Many people who decide to sell their home make the mistake of thinking they can sell it exactly as is. The truth is that if you’ve been living in it for more than a year, it will certainly need a new paint job. This is especially true if you have opted for dramatic design effects in the house.
Everyone’s taste is different. What is gorgeous for you might be hideous for the next person. Very dark colors can also make rooms look a lot smaller than they actually are, and most people don’t want to live in a place that looks like a vampire’s castle, country cottage, or a Wild West saloon. This will mean painting over dark colors (which can take several coats) and removing old wall treatments, for a modern, fresh look.
Getting rid of old wallpaper can take time. So too can getting rid of dated old wood paneling. You might also need to treat the wall once you get rid of it all, smoothing and spackling. Once you’ve also removed all the nails, hook and picture hangers and spackled over the holes, you’ll be ready to paint. Then it is a question of what choices make the most sense for the space and any furnishings.
White is the one color you can’t really go wrong with. However, note that not all whites are created equal. They will usually have a hint of underlying color such as yellow or blue. This can affect the brightness of the room and how it looks with anything in it. Compare white swatches carefully and use samples to make sure you opt for the right white for each room.
The good thing about white is you can use it for everything from ceiling to baseboards, and won’t have to worry about taping to ensure that you don’t get other colors in the wrong place. Note that it also comes in a range of finishes, from matte to glossy. You will also find kitchen and bathroom paints with mildew retardant, to keep these spots that tend to be damp looking and smelling fresh.
Cream is popular too, but once again, the underlying color might be too yellow, so check it on each wall and at different times of the day. The doorways and baseboards can be painted with a clean, crisp white by way of contrast.
Grays, from light to dark, have become part of modern-looking rooms – for either the entire room or one accent wall. The doorways and baseboards should be painted with a clean, crisp white by way of contrast.
A very pale blue can sometimes look charming, especially on one wall to add interest.
Pale Yellow
This can add a sunny touch to an otherwise dark room.
Accent Colors
The great thing about white is it goes with almost any accent color you choose. This means you can have any furnishings in the home, which will usually make prospective buyers happy because they won’t have to worry about how much work or money they will have to put into making the house become their home.
The accent colors will also depend on what is on the floor. If you have carpeting that is not too old and stained, be sure the wall color will work well with it. If you are going to rip up the carpet, consider what color you are going to replace it with.
If the floor underneath is in good shape, consider sanding and varnishing it. If you wish to opt for laminate flooring, be careful what color you choose. It will affect the color scheme, and darker colors can also make the room look smaller. Small throw rugs can also add color interest and perk up a room.
Use these color tips and make your prospects fall in love with your home.