The One Paint DIY You Should Do Now for Summer (It’s Not Too Late!)

ICYMI, today marks the first official day of summer. Here in New York, it’s been hot and humid for weeks. But still, there’s something exciting about the changing of the seasons. Summer feels like the start of something new and carefree — and personally, I’m hoping to translate all of that energy into a bit of a home refresh this year. Unfortunately, though, I just don’t have much stamina right now for major renovations or DIY projects. After a long, hard winter, my space needs more than just spring cleaning; it needs a total summer makeover. But where to begin? 

Recently, I set out to talk to the experts in search of the one trick, hack, or project that might help get my apartment looking ship-shape for the summer — and apparently, I’m not the only one. According to a recent survey by the pros at Thumbtack, a platform for hiring pros for home services, the one thing many people are doing right now to ensure their homes are looking gorgeous for summer is actually painting their front doors! 

As a part of their recent Curb Appeal Report, Thumbtack surveyed over a thousand homeowners across the country about home projects they’re currently working on, and one-third reported that they’re refreshing their front doors, entryways, or outdoor lighting. Specifically though, “painting your front door might be the highest-return move you can make,” explains Kendra Sinclair, Thumbtack’s resident design trends expert. “It’s the first thing people see, and it requires minimal investment — just a free afternoon and a quart of paint.”

Another large portion of participants, nearly one in five, specified that they’re prioritizing these outdoor upgrades right now because they want to feel proud of how their home looks in terms of curb appeal this summer. And while painting your front door might seem like a small change, it can make a serious splash. “Color is one of the easiest ways to experiment with mood, personality, and style,” Sinclair says. “A pop of color — a warm summery terracotta, a playful sage — shifts the energy, makes the space feel more personal and intentional, and sets a tone for the whole season.”

So if you’re looking for an easy way to refresh your space right now, consider giving your front door some TLC. Whether you’re simply refreshing the door’s existing paint job or picking something new, bright, and bold, painting your front door will help kick off the season in style (though I’d encourage you to go bold with the color). “One intentional color choice on a single surface can completely change how a home feels — to you and to everyone who walks up to it,” Sinclair says. “You really don’t need a [full] patio renovation or a landscape overhaul.”