By now, the perks of staging have been well documented when it comes to selling your home faster and for more money, but the right approach to getting there isn’t always so widely adopted — particularly in the world of color. While popular opinion would tell you to make your home as neutral as possible in order to sell it, the truth is that there’s more of an art at play. Keep reading to learn how to use color theory to maximize your home’s appeal today!

First Things First…What Is Color Theory?: Color theory is the study of how colors work together and how they affect our emotions and perceptions. Just think of it as a toolbox for artists, designers, and creators to help them choose the right hues for their projects. Of course, employing color theory effectively to sell your home involves choosing colors that appeal to a broad range of potential buyers to create a positive, inviting atmosphere. Here are some tips and tricks on how to deploy this technique during your next sale:

Accentuate Key Features: Using contrasting colors to highlight architectural details can make your home stand out.
A tried-and-true suggestion? Painting trim, molding, and built-in shelves in a crisp white or a shade slightly darker than your walls to draw attention.

Searching for more advice on selling a home in DC? Explore these related readings.

• 9 Small Details that Can Make or Break Your Home Sale
• How To Sell Your Home In One Month Or Less
• Things to Know About Selling Your Home As-Is

Create A Cohesive Flow: A united color scheme throughout the house can make yours feel more connected — as well as spacious — from room to room. To achieve this, choose a consistent color palette for all rooms, with intentional variations in shades to add interest without coming across as jarring.

Use Warm Colors In Social Areas: Warm colors like soft yellows, oranges, and warm neutrals can make living rooms and dining areas feel inviting and cozy. Don’t like the idea of an entirely yellow room? Not to fear — these sunny colors can be just as impactful when used on accent walls or through accessories like cushions and curtains.

Opt For Cool Colors To Promote Relaxation: Cool colors like blues, greens, and lavenders are both calming and ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms. This just in: Light blue walls in a bedroom can create a serene retreat, while green accents can add a touch of nature.

Enhance Natural Light: Luminous hues can do wonders for enhancing the sense of space and natural light in a room. To achieve this effect, reach for light-reflective colors like soft whites and pale pastels in areas that need brightening up.

Stage With Color: Using color in your staging game plan can make rooms more attractive and memorable to buyers — think colorful elements such as throw pillows, rugs, and artwork that complement your overall color scheme.

Do you still have questions about selling your home? Here are some more resources to help you out:

• How to Buy and Sell at the Same Time
• Should You Hire a Friend to Sell Your Home?
• How is The DC Real Estate Market Different For Buyers & Sellers?

Embrace The Exterior: Since your exterior is the first thing potential buyers see, a freshly-colored facade can enhance curb appeal and set the tone right away.

Use Color Psychology: Different colors evoke different emotions and reactions. Red, for instance, can stimulate appetite, making it a good choice for dining rooms, while green can symbolize health and tranquility, ideal for bedrooms or bathrooms.

Avoid Bold and Personal Choices: Despite the enhanced flexibility color theory gives you, keep in mind that bold, unconventional shades may turn off potential buyers.

Implementation Tips

#1 Consider hiring a professional stager or color consultant. Hint: At The Jenn Smira Team, we’ll always match you with a strategic stager who’s primed to showcase your home in its best light.

#2 Use high-quality paint for a polished finish that lasts.

#3 Test paint samples on small areas before committing to a color to see how it looks in different lighting.

If you’re feeling inspired and ready to leverage color theory for your next project or to get your home ready to sell, one of our expert agents at the Jenn Smira Team is here to provide insights and advice tailored to your unique needs.

Set on selling, but not sure where to start? Get in touch with our team today to discuss your unique needs and goals. Get in touch with us directly by calling 202.280.2060 or emailing us at jsmira@jennsmira.com today!