AirDrop 04/23/2021: Splashes of Color!

Photo: Matthieu Salvaing, Architectural Digest

“Color is a power which directly influences the soul.”

⎼ Wassily Kandinsky

Kandinsky’s quote is how I feel about a client’s journey in purchasing a home or commercial property and in this case, we are on topic to explore transformations for a fresh start.

Despite the dusty rose/coral moment in the above picture celebrating favorite colors of the April 2021 issue of Architectural Digest, trends for this year have been all about various shades of blue. What colors are inspiring YOU right now?!?

Paint is a way to change-up your home or commercial property without necessarily breaking the bank.

While I wouldn’t necessarily say choosing paint color is a torment, it can be for many. However, I love it. (If you hate it, give me a call or a text – I’m happy to help in this area!)

The right color sets the tone for curb appeal, mood and more. There’s even a “science” behind it: color psychology. I’ve designed a fair amount of color-schemes for myself and for clients throughout the years and the simplest rule is to use a balance of colors for what you intend the space for. I’ve done paint schematics for commercial and residential clients and setting the intention is key. Often when I’m on the listing side, it’s the pop to be number one on the internet even if the neighbors don’t like the color change but usually it’s a ‘Love it! And why didn’t I think about doing it sooner?!’ On the acquisition/buy side, it’s yours – pick your favorite colors, not someone else’s.

The last thing I want to mention is to match the type of paint with the area you are painting. Is it a bathroom? Consider special paint to withstand the wear from moisture. Are you painting the interior – which room? Are you painting the exterior of your home? You will need yet a different type of paint there as well to withstand weathering and for a little hue, I lean towards eggshell in most cases. Ceilings – flat paint as light bounces.

In preservation and care, as I’ve learned throughout the years working with the best inspectors, caulking and painting are the best ways to preserve a home’s exterior and I can tell you what “Level 10” Section 1 damage looks like (as well as how much it can cost for repairs).

Ask a paint specialist at your favorite paint supplier to help you choose the right paint for the right job. Please also remember, it’s always about the prep and best quality of paint for the job!

Smile, breathe, and dream in your favorite vibrant colors. Huge Hugs!

~Carol Reen & The Team

Color Choices & Execution

What’s not to like about bold and elegant color choices for home exteriors? Especially if it contributes to the home landing in the Number 1 position on the internet.

For this home, I went with color and the buyers loved it among the beige pale homes on the block. Don’t be afraid to think big and bright for the outside for both curb appeal and setting the home apart.

Black and white can also be stately as a current trend. Check out the effect of the transformation! (Before on the left, after on the right.)

An accent wall can make all the difference in a room. Sometimes it doesn’t make sense to paint an entire room one color or even an entire wall. Here, the fireplace deserves its own focal point and one’s eye moves from the beautiful sunken seating area to the soaring ceilings! I selected this color for the listing and it really elevated the stately room and ceiling height (the barnyard doors that I added also helped!)

One of my favorite colors for an interior is Kelly-Moore Swiss Coffee, eggshell finish. It is my go-to ‘White’. The walls were a soft grey (I will share gladly in person.) The color combination really allowed for interior design to take the front seat. In this bedroom, I requested that our excellent stager go with yellow pops for furniture and accents. Voila! Classic and Contemporary!

However, in the living room from the same home, she was able to also take advantage of bold blues, pinks and orange for finishing details.

Take advantage of molding and the wall divisions it creates. While more prep time is necessary, it allows you to provide visual interest in addition to color. I used 5 different colors and the change up in finish type, eggshell vs. flat, is also considered a color change for painters. My client is an artist and graciously gave me carte blanche on the color choice; shed loved the finished product which we took to market.

Reliable Specialists

Mitchell Black Wall Coverings

Sold Online and in Select Retail Outlets

While I like to use paint best for preparing a home, wallpaper has made serious strides in design and ease of installation. Known for their offerings, Mitchell Black always catches my eye. Here are some other ideas recommended by my favorite, Architectural Digest.

Kelly-Moore (KM)

Visit one of their many showrooms in the Bay Area!

People have their paint favorites and I am no exception. I carry a KM swatch-book in my car for my painting contractors. Their quality of paint for the price as well as the variety of colors, the longevity of their colors and the ingenuity of their colors, set them apart. I like KM’s selection of finishes and especially their low-VOC paint. Their website is also a great how-to resource for everything paint related. Did I mention they can color-match paints from other companies like Benjamin Moore? KM has excellent Customer Service associates and I’ve been all over the Bay Area pulling paint for +15 years. Clients get my pricing for paint, and KM’s ease-of-billing on the business-accounting front works for me and my team.

Annie Sloan

Well known in the UK for design work, Annie Sloan created chalk paint. Hers is quite possibly the best furniture paint you could ever buy or use. Dislike that dated, frumpy-brown color on those kitchen cabinets but don’t have the budget to entirely replace them? Paint them for a fresh new look! On quality wood, I love the idea of re-purpose and reuse.

Also great for small projects like dressers or armoires. Annie and other DIYers also have a repository of videos for how-to tips and creative ideas. Yes, Bridget, I promise to finally use my Annie Sloan paints in the upcoming weeks. I’ll share pictures!

Special Thanks!

To all the painters, contractors and handymen who assist me with testing colors and showcasing the properties that we sell – THANK YOU! I have worked with my awesome paint crews for +15 years and I’m grateful to have them as an extension of my Team!

Team work makes the dream work!

View My Listings!

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the state of California and abides by equal
housing opportunity laws. License number 01527365. All material presented herein is intended
for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is
subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without
notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square
footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing
herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the
realm of real estate brokerage.

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“Color is a power which directly influences the soul.”

⎼ Wassily Kandinsky

Color Choices & Execution

Reliable Specialists

Special Thanks!

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AirDrop 04/23/2021: Splashes of Color!

“Color is a power which directly influences the soul.”

⎼ Wassily Kandinsky

Color Choices & Execution

Reliable Specialists

Special Thanks!