1. If you could give one paint/DIY tip to a first-time homeowner, what would it be?

My number one paint tip will always be to sand the walls before painting and in between paint coats. This is definitely going to help you get that super smooth, professional-looking finish.

2. How do you decide which projects to tackle first when working on a budget?

When I bought my first home, I was 100% on a budget! I started by transforming the spaces that people would see first when they come into my home, so I started with my downstairs areas and entryway, and then worked my way out from there. 

3. Where do you seek design and DIY inspiration?

I will always be a Pinterest girly! Pinterest allows me to search the ideas that are in my head so I can start to visualize them and then put my own spin and twist on them.

4. What paint color have you always wanted to use in a project but haven't had the chance to yet?

Milk Chocolate 2007–9B. I naturally gravitate to warm paint colors, and I love that this color has a warm undertone. I think it would be perfect for my half bath upstairs. I know brown for a bathroom seems kind of crazy, but I think this color as an accent to a bold wallpaper would be perfect.

5. What’s a creative way to use leftover paint?

I love the idea of using leftover paint for DIY art pieces. It allows you to pull the wall color from one room into decor pieces for another, creating cohesive spaces.

6. How has your confidence as a DIYer evolved since you started renovating your home? Are there any milestones or projects you are most proud of?

I definitely still get nervous when trying new things or a new idea but now I’m more confident in the fact that I will figure out the solution that I need in that moment (especially with the help of YouTube lol). Working with Valspar over the past 2 years has truly pushed me out of my comfort zone. I’ve tried to really work on my design skills and make every project bigger than the last, which has allowed me to take risks and build my confidence.   

I am most proud of my latest project with Valspar, where I transformed my best friend’s loft. Most of my projects have been done in my own home, so I was really nervous about doing a project this big for someone else. I’m really proud that I was able to hear what her family needs were for the space, create a design and then bring it to life!

7. What’s the one DIY project that surprised you by being way easier or harder than expected?

Oh, this is an easy one! Building the patio sectional to showcase Valspar’s 2026 Color of the Year, Warm Eucalyptus 2004-28F, was much harder than I thought it was going to be. I’m sure a part of the reason is the fact that I decided to build this patio set in the middle of July in South Carolina so I’m pretty sure I had heat exhaustion for most of this project.

But seriously, the hardest part for this project for me was making sure all of the measurements were correct. I don’t have a fancy workshop, so being able to replicate multiple cuts of the same length was a little bit harder than I thought it was going to be. But with a lot of patience, I got it done and I was really excited to see how it all turned out.

8. You have painted so many spaces with us over the past two years. Have you developed any painting hacks/secrets that you’re willing to share?

Over time, I’ve perfected my cutting in technique. This has allowed to me to save time on putting on and taking off painters tape. The trick is to dip your paintbrush (my favorite is the Valspar Wall and Trim Short Rubber Handle Angle 2-inch Brush) into the paint and then create a line about a fourth of an inch away from the edge. Next, ensure there’s just a little bit of paint on the brush and drag the flat edge of the paintbrush across your edge. This ensures that there’s not too much paint on the brush because if there is, it’s going to create drips.

9. Tell us about your favorite color combination that shouldn’t work…but does?

Tuxedo 8006-8G and Cookie Dough 8005-9B. It sounds like they shouldn’t work together because you probably shouldn’t be eating cookie dough while wearing a tuxedo, but the color combination is perfect!

10. If you could create your own Valspar paint color, what would you name it and what would it look like?

Grounded Glow. The perfect warm neutral color. I would describe my projects as real, functional and down to earth. Grounded reflects that DIY projects should be about who you are, your creativity and your ability to create beauty out of what you already have. I would want to create a paint color that is calm, approachable, and intentional.