Couple tips:

1. Any color you can get at HD, you can get anywhere else. I recommend Sherwin-Williams because the people working the counter always know what they’re doing (as opposed to Lowe’s & HD, where it’s a crapshoot). You might have to bring in a color tag but most of the time if you can give them the manufacturer and code they can reproduce it for you. Also, when you start purchasing at S-W, they will send you 20% off coupons on a regular basis. Generally speaking, you can get their paint for the virtually the same price as HD or Lowe’s. Also, it spreads out super-nice, which is good when you have a paint with a lot of pigment in it that can require several coats to get an even finish. You can buy cheap paint for 1/2 price, but you usually end up putting on twice as many coats for the same end result.
2. I highly, highly recommend all people paint their ceilings flat white. I can’t tell you what a huge difference it will make in making the room seem larger and more inviting. This is one area where cost doesn’t matter — just buy a five gallon bucket of the cheapest industrial flat white you can find.
3. The flatter the sheen, the more your paint will hide imperfections in the wall. However, the glossier the sheen, the better it will stand up to cleaning and scrubbing down the line. Hence, flat on the ceiling because you’ll rarely, if ever, wash it. Eggshell or satin on the walls and semi-gloss for the trim.

Anyways, I know how it goes. When I bought my first house, I had to work every day for a month to get it livable (we’re talking about cat-piss crackhouse bad to start) so I know what you’re up to. Trust me, it’s worth it in the end! Curtains and accessories are nice and all, but if you have to choose between painting a room or sewing curtains, I’d choose painting the room.

Good luck, guys! I know you can do it!

ALSO! Look what I found on Craigslist! I thought of you immediately!

http://iowacity.craigslist.org/fuo/963933285.html