Perking Up with Paint!
Paint. It’s one of the easiest, least expensive ways to instantly update your home’s interior (and exterior) when you’re getting your home ready to sell. If your home’s interior hasn’t been painted within the past five years, or if your existing paint colors aren’t in a neutral color family, I definitely recommend painting your home before you put it on the market. Two things to consider before you begin this easy, cost-effective makeover: color and finish.
Choosing a neutral paint color is the way to go when readying your home for sale. While accent walls in the Pantone color of the year, or that mirror latest interior design trends can be a fun decorative touch while living in and enjoying your home, these colors aren’t necessarily the best way to go when you are trying to appeal to the broadest range of potential buyers. Some paint colors that are sure crowd-pleasers, and that are trend-proof, are Amazing Gray (Sherwin-Williams), Manchester Tan (Benjamin Moore), Birchwood (Dunn Edwards), and Warm Butterscotch (Dunn Edwards). Two strong choices for trim (and cabinets) are Swiss Coffee (Dunn Edwards) and Creamy (Sherwin Williams).
Another thing to consider when updating your home for sale by painting the interior is to paint all of the rooms the same color. This will create a clean, cohesive look, and will be a blank slate for potential buyers to later decorate or add accent colors if they should so choose.
Finally, the different types of finish of paint is as critical as the color you choose. The four basic types of paint finish are: flat, eggshell, satin and semi-gloss. Flat paint is paint that has zero-reflective qualities, and is better suited for deep rich colors. Because it’s not a washable finish, it’s better used in rooms such as an office or a master bedroom. Ceilings can be painted in a flat finish. Eggshell finish is a finish that is very washable, so it’s much better for rooms that see a lot of use, such as the dining room, the kitchen, a playroom, kids’ bedrooms and the laundry room. A satin finish is also durable, and has a smooth, subtle shine and is also great for higher-traffic rooms. Finally, semi-gloss is a higher sheen paint that is generally used in bathrooms and kitchens because this paint is very washable. Semi-gloss paint is typically used for trim and baseboards, as well as cabinetry. However, semi-gloss paint isn’t forgiving when it comes to flaws on the wall, so that’s something to keep in mind.
While the multitude of color and finishes when it comes to paint can seem overwhelming, the payoff when it comes to readying your home for sale is very quick and satisfying. I would be happy to assist you in choosing the appropriate paint color and finish that’s specific to your own home.
