Dear Shanon, What colors should I use to paint my house?
Let’s talk color! I’m often asked for recommendations on what colors to use when painting the exterior or interior of a home. In 2017 the color of the year was INDIGO BLUE.
Super cute now! Looks great as an accent wall in a living room or an office space because blue is supposed to be the color to help with concentration. If you’re going the Blue route, be sure to complement it with lots of white, clean, bright, and open spaces. Add fresh plants to even and smooth out the contrasting colors and tones. Keep in mind not to go too crazy, indigo blue might be the 80s version of wallpaper and the 70s version of green and orange a decade from now.
Also, studies have shown that color does indeed invoke emotions, and therefore most Buyers immediately know if they love a home or not, as soon as they walk through the front door.
Why? Yes, the curb appeal, front porch, and grand entrance all make a huge difference. However, oftentimes it’s how the house FEELS, which can be triggered by color.
Here are a few tips and tricks to compliment and style any room to appeal to today’s Buyer:
1. RED: Sparks-Passion-Conversation: Good for kitchens, gathering spaces, and bedrooms.
2. ORANGE: Happy-Interest-Hope: Anywhere as needed.
3. YELLOW: Friendship-Fun-Laughter-Smile: Great as accent pieces to pop bright light into a room.
4. GREEN: Health-Trust-Life: Great exterior color (if done right) and use PLANTS.
5. BLUE: Clear of Mind-Place of Stillness: Office space, living rooms, bedrooms.
Let’s also not forget about the new trend of GREIGE. Yes, that is gray + beige = GREIGE. Great for exterior colors of homes if you want to re-paint this year and stay neutral. There’s also a lot of available flooring like carpet, laminate, tile, and more to choose from when using this unique and trendy hybrid color.
Can’t afford or don’t have the time to paint? Keep up with the trend by changing out the colors and designs within the home with simple accents like throw pillows, candles, rugs, simple wall art and you know me, a few fresh plants and call it good. If you want to paint something, the quickest and easiest way to brighten your overall home is to paint the front door.
Red and purple are known to be welcoming colors in Feng Shui, but remember to stick close to warm tones and avoid Christmas-red and Barney-purple. There are also a ton of great local shops in the Rogue Valley that carry antiques and collectibles that can add instant charm and a pop of color with a quick coat of paint too. Keep an eye out for pieces that add value to each space without compromising the capacity of each room.
As always, don’t forget when designing to keep the integrity true to the style of the home-but always be sure to add a little flavor that is unique to your character and YOU. Cheers and Happy Designing!
· Northwest Medford: $235,000
· East Medford: $295,000
· Southwest Medford: $252,000
· West Medford: $192,450
Medford Existing Home Sales Median Prices: February 1, 2018 – April 30th, 2018
Shanon Pewtress
Real Estate Broker, Licensed in the state of Oregon
Published June 18
Shanon holds an MBA in International Business, loves writing in her “At Home with Shanon” column that has been delivered to 47,000+ homes in Medford since 2014, has appeared on the Real Estate Radio Show, and was also featured on A&E TV network’s Real Estate Reality TV show.