Week 4 – One Room Challenge Farm Living Room

Week 4 of the One Room Challenge in our farm living room felt certainly like “the messy middle.” For a moment I couldn’t remember if we’re on week 4 or week 5. It’s that kind of vibe! And Week 4 of our One Room Challenge farm living room was all about paint, paint, and MORE paint. And I’m not done painting. Here’s some updates and thoughts from the week!

Wall Paint Selection

So the plan from the beginning has been to coat the outdated faux wood paneling in the living room in a fresh white. And then add an accent wall with a funky pattern behind the couch to add more visual interest. But as a designer I know, just ANY white paint will not do.

From my research, I decided I wanted to go with a Sherwin Williams brand paint. And Greek Villa called my name! I loved the inspiration I found from What the Fab, shown above. This is such a wonderful tone of white in my professional opinion. And I knew this would brighten our place up instantly!

And while it’s always SO satisfying to look at before and after photos, I wanted to share my Instagram post from when I was feeling a little overwhelmed when I got started with the painting. I went back and looked at completed painting project photos to rally and get myself back on the proverbial horse!

My Best Paint Tips

As I was wrapping up a good section of painting last night (I’m at least halfway through the full space) I jotted down some thoughts! Now disclaimer, while I am a professional designer, I am an AMATEUR house painter, so please take these tips with a grain of salt. But if they can help you, I’m more than happy to share!

• Because I’m covering faux wood paneling, I knew I would need 3 coats. (Last year, I had to cover hot pink and blue. I can’t catch a break! Lol.)
  
  
• Remember, painting is also form of cleaning. Especially in an old house with cobwebs. What you’re doing is good for your health and Feng Shui!
  
  
• White is naturally more reflective and draws attention to problems in the wall – don’t get too perfectionistic. Select a flat or matte finish and focus on 2-3 even coats. Carefully placed decor and accent walls will also help with this.
  
  
• I’m trying using an older 2-in-1 white semi-gloss paint we had as primer. It’s working great so far. But I went with a more high-end paint for what will be visible. It’s helping the more luxe paint go further to save up more for the bigger investment pieces.
  
  
• When I switched over to the Greek Villa paint after the thick primer coat had dried, I swapped to a new roller made for non-textured walls. It goes on like a dream over the primer coat!
  
  
• Immediately rinse the roller when you’re done or taking a break. Let it hang to dry, not letting the sponge touch anything.
  
  
• Keep stirring the paint as you go so you don’t get a film that can mess up the texture.
  
  
• Tape off the ceiling and trim in case white tones don’t match.
  

What’s Next

Next week I plan to keep going with the paint process and begin the accent wall! Stay tuned for more from the One Room Challenge Farm Living Room.

About Kaitlyn Loos

Kaitlyn Loos [loh-s] is a virtual e-designer for interiors and organizing. She helps busy moms with young families create dreamy spaces that function for their unique needs. She notably developed the Decluttering Personality Type quiz which has helped hundreds of people break down mental barriers about clutter. Kaitlyn loves to collaborate with clients to bring modern, fresh, and color-savvy design into their homes. Kaitlyn Loos Design delivers style for nearly any investment level. She also enjoys sharing her ideas and projects through her blog and discussing hot design topics on Instagram live.

Kaitlyn is located in the west-central Florida area (Tampa, Ocala, Gainesville, and everywhere in between) with availability for select in-person projects for 2021.

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Disclaimer: All of my DIY blog content is for informational and entertainment purposes only. I share what works for me in my home, but you should consult with professionals/landlords before taking on any major projects yourself. My blog does not constitute interior design advice for readers. I am not liable or responsible for any damages resulting from or related to your use of this information.