Spring Paint!
Spring Paint!
Spring Paint!
Paint is like minimally invasive plastic surgery for a house, no cutting required. Even though I see what a difference new paint can make, I am always amazed at the transformation. Fresh paint can give new life into almost anything in a house. It’s a versatile medium—you can use it to dramatize a room’s elements or to down play flaws.
There are many reasons for new paint, but most houses need repainting every 5-10 years. Bathrooms, hallways and kitchens tend to need it more often than other rooms—as they are more “used and abused” areas of the house. Living, dining and adult bedrooms tend to be the longest lasting paint jobs and may only need to be done when a décor change is desired. Luckily, painting is one of the most economical updates you can do in your home (and you can DIY it, if you want to!)
THE BIG DECISIONS…WHAT COLORS?!
Picking paint colors can be as intimidating as you make it. Have you seen all the different shades of white?! My suggestion for the main living spaces is to go neutral. It’s a safe bet over dark hues (like burgundy or hunter green) that will keep you away from giving the appearance of a small cave. Grey, Beige and the blended “greiges” (no, I did not make that up) will compliment almost anyone’s décor and are very on trend this year. Neutral doesn’t have to be boring! You can still add personality; just keep it in the neutral family with bright white trim and then add wild colors in your décor, which are much easier to switch out. However, if the greige look isn’t your thing—add some color, but be sure to keep it muted so it doesn’t overwhelm the space. Light blues, greens and even purples can be very Zen and spa-like colors, if they are muted enough to not completely take over.
Once you are ready to make the big color decision, take a trip to your local hardware store and get a few swatches in the tones you are considering. Take them home and put them up on the wall. Short of painting test strips, this is the best way to see how the colors change with the light in your home. Paint is not a lifetime investment, but it’s also not something you want to be doing every year either. A little extra time spent in choosing a great color match is well worth it.
This amazing weather is a perfect time for a paint transformation. Paint has that magical ability to make everything seem fresh and new and what better time than spring to do it! It is one of the most economical updates, it’s relatively easy and it’s instant gratification.
Now the only question is…what color will you choose?
Lisa E. Priest is an East Texas Area Broker/REALTOR® with Picket Fence Realty, Inc. You can reach her via phone or text at 903-948-3343 or read more at BuyPalestine.com.
