What trends are you seeing in color preference?
Neutral colors still top the charts. On our website I have a Top 10 listing of the most popular interior paint colors sold by Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams - check it out at http://www.yourpainters.com/paint_selection You'll find that beige and tan still dominate the list, however; a trend being led by the under 45 year old set has placed several light greys in the Top 10 for the last few years.
Is there a particular color that is best when listing a home for sale?
When your home is being listed for sale you'll likely find that many realtors recommend a light tan, otherwise known in our area as "Naperville neutral". While this is not an absolute it is true that bold colors are often considered too "taste specific" to have mass appeal. Buyers want to move in with a minimal to do list meaning that a fresh, neutral paint job can be a wise investment of time and money.
Keep in mind the likely demographic of a buyer in your neighborhood. If you're selling a home with 4 bedrooms and are expecting a young family to move in then you may want to consider the information in the question above - light grey is very popular with younger parents. On the other hand if you're going to be selling a 2 bedroom condo that appeals to empty nesters you may find that beige/tan better suits your target market.
What should I do if I don't have a good eye for color?
A color consultant can be a great resource if you're lost in a sea of color or if you'd just like an expert to help guide your preferences. In general the more time a color expert spends with you learning your taste or your goal (perhaps the sale of your home), the more likely you will be happy with the results.
Paint stores (Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams) have in-house color consultants that can come to your home and create a plan for a single room or your entire home. These consultations tend toward the cookie cutter variety meaning that they are relatively quick and follow a preset track. Of course they recommend their own brands in the process which can be somewhat "shoe horning".
An independent color consultant can provide unbiased recommendations. Look for a consultant with training and education in either or both interior design and fine arts. Pricing can vary, but typically you can arrange for a flat fee consultation or an hourly rate. Information on a consultant that I have worked with many times can be found at http://www.homecolorconsultation.com
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