This page is designed to answer common DIY questions. You don’t need to read everything at once — feel free to jump to the sections that apply to your project. Learn how to confidently tackle accent walls, trim work, painting projects, and more — from someone who started exactly where you are.
1. From DIY Beginnings to Empowering Yours
From fixing up my own walls to encouraging others to tackle theirs — this is where it all began.
2. My DIY Tips & How-Tos Segment
Short, practical videos packed with real tips I’ve learned on actual projects — with new ones added regularly.
3. Must-Have DIY Tools & Supplies
The essential tools and supplies I rely on for nearly every project.
Where most projects go wrong — and how to get them right the first time.
Real-world safety lessons every DIYer should know.
5. Before you Paint: Prep + Color Testing Guide
Simple prep and sampling methods that prevent costly paint mistakes.
6. Designing Accent Walls That Make Sense
Where thoughtful design meets everyday function.
7. My Favorite Budget-Friendly Paint
My go-to paint choice for durability, beautiful finish, and value.
8. How-To: Use a digital angle finder & get a perfect mitered cut
Your shortcut to clean, professional-looking corners.
From DIY Beginnings to Empowering Yours
My DIY Beginnings
If you’ve been here a while, you know I started as a DIYer, transforming the boring walls in my own home to make it feel more like me. With a new brad nailer, some wood, and a lot of YouTube tutorials, I began creating accent walls, shelves, and more and sharing the process online so I had a catalog of videos to remember each step. More and more people started following my socials and I started getting asked if I could do projects for them, I was terrified at first, but after gaining confidence through more projects at home, I said yes… and the rest is history.
DIY'ing is empowering
Some of us are wired to DIY — and the satisfaction of finishing something challenging is hard to put into words. I love encouraging that feeling. Because of this, I've created this page on my website as a resource to fellow DIY'ers who want more knowledge on doing these types of projects in their own homes.
My DIY Tips & How-Tos Segment
Did you know I share a weekly DIY Tips & How-Tos series on Instagram? It’s packed with short, practical videos covering everything I’ve learned from real client projects — including painting tips, accent wall tutorials, tool guides, prep techniques, and common DIY mistakes to avoid. I typically post 1–2 new videos each week, with detailed captions that walk you through the steps, materials, and pro tips so you can confidently tackle projects in your own home.
Look for the GREEN or YELLOW captioned videos (like the photo shown here!) to quickly find this series.
This resource page is always growing as I complete new projects, test products, and learn better methods. Be sure to check back often for updated DIY guidance, step-by-step tutorials, paint advice, design tips, and lessons learned from real-world renovations.
Must-Have DIY Tools & Supplies
18V 18-Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer
My all-time favorite tool for installing wooden accent walls. I use 1.5"–2" brad nails to securely fasten each board with alternating angles for a strong hold—no glue needed.
This is the saw I use for the majority of cuts on-site at my clients’ homes. It allows for precise, clean cuts on trim, boards, and accent wall pieces.
Other saws I use regularly:
Table Saw — Ideal for ripping boards lengthwise and creating consistent widths, especially for shiplap.
Jig Saw — Perfect for detailed cuts, curves, and notching around outlets, vents, or obstacles to ensure a seamless fit.
To securely mount horizontal boards and hooks, I use a drill/impact driver set to fasten everything directly into the wall studs.
- First, I drill a small pilot hole into the wood and stud. This prevents splitting and ensures precise placement.
- Then, I drive the screw through the board and into the stud for a strong, secure hold.
- The same method is used when installing hooks, ensuring they can safely support weight.
I caulk all seams. Wood to wood and wood to wall seams. This caulk is (slightly) flexible, is durable, and creates a long lasting waterproof seal.
It is paintable in 30 minutes, low in odor and cleans up easy with water.
Paintable and stainable wood filler. I use this to fill all of my nail holes in wood.
DryDex Dry Time Indicator goes on pink and dries natural providing confirmation the product is dry and ready to sand.
This is the primer I use for all of my wooden accent wall jobs. It works great! I prime the wood ahead of time so it is all good to know once I'm at my client's house.
