Life has been a whirlwind lately! With a new baby boy at home and preparations for the big move underway, I’ve been dedicated to turning the Curbly House from a dusty, chaotic construction site into a bright, welcoming home. Join us as we share our latest video journal and give you a sneak peek at the (almost) finished interior!

The Woodwork Dilemma: To Paint or Not to Paint?

One of the biggest decisions we faced was what to do with the existing woodwork. From the moment we stepped into the house, we knew we’d have to address it, but we put off making a final decision until the very last minute. Alicia was a strong advocate for painting everything white, feeling that the dark wood made the house feel stuffy and closed-in. I was more hesitant, imagining the beauty of sanded and refinished wood with a lighter or no stain. Ultimately, budget and timeline constraints dictated our path.

During the renovation process, we had to move quite a bit of the trim due to wall adjustments and other modifications. Simply putting the trim back in its original state wasn’t feasible, as there were too many gaps and imperfections. This left us with two options: painting or refinishing. After carefully considering our budget and the time required, it became clear that refinishing was simply too challenging.

So, we made the decision to paint all the woodwork. While Alicia was thrilled, I was initially hesitant. However, now that it’s done, I’m completely on board. The transformation is incredible!

Painting Process: Priming and Painting the Woodwork

We began by thoroughly washing the wood with TSP (trisodium phosphate) to remove any dirt and grime. We then lightly sanded the surfaces to remove the existing shine and create a better surface for the primer to adhere to. Next, we applied a coat of Sherwin-Williams Multi-Purpose Latex Primer.

A Note on Paint Choice: We opted for latex paint instead of oil-based. After consulting with the experts at our local Sherwin-Williams store, I was convinced that their ProClassic Latex Enamel would provide a finish nearly as beautiful as oil (okay, maybe almost as beautiful), with the added benefits of long-lasting durability and no yellowing over time, a common issue with oil-based paints. Plus, we avoided the unpleasant fumes associated with oil paints.

After the first coat of primer, I meticulously filled every tiny nail hole and dent with spackle or painter’s caulk. Then came another coat of primer, followed by another round of spackling. I also sanded between coats to ensure a smooth, even finish.

Finally, we sprayed on two coats of Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Latex Enamel with a high-gloss finish. With each coat, the wood looked increasingly refined. Using a spray gun instead of brushes allowed us to achieve a remarkably smooth and shiny surface. The labor was worth it.

Regardless of your personal preference for painted versus stained woodwork, I believe you’ll agree that the house now feels significantly brighter and more open.

Painting the Walls: Choosing the Right Colors and Techniques

With the woodwork completed, we moved on to painting the walls. Spraying was no longer a viable option, as it would have required taping off all the freshly painted woodwork, which is a recipe for disaster. Instead, we opted for the traditional brush and roller method, carefully “cutting in” around all the trim.

A high-quality paint brush is essential for achieving a clean, crisp line when cutting in. We relied on the Purdy XL Elite, a versatile brush that holds a generous amount of paint and performs exceptionally well with high-solid latex paints like ours. Cutting in can be tedious and painstaking work, often requiring you to contort yourself into awkward positions, painting overhead or lying on your back. However, once you find your rhythm, it becomes almost meditative, and the visible progress is incredibly rewarding.

We partnered with Sherwin-Williams to use their brand new Emerald paint line for the interior walls. Emerald paint is a zero-VOC (volatile organic compound) paint with a lifetime warranty and exceptional coverage. Its consistency is incredibly thick and creamy, making it a joy to work with. The fact that it’s zero-VOC was a major selling point for us, especially with two young children in the house, prioritizing their well being with a health conscious choice.

Color Palette: Choosing the Perfect Shades for Each Room

Selecting the right paint colors was a crucial step in creating the desired atmosphere in each room. You can find all of Alicia’s color inspirations on her Pinterest board.

Ayla’s Room: Peaceful Blue and Vibrant Pink

For Ayla’s room, Alicia chose a calming blue and a vibrant pink, specifically Rainwashed (SW6211) and Lotus Flower (SW6310).

Bathroom: Serene and Tranquil Quietude

In the bathroom, we opted for a soothing color called Quietude (SW6212), creating a spa-like atmosphere.

Our Bedroom: Soft and Sophisticated Alpaca

Our bedroom is painted in a soft gray shade called Alpaca (SW7022). The crisp white woodwork provides a striking contrast against the muted gray walls.

Nursery: Bright and Airy Simple White

The back bedroom, which will serve as the nursery, faces south and west, receiving ample sunlight throughout the day. We chose a shade called Simple White (SW7021), which effectively reflects the afternoon light and creates a bright, airy feel. Eventually, this room will transition into a playroom, and we plan to add pops of color through stencils or wallpaper.

Playroom: Neutral and Inviting Sea Salt

The playroom is painted with a calming color called Sea Salt (SW6204). This neutral shade allows the natural light streaming in through the many windows to take center stage, creating an inviting and cheerful space.

Living Room, Dining Room, and Stairwell: Warm and Adaptable Aloof Gray

The living room, dining room, and stairwell are painted in a sophisticated color called Aloof Gray (SW6197). This warm gray has a chameleon-like quality, morphing throughout the day as the light changes. Sometimes it appears to have more green undertones, while at other times it takes on a richer, more pronounced gray hue, adding depth and intrigue to the space.

The Transformation: A Brighter, More Inviting Home

Even though we’re still far from finished (there’s plenty of touch-up work, decorating, and other finishing touches to come), I already feel confident that we made the right choices with the paint colors and the decision to paint the woodwork. The house looks completely different, in the best possible way!

Now that the walls are painted, it’s time to install the lighting fixtures, switches, and outlets, and complete a few other essential finishing touches. Then, it’s time to clean up and move in!

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to transform the Curbly House into our dream home!

This is a post in the Curbly House series! Follow along as we document every step of our complete home makeover, from gutting the walls to putting up the finishing touches. And don’t forget to let us know what you think in the comments!