Articles Tagged "Paint Colors"

Paint is one of the most powerful tools for transforming your home. Simply repainting a room can make that room look completely different when the job is done. Trust us – we do it all the time when staging our homes for sale in Raleigh, and it works!

That said, it's important to apply your paint carefully. Making mistakes while painting will always affect the final result. Here are a few of the most common ways we've seen paint projects go wrong and some things you can do to correct the problem. 

• Paint on the Windows or Window Frames
  It happens at least once during every painting project: no matter how hard you try to keep all of your paint on the walls, at least some of it will end up on the windows. 
  
  Most of the time, it's better to let spilled paint dry before you remove it. Wet paint can easily smear and become harder to scrape off. Dry paint, on the other hand, should come off relatively easily. Take a small metal scraper or a putty knife and gently pry the paint off the surface. 
  
  
• Running Paint
  If you apply too much paint in one go, you might end up with lines of running paint disrupting your smooth wall. If this paint isn't dry, you can just paint over it to soak up the drips of your brush or ruler. If it's already dry, though, the process is a little more involved. 
  
  Wait until it's dry, then sand down the parts with the most paint build-up. Wipe the wall down to remove any grit or dust, then carefully repaint the wall. Go as slowly as you can manage, taking care to cover each area with just enough paint to create a smooth, solid coat. Watch for drips, and if you spot any, correct them right away before they get the chance to dry. 
  
  
• Blistering Paint
  Paint that is exposed to excess moisture may develop bubbles or blisters under its surface. This problem can be quite subtle if the moisture is minimal, but it tends to get worse over time. Don't ignore it if you spot it!
  
  You'll need to identify the root cause of the blistering before you can fix it. Otherwise, any new paint you apply will just blister again. Look for any water leaks or ventilation problems happening in that area and repair any issues you find. Then, scrape the blistered paint off the wall using a scraper. As long as that part of the wall will not be exposed to any more moisture, you should have no problem repainting it. 
  
  
• Cracked Paint
  Paint that is applied too thinly might develop unsightly cracks when it dries. These cracks change the texture of the wall, so you can't just paint over them.
  
  To get rid of them, you'll need to sand off the rough parts with some sandpaper. Keep going until the surface is mostly smooth again, then lay down a coat of primer. This will seal off any remaining grit and give you a mostly smooth surface to work with when repainting. 
  
  
• Faded Paint
  Exterior paint can sometimes start to look faded over the years. This is because the pigment particles in paint can be damaged by exposure to the sun's UV rays.
  
  You'll need to repaint the affected surface to take care of this problem. Choose a high-quality paint that is formulated to stand up to sun damage to ensure your new paint job lasts longer than the last. According to our real estate agents, it's also a good idea to apply some UV-resistant primer before you get to work. 

A fresh coat of paint can completely change a home's look and feel, but if you're ready for a truly fresh start, it's time to think about moving. Contact us today. 

In and around the Triangle area, there are several beautiful luxury listings available for sale. What exactly differentiates these properties from the standard market? Is it the square footage, the features, or the technology? Some would say it is all of the above. Ultimately, luxury buyers are not looking at the price tag in their search for their next dream home but the amazing amenities that come with the property. Here are the top 6 must-have features in luxury homes!

1. Indoor / Outdoor living

Indoor/outdoor living seamlessly extends your home's great room or dining quarters. This trend tends to keep cohesion in design from the interior to the exterior of your home. Typically indoor/ outdoor living has always been a primal commodity when searching for a new home. With the new normal consisting of being at your humble abode more these days, the amenity has become a necessity. What makes an outdoor living space luxurious is the ability to provide comfort through all seasons while also allotting multiple entertainment options. High-end features include retracting screened porches, outdoor kitchens, cabanas, and sometimes a type of water feature. This CBHPW luxury listing checks off each box on the list! With its large covered porch and a wood fireplace, the immaculate outdoor kitchen has a top-of-the-line grill station, jacuzzi, and extensive acreage for sporting events or games. One thing for sure is that you may yearn to host any occasion with this property as your next home. To view more of this listing, click here.  

2. Theatre Room 

Entertainment becomes the next level when a luxury property contains an in-home theater. The ability to bring the ultimate cinematic experience to your fingertips is a sought amenity many buyers search for when hunting for their next home. What makes an in-home theater top-notch is its ability to incorporate features similar to an actual movie theater. This includes a top-of-the-line av-system, projector, large screens, recessed lighting, and comfortable loungers. The goal of the theater room is to immerse yourself in what's on the screen, whether that be the newest megahit movie or the exciting rival sports game. The cinema room pictured above is from none other than one of our CBHPW luxury listings. This glorious in-home theater offers stadium seating, a high-tech projector, and even mimics the groovy movie theater carpet. To view more of this property, click here. 

