One of the easiest ways to tidy up a space and make it look inviting is with a fresh coat of paint. But with all the paint colours under the rainbow, which one do you choose? Experts agree that neutral is best. Painting your main areas of the home in a single neutral colour will give your house a cohesive feel, and it will allow people to envision their own style in the space.

So what exactly is a neutral colour? Think grey, beige, or the trendy greige, which is a combination of the two. In addition to the colour itself, all paints have an undertone, which should be consistent throughout your home. A great way to choose a suitable undertone is to look at your flooring. If the floors have blond tones, then a warm undertone is best. Floors with more yellow or cooler tones could benefit from grey paint and a cooler undertone throughout the home. Lighter colours tend to sell better, so think of the undertone as a guide, but don’t let it rule your paint choice.

White can look crisp and clean when done correctly, but it’s a tricky colour to master, and it’s often recommended to avoid it on the walls. All white paint has a base colour which can affect how the tone is perceived. For example, whites with a cooler base tone like blue can be cold and clinical, while whites with a warmer base tone may look dirty under certain lights. While all paint looks different under changing lighting conditions, avoiding white on the walls might be your ticket to keeping a neutral feel without turning away potential buyers.

As a general rule, the fewer colours you use, the better. If you want your home to have some flair, consider some tried and true colour choices for select rooms. Painting a small room like the bathroom or laundry room a light blue has a positive effect on potential buyers. Choosing a deeper blue or forest green in the bedroom can induce a good night’s sleep and make this space seem inviting. To make your kitchen pop, consider an accent countertop that contrasts your neutral walls. A simple grey or granite finish can go a long way.

When it comes to the exterior of your home, the colours should match the neighbourhood while providing a subtle uniqueness to your home. In Banff and Canmore, many of the homes are part of larger condo boards, and as such, you may be limited in your exterior colour choices. For other neighbourhoods, certain restrictions may be in place, so it’s best to check before making any bold moves. If you’re looking to make your house pop, a colourful door can be a fun way to show off some personality. Since this is a relatively simple and affordable change, it’s generally not off-putting to potential buyers.

It can be hard to remove yourself from the place you’ve called home for many years, but a simple coat of paint can make your home more appealing to potential buyers and can increase the perceived value of your home.