Color Choices for Dwelling and Selling

One of the most personal choices to make for a home are the colors we chose to live with on the walls, fixtures and home décor. Color evokes a feeling. A neutral palette can be soothing to some and boring to others. A boldly colored space may bring joy to some yet stress and overwhelm others.

There are many reasons professional Stagers and Realtors recommend painting the interior with a soft neutral color. Besides appealing to a broader market, it instantly updates the house and rooms appear larger. Light, neutral colors look expansive. Dark colors recede. Bold colors are too taste specific for most.

The after photos of Claudia’s bathroom remodel featuring a gray vanity, ceramic plank tiles and Benjamin Moore Bone Black on the walls. Photo credit: Steve Belner of Photovisions
The after photos of Claudia’s bathroom remodel featuring a gray vanity, ceramic plank tiles and Benjamin Moore Bone Black on the walls.
Photo credit: Steve Belner of Photovisions

During my presentations showcasing before and after photos of rooms, they are received with ooh’s and ah’s. Once I had an attendee comment how the neutral palette of the after was boring. Another commented how the crisp white kitchen felt cold and sterile. Few object to the neutrality. Overall, it remains desirable.

Accent colors can work if appropriate for the space. During a pre-listing consultation, a few clients were surprised that I did not suggest fresh paint. If it works, looks good and feels good, why paint?

One mistake is to use a bright white color on the wall. When the Real Estate professional tells you to neutralize the space, they do not mean bright white. If paint is necessary to prepare a home for sale, I always include a few specific colors tailored to refresh that particular home.

White paint comes in many hues. A soft, warm white with a hint of color whether it is gray, blue, green or lavender could work depending on space, trim, flooring and contents of home. I tend to favor the warmer whites than cooler. One color does not fit every home. A cool light gray will not look good in a home with dark furniture, tapestry and gold accents.

Gray tones continue to be very popular with a slow transition back to the earthier tans and creams. Greige tones are a color between gray and beige and are very popular but not suitable for every space.

Another trend is gray cabinets. This will get dated sooner than later. Remember the 80’s trend of pickled pink tone cabinets. Today they appear dated. A kitchen is a high-ticket area to remodel. If you love the gray trend, stick to the bathroom vanity, smaller scale, less costly and easier to replace or paint.

Before listing, now is not the time to express your style through paint. Add your color personality through home decor. A few pillows, floral, art and accessories can brighten up your space affordably without jeopardizing the potential sale of your house.

 

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