Colors for Living vs Colors for Listing

Posted by Brad Pauly on Monday, February 4th, 2013 at 10:52am.

Color is a way to express yourself and a way to make a space your own.  So when listing a property for sale, what should we do with our perfectly selected shade of red?  Should it stay or should it go?  Here’s some quick guidelines on how to address color when listing a property. When readying a property for resale, I always recommend that the sellers remove as much of their personal property from view as possible.  This includes minimizing furniture, removing art from walls, storing personal items, and keeping all counters clear.   The fact is, potential buyers aren’t interested in seeing your stuff, they want to see your property.  So with that in mind, ask yourself, “Does the color I selected accent the furniture, or the architecture?”  If you picked a blue wall to accent your blue couch, then it needs to go.  On the other hand, if your accent wall features your over-sized 1930′s door trim, or brings out the warm honey tones in your custom cabinets, then it can stay.  Keep in mind that an accent wall should do just that, accent your architecture, not dominate your attention.  Use dark colors carefully. Here are some photos from the MLS that illustrate my point:

YES!

bright bedroom setting

The slightly darker color really makes the kitchen cabinets, archway, and trim pop. bright living room setting
The color brings out the darker tones in the stained concrete while showing off the curved wall.

 NOT SO MUCH…

dark color kitchen

  The color is too bold.  It draws your attention to the shower curtain instead of the beautiful cabinetry and double-sink. 4  
The color actually brings your attention to the vaulted ceilings and compliments the floor nicely.  Thing is, they need to choose one accent color instead of 3. The wall color is too close to the cabinet finish.  The first thing you notice is the decorative vases, not the beautiful millwork.  Plus, it looks like a giant robot face. Remember, when listing a house, the HOUSE and its features are the most important thing.  If you’re unsure, ask your Realtor for their recommendation.  

 

For any advice on listing a home for sale in Austin, don't hesitate to contact the Pauly Presley realty team!

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