic Areas: For hallways or kids’ rooms, use paint that’s easy to wash and resists scuffing, like eggshell or satin finishes.

2. Choose the Right Finish

Paint finishes affect both appearance and durability. Choose the one that fits your room’s needs:

• Matte/Flat: Great for hiding imperfections but less durable and harder to clean. Ideal for low-traffic areas or ceilings.
• Eggshell: Slightly more durable than matte, with a subtle sheen. Perfect for living rooms and dining rooms.
• Satin: Offers a soft sheen and is more washable, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas.
• Semi-gloss/Gloss: High sheen and very durable. Best for trim, doors, and areas that need frequent cleaning, like kitchens or bathrooms.

3. Think About Color and Lighting

The color and lighting in a room can make a significant difference. Here’s how:

• Test Samples: Paint color can look different based on lighting. Always test paint swatches in different areas of the wall to see how the color changes throughout the day.
• Create Mood: Lighter colors make a room feel bigger and brighter, while darker shades create a cozy and warm atmosphere. Consider how natural light will impact your paint choice.

4. Choose Quality Paint

Investing in high-quality paint is essential for a smoother finish, better coverage, and longer-lasting results. Quality paints are typically more durable, require fewer coats, and resist fading and staining over time. Trusted brands such as Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Behr offer great color consistency and durability.

5. Use Primer When Necessary

Don’t skip the primer, especially if:

• You’re painting over a dark color with a lighter one.
• The walls are new drywall or have patched areas.
• You’re dealing with stains or uneven surfaces.

Priming helps paint adhere better and ensures an even color application.

6. Consider Environmental and Health Factors

Low-VOC or zero-VOC paints are an eco-friendly option, emitting fewer harmful fumes. These paints are a healthier choice for homes, especially in rooms where children or pets spend time. Look for paints labeled as low or zero-VOC for a safer and healthier environment.

7. Get Professional Help

If you’re unsure about color choices or finishes, seek professional advice. Hiring an expert can help you achieve the best results and avoid costly mistakes. In fact, in 2025, 29% of homeowners hired professional painters for interior projects, with 70% indicating they would hire professionals again due to the expertise, efficiency, and high-quality results.

Professional painters not only offer knowledge on the latest trends and techniques but also ensure a seamless, high-quality finish. When you trust professionals, you’re investing in both the aesthetic value and longevity of your paint job, allowing your home’s interior to look great for years to come.

Common Mistakes in DIY Interior Painting

When homeowners attempt DIY interior painting, they often encounter mistakes that impact the final result. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them, specifically tailored to those taking on a bathroom painting project.

1. Skipping Proper Surface Preparation

One major mistake is neglecting proper preparation of the bathroom walls before painting. Dirt, grease, or any surface imperfections can affect how well the paint adheres, leading to uneven results.

Solution: Clean the bathroom walls thoroughly, fill any holes or cracks, and sand rough areas to create a smooth, clean surface for painting.

2. Not Using Primer

Many DIYers skip using primer, thinking it’s unnecessary or that multiple coats of paint will suffice. However, primer is essential, especially for new bathroom drywall, patched areas, or when transitioning from dark to light colors.

Solution: Always apply primer when painting over bare or uneven surfaces in your bathroom. Choose a primer suited for bathroom use, like mildew-resistant or moisture-blocking primer.

3. Choosing the Wrong Paint Finish

Choosing the wrong finish for your bathroom can lead to a lack of durability. Matte finishes, while great for hiding imperfections, aren’t durable enough for high-moisture areas like bathrooms.

Solution: Opt for a semi-gloss or satin finish, which is easier to clean and more resistant to moisture, making it ideal for bathrooms.

4. Underestimating the Amount of Paint Needed

Many DIYers miscalculate the amount of paint required, either running out before finishing or wasting paint by buying too much.

Solution: Measure the area accurately and use an online calculator to estimate how much paint is needed. It’s better to have a little extra for touch-ups later.

5. Using Low-Quality Tools

Cheap brushes and rollers can cause brush marks, streaks, and uneven paint coverage. Low-quality painter’s tape can also lead to uneven lines.

Solution: Invest in high-quality brushes, rollers, and painter’s tape. Quality tools ensure smoother finishes and better precision, which is especially important for bathroom paint jobs.

6. Not Allowing Enough Drying Time Between Coats

Rushing the process by applying the second coat before the first is fully dry can result in uneven texture, streaks, or peeling paint.

