When Better Homes & Gardens published its fantastic article on “7 Painting Mistakes That Instantly Devalue a Space,” we couldn’t have agreed more. At A.G. Williams Painting Company, we’ve seen firsthand how the right color, finish, and preparation can completely transform a home, and how a few common mistakes can just as easily bring down its value.
Inspired by that piece, our painting experts expanded the list. Below you’ll find our take on 7 more painting mistakes to avoid, as well as 7 makeover tips that increase value, beauty, and durability. Whether you’re refreshing a single room or preparing your home for sale, this guide will help every coat of paint work harder for you.
7 (More) Painting Mistakes That Devalue a Home
1.) Painting Over Wallpaper
It’s tempting to skip removal, but paint won’t adhere well and seams always show. Paint can even loosen the glue, causing peeling. For a flawless result, remove wallpaper completely, smooth the walls, and prime before painting.
2.) Forgetting Primer on New Drywall
Primer seals porous surfaces and ensures your topcoat applies evenly. Without it, color can appear blotchy and require extra coats.
3.) Painting in Extreme Temperatures Without the Right Equipment
Paint performance depends on more than just the thermometer. While most modern coatings, like Benjamin Moore Regal Select, can perform well in temperatures as low as 35°F and up to 100°F, the real challenge often lies in the surface condition, not just the air temperature.
Cold or damp substrates, especially porous ones like horizontal wood decks, can trap moisture and prevent paint from curing properly. Vertical surfaces, such as stucco or siding, typically fare better in cooler weather.
Whenever possible, follow your paint manufacturer’s temperature and humidity guidelines, and avoid painting when surfaces are wet or moisture-heavy. If conditions are less than ideal, make sure you’re using the right equipment and coating system designed for those temperatures.
4.) Using the Wrong Sheen for the Space
Each finish serves a purpose. Matte looks elegant but doesn’t wipe clean easily, while semi-gloss offers durability in kitchens and bathrooms. The wrong sheen can make walls look dull or amplify flaws.
5.) Neglecting the Ceiling
A dingy ceiling can ruin the feel of a newly painted room. Refreshing it with a clean, flat finish instantly brightens the space.
6.) Using Cheap or Mismatched Paint
Lower-quality paint fades faster and doesn’t cover evenly. Also, mixing multiple batches without blending them first leads to subtle color variations from wall to wall.
7.) Jumping on the Trend Bandwagon (and Overdoing It)
Every year, new paint trends dominate social media feeds and design magazines. Right now, “Millennial Green” is everywhere: kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, even ceilings. Today.com recently dubbed it “the new Millennial Gray,” capturing how homeowners have replaced minimalist cool tones with cozy, nature-inspired greens.
But as one popular Reddit thread put it, “Yes, green is the new Millennial Gray… and the only way you can go wrong with trends is if you’re doing something just to impress visitors.”
Is green becoming the new Millenial Gray?
byu/chasinggoose ininteriordecorating
Trends come and go, but overdoing them can make your home feel dated fast. Instead of coating every wall in the latest viral hue, use trending colors in moderation. Try them as accent walls, cabinetry tones, or decor pops that you can change out easily. The most timeless homes balance personality with restraint.
7 Upgrades That Increase Home Value
While the mistakes above can cost you, the following design-forward upgrades can dramatically add to your home’s value, style, and livability.
1.) Lime Plaster and Mineral Paint Walls
Natural lime plaster adds organic texture and depth that flat latex paint simply can’t match. These breathable, antimicrobial finishes offer a high-end, timeless appeal that ages gracefully—perfect for sophisticated interiors.
2.) Professional Cabinet Refinishing
Instead of replacing kitchen or bathroom cabinets, refinishing them can deliver a showroom-quality transformation for a fraction of the cost. A.G. Williams Painting Company uses premium coatings for smooth, durable finishes that resist wear and daily use, instantly refreshing your home’s heart.
3.) Hybrid Epoxy and Polyaspartic Floor Coatings
Transform basements, garages, and workshops with our residential concrete floor coatings. This hybrid system, featuring an epoxy basecoat and polyasparticPolyaspartic Flooring is a high-performance garage floor system with impressive durability and strength. More topcoat, delivers unmatched durability, UV stability, and a one-day installation turnaround. A perfect blend of beauty and practicality.
4.) Textured Accent Walls
Plaster, limewash, or brushed textureA faux finishing technique in which a dry brush is dragged through wet glaze to... More finishes add artistry and depth. A single accent wall in a living room or bedroom becomes an instant focal point and enhances perceived quality.
5.) Painted Trim and Ceiling Details
Architectural elements like crown molding, coffered ceilings, and wainscoting come alive with carefully chosen paint contrasts. Subtle tonal differences between walls and trim can make a room feel taller, brighter, and more elegant.
6.) Two-Tone and Color-Blocked Designs
Design-forward yet timeless, color blocking creates visual structure. Pair grounding neutrals with soft accent tones for sophisticated spaces that feel curated, not trendy.
7.) A Statement Front Door
Curb appeal starts at your entry. A freshly painted front door in a confident hue, navy, olive, or black, makes a lasting impression and signals that the rest of your home is well cared for.
The Takeaway
We loved Better Homes & Gardens’ original take because it nailed one truth: paint can elevate or devalue your space.
Avoid the pitfalls, skip the fleeting fads, and invest in finishes that bring out your home’s best qualities. From lime plaster walls and refinished cabinetry to durable concrete floor coatings, the right painting strategy doesn’t just make your home more beautiful, it makes it more valuable.
For homeowners in Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Fairfield Counties, A.G. Williams Painting Company is here to help you achieve a flawless finish that lasts for years to come.