Whole house re-decor , for sale purposes

8 years ago

Hi,

I have a 6 bedroom, large Georgian (grade 2 listed) house I own that I have just re-started to do up after a 5 year gap (divorce delay) , I am currently doing some odd bits of fixing etc that needed doing before getting down to completely re-painting and re-carpeting (on upper 2 floors, ground floor is mixture of tiles and wood) ..

However, as I'm doing it to sell the house in theory, what paint colours, ideas, should I adhere too? Should I re-paint it all one colour and re-carpet the same throughout, or break it up colour and carpet style wise?

Not that I'm looking to diss my gender, but I'm male and personally I have noooo idea!!!

Any advice/ideas really appreciated

Thanks very much..

Duncan.

Featured Answer

PRO

Amber Jeavons Ltd

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Hello Duncan,

Are there any specific features you want to bring out or draw attention to... Do you have furnishings that need taking into consideration.. I do love a Georgian house and you can do fantastic things with paint alone... Or if you prefer to add some papering there are also really amazing wall coverings... It can be simply a feature wall or fireplace or the reverse and you could paper the alcoves..

Sometimes a really spectacular paper or wall covering doesn't need to be all over.. Less is often more... The other thing to consider of course are the windows, frames, woodwork... This includes dado, skirting and picture rails if you have them... I also have fantastic tips if you don't...One other thing... You could paint the floors for a cohesive scheme and have a runner on the stairs.. I can advise you too on colours for the whole house and everything in between! Easy!

: ))

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Comments (33)

mrsmcee74
8 years ago
Please don't paint it all the same colour, that tends to make a property look unloved - a variation on a theme by using different shades of the same colour is fine, or a palette of similar colours is fine too. Running the same carpet through the upstairs is a good idea. I think you get can away with some colour in a large period property. Check out the competition on Rightmove - see what similar properties in your area are doing and go one better.
mrsmcee74
8 years ago
If you really are clueless you could always get a colour consultant in to make the best of each room: http://www.farrow-ball.com/colour-consultancy/content/fcp-content
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Duncan Costain-Perry
Original Author
8 years ago
Hi, I did think it would look a bit bland, but I am basically just painting it to hand over to someone else's long-term ideas I guess. Thanks for the tips, I guess a variation of a theme is better, I have fireplaces in two of the upstairs rooms as well, and exposed natural wood beams on the ceilings in the 3 top bedrooms, with vaulted ceilings. I think I have an interior design defect!!! :-)
mrsmcee74
8 years ago
Btw Little Greene do a range of Georgian Colours that might inspire: http://www.littlegreene.com/paint/colour/period-paint-colours/georgian-paint-colours, or they do some colours in different shades e.g. French Grey, Portland Stone.
Duncan Costain-Perry
Original Author
8 years ago
That's not a bad idea, i'll look into that..thank you
mrsmcee74
8 years ago
Well it sounds amazing, so I'm sure anything you do will look great - just avoid magnolia ;)
Duncan Costain-Perry thanked mrsmcee74
Helen C
8 years ago
We have just redecorated a Victorian five bedroom house for resale. Although the house was renovated 8 years ago it looked a bit tired and needed freshening up. I decided to take the easy neutral approach and went for three paint colours (wevet, ammonite and Cornforth White F&B). Because the light is different in each room the shades are different in each room and I think it works well. There is a nice flow but it's not too boring. We already had a striped runner on the first flight of stairs so this adds a splash of colour and then the rest of the carpet is the same throughout and plain. I wouldn't stress too much about choosing colours, life's too short, go for the easy option!
Duncan Costain-Perry thanked Helen C
Duncan Costain-Perry
Original Author
8 years ago
Hi Amber,

Thank you for your message. I don't really have much in the way of furnishings to consider, mainly because there isn't anything I'd currently build a room around, I'm more likely to buy bits after for the room either aesthetically to enhance it for sale or because practically I still need it. There's not much in the way of dado rails, but yes on skirting and picture rails (a few), the bottom floor (Front Hallway) has a lot of panelling which has been painted, except in the lounge where its still the Canadian Red Wood Pine originally installed maybe 200 years ago+, although it needs re-touching up, its not varnished though. There are fireplaces in 4/5 rooms, a huge inglenook in the lounge, these are, I guess features in those rooms. And currently there is a plain brown runner going up the stairs from the front hallway.. Obviously a striped version would look much nicer against whatever colour I paint the front hallway and stairs.

The windows are all large sash windows on the front of the house (2 floors) the 3rd floor is attic type windows (smaller).

