It is generally agreed that, when it comes to marketing a property, neutral décor is best. This allows potential new owners to view the property as a blank canvas and makes it easier for them to imagine their own furniture in place. However, there is always a balance, too much white can be stark, clinical and cold.
In contrast, strong colours throughout whole rooms, particularly where there is low light, can feel oppressive. If buyers are not used to colour at this level, it can feel dark and heavy. Strong colours can make the walls feel as though they are closing in and a buyer can spend their time focusing on the changes they would need to make, rather than imagining themselves living there.
So, generally, I would suggest that the safest approach is to have a neutral base and add colour and personality with furniture, cushions, rugs, plants, artwork and ornaments. Avoid having everything matching perfectly though, or sticking to just one or two colours, as this can also be uninteresting. A mixture of colours and patterns works best, giving your photography a higher level of interest and a more sophisticated look.
If you are buying a property that needs work and it is not your forever home – so you are potentially considering selling it again in about five years – then it is worthwhile considering the above when making your choices. Keep expensive, permanent elements neutral — such as the kitchen, bathrooms and flooring.
Remember that buyers will always look at what changes they need to make. If there are a number of expensive items to be changed, such as a red kitchen or tiled flooring throughout the ground floor, they will allow for these replacement costs when working out their potential offer, possibly reducing the amount they are willing to pay.
If you have bought your forever home and you want free rein to do whatever you like and make it the home you have always wanted, regardless of what may happen in life, go for it and enjoy!