A fresh coat of paint is often the quickest and easiest way to refresh a home before it goes on the market for sale.
And judging by current and past listings on OneRoof, white is the colour sellers are most likely to use to brighten their property.
But is white the right way to go?
OneRoof asked Dulux colour specialist Davina Harper which colours were the ones to watch this season.
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Harper agrees that if you’re upgrading your property before putting it on the market, then a fresh coat of white paint goes a long way.
“You can’t go past having beautiful crisp white [finish]. It helps people imagine what their things will look like in a new space.”
Harper says there is more than just one shade of white and each one can have a different effect. She says the warmer-toned ones are trending this winter and provide a fresh yet cosy and welcoming feel.
Dulux colour specialist Davina Harper: People are often cautious about experimenting with bold colours." Photo / Supplied
Warm white tones go well with russet tan and subtle violet, which are the hottest new colours this season.
New Zealanders love subtle colours, Harper says, and a subtle, smoky violet will suit most bedrooms.
“The pinks were around for so long and now we are seeing these grade-off to violets, which are beautiful.”
A soft shade of Subtle Violet restores warmth without overpowering the space. Photo / Supplied
Harper says that shades of brown and sagey greens are also on trend right now, and work well when styled with other nature-based shades.
“We’re seeing a lot of green around at the moment, and sage green goes really well with neutrals and browns that are coming back in.”
Having just one colourful wall in the room used to be a trend, however painting two walls or a whole room is worth pursuing for a more modern way to transform a room, Harper says.
She advises homeowners to look at the space they intend to paint and work out what part of it they want to highlight. It could be a side wall with a window which you could wrap the paint colour around.
“People are often cautious about experimenting with bold colours, but there’s no need to be. Statement colours can be incredibly effective, and chances are, once you start experimenting with them in your home, you’ll never want to go back to a blank canvas,” Harper says.
Also, don’t forget to paint the ceiling or the job will look incomplete.
“If you’re just painting your walls, it might make everything else, including the doors and ceiling, look dull,” she says.
Here are more winter styling tips:
1. Up the texture
For a warm, homey vibe, mix different textures such as velvet, chenille, felt and leather.
2. Use layers
Create a layered effect by selecting one hero colour and running tonal variations of it across the large expanses in the room, such as walls, rugs and the sofa covering.
3. Highlight your best features
Bring original features such as fireplaces to life by painting then in a contrasting shade of white.
4. Use lighting to bring up cosiness
Rather than harsh overhead lighting, create a warm, layered lighting scheme with a mix of floor and table lamps.
5. Mix different eras
Combine art deco, 70s and 80s pieces for an on-trend feel.
6. Be space-savvy
If the space is small, opt for sofas, tables and chairs on slender legs to maximise the sense of spaciousness.
7. Pared-back display
Keep it modern by going for pared-back arrangements on shelving with plenty of breathing room. And remember – odd numbers of things, not even, are stylists’ best friends.
