When you’re thinking about paint colors for your new kitchen or bathroom remodel, you might want to look at Zillow’s report on colors in 2017. It delves into which paint colors helped houses to sell for more vs. which colors decreased a home’s market value.
What color cabinets? Find out first
As we’ve mentioned before in this kitchen cabinets blog, it’s likely you won’t stay put in that home where you’re doing your major kitchen or bathroom remodel, because Americans move on average 11 times in a lifetime. For that reason, you might want to remodel with resale in mind, as discussed here. And now this new information from Zillow can help to guide your color decisions, so you’re adding resale value, not detracting from it, when you choose your cabinet or wall colors.
The big bang of blue bathrooms
The 2017 Color Paint Analysis conducted by Zillow is based on a study of over 32,000 photos of homes that sold. From those photos and the sale prices of the homes, the experts at Zillow were able to quantify the effect of room color on a home’s resale value. For example, a light blue or periwinkle bathroom can increase a home’s resale value significantly (by $5,440 according to the study!), while an off-white or eggshell bathroom can decrease the value by several thousand dollars.
And what about kitchens?
The study looked at kitchens too, although that didn’t find the significant price difference like we see with the bathrooms. According to the study, yellow kitchens will lower price while light blue and soft gray blue kitchens will increase the price (by $1,809 on average). In fact, the study found that in general throughout the house distinct colors like yellow and red will decrease the price although not as much as a total lack of color.
Blue has widespread appeal
Note, however, that the upward or downward effect of the color seems to depend on the room. For example, while blue bathrooms can increase the price, blue living rooms tend to decrease the price.
Yet, with the exception of the living room, blue seems to be an appealing color throughout the house. In addition to blue kitchens and bathrooms increasing appeal and sales prices, blue seems to have a positive effect in bedrooms and dining rooms as well. Keep in mind, however, that these are very specific types of blues, such as light cerulean and slate blue and cadet blue, as well as periwinkle in the bathroom. So not just any blue will do!
Although every color choice is on a case-by-case basis and deeply personal, meaning this study shouldn’t dictate your kitchen or bathroom remodel color schemes, it does reiterate the importance of keeping resale in mind should you plan to move again in the future. Kitchen and bathroom remodels can come with a steep price tag, even when you’re saving money by choosing semi custom cabinets. Make sure you get a return on that investment by making wise color and cabinet choices from the start.
FAQs
For example, a light blue or periwinkle bathroom can increase a home's resale value significantly (by $5,440 according to the study!), while an off-white or eggshell bathroom can decrease the value by several thousand dollars.
What color to paint a bathroom when selling? ›
The bathroom is another personal space, so it's important to choose a paint color that will make potential buyers feel relaxed and refreshed. Some paint colors for bathrooms include: Light Blue: A calming color that can make a bathroom feel spa-like and luxurious. Light blue pairs well with white or natural wood tones.
Can bathroom walls and cabinets be the same color? ›
If you see a wall color you love and want to paint your cabinets the same tone, keep the sheen in mind. Most wall colors are in an eggshell finish; however, if you choose a satin finish for your bathroom cabinets, it's going to look different once applied.
What bathroom colors increase home value? ›
Best Colors for Resale Value
Currently, painting your bathroom light blue can increase the value of your home by $5000. A light blue hue invites a calm, serene, and relaxing environment that compliments almost any decor or design style. Light yellow, cream, beige, and gray are also favorites of prospective home buyers.
What color cabinets are best for resale value? ›
Painting cabinets the wrong color can definitely hurt resale value. Avoid bright or intense colors that buyers can't picture themselves living with. Whites and neutrals are the way to go when you're getting your house ready to sell.
What color bathroom sells the most? ›
What bathroom color is best when selling a house? According to a 2021 Zillow analysis, home buyers love blue bathrooms and reported that they would pay 1.6 percent more for bathrooms with soothing, light blue walls. Other popular choices include neutral colors like gray, off-white, or light yellow.
What is a timeless color for a bathroom? ›
'To achieve a timeless look in bathrooms, consider drenching your walls, trim, and ceiling in a warm and inviting light beige like Accessible Beige by Sherwin Williams or Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore.
Should bathroom cabinets be lighter or darker than walls? ›
Painting Bathroom Cabinets
Keep it classic by painting cabinets a shade or two darker than your wall color. Dark greys and dusty blues can give dated cabinets a facelift and help them blend into your décor.
Do bathroom vanities need to match kitchen cabinets? ›
You don't have to match all the cabinets in your home, but you can choose kitchen and bathroom cabinets that complement each other. For example, if you are going with modern cabinetry in your kitchen, you can also select modern cabinetry of a different style for your bathroom.
What is the best color to paint bathroom cabinets? ›
If you're looking to create a clean and timeless look, stick with classic vanity colors like white, beige, or gray. These colors supersede trends and set a neutral tone, creating a versatile foundation for any design style.
How to get the most value out of your bathroom renovation
- Replace the tub with a spa shower.
- Install a vanity with storage.
- Replace the toilet.
- Choose a classic tile.
- Replace the grout.
- Lighting is key.
- Choose soothing colors.
- Coordinate metal finishes.
The top five car colors with the best resale value
As of June 2023, the car colors that retain a higher resale value are: Yellow (13.5% value lost over three years) Orange (18.4% value lost over three years) Red (20.6% value lost over three years)
What color is most flattering in a bathroom? ›
While you might think white's the most flattering color because it reflects light and does not cast any kind of hue onto your skin, a pale pink actually might be more universally flattering. In fact, pink has been used in bathrooms for decades, but not every shade is created equally.
What cabinet color is timeless? ›
“Light and white kitchens are timeless. They are here forever,” says Andi Morse, of Morse Design in Atlanta, Georgia. “If you go back in time you will see that white kitchens existed in the 1920s, 1950s, and up to now.”
What color kitchen decreases home value? ›
According to the study, yellow kitchens will lower price while light blue and soft gray blue kitchens will increase the price (by $1,809 on average). In fact, the study found that in general throughout the house distinct colors like yellow and red will decrease the price although not as much as a total lack of color.
What color should I paint my cabinets to sell my house? ›
Neutral colors, such as white, gray, or beige, are the most appealing to potential buyers as they provide a versatile base for various styles and personal touches.
What is the best paint color for resale? ›
Overall: Put It in Neutral
White, gray, beige and taupe tones are favorites for designers and homeowners alike because they work overtime to visually enlarge small spaces and brighten shadowy rooms. Neutral hues also enable potential buyers better visualize themselves living in the home.
What color is most appealing to buyers? ›
It is the most popular color for marketing. The color red tends to increase the heart rate and create a sense of urgency. It makes customers more likely to take big action when they enter your business and increase the overall conversion rate.
How to decorate a bathroom for selling? ›
Small things really add up and make a huge difference. Adding crisp white towels can remind people of a luxurious hotel. You can also roll up hand towels and place them in a basket for extra appeal. Another idea is to add pretty apothecary jars full of things like cotton balls and loofahs.
