Color is probably the most underestimated element of a comfortable home as it can significantly impact what you think of the space.
This is especially relevant for buyers, who sometimes need to use their imagination to see the possibilities of a home that has not been properly prepared for sale.
Of course, there are times when you may instantly hate a color; such as a bright orange in a 1970s kitchen.
If color is all new to you, then these tips will help you turn a house into a home.
Buyer options
You don’t have to tolerate the existing color scheme in your new home. A good tip is to repaint it before you move your belongings in. If you don’t, your future selection of furniture and fabrics will be compromised by a color scheme you don’t like.
Advice for sellers
When preparing your home for sale, consider the impact of feature walls. Many buyers reject a property simply because of its color scheme. To avoid this scenario, repaint in eggshell, cream or soft white. These are objection-free and help rooms feel larger.
Do you love it?
You don’t need to be a slave to fashion or choose the most popular colors. Instead, select the ones you love.
Mix and match
While it’s always good to follow your heart, don’t forget to consider matching your color scheme to your existing furniture. The alternative, of course, is to start over and buy new pieces.
More than walls
Another issue that’s often forgotten is the selection of complementary colors for crown moldings, baseboards and door casings. Some designers like to paint them the same color as the walls. That’s quite radical. Seek inspiration from retailer recommendations and the internet.
Always test
You should buy tester pots of your favorite colors and paint them on a wall to see them in the context of the natural light that comes into a room. Keep space between each test color, otherwise you compare them directly rather than see which looks best on the wall.
Stay in your lane
Unless you’re willing to spend time on all the preparation required for painting, you should hire a professional. Painting is painstaking work. To be successful, you need to be up for it.