If you’re thinking of selling and wondering how to maximize the value of your property quickly – and on a budget – you’ll have to look very hard to find a better solution than repainting your home.
A fresh coat of paint throughout the home will hide the dents and scratches that walls suffer as part of day-to-day living. And bright, white ceilings will help make each room feel bigger and airy.
If you’re selling soon, many agents will suggest you restrict the colors to neutrals, such as whites and creams. This combination won’t offend anyone and will maximize the impression of space throughout the home.
It’s a mistake-free approach. That’s because dark colors can close in the walls and make even large rooms feel smaller. You don’t want that when you’re selling your home.
If you’ve just moved into your home, or the interior needs a facelift after years of neglect, you have the fun task of selecting a color palette.
Color choice is subjective, of course. Different colors will appeal to different folks. This is why experienced agents often express a preference for neutrals.
However, many owners want to express themselves. So, below, I’ve outlined some tips for choosing a color palette.
- Be Inspired: Use the catalogs of paint manufacturers, or go online to check out Pinterest or even TikTok, and see color combinations that might be perfect for your house or apartment.
- Avoid Trends: Paint colors are in and out of favor as quickly as fashion colors for clothes. One year it’s ochre, then blue, then green. If you’re a follower of fashion, be aware colors will date your home. Unless you love painting, timeless palettes are the way to go.
- Too Colorful: Resist too many colors. If each room has its own palette, it can be too much. You risk your home feeling bitty. If you want a little variety, use accent colors on doors or skirtings.
- Swatch Out: Buy some test pots of different colors and paint patches of each on the wall. This will reveal how each hue can influence the look and feel of a room.
- Lighting Question: You should assess the natural light that comes into each room, as well as the position of wall and ceiling lights, before making a final choice.
- Pop Colors: While many folks like the consistency of color palette throughout their home, they often want a favorite color to go “pop”, especially in the living and dining rooms, or in the home/office. Various shades of green, like olive, have been popular in recent years.
- Make It Match: Consider the impact your favorite palette has on your furniture. Will your colors clash with your furnishings? Unless you’re ready to buy new couches, chairs and rugs, this is an important consideration.