Before investing in a major overhaul or expansion of your home, try using your paintbrush to create a bigger, brighter feel.
Color can give your home a facelift inside and out. A new coat of paint, when done right, makes your home seem bigger, brighter and newer. To get more out of your home without having to take a sledgehammer to the walls, try these five painting tips:
1. Light the way
Instead of bright or dark colors, lighter shades of paint give the impression of a large room. Try white, neutrals or pastels as color options. Carefully placed lighting helps, too.
2. Mono on mono
For walls, furniture and rugs, utilize a monochromatic color scheme. You also can use distinct textures and shades of a single color to give a room depth and appeal.
3. Keep it balanced
The visual balance of a room is also important. A large, brightly colored element can overwhelm a room and decrease the appearance of space.
4. Look up, look down
Name the fifth and sixth walls of every room. It’s the floor and the ceiling. To “open up” the space above, use a light color or white. Administer the same thinking to the floor. Find a light-colored flooring such as light oak or a light-colored carpet to make the room look more open and bright.
5. Testing, testing
If you’re still unsure about colors, test with two-ounce samples. That amount typically covers 1-foot-by-2-foot areas and should indicate what your chosen color looks like. Many paint companies offer the samples. Don’t forget to look at it in natural and artificial light.
Following these tips when selling your home will maximize the value of your house and lead to a bidding war. In the end, you, the seller, will receive what’s due to you because you took a little time and energy to make your home as attractive as possible.
