If you’re looking to reinvent a tired space or create something new, paint is a quick way to do it. Paint a room. Paint an alcove. Paint the infant ministry space. Or the bathroom?

I used to be a bit afraid of paint. I was afraid of picking the wrong color. Or colors. Unsure of what the whole scheme might be. Then choosing the brand and texture of paint, and all the tools I needed… shut the front door. That was overwhelming.

Want to know how I got over that?? Lean in, a little closer, and I’ll let you in on my secret. Ready… Here it is: I asked someone else to do that. I found a volunteer who was in design school and asked her to pick some paint colors for me. Granted, I had final say, but I let her pick them. Then I had her estimate costs, including all the supplies. I gave her petty cash to go buy the products. She loved it. And I loved that she loved it. And I loved that I didn’t have to get overwhelmed with it.

Since then I’ve gotten better in my painting skills. And I’ve gotten better in my paint selections. I’m never going to be a designer, AND I still have fun ideas that are valid. So when someone suggested hideous paint colors and dismissed my ideas, I was able to thank them, appreciate that they showed me a path I didn’t want to choose, and moved forward with my decisions.

The other cool thing about paint: even though it goes on permanent, it’s really not. I mean, you can’t erase it, but reality is you should update your space about every five years. Can you live with the color for up to five years?

So don’t be afraid to go BOLD. Or bright. Or soft. Maybe not technicolor vomit all over the place. That would be, well, gross. Then again, if you can make it work with your plans, GO FOR IT!