Jason Oppenheim says this is the biggest painting mistake inside our homes – but the opposite is true for front doors
The Oppenheim Group founder has a tip for painting your interiors – but there's always an exception to the rule...

Netflix's Selling Sunset has just returned for new series – meaning we, once again, have access to the most luxurious homes around Los Angeles. However, despite their millionaire price tag, some key design lessons from these properties can translate to any size or style of home – starting with our paint choices.
Whether we're looking to sell or not, the power of our paint is no secret – but while some tones are perfect for our interiors – Jason Oppenheim, founder of The Oppenheim Group, explains that the opposite is true for front door colors. And vice versa.
Inside, it is better to choose 'softer, organic colors' – such as versatile neutrals – that are anything but provocative. 'I often see aggressive colors on the wall, like dark burgundy or black. It’s these aggressive, sharper colors that I think are a big mistake,' Jason says.
'When selling a house, you want to go with softer, organic colors. You don’t want to go with something that one person might love – but a color that nobody will hate.'
Jason Oppenheim is the president and founder of The Oppenheim Group and was awarded the 'Best Real Estate Agent in the United States' at the International Property Awards. The star of Netflix's Selling Sunset and Selling the OC has more than $3 billion in closed sales and currently has more than $300 million in active listings around Southern California.
Jason's love for decorating with neutrals perhaps comes as no surprise – since they are the ones he uses in his own homes. He recently collaborated with Behr to use their Designer Collection in his recent penthouse renovation (and you can shop for his top picks below). However, when it comes to curb appeal – Jason's color choices are notably more daring.
I think you can have fun with the front doors. I have sold many homes with many colors on their front doors – and when it’s on the listing, agents will refer to the house as '‘the one with the red front door'’ – or whatever color it is.'
'I think you can go bolder. I’ve seen black, blue, and red are notably popular colors. And I think, for the right house, red, blue, and even yellow pop. I really like red on the front door if you have a home that is cute, charming, or traditional. I’m pretty open to front-door colors.'
Before rushing to paint our doors red, however, Jason adds that, if we're selling your property, we may want to 'play it a bit safer', however, in many cases, using vibrant exterior paint will pay off. So, especially if you're staying in your house, it's time to 'have some fun with it.' And we're not about to argue with Jason Oppenheim.
You can shop for Jason-approved neutrals (for your interiors) below.
This muted gray is designed to bring a sense of balance and harmony to your home – while offering an unmistakable contemporary look in all lights.
This subtle earth tone blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape – meaning it is particularly perfect for farmhouses or craftsman-style homes.
Behr's Color of the Year, Blank Canvas, is the perfect white to bring into your entryway. It's clean, timeless – and Jason Oppenheim-approved.
Megan is the News and Trends Editor at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes. As the News Editor, she often focuses on emerging microtrends, sleep and wellbeing stories, and celebrity-focused pieces. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.
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