3. Large Garages

The standard two-car garage does not cut it for luxury properties. Buyers are looking for substantial space when envisioning the housing of their precious automobiles. Typically, luxury properties have at least a 3-car garage! To any car buff, the garage is not just a space for storing your vehicle. This part of the property could be turned into a luxurious showroom, man cave, or workshop. This beautiful CBHPW luxury property comes with a three-car garage with gorgeous rustic wood garage doors. To view more of this property, click here.  

4. Intricate Ceiling Designs

Raised ceilings and other intricate ceiling styles are quite the fanbase for luxury homes. A room turns from basic to compelling when there is a ceiling feature that adds depth, sophistication, and style. In most luxury dwellings, at least one space must contain a styled ceiling. One of these rooms can be the living room, sitting room, primary bedrooms, and or dining rooms. What exactly are some styles of these ceilings? They are cathedral, tray, beamed, suspended, and coffered. One would love to have any of these exquisite designs in their home!  For example, in this CBHPW luxury listing above. The sitting room contains a beautiful coffered ceiling. The coffered ceiling consists of sunken panels accented by molding, creating a waffle-like appearance. What works well in this room is the brilliant addition of recessed lighting. For more on this property click here. 

5. Massive Walk-In Closets

Typically an owner of a luxury home tends to live a complete life of luxury. Meaning everything about them is high-end, like their fashion sense. Closets in a luxury home are an extension of the main room and need to boast space and means of organization. Closets these days are not just for hanging clothes. They can be an area to lounge in after using the spa bathroom or a place to put on that fashion show after shopping in the streets of London. For sure, luxury home buyers are looking for closets that encompass organization and can show off their beautiful wardrobe. In this CBHPW luxury home, the primary closet is genuinely massive. This closet incorporates different levels of custom built-in shelving and an island dresser to accommodate all buyers' attire needs. To view more of this property, click here.

6. Relaxing Spa baths

When buyers search for their next home, kitchens and bathrooms are the most focused rooms, which is why main bathrooms in luxury homes are genuinely upping the ante in their need to give that spa-like aura. Features include a jacuzzi bathtub fit for a king, a large walk-in shower that doubles as a steam room, neutral colors, beautiful stone or tile, and lots of space for minimal clutter. In this CBHPW luxury listing, this bathroom truly exuberates comfort and relaxation. The large window allows natural light to encase the room, making the white pop against the darker grays. The unity in neutral colors creates a calming sensation. One can relax in the free-standing tub or use the shower with multi-shower heads in this bathroom. To view more, click here. 

When buying or selling in the luxury market, we are sure you have seen one or more of these features within the properties. To view, all of Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walstons' luxury homes for sale, visit our website at https://www.hpwluxury.com

Have you ever noticed how some rooms entice you into settling back and relaxing, and others make you feel energetic and ready for fun? Understanding the effects of your choice of colors will help you send the correct message to potential buyers. Our real estate agents can tell you that painting your home will probably bring the greatest return on investment of any upgrades you make when selling your home. Keep in mind the psychological effects of these colors before starting to paint. 

1. Classic white
   Not only does white evoke calming effects, but it also opens up the space, making it appear larger. We often equate white with cleanliness. These are the primary reasons that white has been the most common choice of sellers for decades. Potential buyers also see white as the easiest color to paint over later.
   
   
2. Black
   Often regarded as sophisticated and elegant, too much black can be somber and depressing. It's best used as an accent to bring drama to a classic white interior without interfering with the expansive visual effects. Consider black rugs or small accessories to add interest to what might otherwise be a boring environment.
   
   
3. Gray
   Eliciting the same feelings of calm serenity white brings to the table, it adds versatility, matching any color scheme. gray lends a comforting feeling of warmth to a cool room. This adaptability has made gray the new "go-to" color of many interior decorators, edging white off the pedestal as number one. 
   
   
4. Blue
   From the sky above to the deep blue sea, this color brings a cool calm, making it a good choice for bedrooms and bathrooms. Psychologists tell us it actually lowers blood pressure, and who doesn't need that after a busy day? Available in so many shades, blue can accent a home's architectural style, such as slate blue for a Craftsman or light shades for a beach house. 
   
