Florida Homes and Condos for Sale: What Paint Colors Should I Use When Selling?

Dear Creative Concepts:

I’d appreciate some home staging advice.  After watching some additional home improvement shows yesterday, I’m wondering if  I am too bland in my approach to colors for the broader market?  I long ago accepted the concept of going with neutral colors, but many of the television designers seem to consider some pretty bold colors as “neutral colors”.

I would welcome your suggestions before I get too far along.

Sincerely,

Too Bland Bill

Dear Bill:

This is a great question!  First there are style and color differences based on geographic areas. Since your home is in Corvallis Oregon and the television shows are produced in larger metropolitan areas like Los Angeles or New York, some styles and ideas are too contemporary for the average Corvallis home.

Secondly, consider the style of the home. If your home was a modern condo or had a contemporary style, some bolder colors would be appropriate for the style of home, and home buyers would welcome bolder colors.  Homes with vaulted ceilings and large rooms can show off bolder colors well.  Even so, I would stay away from colors that are so unique and stylized that they won’t be enjoyed by the general buyer.  I know a home that had a black ceiling that was on the market for a really long time . . .

Third, consider your target buyer. For example, if it is a home in a retirement community, use lighter tones.  With a starter home, modern neutral colors will be a fresh difference  from what we fondly call “builder beige”.

Finally, choose a color and tone that harmonizes with your existing wood, carpet or tile surfaces. People may think that all neutral paints are similar, but each has an undertone — from pink to gray — and choosing the wrong one can get you off on the wrong note!  Take the time to get large paper samples  or buy a sample of paint and paint a large area to make sure the tone is perfect.

Some great neutrals we recommend frequently are from Sherwin Williams. We can have large paint samples mailed to your home.  Here’s some of my personal favs:

SW6106 – Kilm Beige – a nice warm wall color – safe if you are afraid of going to bold, but gives a nice contrast with white trim

SW6108 – Latte - a bolder beige – one of Sherwin Williams top sellers

SW6127 – Ivoire – a nice rich yellowy beige – sunny and warm  (Blonde is just a bit darker in this and I love it as well!)

SW6169 – Sedate Gray – a sagey greenish gray

The right paint color helps coordinate your flooring, trim and architecture and create a beautiful background for your furnishing and decor.  These neutrals provide a wonderful palette  — and would never be considered boring.

We’ve got these paint samples and more coming your way (nice 8×11 samples – not the tiny chips).  Choosing the right color the first time is a time and money saver.  (I still have painful memories of when we had our first house painted . . . pinky beige — hated it even after we sold the house!)

We provide paint color consultations throughout the Salem, Albany and Corvallis areas.  Make sure when you’re choosing paint, it creates a warm, inviting and beautiful environment.  Paint has incredible power – and never needs to be boring!

Other blogs you may find interesting:

Does Front Door Color Matter?

Spice up First Impressions!

What Involved in Staging A Vacant Home?

Moving or improving? Creative Concepts and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home’s full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time.

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Moving or improving?  Creative Concepts and Contracting has the expertise to showcase your home's full potential, stretch your budget, and maximize your time. 

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