Staging Paint Colors
Paint color is a personal thing. Some folks care, some never think about it. Some are completely confounded with the idea of selection. Some, right or wrong, are certain they can choose the right color for themselves or for when it’s time to sell the house.
The reason color education exists is because most people only pick the right color by accident and very often, they don’t make the best choice, especially when painting prior to selling their home.
When selecting paint to live in the home, go crazy! Paint the kitchen purple if that makes cooking more fun, but know that when it comes time to sell, you will need to paint. But even when you go with purple, selecting the right one is key to really enjoying the wall color and having it work cohesively in your home.
I’m here to talk about selling though.
White Paint
White is not white, and most homes should not have white walls. A lack of color is cold, so the architecture and or décor must support walls that are truly white.Trim and cabinetry are areas that often need a coat (or two) of white paint when it comes time to sell. Selecting the best white is key. Oh my…before spending thousands on painting your cabinetry or trim, be sure you select the right white!
These choices go from mostly white to beige here and some work for walls, some for trim and cabinetry. When selecting, be sure to consider the other white elements in the house such as trim, cabinetry, flooring, counters and furnishings. If the paint is close, but not quite, the entire room can feel disconnected.
Beige Paint
Realtor beige is a thing, but not every beige is the right one. Some are more versatile than others, so here we go.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard a Realtor tell a seller say that Agreeable Gray is the best color to paint the house. Have you seen it up against a pink toned stacked fireplace? Cherry cabinetry? These elements change the way a color feels and can be difficult to balance. Cool gray + yellow oak floors can be a disaster. I’ve seen it.
That said, I have Agreeable Gray all over my own house!
Gray might be in, but it might be going out of style. What is best for selling, is best for that particular home. Trendy is important but cannot be how all selections are made. Consider the other elements, lighting and furnishings before choosing the best version of gray / greige / beige for your home. Here’s a few of my favorite choices, but you can see the subtle differences. Once those neutrals are splashed all over your wall, they are not so neutral anymore.
Paint with Color
What if you want some color on the walls? Soft blues and greens are the safest bet when you are selling. And, if you want to paint for yourself, with an eye for color that will be appropriate when it comes time to sell, consider these options.
Depending on your personal style, colors and décor, perhaps these are not the best choices and a color expert can help point you in the right direction. They tend to be safe, with wide appeal for buyers.
Curb Appeal
Last up, curb appeal. This is where you want to grab the buyer’s attention and draw them straight to your front door.
While many homes do not call for a fun, eye-catching front door, some do. Check out these fun options. When in doubt, Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black will do the trick.
Paint is money in a can
That’s what we say in staging.
Painting isn’t always the cheapest staging element because a good painter costs money. Unless you have a steady, patient hand and an eye for detail, don’t take on a paint job yourself. Stray paint on the ceiling and trim, instead of just the walls, can ruin the effort. Hire the pro.
Of all the recommendations made to sellers, fresh paint on the walls and trim are the most powerful elements to make a home feel clean, new and updated – all the things that buyers want.