If you have a spot on the wall where a nail was removed, and you run your finger over it and it is not perfectly smooth (it sticks out a bit) you will want to use a ball peen hammer to essentially "in-dent" the wall a bit so that you can use joint compound to make it perfectly smooth.
If you want to get the measurement of a long wall, this tool is perfect!!
I have multiple sets of these drop cloths. I love the size of these. Long and wide enough for most rooms I paint.
When I paint murals, I will often times sketch it out with white chalk first. If I need to adjust something, I can easily wipe it away with a wet wipe and not have to worry about it negatively affecting the wall like pencil/eraser marks would.
I always tell my clients about these little lifesavers! No studs? Don’t want to use drywall anchors that leave big holes? These super hooks hold up to 100 lbs and are perfect for hanging mirrors, art, all without damaging your walls.
I use these bags for transporting my tools and supplies into my client's homes. They are so heavy duty! Ideal for homeowners too (groceries, sports, etc)
This is my all-time-favorite paint brush! It is angled making it perfect for cutting in. ZERO reason to use tape on baseboards and trim when you have this paint brush.
This is THE BEST Tape measure!!
The Standard/Standard Reverse features standard measurements that are readable when the tape is extended from either the right or left hand.
Easy-read fractions to 1/16in.
Built-in pencil sharpener.
Protective rubber boot.
Eraseable notepad
Get yourself a good pair of safety glasses. Wear them any time you cut wood or use power tools. I have had my brad nailer shoot a nail into the wood and then hit a knot and fly right back out past my face.
These are Anti-fog, scratch resistant, polycarbonate lenses.
Wrap-around protection.
Even experienced DIYers can fall into the same traps, and many painting and woodworking mistakes are completely preventable with a little planning and patience. Some of the most common errors I see include:
- Rushing measurements – Cutting boards or prepping walls too quickly often leads to gaps, uneven seams, or pieces that don’t fit correctly. Always double- or triple-check your measurements before cutting.
- Skipping primer – Applying primer is crucial for raw wood, as it helps paint adhere properly, prevents peeling, and ensures a long-lasting, smooth finish.
- Using the wrong sheen – Choosing the wrong paint finish for the space can lead to surfaces that aren’t durable enough, look uneven, or show every imperfection. I typically use eggshell finish with Behr Paint or matte or satin finish with Sherwin-Williams for most interior walls, and a satin sheen for high-moisture areas or high-traffic spaces.
- Not testing paint in your home – Lighting changes everything. If you have soft white light bulbs, or bright white, etc. your paint will look different. Always bring home paint swatches and then get a sample jar of paint prior to deciding on the final color.
- Underestimating dry time – Not allowing paint or stain to fully dry before applying a second coat can lead to streaking, bubbles, or peeling. Always follow the product instructions and plan extra time for proper curing.
- Ignoring wall texture – Textured or uneven surfaces can affect coverage and the final look of your paint. Prep and fill as needed, and consider the right tools (brush, roller, or sprayer) to accommodate the surface.
Most DIY mistakes are avoidable with careful prep, the right materials, and a methodical approach. Taking the time to measure twice, prime correctly, choose the right sheen, and respect drying times will make your finished project look professional — and save you frustration, time, and money.
Safety Essentials
Safety First (Always)
DIY should never come at the expense of safety.
- Use eye protection when cutting or sanding. I have my safety glasses on every time I use a tool. Even if it's just for a second. I have had rouge nails shoot out of my brad nailer into the wall, catch on a wood knot and fly right back out past my head.
- Wear safety goggles (not glasses) and face masks for dust and fumes
- Secure ladders properly
- Turn off power when working near outlets
If something feels unsafe—pause.
Trusted Resources & Further Reading
For additional guidance and product-specific instructions, these resources are helpful:
Don't forget the prep
- Clean/dust walls and baseboards. Use soapy water if there is and dirt/grime.
- Filling nail holes and seams before priming prevents flashing (shiny areas where touch-ups were made) later.
