2. Think about color and lighting. Once you know the look you are after, it's time to think about paint. Use extra-large paint swatches or get sample-size amounts to try out colors directly on the wall before buying enough for the whole room to avoid a misstep. Lighting can instantly make the biggest change in a room, so now is also the time to create a lighting plan. Add ambience with café lights strung across the ceiling, install a dimmer switch for an overhead fixture and don't forget proper task lighting for the homework area.