Paint Regret: Avoiding DIY Paint Mishaps with Expert Color Advice

As discerning homeowners, we understand the power of color to transform a space. It can evoke emotions, set the mood, and even influence our behavior. Real estate professionals have long understood the impact of paint colors on homes for sale. The right on-trend colors can bring multiple offers in the first week, while the wrong-dated colors can result in a property that languishes on the market for many months. Home owners as well as Vacation Rental owners will benefit by seeing the value and demand for their property increase with a fresh coat of the right hues of paint.

But with so many paint colors to choose from, where do we begin? This guide will help you select the perfect paint colors for your home, from neutrals and accents to memory tones.

 
 

Selecting Your Neutrals

Neutrals are the foundation of any color palette. They provide a sense of calm and sophistication, and they can be used to make other colors pop. When choosing neutrals, it's important to consider the natural light in your space. It is important to choose neutrals with the same undertones as your existing permanent features (e.g. flooring, cabinetry, backsplash).

Once you've chosen your base neutral, you can add in a few lighter and darker shades to create dimension. For example, you might pair a light gray with a charcoal gray accent wall.

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Adding Grounding Colors

Whites, dark grays and blacks can "ground" a color palette. Whites can be used in ceilings, trim, cabinetry and other millwork.  Dark grays and blacks are also important, since they can ground a room, specially when utilizing lots of light colors throughout. For example, picture the oh so popular "farmhouse style" and how the white was balanced by bringing in black hardware, windows and other accessories. It is important to keep in mind that even whites and blacks have undertones, so choosing your grounding colors can be tricky as well.

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Choosing Accent Shades

Accent shades are the colors that add personality and interest to your space. They should be used sparingly, and they should complement your neutral palette. A good rule of thumb is to choose accent colors that are no more than three shades lighter or darker than your neutrals.

When choosing accent shades, consider the overall mood you want to create in your space. Do you want it to be warm and inviting? Cool and calming? Energetic and playful? Once you know the mood you're going for, you can narrow down your color choices.

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Memory Tones

Memory tones are the colors that evoke specific memories or emotions, they are also "memorable". They can be added to bedrooms, offices, family rooms, and possibly dining rooms.  Incorporating memory tones into your home can make it feel more personal and inviting. It is also important to consider the rest of the colors selected so that there is a flow throughout the home.

There are no hard and fast rules for using memory tones. But they should be muted tones, which are much more sophisticated than their "true color" counterparts, which tend to "cheapen" the look. It's also best to keep in mind your tastes and preferences.

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Putting It All Together

With a little planning and creativity, you can use color to transform your home into a space that you love.

Our Paint color consultation is a one-time service, providing homeowners with expert recommendations that they can implement with a few gallons of paint. We bring large paint samples that we can move throughout your home to find the best neutrals, We will also take the time to learn about your likes and dislikes so that the final product is a home that embraces you!

At the end of your consultation, you will have  a document that will specify paint color and color placement, transforming interiors and exteriors by specifying the perfect paint palette for any style of home.

If you wish to have a personalized assessment on colors you can schedule a call with us here