Solution: Allow the first coat to dry for the recommended time before applying a second coat. Patience is essential for achieving a smooth, professional-looking bathroom finish.

7. Painting in Poor Lighting

Inadequate lighting can cause missed spots and uneven coverage. This is especially problematic in bathrooms where lighting may be limited.

Solution: Ensure sufficient lighting in the bathroom while painting. Consider using extra work lamps to ensure you can see all areas.

8. Not Testing Colors

Choosing bathroom paint colors without testing them can lead to disappointment, as colors may look different in natural light or against bathroom fixtures.

Solution: Always test paint samples in your bathroom before committing to a color. Observe how the color changes at different times of day with both natural and artificial light.

9. Neglecting Proper Cleanup

Skipping the cleaning process can ruin your tools for future use and lead to unwanted paint stains on surfaces in the bathroom.

Solution: Clean your brushes, rollers, and trays immediately after use with the appropriate solvent for your type of paint (water or paint thinner). Wipe up any paint spills promptly to avoid staining.

Popular Paint Colors and Trends

When it comes to interior painting, the right color can significantly transform a room’s look and feel. For homeowners, choosing popular paint colors is about creating the perfect ambiance that matches the style and function of the space. Here’s a look at some of the trending paint colors across the U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii, along with some eco-friendly options.

Color Trends

Across the U.S., some color trends have become more prominent, reflecting current tastes and seasonal shifts. In Alaska and Hawaii, the influence of natural surroundings and unique climates has led to distinct preferences.

• Neutral Tones: Shades of whites, beiges, and greys continue to be the go-to colors for creating a modern and fresh atmosphere. In Alaska, neutral tones help brighten up homes, especially during the winter months when natural light is limited. In Hawaii, these tones blend well with the vibrant landscape outside, allowing homeowners to incorporate tropical accents inside.
• Earthy Greens and Blues: Soft greens and blues have gained popularity as they bring calming and serene vibes to living spaces. These colors are perfect for creating a peaceful retreat, ideal for bedrooms or living rooms.
• Warm Shades: Rich, warm hues like terracotta and amber tones are trending for creating a cozy and welcoming environment. In both Alaska and Hawaii, these tones help balance cooler, more neutral colors, making spaces feel homier.

Eco-Friendly Options

As eco-consciousness grows, many homeowners are turning to low-VOC and zero-VOC paints to protect the indoor environment. These options not only provide a healthier living space but also reduce the environmental impact.

• Benjamin Moore Natura: This is a zero-VOC paint, making it ideal for families with sensitivities or those looking for a more eco-friendly option.
• Sherwin-Williams Harmony: A zero-VOC paint that also improves indoor air quality by absorbing VOCs from the environment, perfect for both homes and businesses.
• Behr Premium Plus: A low-VOC option that is GREENGUARD Gold certified, ensuring it meets strict standards for low chemical emissions, while still providing excellent durability and coverage.

By staying up to date with color trends and selecting eco-friendly options, homeowners can enhance their home’s appearance while promoting a healthier indoor environment.

How Billy.com Provides Interior Painting Services

When it comes to transforming your home with a fresh coat of paint, Billy.com is here to connect you with the best professionals in the industry. With a focus on high-quality, hassle-free interior painting services, Billy.com ensures your home gets the upgrade it deserves. From picking the right colors to ensuring perfect finishes, we make the entire painting process seamless.

Our network of trusted experts handles every detail, from surface preparation to clean, crisp painting lines. Billy.com helps homeowners connect with local, experienced painters who can provide expert services tailored to their specific needs. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or tackling an entire house, our professionals are equipped to deliver outstanding results.

If you’re ready to enhance your home’s look with top-notch interior painting, Billy.com offers an easy and quick way to find reliable, skilled painters in your area. We ensure that your project is done with efficiency, professionalism, and minimal disruption.

Ready to get started? Contact Billy.com today to connect with expert interior painters and give your home the fresh, vibrant look it deserves.

Transform Your Space Today

Interior painting has the power to completely transform your home. A fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into any room, whether you're updating your living room, creating a relaxing bedroom, or giving your kitchen a vibrant refresh. With the right colors and professional touch, you can dramatically change the feel and appearance of your space.

Ready to make your home look new? Billy.com makes it easy to connect with top-tier painting professionals who can turn your vision into reality. Our experts are dedicated to delivering quality work that will make your home shine. Whether you’re looking for a complete makeover or just a touch-up, we’re here to help you achieve your dream space.

Contact Billy.com today for expert interior painting services and take the first step in transforming your home!