DIY Enthusiast Shares Handy Paint Color Cheat Sheet

Fariha Nasir, a DIY‑focused painter who grew up in Pakistan and now lives in Houston, has turned her trial‑and‑error experience into a guide for homeowners looking to choose paint without hiring a professional.

From College Studios to Home Renovations

Nasir studied painting in college, yet she admits that the transition from fine‑art canvases to a powder‑room wall in her new Texas home was a surprise. “It was the week after we moved in and I was like, you know what, I can do this,” she recalled, noting that a friend helped her learn basic trade tricks such as reserving flat finishes (0‑3 % sheen) for low‑traffic zones and using a three‑quarter‑inch roller on textured ceilings.

Over the past seven years, she has broadened her skill set beyond paint brushes. She now works with pry bars, miter saws, and even hosts a segment on the Magnolia Network’s Problem Spaces. Her blog, Pennies for a Fortune, and her book Home, Improved provide step‑by‑step instructions for DIY enthusiasts. In the book, she shares a “cheat sheet” of 18 paint swatches she deems reliable for a range of projects.

Color Picks That Have Stood the Test

Among the favorites is Blue Dusk, a mid‑tone blue Nasir used in a turret office. She describes it as “warm and inviting,” noting that it adds mood without darkening the space. Another blue, Providence Blue from Benjamin Moore, appears in her laundry room where she paired it with William & Morris floral wallpaper. The color is slightly lighter than the wallpaper, creating contrast while retaining a cohesive look.

For neutral tones, she recommends Alabaster, a versatile white‑cream that suits whole‑house projects and exteriors. She also highlights Natural Tan from Sherwin‑Williams, which she used on kitchen cabinets and paired with the soft gray Agreeable Gray on surrounding walls. The combination offers a creamy yellow undertone without veering into cool territory.

Her list includes Chantilly Lace (Benjamin Moore) and Alpaca, a mink‑gray hue that reads neutral rather than chilly. Both have appeared in client homes as “whole‑house” colors, demonstrating their flexibility across different rooms.

These selections illustrate a pattern: Nasir often uses a dominant neutral as a backdrop, then introduces a single, more saturated shade to create visual interest without overwhelming the space.

In practice, homeowners can start with a safe base—such as Alabaster or Agreeable Gray—and then add a focal color like Blue Dusk to a single wall or accent piece. The result is a room that feels intentional yet remains easy to update.

Tips for Applying the Cheat Sheet

Preparation matters as much as color choice. She advises covering furniture, laying drop cloths, and using a roller extension to protect the neck and back during ceiling work. When dealing with high‑gloss finishes, she recommends warming the paint in a warm room for smoother flow.

Matching paint sheen to traffic levels is key: flat finishes for low‑use areas, semi‑gloss for trim and doors, and higher sheens for cabinets that need durability. The right roller thickness—three‑quarter‑inch for textured ceilings, a smoother roller for flat walls—helps achieve even coverage.

Overall, the cheat sheet offers a practical framework for DIYers seeking confidence in their paint selections. By blending timeless neutrals with carefully chosen accent hues, she demonstrates that a well‑planned palette can transform a room without professional intervention.

Bathrooms benefit from coordinated finishes.