I sought professional help

Mere mortals such as my husband and I could not have done all the updating ourselves...and survived (the house and us). HGTV be damned

Not only did I have C paint, but also -- replace the front window sill, repair the drywall (don't ask, don't tell), install the new dining room light, take down mini's/put up curtain rods and bamboo shade, reinforce closet and kitchen shelves (that support screw was only in 1/4" - yikes!), blow out the dryer vent (yikes again!)...money very well spent! My admiration to those who do, but we don't have the tools nor the expertise, and facing reality with pictures of the presidents is the first step towards our happy home.