When preparing your home for the real estate market, painting is an inexpensive way to make a big improvement to your home. However, you should choose your colors wisely, because the color of a home’s interior sets the atmosphere of a home. Whether you’re preparing your home for sale or just want a new look for your home, adding the right color could dramatically change the way you feel about your surroundings. Colors, like music, provoke an emotional reaction in people. Typically these reactions are:

  • Red: (warm) emotion, passion, heat
  • Blue: (cool) calm, loyal, sea and sky
  • Yellow: (warm) joy, pleasant feeling
  • Green: (cool) relaxing, cool, nature
  • Orange: (warm) comfort, harvest
  • Purple: (cool) royalty, wisdom, creativity
  • Neutral: (white, cream, brown) clean, fresh

Before choosing a color, consider what kind of “feel” you want for your room. For example, if you want a light “airy” feel, choose blue. For a cozy atmosphere, red can be a good option. Once you establish the feel of the room, choosing the color should be an easier decision.

If you are preparing your home for sale, personal tastes should be put aside. You will have to think of your home as a product and select colors that will make your product attractive to the largest number of buyers. When selling your home, consider the following:

1) Neutral does not mean boring.

  • Use a soft neutral color on the walls.
  • Bring colors of the atmosphere with your home accents.
  • A neutral color palette will appeal to a wider range of buyers compared to a home with a color theme.

2) When choosing colors, use the rule of three.

  • Choose three matching colors.
  • Use a main color on the walls of a room with two accent colors in the decoration.
  • Smaller houses should have one wall color throughout the house; this will make the interior appear larger.
  • A monochromatic color scheme uses the same color with different hues.

3) Looking for a compliment.

  • Complementary colors (opposite colors on a color wheel) used together make each other appear more intense.
  • Blue and yellow, red and green, red and blue are complementary combinations.
  • For a less intense color combination, use colors that are next to each other on a color wheel.

4) Make no mistake.

  • Avoid false finishes.
  • Specialty finishes are personal preference and may not appeal to a variety of buyers.
  • Save this technique to enjoy in your new home.

5) There is always a place for drama.

  • More dramatic colors are acceptable in the master bedroom and bathrooms.
  • A spectacular color choice makes the master suite appear luxurious.
  • Don’t get too outrageous with color. Remember, we want to achieve drama, not tragedy.

6) Bright white is good for hospitals and teeth.

  • Avoid using bright white for your walls.
  • White implies a sterile and impersonal atmosphere.
  • A harsh white is hard on the eyes.

When you’re ready to spruce up your walls and don’t know where to start, take a look at some home decor magazines. Take note of the colors used in the photos and what you feel when you look at the image. Those colors should be a good basis for your decision. For more information on how to prepare your home for sale or to receive an at-home or online color consultation, contact www.kfmstaging.com.