7 Tips to Make Painting Stress-Free, According to a Designer

Painting a room can be shockingly stressful—there are so many details to consider. From brand to color to finish, multiple decisions need to be made before you even get started.

Then, you have to think about all the practical elements, like whether this is a DIY job or a professional is required. Luckily, we tapped an experienced designer to help.

Interior designer Kate Marker, who just debuted her new book The Love of Home, is no stranger to painting. She wrote an entire chapter dedicated to stress-free painting in the book, and she is offering her best advice as a true expert on the matter.

We were thrilled to connect with Marker, and here are the top tips she shared for making painting less stressful.

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Find Inspiration That Evokes a Mood

Paint is one of the biggest things to affect a room’s mood, so Marker suggests starting by defining your emotional goals for the room in question. Whether you want a relaxing bedroom or a conversational kitchen, look towards inspiration that gives you these feelings.

For Marker, she has a few key sources. Most often, she looks toward nature and studies everything, from the textures of stone to mossy forest floors to the colors of a vibrant sunset. 

If you want other options, Marker suggests looking in offbeat places like architectural salvage yards, vintage textiles, and historical color palettes from different eras. You can also scour antique shops, classic art books, and even fashion collections.

“These can provide unexpected color combinations and textures that translate beautifully into interior design,” Marker says. 

Focus on the Undertones

A completed room often features layers of colors, and for cohesion, Marker thinks it’s particularly important to focus on the undertones of your various shades. 

“Even within white or beige, undertones can range from warm to cool,” Marker says. “The key is to ensure consistency within a space.”

She suggests pairing warm white with other warm shades and cool whites with cooler tones. Otherwise, you run the risk of creating visual dissonance. 

“Texture is also crucial,” Marker adds. “Combining smooth and rough finishes can add depth without clashing.” 

Don’t Simply Follow the Trends

Most designers agree it’s important to pick what you love—not what the rest of the world loves. But Marker says this is particularly true if this is your first time choosing paint colors.

“It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or pressured to choose bold or unconventional hues, which might not resonate personally,” she says. Instead, think of the colors you find natural and comforting. 

Don’t Be Too Quick to Decide

One of the biggest contributors to decision overwhelm is the feeling that there are just too many choices. While this can be great in some ways, it can also lead to rash decisions made in less-than-ideal lighting.

Take the samples home and assess them in your space under both artificial and natural light sources.

“Avoid making quick decisions under artificial lighting, and always test colors at different times of the day,” Marker says.

Don’t Put All the Pressure on Your Paint

Of course, paint is a great way to bring color into your home—but it’s certainly not the only way. Thinking of it as your main source of color and visual interest might add to the feeling that it’s a huge decision.

Instead, consider all the other ways you can add color to a space.

“I love introducing color through art, rugs, textiles, and greenery,” Marker says. “Sometimes a single, well-chosen piece—like a vibrant painting or a richly textured throw—can infuse a room with personality.”

She notes that other great options include vintage books, ceramic vases, or colorful upholstery. 

Start with One Color

We’ve definitely noticed a huge shift towards more colorful spaces, but Marker says if you’re looking to add color, it’s okay to start with just one. 

Marker often leans towards a soft sage or deep olive green. Shades of green are great—they’re often known for evoking a sense of calm and timelessness, and can be both grounding and versatile. 

“Green can range from traditional to modern,” Marker says. “It also resonates with my love for nature, symbolizing an earthy natural feeling.” 

Consider Your Color Story a Narrative

Assessing one room in your house can feel tricky, but it might help to think of how the space works in terms of the rest of your home. This, says Marker, is key for creating your home’s color story.

“Consider how the colors will transition from one space to another,” she says. “Let the colors tell a story that feels authentic to your style and personality.”