How to Test Paint Colors the Right Way
- Feather or fan out the edges to avoid raised ridges
- Avoid thick, square swatches, which often require sanding later
- Apply enough paint for full coverage so the old wall color doesn’t show through
- Use the same paint and finish planned for the final wall
- Check the sample in multiple lighting conditions, including daylight, artificial light, and at night
Best way to test paint colors at home
- Purchase a small paint sample (about $7 at Home Depot or $12 at Sherwin-Williams)
- Paint the sample directly on the wall and feather the edges
- Apply the sample large enough to evaluate (about 2’ x 2’ is ideal)
- View the color at different times of day and under different lighting
What’s the best way to choose the right paint color?
The most reliable approach to choosing interior paint colors is to:
- Use Pinterest for inspiration and research
- Narrow down a few favorite shades
- Test paint samples in your own home
- Evaluate each color in multiple lighting conditions
Watch a video I've created explaining it in detail HERE.
This process helps avoid costly paint mistakes and ensures confidence before painting an entire room.
Accent Walls: Make them intentional
Accent walls should never feel trendy or random.
Before starting, ask:
- Is this the right wall?
- Will it complement existing furniture and flow?
Feature walls work best when they enhance architecture, solve a problem, or anchor a space visually. Usually, they are the main wall you see when you walk into a room. Often times they are the wall behind the headboard, or used as a backdrop for a desk in an office.
Function + Beauty: Designing for Real Life
The best DIY projects solve everyday problems.
Think beyond aesthetics:
- Hooks for coats and backpacks
- Built-in ledges or storage
- Durable finishes in high-traffic areas
When form and function work together, a space feels finished—and stays that way.
Behr Ultra Paint (The Home Depot)
I have used Behr Ultra paint (purchased at The Home Depot) for years—in both my own home and my clients’ homes—and I truly love it. It holds up beautifully, is durable, and is a great more budget-friendly alternative to other leading brands.
- Most projects: Eggshell finish
- High-moisture areas or extra durability: Satin finish
If you find a color from another brand, The Home Depot can color-match it. Just let them know the color name and brand.
Example: “Evergreen Fog by Sherwin Williams in Behr Ultra, Eggshell finish.”
I always recommend placing a small dot of paint on the swatch card or lid so you can verify the color before leaving the store.
Discount:
I offer my clients and followers 20% off paint at Home Depot.
✔ Use my phone number in the "Pro-Xtra ID" section at checkout. 952-248-0474
✔ Paint is approximately $35 per gallon with the discount
✔ Please verify the discount is applied before paying—there have been a few system glitches, and I want to be sure you receive it
(See photos below for reference)
How to use an angle finder
A digital angle finder is basically a fancy little gadget that measures angles with more accuracy than your eyeballs (and without the “hold it up and guess” method). Here’s how to use one step-by-step:
1. Turn it on and zero it out
- Close the tool so both rulers are perfectly lined up with each other. .
- Press the “Zero” or “Calibrate” button so it reads 0.0°.
- This ensures your measurements are relative to that surface.
2. Position it on your workpiece
- Set one side of the angle finder against the surface and let the arm swing until it makes contact with the other side.
3. Read the digital display
- The screen will show the exact angle (often to a tenth of a degree).
- Some have a “Hold” button so you can twist to freeze the reading before moving it.
4. Do the Math
- Take the number on your angle finder and divide that number in half. (Each board takes half the angle.)
- Subtract that number from 90°
This gives you your miter saw setting.
Quick Formula:
(Angle finder reading ÷ 2) = X
90° − X = miter saw angle
EXAMPLES:
Outside (obtuse angle) corner:
Angle finder reads 119°
119 ÷ 2 = 59.5
90 − 59.5 = 30.5
Set miter saw to 30.5°
Acute Angle Corner:
Angle finder reads 86°
86 ÷ 2 = 43
90 − 43 = 47
Set miter saw to 47°
Don't have a digital angle finder and want one? I have THIS ONE.
Want a more budget friendly option?
THIS ONE has great reviews.
