Q: This is probably a stupid question, but we're getting our home ready to sell next year and trying to fix things up.

We want to paint both the outside and inside of the house. How do you choose colors? We always hear you should paint everything white or beige when you are going to sell, but we still have to live here for awhile and I hate white and beige. Any suggestions?


A: I also dislike all white and find that it can seem institutional or cold. It also gets dirty faster. Beige is okay, especially with an attractive trim color, but can be overdone, We are all led by the nose when it comes to color. For the most part, colors are chosen by a very elite team of decorators and color professionals that tell the various industries what the hot colors will be for each season. The largest, I believe, is the Color Association of the United States.


These folks tell decorators, hair colorists, fashion designers and furniture and carpet manufacturers what colors will be popular. For industrial uses the color has to be "in" longer. A large hotel chain will not change its carpet every year, so those large institutions are given color ideas that are expected to last for several years.


If you want to know the new colors that will last awhile check upscale hotels that have recently put in new carpet or painted their interiors. We are currently (thank goodness) moving away from the dull colors that decorators call "chalky". I call them baby poop colors. (Just my personal opinion). The greens look like baby food peas or asparagus, for instance. I'm thrilled to see those go!


I feel the best bet for resale is to use colors that are harmonious, not garish or too dark. Use colors that give the place a warm, soft feeling. You can find color guides online or talk to the paint people in one of our local home supply stores. If you use a decorator or colorist, that can be even better. Best of luck.