Color influences people at the subconscious level. It can entice a person to buy everything from diamonds to detergent. Retail customers respond to the color of a product before they even read the name on a package. How does this relate to real estate? Homebuyers are the customers and the listing is the product.

1. Front Door.  Adding color to the entrance makes a great impression with prospective buyers - even before they step inside. The color of the front door needs to create an inviting focal point. Reds and other colors with warm undertones are welcoming - eggplant, burgundy or teal blue are sophisticated. 

2. Living Area.  The traditional wisdom is to paint every wall in a home off-white, sandy beige, or another neutral color. This is great advice for open, airy spaces with lots of light. In areas with little or no natural light, use a mid-range or darker color to help the shadows disappear and bring a dark room to life.

3. Kitchen.  Warmer colors like yellow, gold or terra cotta are good choices for kitchens because they add warmth and comfort. Other colors such as sage green, banana cream or café latte are also perfect for the kitchen.

4. Bathroom.  Family or master bathrooms require a backdrop that is flattering for anyone who looks in the mirror. Colors like peach, warm beige and soft tan make just about everyone look good. Watery blues and aquas also work well.

This information was featured in Texas Realtor, May 2009 and provided by Kate Smith, a color expert and home industry consultant, is the managing director of Color For Your Home (ColorForYourHome.com), a professional color-consultant certification program. She shares her knowledge on her web site, SensationalColor.com, and blog, LiveInFullColor.com.