The power of exterior paint is indisputable, whether selling property or not – and for inspiration, we're frequently looking to Mia Farrow, who is proving a leader in all things curb appeal-related.
The actress recently shared a glimpse of her burgundy-red-painted house exterior, which real estate experts have already penned a love letter to – but it would seem that her former home is just as inspiring.
The UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador also posted an image of a light blue house exterior and front porch believed to belong to her former home, and real estate agents say we should take color notes from this cottage-inspired space.
While we admit this house might be white, it does have an unmistakable pale blue hue, which, say real estate agents, has undeniable curb appeal. 'In my experience, there’s a subtle yet undeniable allure to this hue. I recall an exquisite manor we formerly listed, and it sat on the market longer than expected with its original beige exterior,' begins Austin-based real estate agent Jim Olenbush.
'After some consultation, the owners painted it a soft, inviting shade of light blue. The difference was palpable – not only in how quickly it attracted a buyer – but also in the final selling price, which exceeded our expectations.
Texas-based real estate expert Jim founded Austin Real Estate, a company that has closed nearly $3 billion in real estate transactions since launching. He has earned several designations specific to residential real estate brokerage and is an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®), a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS®), and a Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI®).
When painting a house exterior, we may not typically look to light blue, as more neutral colors (such as the beige mentioned above) often seem like a safer choice; however, opting for more unique tones, such as light blue, has aesthetic (and possibly financial) benefits – whether we're looking to sell or not. But what makes it so impactful?
'It's well known that the color palette, particularly those that create a serene and welcoming ambiance, can be game-changers. Houses drenched in light blues and gray blues, for instance, are making quite a statement nowadays,' Jim comments.
'These choices create visual interest and, from a sales perspective, can tick up the value by a few grand. It's all about crafting an atmosphere that potential buyers can visualize themselves in.'
Before reaching the paintbrush, Jim reminds us that color trends come and go, so it is impossible to predict its longevity. However, if any hue is worth the investment, we'd say this is one to try.
'So, why light blue? Perhaps it evokes feelings of calm, reminiscent of clear skies or tranquil waters. But who's to say? The truth is, what might captivate one person might entirely differ from another,' he says.
For a Mia Farrow-inspired starting point, we're looking to Backdrop, who have created an almost-perfect match (in an exterior-friendly formula).
Elevated and cool, this muted light blue, with green undertones, will radiate from any porch. We love how this formula is easy to apply and wash after contending with outdoor elements.
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