Duncan
Duncan Costain-Perry
Original Author
8 years ago
Hi Campo73,

Thanks for the advice, I think I'd agree with your take on it, go for neutral, blend some colours so it's not completely sterile and keep it easy. Again with the carpets, a striped runner on the first floor to add something different, and then the rest of the upper floors all the same carpet. I am going to sell it once it's finished, so my focus is on doing the best for that scenario rather than a long-term home for myself and my children.

Duncan.
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
Hello Duncan,

So if you prefer a lighter scheme then treat the rooms with colours on a theme and blend and layer... So the walls, woodwork, windows, doors and architrave are of the same family of colour... Ie shades of.. In this way you'll achieve a more interesting look than simply white.. Look at warm whites and creams.. matt and chalky.. It can be easy but interesting and yes let the architecture speak.. I do though want to say have a think on more colour as you really could end up with a spectacular house.. whether you sell, rent it or decide to stay.. Georgian homes were full of colour... It sounds like a fantastic space nonetheless... : ))
Duncan Costain-Perry thanked Amber Jeavons Ltd
Duncan Costain-Perry
Original Author
8 years ago
Hi Amber,

Yes I probably will, but not sure on using anything bright colour wise, I know traditional Georgian homes did have rooms of different quite strong and striking colours, but I'm concerned that's just putting my own individual stamp on it, and possibly alienating any potential buyers, whereas if I go for more neutral, but still original colours I'll be treading a safer path?

D
Helen C
8 years ago
Sounds like you have a plan Duncan! If you like greys have a look at purbeck stone and worsted (both F&B) as well. Given you have a six bedroom house I would be tempted to use a palette of four or even five colours which are close together on the colour chart. Personally I would steer away from yellow based paint colours, I don't think they are as appealing to the majority when trying to sell. For a really easy life consider painting the woodwork (skirtings, architraves, windows etc) in the same colour as the walls. In my view this results in a classic contemporary finish.
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JACQ STUDIOS
8 years ago
I am doing the same as you, moving into another property to suit my needs better, my house is a five bedroom 1980's to which I have painted all the rooms with the Dulux light and space, with slightly different shades. this gives a slightly different glow of different colours in each room and picks out my paintings that are hanging in each room.
Duncan Costain-Perry thanked JACQ STUDIOS
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Hello Duncan,

Whatever you wish to do.. I would though stress that you work to variations on the chosen wall colour for woodwork so you don't end up with a bland palette.. I am sure you will enjoy the process however you decide to do it. I would never do the easy thing but then it's my job so naturally I have a variety of ideas which are not other people's necessarily .. : ))
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Helen C
8 years ago
By referring to the easy option I used this terminology because Duncan feels he has difficulty with choosing colours. It is very easy to get totally bogged down choosing a colour scheme for a whole house. If it is for resale there is an 'easy' way which results in a sophisticated palette which is easy on the eye and appealing to many. Limiting the palette will produce a cohesive look and also limit the possibility of making mistakes.
Duncan Costain-Perry thanked Helen C
Duncan Costain-Perry
Original Author
8 years ago
I think, I need to keep it simple, or it will just swamp me and I'll lose focus on what my goal is. I have 13 rooms (inc kitchens and bathrooms) and 4 hallways to decorate over technically 3-4 floors.. It's true, I can choose colours, but my ability to co-ordinate shades with each other to create a look is my main failing, I want a sophisticated look, but not to an extent that makes it complicated for me to choose them.

I greatly admire people who can put these colours together so easily and attain incredible and beautiful looking results, that's definitely not me unfortunately, but hopefully with the right help and advice from what seems to be a lot of talented people on here, I'll get something done right.. lol.

D

x
PRO
plumbing solutions
8 years ago
Whatever colour you paint it, the new owners will come in and change it, so it's a bit of a waste buying expensive paints. The main thing is that the property is clean bright and tidy and that the viewer is not bogged down with unnecessary furniture or nik-naks. The carpets will also be changed asap so go for a reasonably priced one. Personally, I think plain old white is best, yes, I know it might be boring and bland to some but it would make each room look bigger and brighter and the viewer can easily visualise their own style and furniture.
Duncan Costain-Perry thanked plumbing solutions
Duncan Costain-Perry
Original Author
8 years ago
Yes, I did think that's the likely scenario, so I didn't want to bog myself down with huge bills for paint and carpets, but still mindful it needed to have a wow factor and sophistication , and not look cheap.. I'll use lighter and neutral colours, but will try to break the colour up as I go through the rooms. I'm certainly not going to lay down expensive carpet, but again it can't look cheap either..

It's a fine balance for sure...

