While getting your home ready to put on the market can be a huge undertaking, sellers shouldn’t overlook the importance that color plays in the process. To help sellers understand the effects that certain colors will have on prospective buyers, Pantone LLC, a global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, recently released its forecast for the most popular interior colors for 2012.

This forecast is important for anyone getting a home ready to sell, especially in today’s difficult market as it will help sellers choose interior paint colors and furnishings that appeal to the masses.

“This is the road map to color for 2012, which is filled with interesting new directions. Some paths lead to exhilarating tones that encourage the prospective buyer to forge ahead into adventures with novel color combinations, while others invite them to stop for a moment, take a deep breath, relax and consider the more classic hues in a different kind of mix,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “The continuing challenge and goal will be in keeping the consumer visually engaged by blending the playful with the practical. To reach that destination, color is the compass.”

In its Nonchalance palette, Pantone is suggesting simplicity and casual ambiance in creating an attractive look.

“The reassuring colors coax a feeling of tranquility and relaxation with no suggestion of anxiety in the surroundings,” Eiseman said. “The comforting pastel pinks, ethereal blues and soft egret white wrap us in carefree baby blanket colors, harmoniously blending with the more mature taupe, gray and grape tones.”

One prediction for 2012: a glossy finish and color will be a magical coupling, drawing the eye and riveting attention.

“Metallic or glassy surfaces undulate and move and twist and turn, taking colors to new dimensions,” Eiseman said. “Turkish sea, blue moon, garnet, beluga, cloud dancer and the classic silver and gold will all be popular.”

Another palette worth noting: the colors of the Nouveau Neon set. Unlike the neons of the last 20 years, these exuberant shades bring a fresh new perspective to combinations.

“Asian-inspired bamboo yellow-green plays with orange, Popsicle and berry purples, while citrus colors toy with pink and raspberry,” Eiseman said. “A flavorful butter-rum tan is the unexpected accompaniment to all of the vibrant colors in the palette.”

Barb Schwartz, founder/chairwoman of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals, stresses the importance that the right color can add to attracting a buyer.

“Having the right colors can make a huge difference,” she said. “By following the latest trends and appealing to the buyer with colors that accentuate a room best, you can help connect someone with the house, making for an easier sale.”

The Indigo Effects palette evokes a mood of broad expansiveness and depth, which can help give a room an added appeal. The colors are variations on a blue theme—celestial and majestic blues, purple and deep blue indigos—all deftly brushed with contrasting strokes of maroon, mauve and moody gray.

For playrooms and children’s bedrooms, an effervescent palette called The Comics will be trendy in 2012.

“Funny paper hues pop off the page in whimsical ways that bring a smile and create the need to take some time to play,” Eiseman said. “Ominous phantom black provides the backdrop for sulphuric yellow and fiery red. A flash of green provokes a strong blue while an inky cyan plays up to honeysuckle and primrose. It’s quirky joy and spontaneity.”

For more interior painting trends, contact our office today.