   
5. Green
   Another cool color, green, also reduces stress and provides a restful environment appropriate for bedrooms, kitchens, and living rooms. Like blue, green is soothing and harmonious, reminiscent of the beauties of nature. Think of how a lush lawn calls to us to take off our shoes and walk across it with bare feet. 
   
   
6. Red
   Of all the warmer colors, red is the most intense, creating energy and stimulating emotions. That can be either good or bad, depending upon where it is used. Increasing energy is great for a recreation room but can be uncomfortable when you are trying to relax in the living room. When painting, consider where you want a stimulating space.
   
   
7. Orange 
   Like red, orange increases tension and excitement, great when you're watching a football game, but not conducive to settling back with a good book. Used carefully, it can encourage enthusiasm, but too much of it can create a feeling of chaos. Used carefully, it can make a dining area feel lively and fun but might be more appropriate to a breakfast bar than a formal dining room.

The most important thing to remember when you are preparing your house for sale is that you want to make it attractive to buyers, not make it a personal statement. You may find it better to stick with neutral colors of paint and, if you are showing it with furniture, add colors with pillows, bedspreads, and other accessories that can be easily removed. 

Looking at other Raleigh homes for sale will help you see how a fresh coat of paint can make a difference! Contact us for assistance listing your house. 

One of the best parts of moving into a new place is adding the touches that make it a home. Homebuyers look at houses imagining that the south-facing window will be perfect for their favorite houseplants and trying to decide which cozy spot is the right one for a pair of armchairs. The process of selling your home requires that you leave room in buyers' imaginations for their aspirations, and there are some interior design trends that can crowd other ideas out. Our estate agents love seeing the personality a home can show, but we also love seeing a home ready for its next act. When getting your home ready to list, here are some interior design trends you should consider avoiding. 

1. Bold Wallpaper
   Bold patterns in wallpaper are a perennial trend; they've cycled through interior design trends since the Victorian era. But whether you have classic cabbage roses or geometric figures, bold wallpaper can overpower a home buyer's attempt to see the potential in a place. If said wallpaper is new, it can prompt concerns about what lay behind the bright colors and bold designs. Removing wallpaper and applying paint can be a great DIY job for a long weekend, but if your wallpaper dates from before 1970, ask a pro about what may lay under the surface. 
   
   
2. Fixing Your Fixtures 
   Brass fixtures have been on trend recently, but like many quirky retro looks, their moment is brief. Oil-rubbed bronze and brushed nickel are coming into vogue. Chrome finishes are a practical option for high-contact surfaces, as chrome is easy to clean. You can swap out most fixtures in an afternoon with a few basic tools. Your fixture finishes don't have to be uniform throughout your home but try to keep to no more than three finishes. 
   
   
3. Tired of Tile 
   Tiled countertops are no longer as popular as they used to be, as they can be tough to clean and make for less than ideal work surfaces. Tile flooring for kitchens and bathrooms is a classic and practical choice, but if you're installing new tile, keep to solid neutrals. Bold patterns in tile flooring can look great, but leave home buyers wondering where to look. 
   
   
4. Overly Cold White Interiors 
   Rooms awash in white can look impressive in photos. But for someone seeking warmth and comfort, all-white interiors can look cold and clinical. White interiors also show scuffs and stains readily. If you're not ready to paint or change the flooring, break up an expanse of white with wall hangings, plants, or pillows to add texture and color. 

Homebuyers deserve the chance to make their own artistic statement once they choose one of the Raleigh homes for sale to make their own. You can help them visualize themselves calling your place home when you stage your home as a canvas for them to embrace their favorite interior design trends. If you have any questions about staging and preparing your home for sale, please contact us. 

Ready to pick out paint to make your new home your own? Perhaps you're toying with the idea of changing a wall color to refresh a room before you sell? Maybe the front door needs a facelift to boost your curb appeal? No matter what painting project you want to take on, you may soon find that selecting the perfect paint color isn't as easy as it seems.

There are thousands of colors to choose from in varying finishes making it hard to narrow down the best hue for you. Not to mention, that studies have proven that a home's paint colors may have the power to impact its sale both positively and negatively. 

