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From Gray to Beige and Everywhere in Between: What IS Neutral?

Paint Color: Sherwin Williams' Reflection

Why It Matters

A new coat of paint does wonders to freshen up a room. But also, if your walls are currently painted in unusual (i.e., non-neutral) colors, that could turn off potential buyers.

Whether positive or negative, people have a visceral reaction to strong colors. Have you ever been in a room and just cringed from the paint color? That's not what you want your potential buyers to do.

Most people aren't going to fall in love with a neutral paint color. But they aren't going to hate it, either. Most will barely notice it and focus on where a TV could go, what kind of furniture they'd want to fill the room with, etc. (All the good stuff that you want them to be thinking about.)

But...What's Neutral?

Advising sellers to paint their walls in neutral tones is nothing new. What's changing is the definition of "neutral".

It used to be that white was considered neutral. Savvy sellers would paint every wall in their entire house white when it was time to sell. But an entirely white-walled house or condo can feel stark and cold. 

Somewhere in the 80s, the muses of real estate decided that beige was neutral. And so walls across the world were doused in various shades of beige. Then came grey. Then the greiges (grayish-beige, natch!).

The point is, there isn't A color that you MUST paint your walls. Current room neutrals typically fall somewhere in the gray/beige/greige family. Have a look:
Keep in mind that lighter tones typically make a room look bigger than darker ones. That said, an accent wall can help to warm up a room, particularly a living room or bedroom.

A good rule of thumb for accent walls: go a few shades darker than your neutral, or use a complimentary color. (A lot of paint stores provide swatches with a neutral color and several options of complimentary colors.)

Not great with colors? 

You're not alone! My personal belief is that neutrals are popular because most people struggle with color.

If you're not good with colors, but still want to paint:
  • Keep it simple. Bag the accent walls, and just choose one neutral color.
  • Ask for a friend's help.
  • Check out images online for ideas.
  • Ask for help at the paint store.
Or, a funny thing. I found an article while writing this post. Based on the results of a Zillow survey, it actually suggests exactly what color to paint each room in your house to sell it. It's true what they say: there's a study for everything!

A Word About Your Photos...

Photos are also something that de-neutralize a house. Buyers don't want to feel like they're moving into someone else's house. They need to see it as their house.

The same goes for sports memorabilia, music walls, and other hobbies; as well as anything political or religious. The more personal items you leave around that define you, the harder it will be for someone else to see the home as theirs.

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