We've all walked into a room and thought, "That's an interesting colour choice." Sometimes it's hard to look past the paint, especially when it's particularly bold or dated, but a different colour can completely change how a room looks and feels.
If you're selling, fresh paint can help a home look cleaner and more inviting. If you're buying, it's worth remembering that a colour you don't like is usually an easy fix.
And if you're simply ready for a change, painting is one of the more affordable ways to update a room without taking on a major renovation.
Choosing a Colour That Works With Your Home
Before falling in love with a paint colour, look at what you already have.Your flooring, kitchen cabinets, countertops and furniture all affect how a colour will look. A cool grey that looks lovely on a paint sample, for example, might bring out yellow or orange tones in wood flooring.
Undertones can be tricky, too. Two shades of white might look almost identical on a paint card, but once they're on the wall, one can look creamy while the other has a noticeable blue or grey tint.
If you're painting before selling, you don't have to make everything white. A warm, neutral colour that works with the existing finishes is often a better choice.
Lighting Makes a Difference
A colour that looks perfect in the paint store can look completely different at home.Rooms with northern exposure tend to have cooler natural light, while afternoon sunshine can make colours appear warmer. Even your light bulbs can change how the paint looks.
Rather than choosing from a small paint chip, try a few larger samples on the walls. Look at them in the morning, afternoon, and evening before making your decision.
See How a Paint Colour Looks Before You Pick Up a Brush
Ever wondered what your living room would look like painted navy blue, or whether a warmer white would work better? You can now experiment with different colours without opening a tin of paint.Some paint manufacturers offer virtual colour tools that let you upload a photo of your room and try different shades. There are also AI-powered design tools that can show you how a room might look with different wall colours, furniture and finishes.
It's a fun way to experiment with colours you might not normally consider, especially if you're debating between something neutral and a bolder choice.Want to give it a try? Benjamin Moore's Personal Colour Viewer and Sherwin-Williams' ColorSnap Visualizer let you experiment with paint colours using photos of your own rooms.
Just remember that screen colours aren't always accurate. It's still worth checking your favourites with actual paint samples before making a final decision.
For kitchens and bathrooms, choose a product suited to moisture and regular cleaning. Not all paints with the same finish perform alike.
Don't Forget the Paint Finish
The finish matters almost as much as the colour, especially in rooms that get a lot of use.Flat or matte - Ceilings, bedrooms and quieter spaces. Helps hide minor imperfections, although some products are harder to clean.
Eggshell - Living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. A soft sheen that's generally easier to maintain than traditional flat paint.
Satin - Hallways, family rooms, and other busy areas. More washable with a little extra sheen.
Semi-gloss - Doors, trim, and baseboards. Stands up well to cleaning but can highlight dents and uneven surfaces.
Should You Repaint Before Selling?
Not necessarily.If your walls are clean, in good condition and the colours work well together, repainting might not be worth the expense.
But marked walls, chipped paint or a particularly bold colour can distract buyers from the room itself.
Sometimes painting the entryway or main living area is enough. Freshening up scuffed trim and doors can also make a difference without repainting the whole house.
Buyers should be noticing the room and not be distracted by the paint colour.
Buying a Home? Look Past the Paint
It's easy to be put off by a dark living room or a bedroom painted a colour you'd never choose yourself.But before ruling out a home, try to picture the room in a different colour.
Pay more attention to the layout, natural light, condition, and features that would be difficult or expensive to change. Paint is usually much easier to deal with than an awkward floor plan or a lack of windows.
A house with an unusual colour scheme might have everything else you're looking for.
Thinking About Buying or Selling?
Whether you're preparing your home for the market or looking for a property to make your own, we're happy to answer your questions and help you through the process.You can also explore our other blogs below for more practical information about homes and real estate in Nova Scotia.