It makes sense to spruce up your home when selling so as it leaves a prospective buyer with a good first impression. This is where something as simple as a fresh coat of paint does wonders when you put your home on the market. So, what is the Role of Paint in Home Staging for Sale?
The Power of Neutral Colours
A neutral palette is your best option when selling so as not to put prospective buyers off. Such pastel shades appeal to the widest range of potential buyers, because people can envision their own furniture in the space, and it can make it easier for them to see themselves actually living in it. Colours like soft greys, warm beiges, and off-whites. These colours don’t shout, they whisper. They say, “Imagine your family here,” without being too pushy.
A couple of years ago, I helped stage a home where the walls were all deep red and dark blue. Lovely colours in the right context, but not ideal for selling. We painted everything in a warm, light grey, and the difference was night and day. The house felt larger, brighter, and more inviting. It sold within a week—coincidence? I think not.
Highlighting Architectural Features
You can also use paint to highlight certain architectural features of your home to make them pop. Got a beautiful fireplace? Then use a contrasting colour on it to the rest of the room. Crown moulding and wainscoting can benefit from the same treatment with a complementary colour or finish.
We once worked on a period property that had beautiful original mouldings that were completely lost, seemed invisible, because they’d been painted the same colour as the walls. They’d just blended in and gone unnoticed. We repainted them in a crisp white gloss, and suddenly, they were the star of the show. Prospective buyers couldn’t stop talking about them.
Creating a Cohesive Look
A cohesive colour scheme throughout the house creates a sense of flow and unity, making the whole place feel more spacious and harmonious. Most prospective buyers won’t like clashing colours, so choose a base colour that works well in most rooms, and then change it up slightly in different spaces. For instance, a soft grey in the living room can become a slightly lighter shade in the hallway, and maybe a grey-blue in the bedroom. It keeps things interesting without being in your face.
Refreshing Key Rooms
When you’re preparing your home for sale, there are a few key rooms that deserve special mention. The kitchen, for one, is so often called the heart of the home, and it needs to feel welcoming. A fresh coat of paint on the walls, or even just on the cabinets can bring a kitchen right up to date. Go for clean, bright colours like white or light grey to give the space a modern, airy feel.
Bathrooms are another critical area. Buyers tend to want a space that feels fresh and hygienic to them, so do try to avoid dark or overly bold colours here. A light, neutral shade can make even a small bathroom feel more open and inviting. I remember painting a tiny bathroom in a light blue-grey and was amazed at how much bigger it seemed. You still couldn’t swing a cat in it, but it somehow its proportions looked more generous than before. The owner couldn’t believe it was the same space.
Addressing Common Issues
Paint can cover up a multitude of sins. A new coat of paint can make scuffs on the wall disappear as though by magic. You can easily convert a sombre room to one that gives the impression of airiness with a lighter tint. And don’t underestimate the value of the right finish. Gloss finishes by nature reflect more light, making a room feel brighter, while matte finishes can hide slight imperfections on the walls.
Don’t be tempted to overdo things with bold colours. You can have a dramatic feature wall whilst you plan to continue living in your house, but this can be a risky move when selling, and may deter potential buyers. If you do go bold, keep it to one small area, like a nook or a piece of furniture, rather than an entire wall.
The Cost-Effectiveness of Paint
Painting is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your home’s sale value in comparison to other renovations for a relatively small outlay, but the result can make a surprisingly favourable difference for you. It can leave your home looking well-maintained, and that can boost a buyer’s confidence in the rest of the property.
We have worked with homeowners who had been planning renovations before their sale, but they realised that a repaint gave the property a new life.
Contact Us
At MJ Kloss, we’re experts when it comes to paint. When preparing your home for sale one of our professionals come to give it the once-over and offer sensible advice before any paint is bought and applied. We have helped so many others with this before. Our professionals ensure a flawless finish at competitive rates. Book a consultation or get a quote today, and let’s get your home ready for its close-up so it looks its best in the estate agent’s listings and on its open days.
FOR RESIDENTIAL PAINTING AND DECORATING IN LONDON PLEASE CALL OUR FRIENDLY TEAM ON 020 8949 2553
