Design

I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas…or is Blue Better?

Pictured above: crisp white walls at 29 – 2257 Old Mamalahoa Hwy.

Time was, selling a home meant that everything got a fresh coat of white paint! These days, the concept of “staging” has caused us to re-think the “white sells best” concept. A couple of years ago, I read an interesting article in the Old Republic Title News Digest. The article took an interesting look at colors and the messages they convey.

Jamie Jackson, then an interior designer with Pacific Home in Honolulu, explained the psychology of color. Basically, each color palette paints a picture of a different lifestyle.

White

For instance, it’s no accident that white conveys cleanliness. It’s the symbol of peace (dove), purity (bride), and elegance. Jamie says white, especially in Hawai`i, can be used as a “blank canvas” upon which an owner can build.

Blue

Contrary to popular belief, blue is a calming color not a depressing one. Jamie says that blue can be a reflection of the ocean. It’s great with contrasting colors and neutrals such as reds or rich dark browns. In my personal experience, blue is a color that evokes strong emotion; people love it or hate it.

Green

Green obviously is a color that paints our island landscape. It can be a spring color symbolizing “renewal and growth” or it can be a calming color. Lanai areas are typically green focused areas. Be careful with “Paniolo Green” houses, however. I’ve found that only homes built in the original style can get away with such strong exterior paint.

Yellow

Lemon yellow “represents harmony and optimism.” Jamie suggests that painting only one wall a “golden yellow will make a room appear larger.” Although citrus yellows may reflect the sunlight, I don’t find many amateurs using it successfully in their staging efforts. Like yellows, “dessert” colors such as tangerine, are considered joyful colors. Because they tend toward the warm range, I have seen them used quite successfully. I recently visited a home with purple bedroom walls. Children love the idea but unfortunately, children aren’t normally the ones selecting the home.

Purple or Pink

Jamie says that purples and pinks represent the “feminine side” but in Hawaii, they are also reflections of our tropical flowers. Apparently, a little goes a long way. Jamie suggests using them as accent colors.

Warm and Cool

During a past REALTOR® caravan, one home that evoked a very positive response was painted a combination of warm colors with white as an anchor. The use of color definitely turned an otherwise basic home into a showpiece. Giving up all white can be scary I’ll admit but there’s no need to “go where no man has gone before” in order to achieve great results.

It’s fairly simple to find homes online that have used color to the fullest advantage. Your agent can likely recommend good home stagers, decorators, and designers. Whatever color palette you choose, here’s hoping it all turns out merry and bright! Merry Christmas everybody!

Jamie and her partners can be found at www.pacific-home.com.

About the Author

Denise Nakanishi

Denise Nakanishi is a REALTOR Broker with Hawai'i Life. Denise Nakanishi is one of Hilo's most acclaimed real estate agents. She reached the rank of Major in the US Army and is now known by many as "Major Mom." The nickname fits–not only does Denise bring the discipline and mission-oriented attitude you'd expect, she's also caring and compassionate, always looking out for her clients like they're her own family. Having made the Big Island her home since 1987, Denise combines her extensive knowledge of the area with a sharp focus on customer service and the results speak for themselves. She's the recent recipient of the Best East Hawai`i, Best of Zillow, Chairman's Circle Award, President's Circle, Top Producing Agent since 2001, and Realtor of the Year awards. Denise stays ahead of the curve because she's passionate about education–she served as Education Chair for Hawaii Island REALTORS® for many years. She's one of Big Island's best real estate resources, known for her weekly article in the Hawaii Tribune Herald. Denise leads Team Nakanishi for Hawai`i Life, who is committed to their family, work, and community. In her little time away from work, Denise is a committed runner and Grandy. She also devotes many hours to various Veterans' Organizations, the East Hawaii Cultural Center, and the Hawaii Island REALTORS®. You can email me at denise@hawaiilife.com or via phone at (808) 936-5100.

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