Is white still in? Yes, white is still in! However, all white everything is slowly fading away. Simply put, if you’re a seller, or represent one, don’t hesitate to paint all interior walls, ceilings and trim white. This will help make your house stand out, and the greater number of people that view your listing, the more likely it is that someone will submit an offer. Think of a white house as a blank canvas awaiting an artist. Not only do white walls make it easier for potential buyers to envision themselves living in that space, but they also allow for natural light to reflect to its fullest, showcasing the maximum potential of each room.
The same applies to buyers although there are some nuances. If you just purchased a home, and white isn’t quite your hue, there are plenty of ways to add color instead of throwing bold paint on the walls. Buying colorful furniture, adding wallpaper, creating an accent wall, and painting the kitchen island are straightforward solutions that make an impactful transformation. There’s a misconception that white is boring, but in reality, white walls can be the element that draws a room together when it feels like nothing belongs. For instance, if a room looks cluttered and unorganized, you’ll be surprised with the neatness once you paint the walls white. On the other hand, white is also the best color to modernize a historic home because it will make every element pop, and all the interesting details become noticeable.
Naturally, “white” includes a broad spectrum of actual paint colors so how do we pick the right white? Well, there are several factors to consider such as floor color, tile and countertop selections, and natural light tint. More often than not, especially if it’s your first time getting into painting, I recommend sampling at least two options. To make it easier for you, below is a list of our favorites:
And what about contrast? Should the trim be a different color from the walls? No, not necessarily. Nine times out of ten we go with a monochromatic look – same color on walls, ceiling, and trim. Nevertheless, this is where the paint sheen plays a big role. It’s ultimately a matter of personal preference and needs. Paint quality has improved significantly over the years but a flat finish is still harder to clean than gloss, which makes it more challenging if you have young children or large pets. Even still, it looks amazing, and our recommendation is typically “flat” for walls and ceilings, and “satin” (occasionally “semi-gloss”) for trim and cabinets.
If you’re still not convinced, here are two more stunning Before & After reveals. A Boulevard Realty past featured listing remodeled by Bill Baldwin Restoration and staged by Sandra Ross:
And an ongoing renovation project of one of our Top Producers’ personal house:
If your aesthetic preferences are similar to our agent Cynthia Mullins’, you’ll likely want a pop of color here and there in your new bright white home. For Cynthia’s house we decided to go with SW 7004 Snowbound as the backdrop (that’s the main color throughout the house) and to paint the kitchen island SW 2811 Rockwood Blue Green. For more lively hues, below is an eclectic palette that will contribute to a timeless style.
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