As a professional in architecture and interior design area, working with color in its different applications and numerous palettes is an integral part of my day to day life. It is an ever present theme because many of my project choices have color as a starting point. Either because we want a lighter or more intense environment, or because we want to convey a certain feeling or emotion, color always has the first word and is our ally, having the power to speak for itself. It transmits the sensation that we intend to show in a certain environment, stimulating our brain to define the mood or even our desires.
The color to use in the painting of a house to be sold more easily is very important and can even be influential, although unconsciously, at the time of the buyer’s decision.
I work in collaboration with the real estate industry and it is frequent for clients to ask my opinion on what color to choose to paint a property they have for sale or rent. Being a subject that at first sight seems to be consensual, it is important to take into consideration the type of property, its qualities and its constraints, and to choose the color well so as to highlight the positive points and mitigate the negative ones. Color has the power to stimulate our brain and we must use it as a powerful weapon, capable of influencing and impacting the client.
White is always the color of choice for those who are afraid to take risks when painting. It is a safe and accurate color that transmits the feeling of cleanliness and is the color of peace and purity. It reflects light and gives a feeling of amplitude to spaces, making them seem larger and brighter.
All this is true, but knowing the impact of colors on our state of mind and their reflection in our choices, my advice for the color to adopt in a property for sale is always to use neutral colors, nudes, off-whites, but not pure white. Because while pure white, besides the aforementioned characteristics, is synonymous of monotony and coldness, these neutral tones bring tranquility and the same feeling of amplitude and luminosity of white but translate class and sophistication creating a positive psychological effect reflected in seemingly warmer, cozier, and more desirable spaces.
Thus, any neutral color will be a good alternative to make the property more inviting as long as it is within the palette of light and soft tones.
Gray, for example, is an incredible color that I use a lot in its many different shades. It takes us to modern environments with a more sophisticated style and is a great option because it adds brightness, personality, and goes very well with almost any other color.
I also use and abuse the nuances of beiges and taupes. There are beautiful shades that add visual comfort and give elegance, harmony, and warmth to any environment. They have the effect of giving amplitude and luminosity just like white, but they transmit calm and invite relaxation, and are perfect for encouraging potential buyers to want to stay.
Alternatively, for those who have some fear of color, you can opt for white with soft blue reflections, which is a color related to confidence and tranquility, or a light green between water and olive that invites peace and serenity. Although I prefer stronger colors, in some cases a small nuance will be enough to break the pure white and create an environment more appealing to the eyes of those seeking the coziness of a home.
I advocate that, if the idea is to convince the potential consumer and create the impact of love at first sight, don’t go for the ease of white. The options are countless, the environments that are created are very cozy and the impact is very differentiating.
Margarida Bugarim
Interior Architect
