Continuing the studio makeovers, here’s another transformation from the main workspace. I recently updated one wall with help from Ace Hardware and wanted to share the before-and-after process with you.
This is the first wall you see when you enter the main room, and I wanted to make a strong impression. I chose a darker color while keeping the half-painted wall design to create high contrast, depth, and visual interest.
Here’s what that section looked like before the update:
I didn’t hate the original look—aside from the persistent clutter—but the half-painted wall had been a light blue for nearly a year and I wanted something new. So one day I decided to go for it. After all, it’s just paint!
I visited Ace Hardware’s Paint Studio and examined many samples before narrowing the choices down to six. Yes—six options. If that sounds excessive, it’s because I’m indecisive about paint colors. Luckily, an Ace associate (a very helpful man named Tom) guided me through the choices and made sure I had everything I needed for the job in one trip: rollers, brushes, painter’s tape, tray liners, and more. Thanks, Tom!
The Ace associates follow their Extra Mile Promise: they go through a detailed paint project checklist with customers to ensure you leave the store fully prepared—no forgotten tools and no extra runs to the store.
For this design I wanted something earthy, warm, and high-contrast. I chose Valspar’s Weathervane (422Q) and used Valspar Optimus, one of my favorite paints because it provides excellent coverage and durability.
I painted a strip 4 feet tall and 21 feet long. A single quart of paint covered it with two coats, so the paint portion of the makeover cost about $26. Adding a roller, brush, tape, and tray liner brought the total to roughly $51—an inexpensive way to make a big impact.
The shade reads as a rich charcoal gray with a subtle brown undertone, which helps create the earthy, cozy vibe I wanted.
Once the paint was dry, I focused on styling. I rearranged existing furniture, added a few new pieces, and repurposed others—like turning a tiny vintage rug into a wall hanging and building a desk from hairpin legs and an old tabletop whose legs went missing in a move. A mix of new, vintage accessories and some DIY artwork finished the look.
I kept surfaces fairly minimal for now, knowing they’ll fill up quickly—this is a studio, after all. If you’d like sources for the furniture and decor, I can share them in a follow-up post—just say the word.
Planning a paint project? Late summer and early fall are ideal times to refresh a room. Visit your local Ace to get advice and supplies for your next paint project. If you’re painting between August 30th and September 4th, Ace runs a Labor Day promotion: buy two, get one free on gallons of Clark+Kensington, Royal, Valspar Aspire, and Valspar Optimus interior and exterior paints.
What do you think of the color and layout change? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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This post is a partnership with Ace Hardware. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that help keep Paper & Stitch running.