D
Helen C
8 years ago
Regarding cost of paint, johnstones colour match to farrow and ball paint. I used this paint in my new home and compared the A4 sheets I had painted with farrow and ball tester pots to the final wall colour. It was an exact match. This would be a cheaper option. The beauty of the farrow and ball colour chart is that it is limited, uncomplicated and does all the work for you in terms of deciding which colours go well together.
Duncan Costain-Perry thanked Helen C
Duncan Costain-Perry
Original Author
8 years ago
Hi,

Yes I've looked at the F+B website and it does kinda make it a lot easier for someone like me on colour matching.. do Johnstones do similar colours to F+B then? Hadn't seen anything of theirs?

D
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
Hello Duncan,

Have a look at Little Greene they do fantastic paints.. For runner or carpet have a look at the naturals... Jute, Coir and Sisal, they are lovely and affordable and work beautifully.. :))
Duncan Costain-Perry thanked Amber Jeavons Ltd
PRO
Sculleries of Stockbridge
8 years ago
If you are looking for a colour scheme you can't go wrong with greys, you can get Farrow and Ball colours matched using Johnstones paint at the paintshed. We have just used Cornforth, wevet, and elephants breath on a clients house, they all sit well together.
Duncan Costain-Perry thanked Sculleries of Stockbridge
Duncan Costain-Perry
Original Author
8 years ago
Hi Amber,

Yes they do look really good, the colours/scheme will definitely be decided by LG and FB paint colours, and then possibly purchased on or a similar/cheaper brand if its available.. If not then I'll go with the originals.. The runner i'd definitely like a striped version, it looks striking against a natural paint and becomes a feature. I'm not au fait with the carpet types you mention, but will google them !! :-) x
Duncan Costain-Perry
Original Author
8 years ago
Yes a couple of people have suggested those colours and I do like the look of a couple of them, thanks the heads up on how to match the Johnstones with F+B, i'll keep that in mind..

When you used them on your clients house, how did you use them in rooms, just mixed up in the same rooms , or just one colour per room? It's getting that flow I'm also struggling with?
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
Hello Duncan,

They are good and I am biased as I don't use companies that don't provide trade discount... as I usually like to help my clients out... Here's a few images and an edging on a runner can be lovely too... I have also included one of a painted stair... So you have an option all of which are rather striking.... : )) x

http://www.naturalrugstore.co.uk/coir-rugs.asp?gclid=Cj0KEQjwiKS3BRCU-7XQ75Te3NoBEiQAA2t_xPmcwAZ3TS0Qhq1t1hzYsP-r8oFgdC385qXO88eXioYaAjCE8P8HAQ

The painted one... I would include the banister in this scenario..
Duncan Costain-Perry thanked Amber Jeavons Ltd
Duncan Costain-Perry
Original Author
8 years ago
Hi Amber,

Thanks for those, yes I think I prefer a runner, rather than painted, although it looks amazing, but I personally hate stairs without carpet of some sort to walk on, especially bare-foot lol... The edging looks nice, but I want a runner that looks striking. I've googled the natural fibre carpets, it looks like possibly the softer jute for bedrooms, but something more hard wearing in other areas like sisal or coir maybe. but that's the type of carpet I had in mind, I didn't know what it was, so thank you...:-) x
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
Hello Duncan,

Most welcome! I too love the naturals with an edging... They come in a range of natural colours too so I think you'll find one that will knock their socks off!

. : ) ) x
Duncan Costain-Perry thanked Amber Jeavons Ltd
Duncan Costain-Perry
Original Author
8 years ago
I owe you a drink when I'm in London, or I'll buy dinner and really pick those creative brains of yours!! :-) x
PRO
Amber Jeavons Ltd
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Bless you.. How lovely!... I am supremely creative and so ask away. There is nothing I haven't got an idea for! I love my job! : )) x
Duncan Costain-Perry thanked Amber Jeavons Ltd
Duncan Costain-Perry
Original Author
8 years ago
Haha, I wouldn't want to be cheeky and pinch all your idea's and expertise without some form of gratitude.. I'll email you some pics of the rooms involved, so you can see their layout, light and features etc.. x
mrsmcee74
8 years ago
Hi Duncan, have a look at this: http://moderncountrystyle.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/swedishfrench-style-victorian-house-tour.html

The entire house (inside and out) is different shades of Dulux Chalky Downs and is really effective :)
Duncan Costain-Perry thanked mrsmcee74
Duncan Costain-Perry
Original Author
8 years ago
Hi mrsmcee74,

Thanks I'll look that up.. :-) x

Whole house re-decor , for sale purposes

Amber Jeavons Ltd

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