For years, interior design has been all about neutrals. Soft grays, whites and beige tones graced interior rooms. Subdued colors were featured in magazine layouts, heralded by designers, and appeared on everything from bed linens to wall paint to appliances and furniture. But this year marks a return to bold colors. Paint companies are featuring rich blues, pinks and greens to use as inspiration. Pantone's 2020 color of the year is Classic Blue and Benjamin Moore's 2020 pick is a soft rosy hue called First Light.
Paint transforms a room without too much cost. Homeowners who plan to live in their homes for awhile should experiment with these bold new colors. Deep rich tones create spaces that reflect personal style. Rooms become distinct areas that evoke a particular vibe. Embracing bold new directions can be rewarding. However, if you're planning to sell your home in the near future take it down a notch.
The real estate market moves fast. Subsequently, your home must present itself in the best possible light as soon as it hits the market. If you really feel the need to introduce deep colors, keep them to a minimum. Add pops of color with decorative elements like pillows, artwork, window treatments, or rugs. This is a good way to play with trending colors but still keep your rooms buyer-friendly. As a result, people are more likely to see themselves living in the space.
"If your house is on the market, the end goal is to sell it," says Michelle Larnard, owner/broker of Michelle Larnard Real Estate Group. "If buyers want bold colors, they can paint the walls after they purchase the home. Sellers need to step back and see their home as buyers see it. This can be hard, especially if someone has been in their home for awhile. But that's where we can help. A professional agent will make sure the home is ready. This way the seller will achieve the best possible outcome."
In the end, sellers should think blank canvas. Streamline each room. Paint the walls a neutral color. Stow away personal belongings and de-clutter. By doing so, there's a much better chance at selling a home fast.
Are you selling your home in the near future? If so, this free guide is a great place to start. It features tips and checklists for how to get your home ready to sell to optimize your outcome.
