It only took me 27 years to paint my first apartment, and to understand the joy of bringing colour into my living space. You see, I began working in film at 16 and spent most of my late teens in the art department, covered in paint and saw dust. By the time I was out of my parents home and living with my man, I was OVER painting.

Moving from one rental to another, I never questioned the off-white clinical walls and happily settled for uniformity.

And then, something changed. Perhaps it was our move to the lively and bold Church and Wellesley neighbourhood. Or, maybe enough time had passed that I’d forgotten days that would turn into nights of quick’n’dirty painting, throbbing arms and unsatisfying pay. Whatever it was, I was READY for colour, dammit!

Here’s what I learned during the process:

– Don’t be lazy, protect your furniture! Drop cloths are a must.

– Preparation is EVERYTHING. Make sure your walls are smooth (if they’re not, sand away the lumps), then wipe them down with a wet rag to ensure that they’re dust and oil free.

– Painters tape: USE IT. Being a master cutter takes years of experience and extreme precision.

– Clean up drips as soon as they happen, you’re welcome.

– Always work wet. Choose manageable sections to avoid streaks.

– When you’re done, run a blade across the edge of the tape before removing to avoid pulling off paint along with it.

– Compile a killer playlist.

Ever since the paint job, working from home has become a pleasure. It brings me joy every morning to set up shop in my living room, with my teal accent wall and red neon doors and molding.

If you’re thinking about doing a lil painting, look no further than Benjamin Moore! From colour inspiration to tricks of the trade, their website has all sorts of helpful info for novices and experienced painters alike.

While you’re at it, be sure to pick up a ben & Me kit which streamlines the painting process and makes it super fun and easy! What’s in it? Everything you want and need to do a pro job. For more tips and pics, follow #BenHelp on Twitter!

Although this post has been generously sponsored by Benjamin Moore, the opinions and language are all my own, and in no way do they reflect Benjamin Moore.