Zillow's 2017 Paint Color Analysis discovered that "walls painted in cool neutrals like blue or gray have broad appeal, and may be signals that the home is well cared for or has other desirable features." Even more interesting, especially to soon-to-be sellers, the study revealed that homes with blue bathrooms, specifically hues of powder blue or pale periwinkle, sold for $5,440 more than anticipated. Zillow's Chief Economist Svenja Gudell added:

"Color can be a powerful tool for attracting buyers to a home, especially in listing photos and videos. Painting walls in fresh, natural-looking colors, particularly in shades of blue and pale gray not only make a home feel larger, but also are neutral enough to help future buyers envision themselves living in the space. Incorporating light blue in kitchens and bathrooms may pay off especially well as the color complements white countertops and cabinets, a growing trend in both rooms."

What paint colors are best?

Fortunately, the pros have weighed in and made some excellent recommendations for the perfect paint colors to choose for your home. Plan to bookmark these paint chip picks. 

Picking a White Paint

It may surprise you, but white is among the hardest paint colors to pick. Just like other hues on the color wheel, white comes in varying shades that appear warm or cool depending on the mix and the colors with which the paint is paired (think trim work and walls).

Elle Décor recently shared its interior design team's favorite white paints including:

• All White by Farrow & Ball
• Great White by Farrow & Ball
• Honeymilk by Valspar
• Lily of the Valley by Benjamin Moore
• Simply White by Benjamin Moore
• White Diamond by Benjamin Moore
• White Dove by Benjamin Moore

Picking a Neutral Paint 

On the hunt for something neutral? Get ready; there are a lot of paints that apply in a variety of colors.

A paint-picking article published by the Washington Post keys this task up honestly with input from an in-the-know designer; "Neutrals are difficult to select because thought needs to be given to whether a warm or cool tone best suits the project," says Josh Hildreth, a Reston designer. "Natural light and lighting conditions need to be considered."

If beige is what you are after, Curbed, a popular website about all-things home, offers up some paint suggestions from its designer contributors:

• Cumulus Cloud by Benjamin Moore
• Jute by Benjamin Moore
• Pale Oak by Benjamin Moore
• Rockport Gray by Benjamin Moore (don't let the "gray" in the title dissuade, you may prefer a beige that is cool opposed to warm)
• Skimming Stone by Farrow & Ball

Picking a Gray Paint

Gray continues to be the color of choice among home décor designers. If it's also your preference, you should know that the new neutral comes in blue-, green- and taupe-based hues that may change color under different light sources.

Your best bet will be to consider some paints picked by the professionals and test them out in your own home before you commit to a final color. Here are some gray paints recommended by the design team at House Beautiful:

• Down Pipe by Farrow & Ball
• Graytint by Benjamin Moore
• Magnetic Gray by Sherwin-Williams
• Mindful Gray by Sherwin- Williams
• November Rain by Benjamin Moore
• Shaded White by Farrow & Ball
• Stone Harbor by Benjamin Moore
• Wrought Iron by Benjamin Moore

Picking a Blue Paint 

The most popular color across the board, blue is a hue that you'll see in all styles of home décor. The cool color evokes a serene, soothing feeling making it a great option for a kitchen, bathroom or bedroom.

Designers are also a fan of using the color to create a statement against complementary shades of white, gray and beige.

Some soft, watery blue paints to consider include:

• Blue Veil by Benjamin Moore
• Light Blue by Farrow & Ball
• Early Frost by Benjamin Moore
• Tidewater by Sherwin-Williams

Seeking a shade that will make more of a statement? These blues may be just what you desire:

• Caribbean Azure by Benjamin Moore
• Searching Blue by Sherwin-Williams
• Pitch Blue by Farrow & Ball
• Santa Monica Blue by Benjamin Moore
• Polo Blue by Benjamin Moore 

Picking a Green Paint

Much like blue, green is a color that is often used in home décor designs to set the stage for calming and relaxing rooms.

Well displayed in nature, the hue styles well with many colors and is a good pick for a fresh, clean look. Designer-approved shades include:

• Aganthus Green by Benjamin Moore
• Stone White by Farrow & Ball
• Vert De Terre by Benjamin Moore
• Hancock Green by Benjamin Moore
• Creekside Green by Benjamin Moore

Picking a Red Paint

Do you want to add a pop of red in your home? The bold hue is a homeowner favorite, but may not always be the best choice if you are prepping for a sale.

Think strategic paint placements—a statement wall, a friendly front door or a backdrop to your built-ins—over total saturation. Some red paint chips to pick up and test out include:

• Chili Pepper by Benjamin Moore
• Dressage Red by Ralph Lauren Paint
• Million Dollar Red by Benjamin Moore
• Moroccan Red by Benjamin Moore
• Redstone by Benjamin Moore
• Relay Red by Ralph Lauren Paint