Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions. – Pablo Picasso
Are you considering re-painting the rooms in your home to try to help it sell? Here are some tips to help you decide what colors you should choose.
1. Be careful with popular/trendy colors.
It may be tempting to spring for whatever is “in” currently, but just like fashion, the design world is always shifting. Colors and styles can be popular one year and tacky the next, so be aware of that as you pick paint colors. When in doubt, stick with timeless classics. Better to go with tried and true favorites than to pick risky colors solely based on trends. Grays, greens, and blues are some good places to start.
2. Don’t be afraid of white.
White often gets a bad rap because…well, we’re not really sure why! But white can be a beautiful canvas if you pick it with thoughtfulness. If your home is dark or the rooms are on the smaller side, you should especially consider the color white, because it will both lighten up and visually maximize the space you currently have. Of course, white is not just white–there are many different “shades” of white! So talk to a design professional or your realtor if you’re thinking about painting the rooms in your home white. They can guide you towards palettes that are appropriate for your home.
3. Figure out the purpose/mood you want for a room.
Colors can shift the mood of a room in an instant. Red, for example, is a vibrant, exciting color that ups a person’s heart rate and can even make a person hungry. Blue, on the other hand, is a productive or relaxing color. It can either inspire positivity or calmness, depending on what shade is used. So think about the room you are painting: is it primarily for relaxation? creativity? activity? Should people feel energetic, warm and cozy, or romantic when they enter the room? Research a bit about the psychology of color before you paint your entire home in neutrals or, vice versa, bold and crazy hues. Colors matter and can greatly affect a buyer’s perception of your home.
