[Taken from The Daily Sentinel's "Ask Dave" Column - August 2016]
Dear Dave,
I love to do home improvement projects. One of the easiest and cheapest things I have found to do to make a change in my house is to paint. I am always looking at the new colors that come out on HGTV and those decorating magazines. It seems like most houses these days have quite a bit of color in them, things aren’t just white or beige anymore. What do you think about painting the interior of a house with some of the new colors - like the color of the year by Pantone, Rose Quartz? I would like my home to be modern, but is changing to this color going too far?
Thank you for taking the time to answer my question!
Tiffany, Grand Junction, CO
Tiffany,
It is hard to find better bang for the buck improvement than new paint! New carpet or flooring is a VERY close second, however, it is hard to beat a fresh coat of paint (especially when you consider the low cost)! Paint, both inside and outside, can make a huge difference. New paint will not only provide a high return on investment, but it can also make quite a statement! Another great thing about paint is it is easy to change if you don’t like it or simply want a change.
According to HGTV.com, colors that are the rage for 2016 (scroll down to see BEHR'S 2016 Colors below) are still neutrals, white, off whites and shades of green and blue are hanging tough. Gray is also VERY popular and is the most likely to take over beige. Oranges, purple's and wine colors are out. Pantone’s color of the year is actually colors of the year. This year, for the first time, they released two colors: Rose Quartz and Serenity! Here is how Panone.com describes each color. “Rose Quartz is a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure. Serenity is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times.” I am not sure either description makes me want to start painting, but that’s just me.
Make an old Home Look New
New paint and paint color can actually make an old house feel and look new again, but I am not certain the world is ready for Rose Quartz! Serenity is a softer shade of blue and I think would be a more desirable room color or accent color. Again, paint is easy to change! If Rose Quartz is your thing, then paint it up and just be prepared to paint over with a neutral color when you go to sell.
I would focus on accent walls rather than painting an entire room a “color”. Paint color is like Christmas decorations…. too much is too much and when it is just right, it is just right! There is a fine line, but we all know the difference and paint is the same way. If you paint five rooms with five different colors you end up with a kaleidoscope effect and that is NOT good. You want to make a statement or two, but limit it to just a couple. Remember, a little can go a long way and too much is too much. I think you should paint the colors you like and make your house a home, but understand that when you choose to paint with a bolder color, it may require you to re-paint when/if you ever have to sell. Best of luck and I hope you cut in corners better than I do!
Dave Kimbrough
