5 Fall Home Improvement Projects for Knoxville Homeowners

Charles McLain • September 22, 2025

Fall in Knoxville is that perfect in-between season: cool enough to enjoy the outdoors without breaking a sweat, yet not so chilly that you’re forced to hibernate inside. It’s also prime time for home improvement, when the weather cooperates, and you’ve still got a window before holiday chaos takes over. From painting touch-ups to cabinet makeovers, fall is the ideal season to give your home some well-deserved TLC.


Here are five smart updates that can boost your curb appeal, freshen up your interiors, and have your place looking picture-perfect just in time for the holidays.

1. Exterior Painting Before Winter Weather Hits

Paint doesn’t just look pretty; it’s also your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Knoxville winters may not be brutal, but rain, moisture, and temperature swings can still take their toll.


Fall is the sweet spot for exterior painting: the weather’s mild, humidity is lower, and paint has the best chance to cure properly. Whether it’s refreshing your siding, giving the trim some love, or finally updating that faded front door, a fresh coat now can save you from costly repairs later.


2. Interior Painting to Get Holiday-Ready

Think about it: in a few short weeks, your living room might be full of relatives, friends, or neighbors stopping by. Do you want them noticing your new fall décor, or that your walls still have scuffs from last year’s furniture shuffle?


Fall is the ideal time to refresh high-traffic spaces like the living room, kitchen, or entryway. Warm, welcoming tones (think Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter or Sherwin-Williams’ Accessible Beige) create the perfect backdrop for gatherings. And yes, that means your holiday photos will look much better too.

3. Cabinet Painting for a Kitchen Makeover

A full kitchen remodel? Expensive. Cabinet painting? A fraction of the cost, and just as transformative.


Fall is a great time to tackle your cabinets before holiday hosting begins. Classic whites, moody blues, and calming greens are all trending colors that instantly make your kitchen look brand new. And here’s the bonus: you can keep cooking dinner while the project happens. No need to rip the whole space apart.


4. Deck and Exterior Wood Maintenance

Knoxville homeowners love their decks, but after a hot Tennessee summer, chances are yours could use a little TLC. Sun, rain, and humidity can wear down wood fast, leading to peeling stain or even structural issues if left unchecked.


Fall is a great time to reseal, restain, or repaint decks, fences, and other exterior wood surfaces. Not only will it make your outdoor space look fantastic, but it also protects the wood from winter weather, ensuring your deck is ready for those spring cookouts.


5. Pressure Washing for a Clean Slate

Sometimes, the fastest way to improve your home is with a really good scrub. Pressure washing clears away months of grime, pollen, mildew, and dirt from siding, sidewalks, and driveways. 


A fresh wash can instantly brighten up your curb appeal and it’s the perfect prep step if you’re planning to paint this fall.


Why Fall Projects Make Sense in Knoxville

Fall sits in that magical Goldilocks zone, not too hot, not too cold, making it the most efficient time to get work done. Plus, knocking out projects now means you’ll head into winter with less stress and a home that’s ready for both cozy nights in and holiday entertaining.


Ready to Get Started?

At McLain’s Painting, we know Knoxville homes inside and out. Our professional team handles everything from exterior painting and cabinet refreshes to deck repairs and more. With detailed prep work, premium paints, and a crew that treats your home with respect, you can trust your fall projects will be done right.


So before the holidays (and colder weather) roll in, let’s check a few things off that to-do list. Contact McLain’s Painting today for a free estimate—and get your home looking its best this season.

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